Deception Valley Lodge

Private Conservancy
Bordering Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Discover an oasis in the Central Kalahari region of Botswana not far from the famous Okavango Delta, a luxury safari lodge called Deception Valley Lodge. The best African - Kalahari experience, with Bushman at hand, to share their knowledge, while you can relax in total luxury at this unique safari lodge. Situated about 120km due south from Maun, adjoining the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, lies a unexpected luxurious lodge that provides a unique African experience for those who wish to soak up the true atmosphere of the bush in one of Africa’s remote areas.

A stay at Deception Valley Lodge combines the best in international standards of accommodation with all the excitement of being surrounded by the wild, untamed bush of Africa and all the wildlife that inhabits it.

The main complex boasts a dining room; lounge and bar area decorated in warm Kalahari colours making use of Bushmen and other African artifacts. From the deck you can view activities at the nearby water hole. A curio shop and small library forms part of the complex. The lodge has an ethnic African theme and was build to fit into the surrounding bush without altering, damaging or detracting from its ambience and colour. An inviting swimming pool situated close to the main complex, to enhance the enjoyment of our guests, as well as a boma for night time meals, whilst gazing across a clear night sky with its abundance of stars and listen to the enthralling night calls of the wild completes the main complex area.

Accommodation consists of eight private units, each consisting of a twin bedroom, a lounge and a Victorian style bathroom with an outside shower. Each unit has a deck where you can sit and gaze at the vastness of the Kalahari bush, stretching for miles in front of you. The lodge has an ethnic African theme and was built to fit into the surrounding bush without altering, damaging or detracting from its ambience and colour.

Kwando Safaris

KWARA CAMP - Kwara Concession - Permanent Okavango Delta

Kwara Camp is located in the heart of a large concession of 1750 sq km on the northern boundary of the world famous Moremi Game Reserve On a large island hidden under massive trees are eight specially designed safari tents on teak decks. Each tent with its en suite facilities has a view over the floodplains of the Delta. The guest areas consist of lounge, bar, dining area, small gift shop and plunge pool.

The attraction of Kwara is its range of activities in an area of intricate channels, rivers, lagoons, dramatic palm-fringed islands, reed beds, floating grasses and papyrus that form a natural wilderness like no other Year round powerboat trips due to the presence of permanent water. Mokoro excursions for which the Okavango Delta is famous are also a year round activity. Water experiences combined with the ability to drive both off-road and at night add to the uniqueness of Kwara. Experience the peace and tranquillity of gliding silently through the Delta waters in the early morning and feel the pulse and excitement of a lion hunt at night. Whilst on an island walk with an armed guide you will learn about their deep beliefs and knowledge of the intricacies of nature. The birds of the Delta are both colourful and melodious and the guides will reveal them to you from close range. Godikwe Lagoon is one of the largest bird breeding colonies in Botswana. From September to December thousands of birds and their young may be viewed in their nesting grounds from Kwara’s double decker pontoon boat. Fishing for bream, catfish and pike is excellent.

The staff at Kwara Camp subscribe to Kwando Safaris' core values of delivering a personal service in an intimate camp within a stunning private concession area offering a host of activities.

KWANDO LEBALA CAMP - big game Kwando Concession

Lebala - in the Setswana language means wide-open spaces. Situated in the southern part the 232, 00 hectare private Kwando concession Lebala Camp is sited on a peninsula of land jutting into the Linyanti marshes that surround the camp. The Kwando River disperses into the marshes which is a permanent patchwork of reed beds, wetlands, palm covered islands and open plains.

Recently renovated in May 2008 – Lebala has eight spacious tents that are built on raised teak decks designed to offer expansive views over the surrounding plains while affording guests privacy. The teak furniture created for us by Zimbabwean master craftsmen is elegant, comfortable and simple, leaving the tent looking spacious and tasteful.  The clean simple lines created by the shade cloth, and variety of curtains, will complete the picture of privacy and space.  The shade cloth walls allow you to view the sunrises and sunsets from the safety of your rooms whilst also viewing the elephant’s walk past your room in the light of the full moon.

