Botswana
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Nxai Pan National Park Accommodation
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are one of the world's largest salt pan systems, an ancient super-lake that dried up thousands of years ago. During the dry season, the pans are a vast, shimmering expanse of white, offering a surreal and desolate beauty, perfect for quad biking and star gazing. With the summer rains, Nxai Pan National Park, adjacent to the pans, transforms into a vibrant grassland, attracting Botswana's second-largest zebra migration, along with wildebeest, elephants, and their predators.
Accommodation in Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Nxai Pan National Park
Leroo La Tau
Leroo La Tau, meaning “lion's paw,” is perched on the western bank of the Boteti River, bordering the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. This luxurious lodge offers an unparalleled vantage point to witness the annual zebra migration and the abundant wildlife drawn to the river's life-giving waters. With its unique location, Leroo La Tau provides a perfect blend of thrilling safari activities and serene riverfront relaxation. The lodge features twelve opulent thatched and glass-fronted suites, each raised on a wooden platform to offer breathtaking 270-degree panoramic views of the Boteti River Valley. Guests can immerse themselves in the raw beauty of Botswana through guided game drives in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, seasonal boat safaris on the Boteti River, and cultural excursions to the nearby Khumaga Village. For an even more extraordinary experience, Leroo La Tau offers a unique sleep-out under the stars on the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans for guests staying three nights or more. The lodge's main lounge and dining area, with its inviting wooden and thatch finish, creates a perfect ambiance to relax and listen to the captivating night sounds of the African bush. Alternatively, unwind by the swimming pool or observe wildlife from the hidden game-viewing hide, perfectly situated at water level to offer intimate encounters with the animals. The lodge is not only a haven for wildlife enthusiasts but also a testament to the resilience of nature, having witnessed the Boteti River's dramatic return after decades of drought. Its strategic position ten meters above the changing riparian environment ensures unsurpassed views of the river and the Makgadikgadi Pans, making every moment an unforgettable experience. Leroo La Tau accepts children from six years and older, making it an ideal destination for families seeking an authentic and luxurious safari adventure in Botswana.
Okavango Expeditions Mobile Safari Camp Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Okavango Expeditions offers an immersive 6-night Kalahari Migration Safari, providing an authentic mobile camping experience for those seeking untouched Africa. Departing from Maun, the safari ventures through the wildlife-rich Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the expansive Makgadikgadi Pans. Guests will witness the spectacular zebra migration, with a scenic helicopter flight enhancing this unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunity. The safari provides a comfortable yet rustic experience with serviced mobile camps. Meru-style tents feature en-suite bathrooms with bucket showers and bush flushing loos. All meals are cooked over an open fire by a dedicated safari team, ensuring delicious dining under the African sky. This expedition promises unforgettable encounters with nature, guided by experienced professionals and supported by a committed backup team. From the ancient riverbeds of Deception Valley to the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi, this safari showcases the raw beauty and dramatic landscapes of Botswana. It's an opportunity to connect with the wilderness on a profound level, experiencing the rhythms of nature and the thrill of discovery in a truly wild and untamed environment.
Nata Lodge
Nata Lodge is a beloved oasis nestled beside Botswana's mesmerising Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, offering a convenient and refreshing break for travelers on the way to anywhere in Botswana. For over 30 years, it has been a favorite for campers, glampers, and self-drive adventurers seeking great food, ice-cold beer, and a variety of affordable and well-maintained accommodations. The lodge provides easy access to the best salt pan sunsets and a true escape into nature, surrounded by palm trees and rich with birdlife. It’s an ideal place to recharge and relax amidst the unique beauty of the Kalahari.Guests can choose from a range of accommodation options, from luxury air-conditioned wooden chalets with private outdoor showers and family-friendly suites, to safari-style glamping tents with ensuite ablutions and a legendary campsite with shaded pitches and private braai areas. The lodge prides itself on simple, homely, and generous meals, including fantastic burgers, breakfasts, and renowned oxtail, all served in a welcoming atmosphere.With a newly installed fibre line, guests can stay connected to Wi-Fi while enjoying the swimming pool, outdoor restaurant, conference venue, or the family-friendly sports bar. Nata Lodge is strategically located within a few hours' drive of Maun, Nxai Pan, Francistown, and Chobe, making it an accessible and essential stop on any Botswanan adventure. The consistently friendly and attentive staff ensure a memorable stay, complemented by delicious food and opportunities for excursions to the Nata Bird Sanctuary or sunset game drives.
San Camp
Imagine a smattering of billowing white tents, shaded by desert palms and surrounded by a thousand acres of shimmering, sparkling nothingness. You’ve just dreamt up San Camp, our impossibly romantic, seven-bedroom camp on the edge of the Nwetwe Pan in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi. San isn’t a place for frills and fluffiness. The magic is in the minimalism, both at the camp and in the mysterious desert landscape. You can forget the tourist crowds and over-stuffed 4x4s too; it’s just you, the wildlife, and a handful of local San Bushmen, waiting to share their secrets with you. Of all the Makgadikgadi pans, we think Nwetwe is the most iconic. Meerkats pop up from the desert dust, brown hyaena hide in the grass, and you’ll see red hartebeest, springbok and gemsbok scurrying between them. But San Camp isn’t just about wildlife-watching – it’s about the atmosphere and the ethereal surroundings. Disappear into a remote world, a million miles from glowing screens and fruit-themed devices, where the 360-degree panoramas are so vast, you can see the curvature of the earth.
