Guest Book

TLOUWANA CAMP
A relaxed owner run and operated camp that offers not just a Chobe National Park safari but an interesting cultural experience
Location: in Lesoma Valley which borders the Kasane Forest Reserve. Running parallel with the border of Zimbabwe, Lesoma Valley is home to a couple of basic lodges, private homes and Lesoma Village 2.8kms away. Characterized by open spaces dotted with camelthorn acacia this scenic valley is a significant breeding ground for white backed vultures. During the dry winter months large herds of elephant and buffalo, usually closely followed by leopard, lion, hyena and wild dog, pass through as they migrate from Hwange to the floodplains of the Chobe River
Access: a 20-30 minute drive from the Botswana/Zimbabwe border and 35-40 minutes Kasane Airport through the Kasane Forest Reserve
Guest areas: there is a communal lounge and bar and a separate dining area. Outside in the indigenous garden are a raised viewing platform overlooking a waterhole and a refreshing swimming pool with lapa and loungers. Throughout furnishings are fresh and pretty
Accommodation: seven well-appointed classic tents (king and twin) set on raised pine decking, one of which is wheel chair friendly, and two enormous family tents that can sleep up to five guests. Each tent is air-conditioned, has a pedestal fan, mosquito net, dressing table with tea/coffee tray, charging station, laminate flooring, comfortable chair and large deck. The bathroom with indoor shower, w.c. single vanity, hanging space is most spacious. Request tents 1-5 as these are water hole facing. Tent 1 which has twin beds is wheel chair friendly
Activities: include a morning boat cruise, an afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park and depending on game a night drive along the Lesoma Valley. As the entrance to Chobe National Park is a 45 minute drive through the Kasane Forest Reserve guests generally opt to have lunch at The Old House in Kasane between activities (there is no additional cost for this). A guided cultural tour of Lesoma Village by vehicle or bicycle is fun and educational
Lesoma Valley: demand for land and urban migration are slowly becoming a fact of life and something, that in time to come, will begin to become more apparent. Pressure for land is huge as people migrate from their traditional homelands to towns in search of work. Lesoma Valley is a good example of this and more importantly of how humans and animals can coexist in close proximity. As I found out this requires understanding, acceptance and an open mind. The reason I mention this is because when I headed out on my afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park I was greeted by the sight of a couple of donkeys grazing not far from camp. My immediate reaction was one of disappointment as its difficult to recommend a safari lodge based on a donkey sighting. When I arrived back at Tlouwana after a couple of hours game viewing in Chobe my mood had changed. Where there had been donkeys there were sable, wildebeest, impala, jackal, giraffe and zebra!
Lesoma Village: offers an insight into local history, culture and community. The tour, be it by bicycle or by vehicle, starts off at the water springs which are the reason why the Chief decided to settle in Lesoma. This is followed by a visit to the Chief (if he is around), a visit to the customary court (which is still used), the primary school (Botswana has a progressive education system), the health post and the Big Baobab where a stash of weapons were hidden by Rhodesian forces. The Lesoma Memorial Monument was erected in memory of 15 BDF members who were killed during the worst single attack inside Botswana during the Zimbabwean Liberation war
Our opinion: comfortable and understated, friendly staff and good home cooking Tlouwana Camp is a great choice for families and those who are seeking an affordable safari

I had a wonderful three nights at Tlouwana Camp. Staff where first class and the night games drives where magical. We even got to see lion. I stayed in the family unit which was unbelievable. I can truly recommend Tlouwana Camp.

We are dedicated safari-goers and have visited dozens of camps over the years. This camp is one of the best. Conceived as a classic camp with a 21st-century veneer, the concept certainly works. The tents are spacious and well-appointed, the food good and imaginative but not over the top the activities flexible. The staff and guides can only be called first class, the service can compete with far more up-market venues.

One of the best places in Chobe which gives you the real African experience. Great place and location away from the town noise, you will have your peace and quiet out in the outskirts of Kasane.