Botswana: Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp unveiled

Tsodilo Hills Brand-New Sleep-Out Experience is Unveiled by Desert & Delta Safaris - Opening September 15, 2024

Prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary adventure as Desert & Delta Safaris, renowned for their luxury and responsible safari experiences in Botswana, introduces their latest one-of-a-kind experience: the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp. This exceptional overnight expedition departs from Nxamaseri Island Lodge to the legendary and historic Tsodilo Hills. An immersive adventure into the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of one of the world’s most hidden UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Discover Botswana’s Best-Kept Secret

While Botswana is celebrated for its remarkable wildlife safaris, it is also home to cultural treasures waiting to be discovered. Desert & Delta Safaris is on a mission to bring these cultural gems to life with the launch of the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp experience.

A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Culture

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its spiritual significance and mesmerising rock art and cave paintings, the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp offers guests an extraordinary connection to this magical place. Nestled within the Zambezi Teak trees, four comfortable canvas pods on elevated platforms provide an eco-friendly retreat, with the majestic Male Hill - the highest peak in Botswana - providing a stunning backdrop.

A Back-to-Basics Wilderness Experience

Each pod draws inspiration from traditional bushman dwellings, seamlessly blending with the environment while honouring the local community’s heritage. The pods will have outdoor showers and toilets connected to them and are designed and built in collaboration with the local community, reflecting a deep respect for the custodians of this remarkable site.

Unveiling the Spiritual Tapestry of Tsodilo Hills

The ancient and sacred Tsodilo Hills have witnessed countless spiritual rituals over millennia, their rock art narrating the stories of generations past. The Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp allows guests to connect with the traditions and stories of the local bushman community. Engaging story sessions around the campfire and cultural interactions with the local team the day before visiting the site will bring its vibrant, ancient traditions to life the next morning.

A Transformational Experience

The overnight stay at the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp promises an unforgettable journey of discovery and connection. A leisurely afternoon arrival follows an exploratory walk and sundowners in the African bush. As the sun sets, the majestic Male Hill turns a deep purple, setting the stage for an evening of traditional storytelling and cultural exchanges.

Those with an appetite for adventure can set off on a challenging yet rewarding sunrise hike to the summit of Male Hill, unveiling panoramic views of the Kalahari Desert and the expansive wilderness. A guided historic walk is available around the mesmerising rock paintings, led by a local guide from the Tsodilo Community Trust, brings the stories and significance of the “Mountain of the Gods” to life, connecting the past with the present. Walks can be customised to the time available and fitness levels of the visitors.

Booking Information

Opening Date: September 15, 2024

Availability: For guests staying three nights or more at Nxamaseri Island Lodge, with one night allocated to the sleep-out (subject to availability).

Capacity: The camp comprises of three twin/double sleep-out pods each with a connecting outdoor show & toilet & one family dwelling with one shared toilet and shower. The camp can accommodate a total of eight adults and two children.

Cost: No extra charge for the sleep-out experience.

Private use: Exclusive use bookings are available for a surcharge.

Getting There

Guests will be transferred from Nxamaseri Island Lodge via boat along the Nxamaseri channel followed by a closed 4WD vehicle transfer connecting to the hills, 60 - 80 minutes depending on water levels.

Upgrade to a helicopter one-way (or return) transfer and witness the hills from above as you descend towards the sleep-out camp. Total transfer time 10-15 minutes with an optional 10-minute add-on for a bird’s eye view of the Okavango Panhandle from above. The only place in Africa to see two world heritage sites converge. The Okavango Delta and Tsodilo Hills.

About Desert & Delta Safaris

One of the original safari operators in Botswana, founded in 1982, Desert & Delta Safaris’ nine camps are set in prime locations in northern Botswana’s famous game reserves and national parks with one just across the Chobe River in Namibia’s Eastern Zambezi Region. Together these luxurious lodges offer an outstandingly diverse safari experience whilst providing the personalised service and attention to detail for which Desert & Delta Safaris is known. Guests are immersed in a safari experience that develops an understanding of the animals, people, and geography of this magnificent country.

At the heart of the company is developing the human potential of tourism in Botswana. Desert & Delta Safaris’ CARES philosophy is the foundation on which Desert & Delta Safaris is built, highlighting its core values in developing human potential and building a sustainable tourism model. They employ approximately 320 staff members within the eight safari lodges and all the guides are recruited from nearby villages. The company places a strong focus on training through a highly successful skills development program as well as focusing on healthcare, environmental responsibility, and equality.

