Makgadikgadi Pans
Leroo La Tau
This 4-star lodge, run by Desert and Delta safaris, is up there with the best regarding wildlife watching potential from your doorstep.
Leroo La Tau is located on the bank of the Boteti River. This waterway forms the western boundary of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. After being completely dried up for 20 years due to sustained years of drought, the river has once again flowed since 2009 thanks to heavy seasonal rains in the Okavango.
A major drawcard to the Boteti River is to witness one of the largest zebra migrations in Southern Africa. The zebra population here swells as they come to graze on the valley’s nutrient-rich grasses, as part of their annual passage between the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi salt pans. Many other herbivorous species are present, and with them, predators including lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena.
Each suite looks directly over the valley, and a purpose built hide down the riverbank provides exceptional big game viewing. Fabulous breakfasts and lunches are served along with three course dinners, that are eaten in a communal setting along with other guests.
A small pool provides an ideal way to cool off after a safari drive or walk, and the lodge’s staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming. An optional night sleeping under the stars, out on the salt pan is possible.
Facilities
Outdoor swimming pool, communal fire pit area, game-viewing hide, bar, dining area and lounge, small shop selling locally made crafts and souvenirs and a large communal deck for dining and socialising.
A daily laundry service is included in your stay, and there is a library above the reception area that is well stocked with books and games. The Wi-Fi is patchy but good enough in the main building.
The 'open' bar means you are free to help yourself to a selection of beverages at any time.
All of the suites have a ceiling fan, en suite bathroom and private veranda overlooking the river valley below.
Local Wildlife
Lion, cheetah, leopard, brown and spotted hyena, jackal, caracal, genet, zebra, elephant, giraffe, steenbok, wildebeest, Chobe bushbuck, impala, kudu, porcupine, crocodile, hippo
Optional Activities
Guided game drives in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, boat excursions (dependent on water level), cultural excursions to Khumaga village, day trips to Nxai pan and Baines Baobabs, and a 'sleep out under the stars' experience.
Jonathan Morris
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding our Botswana tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
On behalf of my wife and myself, I would like to thank all at Reef and Rainforest for arranging so superbly yet another exceptional wildlife experience. As you are aware our ‘expeditions’ tend to be species led and this year’s brief was to observe and photograph the ‘Three Big Cats of Africa’ in a truly wild setting (i.e. no fences). Your recommended destination, Botswana, did not let us down, in fact the whole trip proved an outstanding success in all aspects.
We stayed in three camps (three nights in each) across the Okavango Delta and surrounding area, each provided a different environment which ensured our aims were met. Each camp was run to a very high standard, was extremely comfortable and provided excellent meals. The quality of guiding and tracking in all our camps was of the highest standard. As Botswana manages its natural resources so well all the camps were small (no more than 18 guests) ensuring a very intimate safari experience in pristine wild African habitat.
I am delighted to report our big cat objectives were realised. All observations were lengthy and offered excellent photographic opportunities. However, unexpectedly, the highlight of our spectacular trip turned out to be sightings of two separate packs of African Painted Dogs. We visited two dens, the first had a very healthy number of adult dogs, approximately fifteen and eighteen pups. The second had seven adult dogs and sixteen pups. At Lebala we had the privilege of spending a prolonged period of time following the pack of dogs as they hunted, an experience we will never forget.
When one also considers the significant mammal and bird species we observed, Botswana is truly a must visit destination for the wildlife enthusiast. Incidentally we also observed three serval and two African wild cats. We also thoroughly enjoyed our few days at Victoria Falls, possibly the most spectacular waterfall in the world, the hotel in Zimbabwe was excellent. Viewing the falls from the Zambian side and also the helicopter flight are both well worth doing.
This was our third consecutive trip with Reef and Rainforest, and I would be very surprised if there is not a fourth being planned very soon. Thank you all once again.
