LEROO LA TAU
The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park stretches away from the banks of the Boteti River, through its interior of scrubland and grasslands, ending at the extraordinary salt pans in the east.
The Makgadikgadi Pans are the remains of a great lake that once occupied a significant portion of Northern Botswana, covering approximately 60 000 square kilometers.
Due to the absence of an outlet for the water, there was a considerable amount of salt residue left behind after dramatic climate change, which caused the drying up of
this once majestic lake. The results are salt deposits which are now a well known characteristic of this region.
After the start of the rainy season, this desert area teems with wildlife as herds of zebra and wildebeest graze to their heart’s content on the wide open green grassland plains. During the wet season there is an influx of migratory bird species, while resident desert species welcome their visitors by showing off their breeding plumage.
At the onset of the dry season, this area is populated by up to 30 000 wildebeest and zebra, which have remained after migrating down to the Makgadikgadi in their search for wet season grazing. The migration brings with it an increase in levels of predator activity. You may even experience the exhilaration of being caught in a stampede zone as predators hunt around the lodge.
Leroo La Tau is not only about lion, zebra and wildebeest. Leroo La Tau also boasts Chobe bushbuck, leopard, brown and spotted hyena, impala, kudu, jackal, porcupine, genet and caracal, to name but a few. In addition, there is also the possibility of seeing the rare white rhinoceros. Most unique however, are the crocodiles and an amazing pod of hippo which have survived in extremely adverse conditions for over 12 years. The hugely contrasting seasons and terrain make this area of the Makgadikgadi a unique haven for large herds and predators alike.
The Boteti River last flowed in 1993, as a result of climate change and erratic weather cycles which caused the once crystal clear waters to dry up. Leroo La Tau is built on cliffs over 15m high above this arid riverbed, and in the dry season wildlife concentrates around the water hole in front of the lodge.
The main reception and lounge area of Leroo La-Tau is located on the top of these cliffs, so the raised vantage point ensures unsurpassed views of these desert inhabitants as they congregate below to quench their terrible thirst.
The lodge offers 7 East African style Meru tents, each with en-suite bathroom, on individual raised wooden platforms.
The main lounge and dining room area with its inviting wooden and thatch finishes, offers guests the opportunity to sit back and relax at the bar while listening to the wide variety of night sounds so characteristic of the African bush. Alternatively you can lounge around the pool while appreciating the herds of zebra and wildebeest which are often seen around the lodge grounds and the waterhole.
The lodge offers a variety of activities which include both day and night drives as well as day trips to Nxai Pans and the famous Baines Baobabs.