The oldest camp in the Kalahari Game Reserve, Tau Pan is named after the pan it overlooks and blends seamlessly into its incredible surroundings. Offering a true sense of wilderness and commanding views over the landscape, the scenic camp sunset views, clear night skies and undisturbed safari experience.
Location
The camp is in Botswana’s Central Kalahari Game Reserve and enjoys an elevated position atop an ancient sand dune overlooking a permanent waterhole. Covering 52,800km2, the reserve is rich in game and during the wetter months, zebra and wildebeest congregate in their thousands to migrate across the vast landscape.
Rooms
Nine raised rooms sit on wooden platforms, each offering spectacular views from spacious verandas. The rooms blend into the landscape and interiors are natural and spacious. Large beds face the views from sliding glass doors and each room has a lounge area and a writing desk. En-suites offer both indoor and outdoor showers.
Communal Areas
Overlooking the waterhole, the main open-sided area houses a lounge, dining room and library. Meals are enjoyed at the communal dining table, the bar operates on a ‘help yourself’ bases and a small lounge benefits from 180-degree views of the landscape. The huge deck area has a fire pit where guests can enjoy post-dinner drinks and to cool off midday, there is a plunge pool with plenty of sun loungers.
Activities
Take nature and safari drives around Tau Pan with a guide and tracker team or venture further afield on full-day trips to Deception Valley, Piper, Sunday and Passarge Pans. A highlight at the camp is the nature walks with San Bushmen trackers who share their life-long knowledge of the wildlife and environment. Guests can also enjoy some spectacular stargazing around the campfire with clear views of the Milky Way.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread-out A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals; these ultimately also draw in predators.
Midday temperatures are however very high during this period, averaging 35°C/95°F, but can often rise well over this to 45°C/113°F or more. Humidity levels though are surprisingly low, so this extreme heat can be bearable and as this is a desert landscape after sunset the temperatures rapidly drop off to a much more pleasant 19°C/95°F. Occasionally mornings can be cold, so do pack a light fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, The Kalahari has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kalahari offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape!
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread-out A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals; these ultimately also draw in predators.
Midday temperatures are however very high during this period, averaging 35°C/95°F, but can often rise well over this to 45°C/113°F or more. Humidity levels though are surprisingly low, so this extreme heat can be bearable and as this is a desert landscape after sunset the temperatures rapidly drop off to a much more pleasant 19°C/95°F. Occasionally mornings can be cold, so do pack a light fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, The Kalahari has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kalahari offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape!
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out. A season of change as the landscape transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals; these ultimately also draw in predators.
Midday temperatures have cooled slightly, averaging 33°C/91°F, but temperatures can still occasionally climb over 40°C/104°F. Humidity levels though are surprisingly low, so this extreme heat can be bearable and as this is a desert landscape after sunset the temperatures rapidly drop off to a much more pleasant 17°C/62°F. Occasionally mornings can be very cold, so do pack a warm fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, The Kalahari has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kalahari offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape!
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out. A season of change as the landscape transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals; these ultimately also draw in predators.
Midday temperatures have cooled, averaging a very pleasant 29°C/84°F. As this is a desert landscape after sunset, the temperatures rapidly drop off to a chilly average minimum of 12°C/53°F. Occasionally mornings can be very cold, even sub-zero, so do pack warm layers, and gloves.
Like the rest of Botswana, The Kalahari has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kalahari offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape!
DRY SEASON
Whilst the occasional shower is still possible, May is the beginning of the dry season. The landscape will still be many shades of green following the rains, with great game viewing opportunities! Midday temperatures are pleasant, but the mornings are cold, with an average minimum low of 6°C/42°F. Sub-zero mornings are very much a possibility here, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
Like the rest of Botswana, The Kalahari has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kalahari offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape!
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape is rapidly returning to a semi-arid desert. Game viewing opportunities remain strong.
Midday temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 24°C/75°F. The mornings are very cold, with an average minimum low of 1°C/31°F. Sub-zero mornings are very common, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
Like the rest of Botswana, The Kalahari has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kalahari offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape!
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape is rapidly returning to a semi-arid desert. Game viewing opportunities remain strong.
Midday temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 24°C/75°F. The mornings are very cold, with an average minimum low of 1°C/31°F. Sub-zero mornings are very common, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
Like the rest of Botswana, The Kalahari has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kalahari offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape!
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape is rapidly returning to a semi-arid desert. Game viewing opportunities remain strong.
Midday temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 24°C/75°F. The mornings are very cold, with an average minimum low of 1°C/31°F. Sub-zero mornings are very common, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
Like the rest of Botswana, The Kalahari has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kalahari offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape!
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape is rapidly returning to a semi-arid desert. Game viewing opportunities remain strong.
Midday temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 31°C/88°F. The mornings are cold, with a minimum low of 8°C/46°F. Sub-zero mornings are still very much a possibility here, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
Like the rest of Botswana, The Kalahari has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kalahari offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape!
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate. Game viewing opportunities remain strong.
Temperatures begin to climb, especially towards the end of the month. Midday temperatures average around 29°C/84°F, but occasionally temperatures can climb over 40°C/104°F. Mornings remain cool to cold, with an average minimum low of 12°C/54°F – so do pack a warm fleece!
Like the rest of Botswana, The Kalahari has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kalahari offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape!
WET SEASON
A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. This great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.
Midday temperatures are however very high during this period, averaging 35°C/95°F, but can rise well over this to 45°C/113°F or more. Humidity levels though are surprisingly low, so this extreme heat can be bearable and as this is a desert landscape after sunset the temperatures rapidly drop off to a much more pleasant 19°C/95°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, The Kalahari has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kalahari offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape!
WET SEASON
A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. This great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.
Midday temperatures are however very high during this period, averaging 35°C/95°F, but can rise well over this to 45°C/113°F or more. Humidity levels though are surprisingly low, so this extreme heat can be bearable and as this is a desert landscape after sunset the temperatures rapidly drop off to a much more pleasant 19°C/95°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, The Kalahari has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kalahari offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape!
Explore Central Kalahari Game Reserve Properties
Camp Kalahari
Camp Kalahari
Camp Kalahari is a rustic and homely camp designed in a traditional safari style and offering a perfect base for exploring the incredible salt pans. The camp serves up ..
Dinaka
Dinaka
Dinaka is a luxurious tented camp situated on a private reserve bordering the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Known for its variety of activities and exceptional game ..
Kalahari Plains Camp
Kalahari Plains Camp
Under the endless skies of the desert, Kalahari Plains Camp enjoys a magical location with some of Bostwana’s best game viewing. Just one of the few camps in the area, ..
What People Say
-
The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
-
We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
-
Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
-
Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
-
Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
-
Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
-
Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
-
We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
-
Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