The tents have an entrance area with closets, a separate bedroom and a spacious bathroom with his and hers basin, classic Victoria ball and claw bathtub and a double outdoor shower for those who enjoy the night stars

The thatched guest areas consist of a north facing lounge with large roof overhang, dining area, bar and plunge pool. Game viewing from the comfort of the camp itself has often proved a rewarding experience as the elephant herds move past the camp to their feeding and drinking places. The combination of the Linyanti marshes, seasonal flood plains, savannah and wooded Mopane scrub makes an ideal assortment of eco-systems for excellent game viewing. Species such as Lechwe, impala, kudu, zebra, blue wildebeest, hippo, giraffe, tsessebe, roan, sable, buffalo and elephant are regularly sighted. These species in turn attract ever-attendant predators including the endangered wild dog

Game drives are in open vehicles that drive off road. Nighttime sightings of mammal behaviour are a highlight at Lebala with its high visibility plains. The nocturnal birds witness many of the dramas played out under cover of darkness in scenes straight from the script of a wildlife video. This is the reason that many wildlife filmmakers and photographers have spent time at Kwando. For those guests searching for a true wilderness experience the intimate design of the camp, combined with the private concession, personal service and a flexible approach Lebala is a must

KWANDO LAGOON CAMP - big game Kwando Concession

Located in the 232,000-hectare private Kwando concession that is fronted by more than 80 km of the Kwando River, which divides northwestern Botswana from the Caprivi Strip. Lagoon Camp lies on the shady banks of a permanent lagoon formed by the meandering Kwando River among tall and ancient Africa Ebony and Marula trees

With only eight safari tents Lagoon Camp has the charm that only a small camp can possess. Each purpose designed tent comprises an entrance area, large bedroom with extra long three quarter beds, en suite reed enclosed facilities with his and hers basins, flush loo and outside shower. The tents overlook the water of the Lagoon

Lagoon Camp is designed to have its own unique character and charm and is not part of a formula approach. The lounge, bar and dining area is under thatch and nearby there is a small plunge pool. Activities concentrate on open vehicle game drives and boat cruises on the river. Walks are on offer but at the guide’s discretion due to the concentrations of elephant. Lagoon Camp offers off road and night drives so essential for the real African experience. The purpose built camp boat floats noiselessly in the current of the Kwando River while you can spot game from the upper deck. Stop for a spot of fishing in the river or its numerous lagoons and catch the fighting tiger fish, bream, catfish and pike. The Kwando concession offers exclusive access to one of the most remote and unexplored wildlife strongholds left in Botswana.

The area incorporates part of the Linyanti wetlands, huge tracts of Mopane forest and vast open plains. This variety of natural habitat makes Kwando unique, drawing wildlife and bird life in abundance as herds of elephant and buffalo roam the plains adjoining the Kwando River, whilst lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and sable are frequently sighted. For the sixth consecutive year wild dogs have denned near Lagoon camp thus providing guests with excellent sightings

TAU PAN CAMP

Tau Pan Camp

The first permanent camp to be built in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is situated on an established sand ridge overlooking Tau Pan from which the camp takes its name. This raised location ensures stunning views of the both the permanent Tau Pan water hole and the endless Kalahari horizon. With due consideration to the fragility of the desert eco system, great care was taken to ensure that the camp’s footprint was minimal in every sense. The entire camp relies upon solar generated power reducing the need to use and transport diesel, while gas usage is hugely reduced through the installation of solar water heaters. Waste water is treated in an above ground plant and the treated and palatable water then piped to water hole for animals, therefore ensuring no cross contamination to the surrounding ground water and soils.

Tau Pan CampGuests are accommodated in eight desert adapted rooms with thatched roves and insulated walls which maintain and a constant temperature during the extremes of the desert summers and winters. Each room has a seating/writing area, double basins, inside and outside shower and a separate toilet. Each room also has ceiling fan. Many an hour can be spent on your private balcony enjoying the vastness of the Kalahari.  The main area consists of dining room with a communal dining table, a lounge and bar area, curio shop and a viewing deck. Adjoining the main deck is a swimming pool and loungers. The fireplace is set into the deck and there is no better place to be in the morning to watch the sunrise over the Kalahari.