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Botswana: Desert & Delta Safaris' 40th anniversary

CELEBRATING 40-YEARS OF DESERT & DELTA SAFARIS – EMPOWERING BOTSWANA

Since its inception in 1982, Desert & Delta Safaris has been empowering Botswana through tourism. In 2022, Desert & Delta celebrates their 40thAnniversary, and to commemorate the incredible journey, a stunning new book documenting an impressive and remarkable history marks the occasion. Titled ‘Empowering The People of Botswana Through Tourism; Our Journey Together.’ The 132-page, full-colour, book showcases Botswana, and its people and chronicles the growth of Desert & Delta as a company, whilst maintaining their core principles and ethos.

Copies of the book will be available in the properties.

A true celebration of the history of Botswana, an inspirational story of a company with a passion for the country, which has led to the destination being widely regarded and respected as an international model of ecotourism development. A model that creates local employment and preserves the natural wilderness and wildlife while still providing valuable revenue to the country’s economy.

‘Empowering The People of Botswana Through Tourism; Our Journey Together’ is introduced by Africa’s youngest ever female minister in the Botswana government, Bogolo Kenewendo. With chapters dedicated to the rise of female trailblazers in the destination, including Desert & Delta’s very first female guide Florence Kagiso who joined Chobe Game Lodge in 2007, the company is proud to support women and 50% of the entire camp management team across all seven camps are women.

“We have so much to be proud of” comments MC Odumetse (Group Managing Director). “From launching Africa’s only all-female guiding team at Chobe Game Lodge, to becoming one of the first luxury safari circuits to be managed exclusively by local citizens.

“The stories shared in every chapter are inspiring” shares James Wilson (Marketing Director). “Every chapter will take you on a journey of how the company and the destination have evolved through the stories and experiences from generations of Desert & Delta staff. Our book aims to make everyone aware that their support in booking a trip to Botswana with us is actively helping promote responsible tourism development.” Enthuses James Wilson.

As well as reflecting on the history and growth of Desert & Delta Safaris, the book looks forward to the investment in new regions. Sedia Riverside Hotel was recently added to the group as a well-located property in the heart of Maun. In September 2021 the group purchased Nxamaseri Island Lodge to develop the incredible cultural heritage site that is Tsodilo Hills. Nxamaseri Island Lodge is in a prime location to combine both the Okavango Delta and Tsodilo Hills.

“Botswana is a world-renowned wildlife tourism destination, but we want to use our resources and network to bring awareness about some of the remarkable cultural heritage we have. Tsodilo Hills hosts over 4,000 amazingly preserved ancient rock art paintings dating back thousands of years. If a place like Tsodilo Hills was in any other country that didn’t have such a thriving safari industry, it would be one of the most popular places to visit.” Remarked Mc Odumetse.

Starting with just two camps, Camp Okavango and Camp Moremi, Desert & Delta founded one of the first luxury safari circuits in Botswana. From humble beginnings when the country was barely known, with no infrastructure or trained staff and resources, to where we are today – a world-class destination leading the way in female empowerment and run and managed by the citizens of the country, Desert & Delta Safaris has always been a company to innovate and not imitate.

This year Desert & Delta Safaris celebrates everything that has been achieved through the story of ‘Empowering The People of Botswana Through Tourism; Our Journey Together’ a visually, captivating representation of the rich, vibrant and interesting story showing how commitment to the local people, protecting the natural resources and developing on a philosophy of sustainability will ultimately lead to success.

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Botswana: Nxamaseri Island Lodge joins Desert & Delta Safaris | Нксамасери Лодж Ботсвана

Nxamaseri Island Lodge Joins the Desert & Delta Safaris

To celebrate nearly 40-years of operation in our home, Botswana, we are delighted to announce the acquisition of Nxamaseri Island Lodge. This takes the Desert & Delta Safaris portfolio to a total of nine camps & lodges,  making the group one of the most comprehensive safari circuits in Botswana.

Perfectly situated between the Tsodilo Hills and the Okavango Delta, it is one of very few places in the entire world where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet.

Our aim is to make this incredible destination more accessible to international travellers through our flight network with Safari Air and our exciting new Botswana package itineraries that will feature Nxamaseri.

What has Nxamaseri Island Lodge got to offer? 

Culture

Located in the stunning Okavango Delta panhandle region, Nxamaseri is the closest lodge from which to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Tsodilo Hills – a remarkable cluster of huge rocky hills and home to one of Africa’s most impressive collections of ancient rock art.

