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.
