Reviews of Tau Pan Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
90 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Tau Pan Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
83% success
29% success
29% success
5% success
95% success
95% success
83% success
30% success
27% success
24% success
14% success
5% success
5% success
0% success
0% success
"Tau Pan Camp review"
Game in the CKGR definitely isn't on the same level as in the Okavango Delta, and the park is best enjoyed for its scenery and the vastness of the landscape rather than trying to seek out particular animals (though we did find a cheetah), particularly since vehicles can't follow animal tracks off road or drive after dark. Though Kwando provide a tracker in the vehicle, we felt that the quality of the guides here was generally lower than in the delta - both in terms of expertise and in listening to what we wanted (we ended up on an 11-hour game drive on one very hot day, having asked for a shorter drive in the morning). And this was the only camp where our party of 4 was asked to share a vehicle with other guests (though there is a maximum of 6 per vehicle, in 2 rows of 3 people).
It's worth being aware that the "bush walks" offered are a short stroll to a "demonstration area" near the camp, where a tracker will describe survival techniques used by local people.
Overall Tau Pan is a very good camp and worth a couple of nights to experience the CKGR." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana
"Tau Pan Camp review"
Onty (plus OB) and the tireless Ras. worked hard under dIffiicult weather conditions to keep guests happy. Beautiful staff singing before dinner enhanced the experience." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana; 3n in Namibia
"Great lodge but animals not great"
But again relatively poor safari drives compared to other countries. It was good to have seen the Kalahari but in all honesty this place is disappointing in terms of animals. We were not sorry leave. It was not exciting." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Lions close by at Tau Pan Camp"
All the staff were very friendly and the food was fantastic - especially the roast chicken! Great view of the watering hole from breakfast, and lions passed through the camp on several occasions (once only a few metres away from our room!)
Day trip to Deception Valley is worthwhile, though it is a long day. Bushman walk also very entertaining and informative - definitely recommended." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 5n in Seychelles
"Tau Pan Camp review"
Our guide, Lucky, and tracker, PK (sp?), were wonderful. They were friendly and extremely knowledgable. We'd never been on safari before and so had no idea what to expect. Lucky and PK taught us a lot and were simply good company over fairly long days. Lucky is particularly knowledgable about birds, and PK's bush skills are fascinating and impressive. The guides were all quite friendly, and we had a great time with them one evening when they regaled us with stories from their guiding experience. Another staff member, Milady, was a gracious hostess.
We saw quite a bit of wildlife including three separate groups of lions, antelopes galore (primarily springbok and oryx, but also hartebeest, kudu, steenbok, duiker), bat eared foxes, jackals, ostrich, lots of birds and an impressive looking cobra. Others in camp at the time saw a cheetah hunt. Birds spanned the range from eagles and vulture through ground birds to lovely little bee eaters.
The bushman walk with PK was excellent and a nice break from the jeep. The trip to Deception Valley is well worth it but LONG and covers some rough terrain.
The food was of generally high quality but the remoteness of the location means there's a little less fresh food than some other camps and more of an emphasis on stews and roasts." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Tau Pan Camp review"
The camp managers Tuso and Nalady were outstanding in their people skills! WONDERFUL CONVERSATIONS!
Thank you!" See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana
"Tau Pan Camp review"
"Tau Pan Camp review"
"Tau Pan Camp review"
The basic amenities and sparsity of this and open style desert camp, and the exposure to all animals around the huts, took some time to acclimatise to.
Personally I was nervous in these surroundings when walking to and from our hut to the main building, others may find it exciting. Future guests might like to know that animals are able to roam throughout the camp, unlike other safari lodges I have visited that are fenced." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 1n in South Africa
"Tau Pan Camp review"
We also enjoyed our fellow guests here the most. VERY friendly people visit this camp. I think this is the hottest place on earth that I have ever been. The only recommendation is for a room fan. HOT. ( 38C/100F )" See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 5n in Zimbabwe; 4n in Seychelles; 3n in South Africa
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