Tautona Lodge - Botswana

Tautona Lodge is a private game reserve located 5 minutes from the town Ghanzi, Ghanzi is a town in the western part of the Republic of Botswana in Southern Africa. The lodge is situated on a private reserve in the Kalahari with an abundance of wildlife including Eland, Oryx, Giraffe, Zebra, Impala, Ostrich, and Kudu as well as an extensive variety of bird life. Tautona Lodge offers luxury but affordable accommodation to holiday makers as well as the many business people that frequently visit Ghanzi. Secluded and tranquil with Waterbuck and Eland that graze peacefully amongst the chalets.. For your enjoyment the amenities at the lodge include an excellent a la carte restaurant, sports bar, pool table, table tennis, darts, swimming pool and open air deck

1xLuxury Family Chalet

Double story thatched stone building comprises of 1 Double en-suite bedroom, 2 twin rooms sharing a bathroom. Dining area, TV lounge and kitchenette with a private veranda and an outside BBQ area.

7 X DOUBLE MINI CHALETS & 1 X TWIN MINI CHALET

Thatched stone building comprises of an en-suite bedroom with a TV and tea and coffee making facilities…

DOUBLE / TWIN CHALETS

Thatched stone building comprises of 1 x Double / Twin en-suite bedroom. TV lounge with a kitchenette.

4 X TENTED ACCOMMODATION

Luxury Tents with twin beds and en-suite bathroom and BBQ facilities situated in the campsite.

Tautona Campsite

Tautona Campsite is 5min drive from the Main lodge. The campsites are set beneath the shade of thorn trees. Guests can enjoy a true bush experience under the Kalahari sky. The campsite facilities include electricity an ablution block with a double set of "flush" toilets, showers with hot and cold running water and a communal sink for washing dishes. The Boma and Lapa is available especially for the rainy days. Guests are welcome to enjoy Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner at Tautona Lodge Ala Carte Restaurant and have sundowners at the Pub. 

5 Highlights of Botswana

  1. Reaching Chief’s Island

Any trip to the Okavango Delta, whether by boat, or plane, starts seconds after you have launched, or lifted off. Your vantage point matters not, it is always magnificent. Admittedly, if you really want to grasp the true beauty of the Okavango Delta one should fly as much as possible over the 15 000 square kilometres that make up this heritage site.

There are not many places in the world that match its beauty and tranquility. Be it in the landscapes that are forever framed by palm trees and magnificent trees, or the sparkling waters that glimmer as you fly over them, or perhaps the quintessential sound of active hippos grunting, or the bubbling sound of water racing under your mokoro, and the ever present cry of an African fish eagle’s call.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the Okavango Delta is definitely a place that will soothe and lull anyone’s chaotic rhythm of urban living and bring one’s pulse back to a natural beat that will allow your senses to be well enthralled, yet never exhausted.

This trip offered us all a blessed chance to view the Delta from above with a short plane ride from Maun to Chiefs Island, and without further a due we were whisked off from our island runaway to our base camp (and home for the next five nights) in the middle of this water-wilderness.

If you are a parent, enjoy the ride, but every so often have a look at your family who will be fully engrossed and pointing out the elephant herds and giraffe journeys that can be viewed from the air. It will be a moment that will make the whole trip ‘worth-while’ and you have not even landed yet.

2. Morning mokoro rides

After a cup (or a few cups) of coffee and a light breakfast we set off for our morning walk on a series of islands near Chiefs Island. We did not zip around on noisy motor boats from one sighting to the next, oh no… in the Delta you travel one pole stroke at a time, and just inches away from the water, in a mokoro (a locally designed dug out canoe). Using the shallow water channels we weaved our way through waterlily clad ponds, and lush papyrus fringed waterways, avoiding the hippos until we reached our mooring and the start of every morning’s walk.

These gentle rides gave us all the precious time required to not only view the landscape from a newly found perspective, but to gently wake up our senses and tune them up into the sounds of the Delta whilst the eyes got used to focusing on the smaller details like reed frogs, spiders, kingfishers and damselflies.