There are over 4,500 paintings located around 400 different sites around the hills. Travellers can also hike to the top of Botswana while taking in the impressive history of the area.

Tsodilo Hills is a hugely significant cultural attraction and a wonderful addition to any Botswana itinerary.

Fishing

Nxamaseri and the Okavango Panhandle is Botswana’s tiger fishing mecca. Throughout the year (January – February season closed), the Okavango Delta panhandle is home to epic Tiger and Bream fishing.

Around September – November every year the “Barble Run” attracts predatory fish in their thousands and the chance to land several Tiger Fish is exceptionally high. A beautiful yet ferocious fighting fish found in the northern part of the Okavango Delta and Chobe/Zambezi river systems.

The Nxamaseri guides are expert fisherman from the local region with decades of experience who will help you get into exactly the right place to land that dream fish!

Water & Walking Activities

Mokoro and boating activities are offered all year round. This is owing to the vast amounts of water around the panhandle area. The Nxamaseri Channel is a stunning ecosystem of floodplains and unique vegetation and the combination of the large “panhandle channel” with its big papyrus thickets makes for an Okavango boating paradise.

Guides will invite guests to stop on many of the stunning secluded islands for guided walks exploring the area.

Birdwatching & Other Activities

Nxamaseri is a birdwatcher’s heaven. Around two-thirds of all Botswana’s bird species can be found around this region with frequent sightings of the rare Pels Fishing Owl and opportunities to see White-backed Night Heron and the graceful African Skimmer.

During the nesting season from August – November, a trip to the Carmine Bee-eater colony is a sight to behold. Thousands of these striking birds make their way in and out of the nest holes forming a seemingly pink mirage along red-cliffs in the southern area near Nxamaseri.

How to get to Nxamaseri Island Lodge

Charter flight

Nxamaseri Airstrip is accessible with Safari Air as well as other charter companies. Safari Air will provide access to Nxamaseri Airstrip from all airstrips around Botswana (provided they are permitted to land there).

Self-Drive Access

Self-drive access is a big portion of the Nxamaseri client base. Guests may park at a secure plot near the main road and will be transferred to Nxamaseri by the lodge (distance varies depending on time of year/water-level. 30 – 60 minutes)

From Mohembo Border (access to the Zambezi Region/Caprivi in Namibia) to Nxamaseri turn off: 45-minutes

From Maun to Nxamaseri turn off: 4 – 5 hours

Self-drive access information is available on the Desert & Delta Safaris Quick Links document.

Booking Nxamaseri Island Lodge 

Nightly Rates

Standalone rates are broken into 1-2 night rates or 3+ night rates.

Green Season rates have been held and start at $350 pp per night sharing for 1-2nights stays and $330 pp per night for 3-nights or more.

All guests on 2+ night stays will be invited to do the Tsodilo Hills cultural tour.

Packages

To make the region more accessible we have created a range of packages to combine with Desert & Delta Safaris camps and lodges.

One of the itineraries on the Cultural Exploration Packages connects Chobe Game Lodge with Nxamaseri Island Lodge, Camp Xakanaxa/Camp Moremi and Leroo La Tau on an 8-night itinerary (starting at $4,608pp including charter flights from Kasane to Maun or vice versa).

Travellers wanting a complete experience of the key ecosystems within the Okavango Delta should book the Traversing the Delta Package. A 6-night or 9-night itinerary with a chance to “follow the flood” including Nxamaseri Island Lodge (northern tip of the Okavango panhandle), Camp Okavango/Xugana Island Lodge (the core/central Okavango) and a 3-4 hour boat expedition transfer to the Moremi Game Reserve (wildlife rich eastern region of the Okavango).

The package starts at $3,881 including charter flights from Maun returning to Maun with the boat expedition transfer.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NXAMASERI ISLAND LODGE: info@traveltonamibia.com

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Desert & Delta Safaris November 2021 update

MONTHLY DESERT & DELTA SAFARIS UPDATE

November 2021

It was so exciting to spend the last 3-months with bumper guest numbers throughout the properties. If you are still waiting for travel restrictions to ease from your country, we can’t wait to have you here! 

Guests have the pleasure of feeling carefree and connected with nature while at the same time extremely comfortable with our COVID safety measures. We are excited to announce that nearly 100% of our camp staff are fully vaccinated, ensuring their safety while working in our camps and peace of mind for our travellers. Owing to the remote locations of our lodges, the distribution of vaccines has been a challenge. Still, we are proud of the work we have done in supporting the government to speed up vaccine distribution into the remote locations of Botswana. 