Meno a Kwena
Meno a Kwena, meaning "teeth of the crocodile", is a hidden gem perched on a rocky clifftop above the Boteti River in Botswana. This family-friendly camp offers a refreshing and stylishly simple safari experience with a strong connection to nature. Guests can enjoy unparalleled game viewing directly from their tents and the camp's main areas, with herds of elephant and nomadic zebra frequently visiting the river below. Located just under two hours from Maun, it's an ideal choice for groups and families, providing a tranquil escape where the wild takes center stage. The camp offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the rhythm of the African bush and witness its wonders firsthand. Meno a Kwena is not about hyper-luxury, but rather about authentic experiences and spectacular wildlife encounters. The camp features ten classic tents, including two family units, all with en-suite bathrooms. The canvas lounge and dining tents are filled with books, trinkets, and old-world artifacts, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The camp's unique floating photographic hide offers intimate, water-level views of wildlife, making it a dream for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. From the Flintstone-esque swimming pool overlooking the river to the communal fire, every aspect of Meno a Kwena encourages guests to slow down, connect with their surroundings, and truly appreciate the magic of the African wilderness. Beyond the camp, Meno a Kwena offers a glittering roster of activities, from game drives into Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and Nxai Pan National Park to guided walks with the San bushmen, and unforgettable sleepouts under the stars on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The camp is open year-round, offering different highlights each season, including witnessing Africa's second-largest mammal migration during the dry season. By choosing Meno a Kwena, guests also contribute to local conservation initiatives and community support projects, ensuring their safari leaves a positive impact.
Jack's Private Camp
In the enigmatic landscape of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Jack's Private Camp offers a haven of peace, privacy, and desert opulence. This private retreat combines the signature style of Jack's Camp with exclusivity and flexibility, perfect for multi-generational travelers, adventurous families, and small groups seeking a desert safari away from the crowds. With a dedicated private guide, chef, and full staff, guests can expect a truly bespoke discovery of this otherworldly region. The stand-alone under-canvas villa offers absolute privacy, featuring a central lounge and dining area flanked by two expansive bedroom suites, each with a private veranda. The aesthetic pays tribute to the timeless charm of 1940s campaign style with a blend of Persian and North African rugs, brass accents, and hand-woven African textiles. The camp also houses a "cabinet of curiosities" filled with natural history treasures, mirroring the museum at the main Jack's Camp. Your stay at Jack’s Private Camp directly contributes to vital conservation efforts, including restoring ancient migration corridors and supporting initiatives like the Aardvark Project, Elephant Collaring, and Coaching Conservation. Experience a safari that not only creates unforgettable memories but also helps preserve the unique wildlife and landscapes of Botswana.
Jack's Camp
Jack's Camp is an iconic safari lodge in Botswana's Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, offering a unique blend of vintage luxury and desert adventure. Each of the nine spacious tents is exquisitely designed with rich textiles, antique furnishings, and private plunge pools overlooking the shimmering salt pans. The camp provides an unparalleled experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the "savage beauty of a forgotten Africa" and witness the otherworldly landscapes and unique desert wildlife. Open year-round, Jack's Camp transforms with the seasons. The dry season (April-October) offers quad biking across the salt flats and sleeping under the stars, while the green season (November-mid-April) brings a dramatic spectacle of migratory birds, flamingos, and Africa's second-largest mammal migration. With exceptional guiding and a commitment to conservation, Jack's Camp is more than just a safari; it's an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Kalahari. The camp's enduring vintage style, combined with unfathomable comfort, makes it a true legend in the Kalahari. Guests can explore the vast salt pans, encounter desert-adapted wildlife, and engage in extraordinary activities, all while contributing to vital conservation efforts that aim to restore ancient migration corridors.
Camp Kalahari
Camp Kalahari, a sibling camp to Jack’s Camp and San Camp, offers an understated and affordable safari adventure in the heart of the great Kalahari. Nestled among the swaying palms and acacia trees of Brown Hyena Island, this camp provides an ideal base for families, groups, and couples to explore the surreal and sublime Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The camp embraces a simple yet stylish approach, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the desert’s charm and unique wildlife while contributing to vital conservation efforts. Its relaxed atmosphere and unique activities promise an unforgettable experience.
Planet Baobab
Planet Baobab is a truly unique safari lodge located in the "Baobab Capital of the World," where ancient baobab trees stand sentinel over the vast, lunar-like landscape of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana. This quirky desert oasis offers an unforgettable experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the remote beauty of the Kalahari Desert and interact with its fascinating wildlife and local culture. It's a place where adventure meets comfort, offering a blend of basic yet Afro-chic accommodation and exciting activities. The lodge is celebrated for its distinctive character, having been voted one of the top 10 most extraordinary places to stay in the world by Lonely Planet. Guests can sleep in traditional Bakalanga Huts, cool off in the largest swimming pool in the Kalahari, and enjoy delicious pan-African cuisine. The "funkiest bar in Africa" provides a vibrant gathering spot for travelers and locals alike, making Planet Baobab a memorable and authentic African experience that few will encounter but all will cherish.
