Safari Destinations >> Botswana Safaris >> Tau Pan Camp
Tau Pan Camp
Central Kalahari Game Viewing
The Botswana government decided to tender rights for a very limited number of private camps in some of the most wild parks that have previously only been available to mobile safaris and self drive public campers. Kwando Safaris won the right to build one of only two permanent camps being established inside the enormous Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Tau Pan Camp opened on March 1st of 2009.
Oryx Sighting in the Kalahari
Prime Location Within the Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Tau Pan Camp is located inside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, a magical wilderness that is the second largest protected area in all of Africa (over 52,000 sq. km). With a very limited number of public campsites and now the establishment of just two small permanent Camps it remains one of the least visited as well. This is a place to experience solitude and to feel dwarfed by the expansive landscape that surrounds you.
Black Maned Kalahari Lion
Predators and Prey at Tau Pan Camp
For those with an appreciation of wilderness this vast emptiness can be soul stirring. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the opposite of most areas in that the rains correspond with the ideal time for game viewing because the rains actually draw the animals together rather than disperse them. Typically from December to April the rains produce a wonderful bounty of sweet grasses on the pans and ancient river beds in the northern part of the reserve drawing together thousands of springbok and oryx along with many red hartebeest, eland, and blue wildebeest. Thunder storms can be violent and spectacular. Predators within the Central Kalahari Game Reserve tend to have enormous ranges and occur at low density but they also converge to take advantage of the congregations of herbivores. Due to the low density of other predators this is one of the strongholds for cheetah. As for lions the black-maned lions of the Kalahari have an almost mythical status. Lions here often run on the large size, in fact bordering on gigantic, but there is also a curiosity and supreme confidence that seems to go even beyond that of lions in other areas. Lions are sighted with regularity in the company of the herds during the rains and near the dwindling water sources in the dry season.
Viewing Deck at Tau Pan Camp
Tau Pan Camp and the Dry Season
Once the rains halt the wildlife disperses far and wide across the Central Kalahari Game Reserve making game viewing focus on the few remaining water resources and the sightings are sparse compared to most traditional safari areas. During this time, generally May through November the Central Kalahari Game Reserve remains an intriguing place for visitors that can appreciate the pure wilderness of one of the largest protected areas on earth, and those with patience can be rewarded with amazing action at waterholes as well as discover interesting smaller creatures such as meerkats, bat-eared foxes, and leopard tortoises but there are likely to be some quiet hours where little wildlife is seen as well.
Tau Pan Camp Accommodations
Tau Pan Camp Accommodations
Tau Pan Camp is situated on the edge of Tau Pan, one of the most beautiful and wildlife rich areas of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. From here game drives are able to reach the famed Deception Valley as well, the location of the largest herbivore concentrations during the green season. Tau Pan Camp features 8 desert purpose structures (1 – 4 person family unit and 7 twin units) that are thatched with solid insulated walls to stay cool in heat and warm in the cold. The camp operates on solar power with a generator as back up. All units have ceiling fans, outside showers and private viewing decks. The main area will contain a viewing deck, lounge, dining area, library, curio shop, and pool. Like all Kwando Camps drinks, laundry and activities are included in the accommodation rate. Activities focus on game drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles as well as game walks with bushmen.
Nature Walk in the Kalahari