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Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Sleep-Out Expedition

BOOK THIS EXPEDITION AS AN EPIC EXPERIENCE ITINERARY FOR ADDED VALUE AND EXCLUSIVITY:

For added value, exclusivity, and privacy, book the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Sleep-Out as an Epic Experience. What sets this apart from the 3-night inclusive journey?

·       Includes a three-night stay at Leroo La Tau.

·       Privately guided by Desert & Delta Safaris specialist guides.

·       Completely private sleep-out experience on the expansive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans for one unforgettable night.

·       Helicopter transfers are included for trips to and from the Sleep-Out, with an exclusive visit to Kubu Island.

·       A chance to also witness the awe-inspiring Zebra Migration along the Boteti River in front of the Leroo La Tau.

·       Engage in an immersive cultural visit to local communities and farms in the Khumaga area.

WHAT GUESTS CAN EXPECT IN CAMP:

·       A bedroll, which includes a mattress, duvet, pillow, and extra blankets for warmth. There is no tent, shelter, or mosquito net.

·       Bedrolls are three-quarter size and can accommodate a couple close together; you can request your sleeping arrangement on the day.

·       A basic portable bush toilet (natural system, not flushable) will be provided.

·       A small canvas bush basin with water for freshening up in the morning and evening. There is no shower.

·       Meals prepared over an open fire under the stars, with a continental-style breakfast.

·       There is no Wi-Fi or cell phone service. There is a satellite phone in case of emergency.

·       There is no electricity or backup power.

·       Quiet, lithium battery-powered CPAP machines are allowed, though those with pre-existing medical conditions should seek medical advice.

FREQUENTLS ASKED QUESTIONS:

What to pack? As space in the expedition vehicle is limited guests need to pack light. Guests cannot bring their entire holiday suitcase with them. Desert & Delta Safaris suggest bringing a light foldable duffle bag or daypack in your main bag which can be used to carry toiletries and overnight things: medication, standard safari gear (camera, binoculars), warm hat and jacket, sun hat and suncream, sarong/buff (great for the hot drive, keeping guests cool, and keeping the dust out).

What conditions to expect? Expect extreme daytime heat and cold nights. The area has no tents, hot/cold running water, or shelter. From June to August, days are warm to hot (25–35°C), but evenings can be very cold, sometimes near freezing, with wind-chill making it feel colder. Early mornings and open-vehicle drives are also cold, so a woolly hat and warm fleece are recommended. From September to November, daytime temperatures can reach 35–40°C or higher, making afternoons very hot, with wind feeling like a hot oven. However, temperatures drop quickly at sunset, and while evenings are cooler, they can still be chilly.

What about animals and creatures? This is not a typical game-viewing experience; it’s about a sensory experience focused on natural immersion, landscapes, stargazing and soul. The pans are dry with no water or plants, so wildlife encounters are rare. However, guests may spot zebra herds, springbok, gemsbok, steenbok, and gemsbok (oryx). There are meerkat colonies on the way which might be seen however it is not guaranteed.

What happens to rooms at Leroo La Tau? Guests' rooms iare kept and can leave valuables can be left in the safe.

Can guests decide what day to Sleep-Out? Camp management will assign the day for the Sleep-Out, unless guests have booked a private activity/Epic Experience itinerary (surcharge applies). Desert & Delta Safaris always does its best to accommodate preferences.

When can guests book? Sleep-Out bookings are available from 15 June to 31 October before the rains start. While bookings can be requested in early June and into November, cancellations are likely due to inaccessibility or rainstorms. The experience is generally consistent, but each month offers unique features—such as stunning moonrises and moonsets during full moons, and exceptional stargazing when the moon is new.

When to see water and flamingos? Leroo La Tau now offers scenic helicopter flights year-round. From March to May (depending on rainfall), this is a particularly spectacular time to fly, with the chance to see vast pans filled with water, flocks of thousands of birds, and a landscape full of vibrant colours and otherworldly shapes and patterns.

How long does it take to get there from Leroo La Tau? The journey to the pans varies depending on seasonal conditions and the flow of the Boteti River, which must be crossed. The trip begins with a 1-hour drive on a tar road heading south, followed by a bumpy road leading to the pans. The total time is around 3-4 hours, offering a fascinating view as the landscape transitions from bushveld to grasslands and, finally, to the salt pans. Alternatively, enhance the journey with a helicopter transfer (surcharges apply).

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