Tau Pan Camp offers accommodation in the first semi-permanent camp situated inside the world famous Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) right on the edge of the beautiful Tau Pan. Recognized for its stark beauty and remoteness.
The camp offers truly incredible views from the elevated ridge of an ancient sand dune; an unusual experience in a land as flat as Botswana. As with its sister camp, Nxai Pan Camp, Tau Pan Camp, uses only solar power; for the generation of electricity, heating of water, and pumping of water from deep under the Kalahari sands. Wastewater is treated in a state-of-the-art sewerage treatment plant. and the fully treated water is returned to the sands; from whence it came.
‘Tau’ which means lion in Setswana, is so named for the pride of iconic black-maned Kalahari lions who frequent the camp. With a particular preference for the family tent!
Guests are accommodated in 9 x Eco-friendly luxury rooms under thatch, designed and built to remain cool in the summer months and warm in winter. Each room is en suite with a separate flushing toilet, double sinks, and an inside and outside shower. The rooms are airy and spacious with large double or twin beds and a lounge area. Furthermore; an outside deck that captures truly special and captivating views of the wide open spaces and beautiful big skies that this area possesses.
The main area is open plan and under thatch blending into the local landscape. There is a dining area and a lounge/bar area as well as a curio shop.
The main deck houses a plunge pool and has commanding views of Tau Pan and beyond including the nearby permanent waterhole where animals come to quench their thirst.
Tau Pan Camp room interior
Sleep out Deck
The camp also has a sleep out deck on the eastern side of the camp. In an area as remote and isolated as the Kalahari desert; the light pollution is minimal to none. Consequently, the stargazing is simply magnificent and unrivaled by most other locations on earth. Having an unobstructed view of the night sky to fall asleep under is a truly memorable experience. The elevated sleep out deck consists of a double bed or 2 x three quarter beds, a washbasin, and a toilet. This experience is available on a first come, first served basis upon arrival in camp. However, guests staying 3 nights or more in Tau Pan can reserve this before arrival.
What to do at Tau Pan Camp
Landscape and Activities ↓
The Area:
The Kalahari’s vegetation consists mainly of grasses and acacias as well as stunted scrub and thorn bush. There are over 400 identified plant species present.
The annual rainy season is between December and March when summer temperatures can get quite high. The largely unchanging flat terrain is occasionally interrupted by gentle valleys, sand dunes, and a large number of pans. These pans are invaluable to the wildlife as they supply them with nutrients from the salts and the grasses of the pans. The desert properties (Kalahari) make a perfect contrast to the Okavango Delta and Northern Botswana regions. A great way to start or round off any trip.
Activities at Tau Pan
Activities offered at Tau Pan are game drives, day trips to the well-known Deception Valley, Sunday, Piper and Passarge Pans, star gazing, and nature walks with Bushman trackers. Species that can be found in the Kalahari include oryx, the desert-adapted springbok, jackals, the rare brown hyena, red-crested Korhaan, and herds of wildebeest.
Kudu
Game drives operate using a guide and tracker, this adds to the experience on two levels. You have two sets of eyes searching out the action and looking for tracks. This ensures a good chance of sightings, especially predators. In addition; having the tracker out front means that the guide is more able to keep you informed and answer all your questions.
As Tau Pan is within a national park; the area is ecologically sensitive. Therefore; there are no night and off-road drives. In addition to game drives, trackers who are all Bushmen from the Central Kalahari take you on informative nature walks. A very worthwhile experience.
Stargazing under the impressive Kalahari night sky is also great here.
Tau Pan Camp Accommodation Rates:
We can offer longer stay rates with discounts when you combine your stay at Tau Pan Camp and any of the other Kwando Camps. In the green season, we make use of the 5 Rivers Discounted Rates for even better rates.
* From 1st December 2025 until 15th April 2026, there is also the awesome 5 Rivers Special.
Holiday Season Surcharge: 20th of December 2024 and the 4th of January 2025: USD 150. 20th of December 2025 and the 4th of January 2026 and 3rd – 6th April 2026: USD 150.
There is no single supplement at Tau Pan Camp regardless of the number of nights of stay.