3. Walking the islands on foot

Even for veterans of African travel, a walking safari in the Delta is a must do. This is why we were here, to explore the Delta on foot with a team of skilled local guides that grew up and still live in the delta. Their immense knowledge and stories of growing-up in the Delta enthralled us all while we traipsed different islands and came across general game like red lechwes, impala, zebras and elephants. It was a huge privilege to share this beautiful space with such graceful creatures and many a precious moment of discovery was had.

4. Camping under the stars

Whether it is elephants whilst you are having lunch, or hippos grazing their way out of the water at night, something is bound to walk through camp at one point or another. During our stay we had elephants, baboons, civets and even a pod of hippos walking through camp. With only a canvas tent separating you from the elements, you have to be prepared to take back a memory (or two) of you being truly in the mix in the Delta. It was indeed no surprise when after our first night at camp, Jesper Morch (the father in the family), quipped “You are right Sean, this place does give you the full sense of wilderness”.

5. Moremi Game Reserve and its wildlife – Oh… and did I mention WILD DOGS!!!!

Back on terra firma we headed for our second destination in the itinerary, the renowned and always bewildering Moremi Game Reserve. Suffice to say Moremi lived up to each and every expectation. On our first evening in Moremi, we had just unpacked the car, and camp had been setup, before we decided to take a short game-drive. Within five minutes from camp, a few turns, and a lavish dose of luck we found ourselves staring at a pack of wild dogs in disbelief, possibly the best opening act any national park could ever dish out. Just as things seemed they could not get any better, the whole pack engaged on a hunt and chased a herd of impala across a nearby grass field. It was indeed an unforgettable experience, and as it turned out, we were graced with daily sightings throughout our stay in Moremi.


 
Suffice to say this was a one-of-a-kind experience, a very special safari for the discerning and seasoned that I hope to be part off again when the next chance emerges.

   

Welcome to Botswana

Blessed with some of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth, Botswana is one of the great safari destinations in Africa. There are more elephants in Botswana than any other country, the big cats roam free and there’s everything from endangered African wild dogs to aquatic antelopes, from rhinos making a comeback to abundant birdlife at every turn.


This is also the land of the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert, at once iconic African landscapes and vast stretches of wilderness. Put these landscapes together with the wildlife that inhabits them, and it’s difficult to escape the conclusion that this is wild Africa at its best.


Botswana may rank among Africa’s most exclusive destinations – accommodation prices at most lodges are once-in-a-lifetime propositions – but self-drive expeditions are also possible. And whichever way you visit, Botswana is a truly extraordinary place.
 



Top responsible travel tips for Botswana

1. Be considerate of Botswana’s customs, traditions, religion and culture.

2. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.

3. Always dispose of litter thoughtfully, including cigarette butts.

4. When bargaining at markets, stay calm, be reasonable and keep a smile on your face. It's meant to be fun!

5. Learn some local language and don't be afraid to use it - simple greetings will help break the ice.

6. Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.

7. Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.

8. Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.


9. When on community visits or homestays, refrain from giving gifts or money to locals.

10. Refrain from buying ivory or other products harvested from endangered animals.

Seven Wonders of Botswana

What are the Wonders of Botswana?  

 Botswana is home to one of Africa's Seven Wonders of Nature, but that is only a start to the wonders this country offers. Botswana is truly an African gem for encounters with nature, but the country is also rich in culture and heritage.

Okovango Delta 

Okovango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world formed from the Okavango River’s tectonic drain. The delta has almost 11 cubic kilometers of water spreading over its area of almost 15,000 square kilometers. Okavango Delta is rich in wildlife and provides an opportunity to see the Big 5. 

 

Kubu Island

 

 Kubu Island is made up of dry granite rocks situated in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pan. Kubu Island is a national monument and a consecrated place for the indigenous people. Kubu actually means large rock, but can also mean hippopotamus in Tswana.

 Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve is one of Botswana’s national parks. The park’s name was taken from the BaTawana tribe’s chief, Chief Moremi. It is one of Botswana's wildlife viewing gems.

