Deception Valley Lodge
Central Kalahari, Botswana
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DECEPTION VALLEY LODGE - CENTRAL
KALAHARI, BOTSWANA
Discover an oasis in the Kalahari of Botswana
not far from the famous Okavango Delta, a luxury lodge called Deception
Valley Lodge. The lodge offers the best Kalahari experience available,
with native Bushmen at hand to share their knowledge while you can
relax in total luxury in this unique and remote safari environment.
Combining a visit to the Kalahari with
a visit to the well-known Okavango Delta in the north provides a superb
contrasting experience with the big-game in the Delta and the well-adapted
animals and Bushman experience found in the Kalahari.
The Bushman experience is the highlight
at this safari lodge. The Bushmen (or San people) are believed to have
inhabited Botswana for at least 30,000 years. A visit to Deception
Valley allows guests to know the Bushman way of life, their strategies
for survival and their hunting skills. Interacting with the Bushmen
of the Kalahari on one of the cultural walks is an experience well
worth the visit.
The star gazing in this remote area of
Botswana is reputed to be some of the very best in all of Africa. Accommodation
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Deception Valley Lodge accommodates
up to 16 guests on a sharing basis. The Lodge offers 6 luxury suites and 2 luxury family suites, each with bedroom(s), a lounge, and a Victorian-style bathroom
with tub and an outside shower. A private deck permits amazing vistas
over the Kalahari. All guest chalets include single
beds which may be combined to form double beds.
The main complex boasts a
dining room, lounge and bar area decorated in warm Kalahari colors
- making use of Bushmen
and other African artifacts. From the deck you can view activities
at the nearby water hole. A curio shop and small library forms
part of the complex. The lodge has an ethnic African theme and
was build to fit into the surrounding bush without altering,
damaging or detracting from its ambience and color.
The Lodge offers an inviting swimming
pool situated close to the main complex to enhance guests' enjoyment.
Additionally, there is a boma for night time meals,
affording amazing views across a clear night sky with its
abundance of stars while listening to the enthralling night calls of
the wild.
Comfort set in vibrant and rustic colored
interiors, Deception Valley Lodge accommodates up to ten people on
a sharing basis.
The lodge is private and restful. Attention has been given to every detail
ensuring for a completely different experience in an arid Kalahari bush
land stretching for miles. Each unit stands separately, on stilts connected
with the main lodge by wooden walkways.
Each unit consist of a luxury twin-bedded
room with en-suite Victorian style bathroom, an outside shower and
a private spacious lounge. For
your convenience a hairdryer, shaving plugs and bathrobe are standard.
All units are fitted with ceiling fans and mosquito nets. A private mini-bar
will ensure your comfort during an afternoon siesta. After a night-cap,
turn in for a peaceful sleep nestled among the comfortable and safe surroundings
of the lodge.
Pilots and guides are accommodated via 2 guide tents, with separate shower and toilet. If lodge
accommodation is requested, it depends upon
availability and must be arranged prior to arrival.
Children above the age of 6 are welcome – must make use of Family suites and private game vehicle
Activities
Activities at Deception Valley Lodge
include:
Games drives with open 4 x 4 vehicles;
Night drives to explore the nocturnal species;
Bird watching - over 200 species, from the deck at the main lodge or in
a hide at one of the water holes;
Nature walks with experience guides;
Guided walks with the Bushmen to explore their culture, survival and hunting
skills and their extraordinary knowledge of the veld and animal life (extra cost);
• Two night mobile safari in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (extra cost);
Specialized Guided walks - survival of plant, animal and man in this arid
semi desert - by prior arrangement.
The guided walks with the Bushmen take around 3 hours although it is a short
distance. Guest will be able to interact with the Bushmen and learn from
them, experience, taste, feel and experience the way these wonderful people
of
the
African
continent
used to live, and how they adapted in this arid land.
Sample Itinerary: Arrival
at the lodge via a charter generally just after lunch. Drinks on arrival
at the
airstrip
and a
20 minute drive
will take you to the lodge.
Formalities will be handled and you will be checked into the lodge to
settle into the comfort of your private unit before tea and the afternoon
activity, a game drive in an open 4x4 with experienced guides to enjoy
flaming sunsets and return to the camp after dark just in time for a
pre-dinner drink After enjoying a romantic African dinner you can retire
to your room or have coffee in the lounge or around the fire depending
on the mood.
The next morning an early wake up call, and light breakfast will put
you on your way to a morning activity.
A walk with the bushman will surely be a highlight of your stay in Botswana.
This educational experience will enhance your appreciation for the survival
skills of the plants, game and humans in this harsh environment.
Brunch will be served, and guests may
then relax around the pool, read books from the library, do
some birding from the deck or take a
siesta.
After teatime another game drive or walk will be arranged according
to the groups needs, sundowners overlooking the valley and then a dinner
served in the boma around a fire admiring the great view of the galaxy.
The second night ends with a night drive where the guest can look forward
to encounter some nocturnal species and some of the rare smaller cat
species.
Depending on the time of departure an activity will be arranged before
breakfast and departure the next day.
Please note that this is a sample itinerary and drives and walks might
be alternated between morning and afternoon activities.
Wildlife
The Central Kalahari is home to
an amazing variety of wildlife including Cheetah, Wild Dog, Leopard,
Lion, Springbok, Gemsbok, Hyena, Giraffe, and Zebra. Some of the most
wonderfully adapted inhabitants are the Barking Geckos, which limit their
day to a few cool hours of evening. The Tsamma Melons are a vital source
of food and moisture to the Gemsbok, which has evolved its striking markings
to generate a cooling airflow across its face. The flow reduces the temperature
of the animal's blood which circulates through the fine capillaries occuring
all down the length of its snout.
This part of the Kalahari is also home to a huge array
of colorful and exotic birdlife as well as an adequate sampling of
Africa's "little brown jobs." Among the birds likely to be spotted
are the Ostrich, various vultures and other raptors, the Little Bee-eater,
the stunning Lilacbreasted Roller, and the Secretary Bird, which trounces
snakes by hopping upon them with its long legs.
Nocturnal species bring the Kalahari
alive at night. On game drives at Deception Valley, guests can expect
to encounter Genets, Civet, African Wild Cat, Caracal and Serval among
various others. Game drives will also concentrate on
tracking down species such as Black-backed Jackal, Ant Bear and Porcupine.
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For further information about the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, click More
Kalahari
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