Deception Valley Lodge
Deception Valley Lodge is located in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana, not far from the famous Okavango Delta. A passion to protect the surrounding environment runs through the lodge and the experiences guests will receive. The lodge is unique; it offers the rare opportunity to explore the outstanding local area with bushmen guides of the San peoples, who are direct descendants of one of the oldest cultures in Africa. Have an enjoyable, homely stay and make lasting memories at this individual destination which overlooks the waterhole. The area was once home to the San Bushmen and boasts lots of different game species; the location offers breathtaking endless horizons, the soft afternoon colours creating a feeling of paradise.
Deception Valley Lodge, Botswana
Deception Valley Lodge is situated on the north-eastern boundary of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which is one of the largest game conservancies in Botswana, covering a colossal 43,000 hectares of land. Wildlife local to the area include antelope, giraffes, zebra, elephants, black-mined lions, and if you’re lucky, packs of wild dogs roam the area. The Lodge has its own private airstrip, which is accessible via a 30 minute flight from Maun.
- Authentic safari lodge in the Kalahari decorated in warm colours
- Traditional, hands-on, welcoming owners
- Explore the surrounding bush with bushmen guides from the San peoples
- Choose from one of the many areas to relax in, from the refreshing swimming pool to the comfortable lounge area and authentic fire pit
- Ethnic African theme, built to blend into the surrounding bush
- Overlooking a waterhole, where thirsty animals gather to drink
- Stargaze at a nights sky full of stars and unpolluted by artificial light
Each standard luxury suite is naturally lit, bright and spacious with an authentic safari feel. Each room includes twin beds, with ceiling fans to keep guests cool and draped mosquito nets to keep the bugs at bay. En-suite bathrooms are fitted out in a Victorian style, including a large bathtub. As well as an indoor shower, each suite comes with its own outdoor shower for guests to enjoy a refreshing shower in nature. Enjoy a pleasant drink on your porch, breathing in fresh Kalahari air, from your rooms own mini bar.
There are two inter-leading chalets at Deception Valley Lodge, which are perfect for families. Traditional décor and authentic African rugs help make guests feel at home. The two chalets share a communal veranda and a private lounge, perfect for spending time as a family. The en-suite is also decorated in a Victorian style and amenities such as mosquito nets, fans and mini bar are the same as the standard rooms.
The dining room is in the main complex of the lodge, it continues the authentic look and feel of the rest of the camp and is decorated in warm Kalahari colours, with traditional African artefacts on display. Traditional bush-food with a twist is served, allowing all aspects of the guests’ stay to be seeped in local culture.
Guests have the chance to meet the traditional San Bushmen from the Naru speaking tribe where guests can learn the tracking and survival skills of the San people. Learn all about their knowledge of the local plant-life and watch as they make bows, arrows and other tools. This is a truly unique experience, not offered anywhere else. Take a guided walk with a traditional San Bushmen guide and track animal trails whilst learning about their culture.
Day and night game drives are offered from Deception Valley Lodge. The vehicles are led by professional guides and Bushmen trackers, allowing for sightings of cheetahs, leopard, black-maned lion, giraffe and elephant. Some elusive animals you may spot are brown hyena, pangolin and aardvarks.
Spend an unforgettable evening under the stars, looking up at wide night sky, unpolluted by light. A professional telescope is available for a closer look at the stars and from June to September there is the possibility of being able to view Mars, Jupiter, and Jupiters four moons.
Deception Valley’s environmental vision is to return farmed and hunted land into wild and natural land. Through their efforts “the visible legacy of the farming days is fast disappearing.” Deception Valley is working with other organisations to help create corridors between key migration areas, and make sure there are no obstacles in the animals’ way. As well as all this, they work to help preserve endangered species, such as the white and black rhino.
A commitment to the surrounding area by the owners has allowed the conservancy to expand to “one of the largest privately owned conservancies in Botswana.” Five farms were bought in 2019 that have since been incorporated into conservancy. Deception Valley Lodge has established their own Deception Valley Conservancy to protect and care for the area in which they work. The main aim of the conservancy is to return hunting land and previously farmed land to untamed land, helping to increase biodiversity.
Through activities guests will learn about the region, understanding the importance of conservation first helps to inspire and encourage change.
Deception Valley Lodge strives to keep their carbon footprint as low as possible through the use of solar power and systems wherever it is possible, they also recycle to help minimise waste and are currently phasing out the use of plastic water bottles and growing their own vegetables. Footsteps in Africa have planned systematic reductions of their carbon footprint throughout all their properties, and they offset the carbon which they can not eliminate.
Footsteps in Africa are striving not just to make a difference to the environment, but are also aware that they have a socio-economic responsibility to the local communities. Footsteps in Africa have a deep understanding and appreciation for the areas in which they work and their responsibility to protect it.
They “believe that sharing a deep connection with the African bush with those who visit will help.” And at their camps they offer all guests activities which are authentic and will help to deepen their understanding of the frailty and importance of the African bush.
Children over the age of 8 years are welcomed at Deception Valley Lodge