Tuli Block

This narrow border of Botswana lies in between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Tuli Block is known because of its geographical features such as the Solomon’s Wall and Lepokoe Hills. This piece of land features beautiful rock formations, abundant wildlife, strange vegetation and of course, a rich archaeological heritage.

Tsodilo Hills

The Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has exceptional spiritual and religious connection to locals. Tsodilo Hills traces human settlement over hundreds of decades. The hills features rock paintings of more than 4,500 within its 10 square kilometer area.

Gateway to the Natural Wonders of Botswana- Mokolodi Backpackers

Mokolodi Backpackers is your gateway to the natural wonders of Botswana. Set in a beautiful leafy garden on the doorstep of the spectacular Mokolodi Wildlife Reserve, we are Gaborone’s best choice for good value, comfort and a warm welcome.

Accommodation:

Choose from a variety of lodgings that include four person dorms, private twin units, twin chalets and luxury rondavels – all serviced daily including towels, bedding and sharing deluxe ablutions blocks or private facilities.

Camping is available in shady spots in the garden.

Activities:

There’s plenty to keep you entertained at the backpackers and in the surrounding area.

If you just want to relax at the backpackers then they have a swimming pool, dart board, pool table, PC with internet and plenty of braai places.

Or you can sit on your veranda in the shady garden, catch up on Facebook and read a good book!

Botswana’s bustling capital city, Gaborone, contains a number of cultural attractions including a fascinating National Museum, a lively street market and a wide range of restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

Mokolodi Game Reserve is a perfect introduction to Botswana’s rich and varied wildlife.

Arrange visits including game drives, rhino tracking, cheetah encounters and sundowners overlooking the beautiful scenery. It’s a 15-20 minute walk from the backpackers.

For more information please contact us via email at info@botswana-reservations.com

The Beautiful Nata Lodge in Botswana

An oasis set among the Mokolwane palms on the edge of the pans. It is ideally situated close to the entrance to the Nata Sanctuary and is just off the main road, 10 km from Nata village. This is the junction to the Okavango, Chobe and Francistown areas.

Accommodation:

All chalets have custom designed ceiling fans and in room safes. Of the 20 chalets, 8 chalets are set on a raised platform that overlooks the old Didibakwe river and are built on the northern boundary of the lodge under the dappled shade of the Ilala Palm trees.

Of these 8 chalets there are 2 Luxury Chalets on offer. These boast majestic outdoor showers and ball and claw feature baths.

12 A-framed stoned thatch chalets are set on the southern boundary of the lodge. These unique chalets have semi open bathrooms and stoned verandas.

10 luxury safari tents are built on raised wooden platforms which are nestled under the lodges many Marula trees. These unique tents feature en suite bathrooms and all amenities offered in any of the the lodge’s chalets.

Fun Activities to do:

Game drive

Bird viewing

Trips to the Makgidikgadi Salt Pans

Quad bike adventures

For more information and for your booking request please contact us via email at info@botswana-reservations.com
Visit our web page at www.botswana-reservations.com

The OKAVANGO Delta

From DELTA .....to DESERT....explore BOTSWANA

                              

The Okavango Delta provides abundant life at the heart of a desert...

There is a very wide range of accommodation available in the Okavango Delta. This ranges from five star luxury to more humble accommodation, but all fall within the government’s high value, low volume tourism strategy. 

As an important Safari Destination within not only Botswana but also Africa as a whole, The Okavango Delta hosts a number of safari operators. These operators range from well known international brands to local operators and offer the full range of Holiday Specials. Whether you are interested in a simple camping trip or a full five star safari an operator exists to service your needs.

TOURISM

Tourism to the Okavango Delta ...makes up a majority of the tourism component of Botswana’s GDP. Approximately 100 000 people visit the 60 or so camps and lodges in the Delta contributing greatly to the economy of the region. A developing industry the government is keen to continue to deliver policies that encourage tourism.

Botswana’s Okavango Delta is a facinating and unique wildlife location. 

It is the worlds largest inland delta and situated in an extremely arid region and attracts great concentrations of diverse animals and birds. 