Activities whilst at Tau Pan include game drives around the immediate area and also day trips to wider regions of the Reserve such as Sunday Pan, Pipers Pan and Deception Valley. All our game drive activities consist of a guide and a tracker. Guests may also learn more about the natural environment and the adaptation of the local people to this arid world during the nature survival walks, when you are accompanied by a San tracker and a professional guide.

NXAI PAN NATIONAL PARK

Nxai Pan National Park

Situated on a tiny tree island on the furthest western edge of the Nxai Pan, the camp consists if eight desert adapted rooms with thatch roofs and specially designed insulated walls, including a family room. The family room can accommodate a family of four in two separate twin rooms with shared bathroom. All the rooms have ceiling fans, outside showers and a  private viewing deck -  so you can relax in the afternoon and watch the herds of zebra and huge elephant bulls as they meander past your room to the camp’s water hole. The main area consists of a dining room, lounge area, curio shop, swimming pool and a large unobstructed viewing deck.

With due consideration to the fragility of the desert eco system, great care was taken to ensure that the camp ’s footprint was minimal in every sense. The entire camp relies upon solar generated power reducing the need to use and transport diesel, while gas usage is hugely reduced through the installation of solar water heaters. Nxai Pan National ParkWaste water is treated in an above ground plant and the treated and palatable water then piped to water hole for animals, therefore ensuring no cross contamination to the surrounding ground water and soils.

Activities whilst at Nxai Pan include game drives around the immediate area and also day trips to wider regions of the Park including the famous Baines ’ Baobabs.

All our game drive activities consist of a guide and a tracker. Guests may also learn more about the natural environment and the adaptation of the local people to this arid world during the nature survival walks, when you are accompanied by a San tracker and a professional guide

STANLEY SAFARI LODGE – The best of Victoria Falls from Zambia

Stanley Safari Lodge - click to enlarge

Each of the seven luxury cottages is individually designed and decorated with local materials. The accommodation ranges from double cottages, to the honeymoon suite –with both its own fireplace and plunge pool.

The cottages have their own private garden and dining area. The open-sided design affords a unique view across the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to the mighty Zambezi River and the Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Natural Wonders Of The World.

The main house provides the setting for the French style cuisine; alternatively dine under the stars on the lawn or in the privacy of your own cottage, whilst enjoying the personal service of the Zambian staff, all with an in-depth knowledge of Livingstone and its environs.

Stanley Safari Lodge - click to enlarge

Spend your days enjoying the Victoria Falls area, or by the pool, spotting animals at the nearby watering hole. Evenings can be spent sampling wine from the cellar or unwinding by the hearth, with the matchless African skies providing an unforgettable backdrop.

The Victoria Falls area boasts a wealth of activities to uit every taste. With Stanley Safari Lodge as your base, we are happy to book any of these activities, including:

  • daily safaris in Chobe National Park, Botswana (home of the world’s largest elephant population)
  • rhino spotting in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
  • elephant-back safaris
  • visits to a real African village
  • micro light or helicopter flights
  • canoeing, fishing or sunset cruises on the mighty Zambezi
  • rafting, bungee jumping, abseiling and jet boating for the more adventurous

Islands in Africa

IMPALILA ISLAND LODGE

Impalila Island Lodge is a 16-bedded luxury lodge with much to offer discerning clients. Our island is situated at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers at the only place in the world where 4 countries meet - from the air an amazing mosaic of waterways, floodplains and bushveld - on the ground exceptional birdlife, game viewing and assorted vegetation - and in the waters outstanding fishing opportunities. Impalila is the most secluded and remote of the Chobe destinations but close enough to offer guests the very best of the Chobe river - such as game viewing by boat.

At Impalila Island Lodge we believe that guests should be able to choose how they spend their leisure time. Apart from our luxurious accommodation and culinary delights we offer them a wide variety of activities including a sunset game cruise on the Chobe river, fly-fishing the Mambova rapids for the rapacious Tigerfish or bream, guided walks on the island including visits to cultural villages and a 2000 year-old baobab, from the top of which the meeting of all 4 countries and 2 rivers can be witnessed, or just pampered relaxation while lazing by the pool.

