Tau Pan Camp: Kalahari Oasis

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.