The PERFECT African Destination

1. AIRLINK adds new service to its Botswana Operation

3. World Class Game Viewing

 2. Paradise for Shopaholics                  

 4. Unrivaled choices of a Luxury Safari Experience

   

A TRULY MAGICAL EXPERIENCE

Please contact Namibia Reservations at

info@namibiareservations.com / www.namibiareservations.com

Brand New Camp in Botswana!

Brand New Little Tubu Camp in Botswana's Private Jao Concession

  Wilderness Safaris’ Little Tubu Camp, situated on Hunda Island in Botswana’s private Jao Concession, opened last month and ever since has been delighting guests with its cosy atmosphere and exceptional wildlife sightings.

Adjacent to its sister camp Tubu Tree, Little Tubu offers an intimate and exclusive experience for a maximum of six guests in three traditional Meru-style tents, all raised into luxuriant foliage on wooden decks to maximise the spectacular views across the grassy floodplain.

Elevated dining and main area decks are shaded by a riverine tree canopy and look out over a seasonal floodplain that attracts a variety of game such as herds of lechwe, zebra, wildebeest and even giraffe and elephant. The camp is set on a series of winding, wooden platforms with the bar set into a waterberry tree, while the pool is located between the two camps in a private setting. The raised hide – separate to camp – is the perfect place for guests wanting to experience wild Africa at night, sleeping beneath the stars.

 Interpretive day and night game drives are led by experienced guides and guests can expect to see spotted hyaena and the above-mentioned species on the floodplains. Kudu, impala, bushbuck and leopard are also seen in the forested areas and birdlife is abundant. Depending on water levels and time of year, boating, mokoro trips and seasonal catch-and-release fishing can also be enjoyed (usually May to late September).

Little Tubu is committed to Wilderness Safaris’ 4Cs philosophy (Commerce, Conservation, Community and Culture) and the camp is completely eco-friendly with no permanent structures. Jao Concession holder, David Kays, is also a member of the Tubu Joint Management Committee, which he was involved in launching together with the University of Botswana under the auspices of the Biokavango Project. The aim of this committee is to reduce conflict between the community and the Jao Concession – specifically with regard to curbing poaching and over-fishing – and they hope to assist the community with developing tourism ventures in their area.  

Chobe Marina Lodge - Kasane, Botswana

Uniquely located in the North-Eastern corner of Botswana where the four African nations of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia converge, Chobe Marina Lodge is surrounded by the natural beauty of Africa.
The Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Kasane Forest Reserve, the Caprivi Strip and the mighty Zambezi river, each offer their own attractions and with Victoria Falls but 70 kilometres away, Chobe Marina Lodge is a 'must visit' destination when in Southern Africa.

With the world-renowned Chobe National Park just 10-minutes from Chobe Marina , an encounter with Africa's awesome foursome (elephant, leopard, lion and buffalo) is definitely on the cards. A river boat trip to the park, will introduce you to a totally different game viewing experience.

Try your hand at fishing for the famed tiger fish, which inhabit the Chobe and Kasai River systems. Golfers too are catered for with a golf course in close proximity to the lodge.

Botswana's New Photographic Safari Boat at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

The new Photographic Safari Boat at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero features a lower and upper deck and can seat up to 18 guests on 360 degree swivel seats. The upper deck offers a great vantage point of the Chobe River and wildlife while the lower deck boasts a bar area and the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a scrumptious river breakfast, lunch or sundowners.

    Excursions on the new boat will form part of the included activities offered to guests and groups staying at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero and offers a great exclusive and intimate alternative to enjoying the Chobe area especially for photographic enthusiasts.

A slight change done to the Ultimate Kalahari, Okavango Delta & Vic Falls Safari

The Tour "Ultimate Kalahari Kalahari, Okavango Delta & Vic Falls Safari" has had to change one establishment in their tour.
Due to the unexpected closure of Monkey Island in the Okavango Delta, they have been forced to replace Monkey Island with an alternative property. We are delighted to announce that they have been able to include Nxamaseri Island Lodge.
This change does not affect the price for the 2011 season.

For a full itinerary detail please click on the Namibia Reservations link: http://www.namibiareservations.com/ultimate_kalahari_delta_falls.html
of contact us at info@namibiareservations.com to make a booking.