Tau Pan Camp, Central Kalahari Game Reserve Travel Guide

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Experience the Kalahari's stark beauty and abundant wildlife at Tau Pan Camp, an eco-conscious oasis in Botswana's remote Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

Tau Pan Camp, the first semi-permanent camp in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, offers stunning views from a sand ridge overlooking the vast Tau Pan. It's a remote and ecologically conscious retreat providing exceptional game viewing, especially during the summer rains.

A brief summary to Tau Pan Camp

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tau Pan Camp.

Pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night in the Kalahari.
The best game viewing is during the green season (Dec-May) after the rains.
Take advantage of the guided nature walks with Bushmen trackers to learn about the local flora, fauna, and San culture.
Don't miss the opportunity to spend a night on the sleep-out deck for unparalleled stargazing.
Bring a good camera and binoculars to fully appreciate the wildlife and vast landscapes.

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Explore Tau Pan Camp on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Tau Pan Camp, mapped for you.

Getting There

Air

The most common way to reach Tau Pan Camp is by a 40-minute light aircraft flight from Maun Airport (MUB) to Tau Pan Airstrip. From the airstrip, it's approximately a 10-minute game drive to the camp. Flights typically cost between $200-$400 USD per person, each way, depending on the operator and aircraft. Pre-booking flights is essential.
Self-Drive

Self-driving to Tau Pan Camp is possible but requires a 4x4 vehicle and experience with challenging terrain. Road conditions vary significantly depending on the time of year. From Maun, allow a full day of driving. Ensure you have sufficient fuel, water, and supplies. Park entry fees are approximately $120 USD per vehicle plus $10 USD per person per day, payable in Botswana Pula.

Discover more about Tau Pan Camp

Nestled within the heart of Botswana's Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), Tau Pan Camp provides an immersive safari experience in one of the world's largest and most remote conservation areas. As the first semi-permanent camp established within the CKGR, Tau Pan offers unparalleled views from its location atop an ancient sand dune, providing a unique vantage point in an otherwise flat landscape. The camp overlooks the expansive Tau Pan, a famous salt pan known for its stark beauty and the wildlife it attracts.Tau Pan Camp is named after the Setswana word for lion, 'Tau,' due to the frequent visits by prides of iconic black-maned Kalahari lions to the area. The camp is designed with a focus on environmental sustainability, utilizing solar power for electricity, water heating, and water pumping. Waste water is carefully treated and returned to the environment.The camp features nine environmentally-adapted en-suite tents, including a family tent, each constructed on raised decks to maximize the panoramic views. Each tent includes a king-sized bed, living area, writing desk, and both indoor and outdoor showers. The main area is built around a fireplace, creating a cozy gathering spot for guests to observe game at the nearby waterhole. Facilities include a lounge, dining room, library, curio shop, and a plunge pool. For an unforgettable experience, guests can reserve the sleep-out deck for a night under the stars.Activities at Tau Pan Camp include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, guided nature walks with Bushmen trackers, day trips to Deception Valley and other notable pans, and stargazing. The best time for game viewing is during the green season (December to May) when animals such as springbok, gemsbok, and migrating zebra and wildebeest congregate on the pans.