About Tau Pan Camp
Tau Pan Camp is situated in the heart of Botswana’s Central Kalahari Game Reserve, one of the largest and most remote protected areas in Africa. It is the first permanent camp to be built inside the reserve and is known for its breathtaking panoramic views over the Tau Pan, an ancient fossilised salt pan. The camp offers guests a chance to experience the Kalahari’s striking beauty, from golden grasslands to desert-adapted wildlife, in a peaceful and uncrowded setting. It is designed with sustainability in mind, using solar power and eco-friendly practices while still providing a high level of comfort and personalised service. The atmosphere is tranquil and intimate, making it ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and serenity.
ACCESS & LOCATION of Tau Pan Camp
Tau Pan Camp is accessed primarily by air due to its remote position. Guests typically fly into Maun or Kasane and then connect to a light aircraft flight to the Tau Pan airstrip. The flight from Maun takes around 50 minutes, while from Kasane it is about 1 hour 30 minutes. From the airstrip, the camp is a short game drive away. Road access is possible but only for well prepared 4×4 expeditions, and it can take many hours due to the sandy tracks and remoteness of the reserve.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT Tau Pan Camp
The camp features nine custom built thatched chalets, including one family unit. Each chalet is elevated on a wooden deck to maximize views across the pan and has large sliding glass doors leading to a private veranda. Inside, there are comfortable twin or double beds, en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, and solar-powered lighting. Décor combines natural materials with earthy tones to blend with the environment.
The main lodge area includes a spacious open sided lounge, a dining room, a bar, and a library corner. A viewing deck overlooks a permanent waterhole that attracts wildlife, and there is a fire pit for evening storytelling and stargazing. The lodge operates on an all inclusive basis, with fresh meals prepared daily and served either indoors or under the stars.
ACTIVITIES AT Tau Pan Camp
Game Drives
Twice daily game drives explore the Kalahari’s unique landscapes, including open pans, acacia scrub, and fossil riverbeds. Guests can spot species such as oryx, springbok, cheetah, and the black maned Kalahari lion.
Guided Bushman Walks
Guests can join San Bushman trackers on interpretive walks to learn about ancient survival skills, tracking techniques, and the cultural heritage of the Kalahari’s first inhabitants.
Stargazing
With virtually no light pollution, Tau Pan offers exceptional night sky viewing. Guides use laser pointers to highlight constellations and share local legends about the stars.
Birdwatching
The region is home to numerous dryland species such as kori bustards, secretary birds, and larks. Birdwatching is rewarding year-round but especially rich during the rainy season.
Seasonal Predator Viewing
During the wet season, large herds of herbivores attract predators, and guests may witness dramatic hunting scenes involving cheetah, lion, and jackal.
Scenic Sundowners
Evening drives end with drinks and snacks at scenic viewpoints, allowing guests to watch the sunset over the vast open plains.
Gallery of Tau Pan Camp
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