Tau Pan Camp

Tau Pan isn’t just a safari — it’s a deep dive into the essence of the Kalahari Desert, where silence hums, the sands shimmer, and the wilderness holds ancient secrets. Located in the heart of Botswana’s Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) — the largest game reserve in Africa — Tau Pan Camp is the first and only permanent safari lodge in this remote and pristine landscape.

Perched on a ridge of an ancient sand dune, the camp overlooks the iconic Tau Pan (meaning "Lion Pan" in Setswana), home to a permanent waterhole frequented by the legendary black-maned Kalahari lions. The haunting echo of their roar is a signature of this vast, arid wilderness.

A Camp Rooted in Culture and Conservation:

This is the ancestral homeland of the San (Bushmen) people, whose deep knowledge of the land enriches every walk and drive. Guided by Bushmen trackers, guests can explore the desert through ancient eyes — uncovering survival secrets, hidden tubers beneath the sand, and animal tracks etched into the dust.

The nearby Deception Valley — made famous by Delia and Mark Owens in Cry of the Kalahari — adds historical and ecological depth to your stay, showcasing how life thrives in what appears to be a barren land.

Wildlife and Seasonal Wonders:

The Kalahari is full of surprises. What may appear still and empty quickly reveals oryx moving like desert royalty, cheetahs darting through golden grass, and springbok leaping across the plains. In summer (November–March), the rains transform the area into wildflower-dotted grasslands teeming with migrating wildlife and the predators that follow.

Accommodation & Comfort:

Tau Pan Camp offers 8 spacious suites and 1 family suite, all custom-built for desert living under traditional thatch roofs. Insulated walls help keep the interiors cool in summer and warm in winter, while solar power supports the camp’s commitment to sustainability.

Each suite features:

• A private viewing deck with seating and panoramic views of the Tau Pan waterhole

• Spacious interiors with lounge area, armchairs, ceiling fan, and a writing desk

• Tea/coffee facilities and a charging station with international multi-plugs

• En-suite bathroom with double vanity, indoor and outdoor showers, flushing toilet, hot and cold water, and soft gowns for comfort

Why Choose Tau Pan?

• The first permanent camp in the CKGR, offering exclusivity and authenticity

• Incredible year-round game viewing in a lesser-explored region

• Expertly guided nature walks with San Bushmen trackers

• Exceptional stargazing, unpolluted night skies, and the hum of the desert

• A serene, off-grid escape with just 9 rooms — perfect for travelers seeking solitude and soulful connection to nature