Planet Baobab Pans Sleep Out
Planet Baobab is a quirky and unique desert oasis located in the "Baobab Capital of the World," where ancient baobab trees dominate the landscape. Situated on the edge of the boundless Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, this camp offers a truly unforgettable African experience. Guests can choose to stay in basic but Afro-chic Bakalanga Huts or camp under the stars. The lodge boasts the largest and coolest swimming pool in the Kalahari, a funky bar serving pan-African cuisine, and opportunities to interact with locals. It has been recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the "top 10 most extraordinary places to stay in the world," offering a blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxation in a truly remote and awe-inspiring setting.
Boteti River Camp
Along the life-giving Boteti River, on the edge of Makgadikgadi National Park, lies the Boteti River Camp. This hidden gem offers breathtaking scenery and awe-inspiring wildlife sightings. Easily accessible from various Botswana hubs, it provides an ideal base to explore the unique landscapes of Makgadikgadi, Nxai Pan National Park, and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, offering a striking contrast to other iconic Botswanan destinations like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Overlooking the riverbed, the camp provides an oasis of comfort and serenity. It’s not just about the incredible wildlife; staying here also offers a chance to experience Botswana's unique rural culture in welcoming surroundings. Managed by BUSH WAYS Safaris • Lodges • Foundation, Boteti River Camp promises an authentic and enriching safari experience in one of Africa's most captivating wildernesses.
Gweta Lodge
Nestled in the tranquil village of Gweta, Gweta Lodge serves as an inviting oasis at the gateway to the magnificent Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. This lodge offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the untamed African wilderness, providing an ideal base for exploring the captivating salt pans, observing fascinating meerkats, and discovering ancient baobab trees. Gweta Lodge provides a diverse range of accommodation options, from intimate twin rooms for couples to spacious family units and rustic rondavels, all designed to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. Guests can unwind by the swimming pool, savor delicious meals at the restaurant, or enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar, all while experiencing the lodge's warm hospitality. The lodge's prime location allows for unparalleled access to the natural wonders of the Makgadikgadi Pans, promising an authentic safari experience filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Kwando Nxai Pan
Nxai Pan Camp, the sole permanent camp within Nxai Pan National Park, offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in a landscape of dramatic contrasts. Witness the spectacular zebra migration between December and March, explore the iconic Baines’ Baobabs, where David Livingstone once camped, and delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Bushmen through guided nature walks. The camp provides an intimate connection with nature, from the endless procession of elephants to the tranquil stillness of the salt pans, promising a truly unforgettable safari experience. Experience luxury amidst the wilderness with open-plan spaces, bleached decor inspired by the salt pans, and a raised deck offering uninterrupted views of the wildlife-attracting waterhole. The camp seamlessly blends comfort with its natural surroundings, offering a swimming pool with waterhole views, a safari shop, and complimentary laundry services. With a commitment to sustainability, Nxai Pan Camp is solar-powered with backup generators, ensuring a harmonious balance between adventure and eco-conscious travel. Each of the eight suites and one family suite provides panoramic views, privacy, and an abundance of natural light. Thoughtfully designed with private viewing decks, spacious lounge areas, and en-suite indoor and outdoor showers, guests can relax in comfort while being surrounded by the captivating beauty of Nxai Pan National Park. This secluded haven is your gateway to exploring fossilized salt pans, encountering diverse wildlife, and uncovering the ancient stories etched into this unique African landscape.
Elephant Sands
Nestled in the heart of the pristine African wilderness, Elephant Sands offers an unparalleled safari experience where the giants of the bush roam freely. This unique lodge is built around a natural waterhole, providing guests with breathtaking, front-row seats to daily elephant visits. Imagine sipping your morning coffee or evening sundowner as herds of elephants gather just meters away, a truly magical and unforgettable spectacle. Beyond the magnificent elephants, our comfortable accommodations, warm hospitality, and dedication to conservation ensure a soulful and immersive journey into the wild.
Boteti Tented Safari Lodge
Nestled on the banks of the Boteti River, a tributary of the Okavango Delta, Boteti Tented Safari Lodge offers an unrivaled immersion in nature. Its remote location ensures a tranquil escape from man-made distractions, allowing guests to fully appreciate the pristine surroundings and abundant wildlife. The lodge seamlessly blends with its environment while providing all the comforts for a memorable safari experience. Boteti Tented Safari Lodge is perfectly situated as a central hub for exploring Southern Africa's most sought-after game reserves, including the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Khwai, Savuti, and Chobe. Access to this rustic oasis involves an adventurous 20-minute drive from Maun, traversing thick sand, lightly watered swamps, and beautiful wooded savanna. The lodge prides itself on its expertly curated safari options and a culinary experience that ignites all the senses. Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, delicious food, and exceptional guiding, making for a truly unforgettable and highly recommended safari adventure.