Tau Pan rates include:
Accommodation with all meals and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) All activities Daily laundry Emergency medical evacuation cover (all guests must have their own travel and health insurance). If transfers are with Moremi Air; meet and greet in and out of Maun airport.
Botswana Family Safaris ↓
One of the rooms; situated close to the main area is a family room. This unit has an extra bedroom with twin beds (1 shared bathroom). In all other respects, the family room is identical to the other rooms. The family room is prioritized for families with children under the age of 18 and booked on a first come, first serve basis.
Child Policy:
No minimum age in the Mid and High seasons (1st April to 14th November). Minimum age 6 years from 15th November to 31st March. Families with children under 12 require a private vehicle.
Children are considered from 6 up to 15 years old. A child of 16 years and older will pay the full adult rate. A maximum of 3 x children in the family room can receive the reduced rate. There is one “floating” extra bed in the camp therefore 2 x adults and 3 x children could stay in the family room. OR; if the family room is occupied by 4 persons; we could form one triple (2 adults and 1 child) using the extra bed. In addition to the family room; only one triple room can be booked on any given night. Otherwise the permitted limit of the concession will be exceeded. Children under the age of 18 years must share a room with an adult.
Tau Pan Camp accommodation in Central Kalahari Game Reserve safari discounts
Five Rivers Safari Offer
The 5 Rivers Safari is valid from 1st December 2025 to 15th April 2026. This is a very special time to visit Botswana as it is a time of plenty. Mammals are healthy, and many species bring their young into the world. The bush is emerald green in color with an abundance of flora and large flocks of migrant bird species. This makes it especially good for photographers.
All flying into and out of camps/lodges MUST be with Moremi Air.
No single supplement on accommodation for the first 2 singles per group. Then USD 275 per person per night single supplement applies.
Normal nightly rate inclusions apply to the 5 Rivers Safari. Holiday Supplements excluded.
5 Rivers Safari rates
1st December 2025 to 15th April 2026 Rates:
The 5 Rivers Special has been simplified to offer even more great value. Now with a common price per camp and a common flight rate. To make it even easier to book. Minimum itinerary stay includes a minimum of 2 nights per camp (minimum 3 nights for Kwara).
Choose a minimum of 5 nights using: Nxai Pan, Tau Pan, Moremi Crossing, Rra Dinare, Mma Dinare, Pom Pom
Camps available for stays of 7 nights or more: Kwara*, Splash, 4 Rivers, Lagoon, Lebala, Nxai Pan, Tau Pan, Moremi Crossing, Rra Dinare, Mma Dinare, Pom Pom
Accommodation is US$ 650 per person per night* Flights are US$ 300 per leg (excluding departure taxes)
*Kwara surcharge of US$ 150 per person per night
5 Rivers Safari Add On Rates
Stay 2 nights at Chobe Safari or Bush Lodge pre or post your 5 Rivers Safari for a full board rate of $650 (for 2 nights). Add 2 nights at The Elephant Camp (Victoria Falls) for $650 per person per night.
Repeat Kwando Guest Special:
A 5% discount for guests who have stayed before (not applicable for new travelers in the same booking with repeat guests). The camps and date of stay need to be provided for verification purposes. Can only be combined with the Long Stay Discount.
Waiver Of Single Supplement
The single supplement will be wavered in all seasons except high season when a single person is staying at Kwando Camps for 6 nights or more.
Last minute rates
Book to travel within 30 days and receive a discounted rate. Due to the nature of the late booking, rooms are very limited.
Tau Pan Honeymoon Special:
Based on per person sharing rates we can offer the following for honeymoon couples: 50% discount for one adult’s accommodation
Plus honeymooners get: The couple will also receive a wedding gift at their first camp, A private dinner at any camp during their stay (agreed with agent ahead of time).
Travel must be within a year of the date on the wedding certificate.
Eco-friendly luxury accommodation in Central Kalahari Game Reserve overlooking Tau Pan, where you can enjoy game drives, walks and day trips to Deception Valley – great for families and honeymooners
Tau Pan Camp (Central Kalahari)
Tau Pan Camp Central Kalahari Game Reserve Botswana