SUSUWE ISLAND LODGE

Susuwe Island Lodge offers visitors the opportunity to experience closely a wild and untouched island in Africa. Situated in north-eastern Namibia, our island is in the remote Kwando River - a permanent water source which nourishes delicate ecosystems and sustains varied game and birdlife.

Relaxation, privacy and comfort are paramount here. Susuwe Island Lodge is built to incorporate the riverine forest - the main complex has lofty canopy viewing decks overlooking endless savannahs, glistening lily-studded wetlands and ancient Kalahari woodlands, as well as a firepit, spacious lounge and dining areas, curio shop and small reference library.

Six spacious brick and thatch suites equipped with double bathroom, bedroom, lounge and wooden viewing deck each with private plunge pool offer our visitors the opportunity to merge unhurriedly with Africa's timeless evolution of hazy days and star-studded nights. Mosquito nets, overhead fans and hairdryers as well as generated electricity are provided.

Game sightings in this cradle of rivers could include vast herds of roaming elephant and buffalo, lion, hippo, leopard, sable, roan, lechwe and puku. We offer game drives in open 4x4 vehicles in the Bwabwata National Park, as well as boat cruises on the Kwando River.

 

Xakanaxa Camp

XAKANAXA CAMP - Moremi Game Reserve - Permanent Okavango Delta

Big lagoons and big game, a land and water experience in the Okavango Delta!

Xakanaxa Camp is located in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve, which rates as one of Africa’s most beautiful game reserves, offering sanctuary to abundant herds of elephant, sable, giraffe, tsessebe, lechwe, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck and large herds of buffalo. Lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena complete the picture.

Situated on the Xakanaxa Lagoon, where boat and mokoro (dug-out canoe) trips explore the sinuous channels and floodplains of the Delta, one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders. Towering riverine forests, open savannah, seasonal floodplains, permanent lagoons, rivers and the intricate channels of the Okavango Delta surround the camp and make for a varied habitat that ensures the safari traveller the opportunity to experience year – round boating and mokoro trips as well as extensive game drives. Birding is quite spectacular, as huge numbers of breeding storks and herons are attracted to the world-famous heronries which lie to the north of the lodge.

Xakanaxa Camp accommodates 24 guests in twelve classic safari tents on raised platforms on the water’s edge, each with a private viewing deck overlooking the Xakanaxa Lagoon. Each tent is tastefully furnished with twin or double beds, en-suite facilities with hot shower, hand basin and w.c, fans, battery charged reading lights, safes, plug points, dressing table and comfortable deck chairs. With its eclectic mix of furnishings from all over Africa, the camp has a dining room, lounge/bar area, fire deck and plunge pool all slightly raised on wooden platforms with spectacular views over the lagoon. At night the camp looks stunning as it is lit by dozens of paraffin lamps and candles.
What makes Xakanaxa Camp special to its many return guests is its long history as a family run business, its traditional and authentic tented safari lodge feel, the attention to detail, great wholesome food, its personalised and consistent service of staff who have been at the lodge for up to 2 decades, its views over the Delta and its reputation as one of the first lodges in the Okavango Delta- one of the worlds most pristine wildlife areas!

Camps summary table

Camps

Rooms

Pool

Game drive

Boat
Cruise

Mokoro
Trips

Walks

Fishing

Country

Stanley Safari Lodge
10
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Zambia
Impalila Island
8
Y
N
Y
N
Y
Y
Namibia
Susuwe
6
6Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Namibia
Lagoon
8
Y
Y
Y
N
Seasonal
Y
not in Jan or Feb*
Botswana
Lebala
8
Y
Y
N
N
Seasonal
N
Botswana
Kwara
8
Y
Y
Y
Y
Seasonal
Y
not in Jan or Feb*
Botswana
Xakanaxa
12
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
N
Botswana
Deception Valley Lodge
8
Y
Y
N
N
Y
N
Botswana
Nxai Pan
8
Y
Y
N
N
Y
N
Botswana
Tau Pan
8
Y
Y
N
N
Y
N
Botswana
* In terms of a new regulation recently introduced no fishing is allowed during Jan and Feb




 



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