We’re also celebrating the addition of Nxamaseri Island Lodge to our portfolio. Below you will find more information on Nxamaseri Island Lodge and what this unique property has to offer.

WATER LEVEL UPDATES

THE OKAVANGO DELTA

Levels are low but normal for this time of year thanks to good 2020/21 rains

At this time of the year, it is normal for the Okavango to be approaching its lowest level. The water volume from the catchment areas in Angola that travelled down the Kavango River was lower than average. However, good rains in the last summer season have helped maintain a decent water level throughout our Okavango based properties. 

It is too early to tell what we are in store for in terms of water levels for the coming months but metrological sources are forecasting a good rainy season which is positive.

Remember – all Desert & Delta Safaris camps & lodges based in the Okavango offer all-year-round water activities.

THE LIONS OF SAVUTE

UPDATES ON THE FORMIDABLE MARSH PRIDE & NORTHERN PRIDE

The Savute Marsh Pride continues to grow in numbers, now consisting of more than 30 members. Their sheer size has enabled them to continue their domination of the Savute region. As our guest numbers increase, regular sightings of the pride have been a highlight for travellers staying at Savute Safari Lodge. The Savute Marsh has dried up through the winter months forcing the wildlife to congregate at water points like Marabu Pan and Rhino Vlei. This is where the pride wait patiently for their next meal.

With the Marsh Prides dominance around the Savute Marsh, the Northern Pride have moved onto the fringes, but the guides are still reporting regular sightings of the pride, sometimes at the waterhole right in front of the lodge. The young males in the pride continue to grow in stature, so we are eagerly watching to see where the subsequent conflict between the two prides will occur.

THE CHOBE RIVER AND ELEPHANT UPDATE

WATER LEVEL UPDATES AND ELEPHANT MOVEMENTS IN THE CHOBE REGION 

The Chobe River saw good levels of water push in from the Zambezi River earlier this year. Currently, the river is home to vast numbers of wildlife, including Sable, Giraffe, and other plains wildlife congregating around the nearby floodplains. A sight to behold from the comfort of one of our solar-powered safari boats.

September & October, in particular, has been epic for elephant herds along the Chobe River. Guides at both Chobe Game Lodge and Chobe Savanna Lodge have seen more than 800+ elephants on an afternoon safari cruise.

THE BOTETI RIVER & THE ZEBRA MIGRATION

WATER LEVEL UPDATES AND ZEBRA MOVEMENT ON THE BOTETI RIVER 

The floods down the Boteti River were significant this season. While the water levels are currently dropping, the excellent rains earlier in the year and the strong flow from the Okavango Delta ensured plenty of water in the river for a spectacular zebra migration. 

Between mid-April and mid-October, our guides reported remarkable zebra sightings from the boat as well as on daily game drives. At the end of the season, water levels dropped steadily, creating a spectacle in front of the lodge where the zebra congregated at the remaining water.

Due to the falling water levels, boating activities are not possible for the foreseeable future. The region has received its first rains, and with the above predictions of high rainfall through the coming season, we wait to see the impact on the Boteti River.

Meanwhile on the Salt Pans

Our salt pans sleep-out trips have been a huge hit. 

“Best experience in my life” 

“Absolutely unbelievable” 

“The most amazing thing we’ve ever done” 

A few of the comments and feedback from recent guests. 

The first signs of rain are already appearing so unfortunately the season is just about closed but those still planning 2022 safaris must consider 3-nights at Leroo La Tau between 15 July – 31 October and include a complimentary sleep-out under the stars.

SIGHTING OF THE MONTH

FEATURING TSODILO HILLS at NXAMASERI ISLAND LODGE

We are just so excited about the addition of Nxamaseri Island Lodge to our group. Our most recent trip included an in-depth exploration of the Tsodilo Hills cultural experience and a hike to the top of Botswana (the Male hill). This month we have gone with two photos for sighting of the month. The first shows off the unique location of Nxamaseri Island Lodge at sunset with the Tsodilo Hills in the background. The second was captured on arrival at the Tsodilo Hills in the early morning as we prepared to explore the cultural heritage site.

A visit to Nxamaseri will allow you to explore the Tsodilo Hills, home to an impressive collection of ancient rock art and incredible history. Something quite unique to Botswana and well worth a visit on any itinerary to the country!

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