Reviews of Tau Pan Camp

"Tau Pan was the second of two camps we visited in Botswana and really exceeded my expectations! We came from a camp in the Delta, and because Tau Pan is a more permanent structure the rooms and facilities are a bit nicer. Lodging is very spacious and the views from the front deck are incredible. The food was very good, and the staff was exceptional. On our last night they performed a wonderful number of songs and dances that really made our visit special.

We had a similarly positive experience with our guide (Matt) and tracker (G) -- both were experts and gave us a great safari experience. You can't off-road in Tau Pan, so game drives are a bit more of a patient waiting game, but in some ways that made it even more exciting to see game. Thanks to Matt's great guiding, we had near daily encounters with a pack of three cheetahs and a beautiful black-maned lion, as well as many other great sightings.

Another highlight is the bushman's walk, led by local San bushmen who also work at Tau Pan as trackers. If you visit, this should not be missed. The hunting and survival tactics the bushmen showed us were incredible to witness, and a really special treat in addition to the game drives." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana

"We enjoyed the very different conditions here, particularly the bush walk with Scoupe, which was both informative and amusingly put over.

We were, however, not very impressed with Matt, our guide, who spent much of the time on the drives talking to Scoupe and some of the more interesting spotting was done by the guests on the vehicle. We were confirmed in our view by the fact the driver and guide who took us to the air strip on the last morning gave us comparatively considerably more information during a drive of under an hour." See all these reviews: 14n in Botswana

"This was an attractive and comfortable camp. The staff were all extremely welcoming, friendly, helpful and keen to ensure that we had the best possible stay with them. The food was very good.
Our guide Obza and tracker Scoopa were both excellent. Obza looked after us extremely well throughout our stay. He and Scooper were very knowledgeable and worked together to ensure that we had many wonderful wildlife encounters. We saw a large number of animals, birds, and reptiles. The Kalahari area was a very interesting contrast to the Delta and we enjoyed a whole day excursion to Deception Valley . We also enjoyed the time spent with Scoopa as he explained the traditional way of life of the bushmen.
This would not be a good place to stay in cold weather. We experienced an unusually cool and wet spell while we were at the camp, and found our room was not easy to draught-proof and the solar powered water heating system was not great. Nevertheless, a good place to stay." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana

"Loved the absolute remoteness of the site. And it was bursting with life in mid-March. Nice variety of game and birds.

Guides were very good, with lots of background information provided. Game drives were nice and long, and we headed out right at dawn.

Food was good, not great. Showers were weak. But, considering how remote we were, it was pretty darn comfortable.

All in all, a really great camp. I would return." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana

"We chose to visit Tau Pan during the end of the autumn rains to experience the Kalahari in full foliage before the dispersal of migratory birds and antelope. Our guide (Roggers) and tracker (Vota) responded well to our more general interest in natural history with a comprehensive overview of the surrounding environment and its various inhabitants. We could not have been more pleased with what we saw and experienced.

As we later experienced at other Kwando facilities, Tau Pan Camp was luxurious and comfortable with many helpful and friendly staff members.

See comments by Ms I. from North Berwick for additional details on our shared vacation." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana

"This was a great start to our trip. The birders had a whale of a time spotting, I think, over 100 species in a couple of days.

I was very impressed with our guide, Roggers, and tracker Volte (spelling!). Roggers could not have been more attentive to my needs.

There was a fair bit of driving to see some of the wildlife but because my group were not preoccupied with the Big Five, we were able to put the journeys to good use spotting a wide variety of wild life and habitat on the journeys." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana

"Botswana had fortunately received large amounts of rain and the Kalahari was in full bloom and beautiful. Tau Pan in the CKGR is a wonderful, unique location with great guides and superb service. Our guide Vasco was fantastic, typical of Kwando Safaris. Game viewing in the pans was good, though don't expect wildlife numbers like the delta. The only detail to be aware of is the day trip to Deception Valley is a long, long day and it may not be necessary to do the entire trip." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 6n in Rwanda; 2n in South Africa

"Lovely view and very large comfortable rooms with patio. Requests were dealt with promptly.

As we were in room 5 close to the reception, a little more screening from the side near the main building would have been good.

A good variety of activities and very personable staff. Jessica , MP ( the singing chef) and Scooper being the most memorable.

Also enjoyed sitting round the fire early morning and evening." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 1n in Zambia; 1n in Zimbabwe

"The camp was excellent without excessive luxury.

It was well-run and all the staff were extremely welcoming and efficient. Camp manager Jessica made it a joyful place to be. My guides, Vasco and Scoopa were excellent.

All the outings provided one or more points of interest." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana

"The place was lovely and staff was wonderful.

The game drives, however, require you to drive for hours to see much in the way of animals. There is the occasional jackal and various antelope, but that is not much for hours of driving. And we were there at the end of their summer when the animals in the Pans should be more easily observed (or so we had read).

When we took the long drive to Deception Valley (only available in 8 hour full day drives) we did see the Kalahari lions which were amazing and some bat eared foxes (besides the various antelopes), but those long drives can challenge the spirit of a game seeker." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe