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
Our best safari to date – exhilarating, luxurious, unforgettable.
We’re seasoned wildlife travellers, and the Letaka tented safari in Botswana exceeded all expectations. The experience offered exceptional access to nature, with wildlife roaming freely and unphased through camp – lions, wild dogs, honey badgers, and hyenas all made memorable appearances. Slightly scary, but utterly exhilarating.
Our guide was outstanding – deeply knowledgeable about wildlife, birds, plants, and geology, with expert tracking skills that consistently led us to the best sightings. They positioned the vehicle perfectly for photography, respected the animals’ space, and made us feel safe and cared for throughout. The camp staff were a formidable team, attentive and respectful, with thoughtful touches like hot water bottles in bed and inventive meals despite the challenges of cooking in the bush. The tented setup was surprisingly luxurious and deeply comfortable.
Game viewing was phenomenal: wild dogs, lions, cheetahs, leopards, bat-eared foxes, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and a spectacular murmuration of queleas at sunset. We even explored the majestic Baobab trees in Mababe reserve – an unforgettable moment. Thank you to the entire team for a truly exceptional safari. We’re already planning our next trip.
