Unique Botswana Safari Experience: The Sleep-Out Camp at Tsodilo Hills

Are you looking for completely unique safaris in Africa that will provide a deeper connection with nature and the cultures that have lived there for centuries? Desert & Delta’s new Botswana safari offering sees travellers experience a truly immersive adventure in their Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp.

Botswana Safari With a Sleep-Out

Desert & Delta’s Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for guests staying at Nxamaseri Island Lodge located in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a prime Big Five safari destination in southern Africa.

From the lodge, you’ll venture along the Nxamaseri channel in a boat before taking to the road to get to the location of the camp, Tsodilo Hills. In just about an hour to an hour and a half journey, you’ll be in one of Botswana’s most historically and spiritually significant places.

At Tsodilo Hills, home to “The Mountains of the Gods”, you’ll stay overnight in traditionally designed and eco-friendly sleep-out pods. These pods are inspired by traditional bushmen communities and seamlessly blend with the environment, honouring the local heritage of this region. The camp features open bathrooms with bucket showers, outdoor dining, and unobstructed views of this iconic region for a fully immersive adventure.

Visit Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites

This Botswana safari tour gives guests the opportunity to explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Okavango Delta and Tsodilo Hills.

Okavango Delta: A Big Five Safari Destination

This vast and pristine freshwater wetland supports an abundance of wildlife within a setting of stunning natural beauty. The Okavango Delta is home to vast numbers of plains game as well as unique antelope species like puku, sitatunga, and red lechwe. It’s also a renowned stronghold for predators, including lions, leopards, and African wild dogs, and hosts many sought-after bird species for birdwatching safaris, such as Pel’s fishing owl, bee-eaters, and kingfishers.

One of the best experiences to do in this region is mokoro safaris. This takes you along the waterways in a traditional dugout canoe to see the wilderness and wildlife from a different perspective.

Tsodilo Hills: An Ancient Historical Site

Tsodilo Hills is a mysterious and highly spiritual place, held sacred to the local San people, the original inhabitants of this land. It consists of large pieces of rock that rise out of the desert. The bigger rock is known as the “male”, the smaller one as the “female”, and the smallest one as the “child.”

This site has some of the region’s finest collections of ancient rock art. According to archaeological research, it’s estimated that Tsodilo Hills has been inhabited for the past 100,000 years! This makes it one of the world’s oldest historical sites. Pottery, iron, glass and shell beads, carved bone, and tools have all been found here.

Activities at the Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp

During the sleep-out safari, guests have the opportunity to hike the Male Hill for stunning panoramic views of the Kalahari Desert and the expansive wilderness. You can also explore the centuries-old rock art collection found here. Tsodilo rock art is interesting to behold – see many depictions of isolated figures as well as wild and domestic animals.

The rhino polychromes and the eland panel are among the most famous of the art here, but you’ll also see geometrical patterns. Go on exploratory walks into the wilderness led by local expert guides who will point out and explain all of the aspects of this land that make it so unique.

Then, enjoy sundowners in the African bush. The evenings are spent gathered around a fire to hear and witness the multi-generational tales and traditions of the San people, a cultural experience that is sure to be one of the most memorable parts of your safari in Botswana.

Desert & Delta’s Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp will take you on a journey into Botswana’s rich history, traditions, and cultures in the heart of the wilderness. For a truly unique and immersive safari experience, look no further.