Tawana
It doesn't get much better than waking up overlooking the Gomoti River, within the Okavango's Moremi Game Reserve, as hippos wallow, lechwe leap and jacanas walk on water. Away from the crowds, this eco conscious lodge promises an exceptional exploration of the Okavango Delta.
Built in partnership with Chief Tawana Moremi, the supreme chief of the Batawana tribe, Tawana is set to open in May 2024. For century’s Chief Tawana’s forefathers have called this land home and, in the mid 20th century, his family took the visionary step to set aside much of their ancestral hunting grounds to protect the wildlife and help establish the Moremi Game Reserve. This decision has contributed greatly for making the are as one of the most productive game viewing areas in Botswana.
The style of Tawana is “contemporary, with a distinct sense of place”. 100% solar powered, the camp is built on stilts on the edge of the perennial Gomoti River delivering water and grassland views year round. Eight expansive guest suites – including two spacious family suites – are made up of three units (bedroom, bathroom, lounge) connected by a large deck. Each suite has over bed air-conditioning, it’s own lounge, indoor and outdoor showers, large private terrace, plunge pool and outdoor sala. WiFi is found in all suites, keeping the communal areas WiFi free.
Along raised boardwalks, guests find spacious communal areas including an elegant lounge, indoor and outdoor dining spaces and a thoughtfully curated library filled with reference works on the history of the Moremi Game Reserve and local Batawana tribe. A well stocked walk-in wine cellar, wood-fire pizza oven and open-air kgotla (boma enclosure) add to an exceptional culinary offering.
The Moremi Game Reserve is one of the most productive game viewing areas in Botswana with high densities of predators including lion, leopard and wild dog. Twice daily game excursions are led by Tawana’s experienced wilderness guides and trackers, many of whom grew up in the surrounding area. Experts in everything from botany and biology to local lore, these masterful storytellers bring the wilderness of Botswana to life.
Between safaris, guests can enjoy in room holistic spa treatments from a bespoke menu of facials and body treatments to help rejuvenate and relax or use the weights and yoga mat provided in each room. Set quietly away from the main deck is a 16m lap pool – a great place to cool off or burn off some energy. The outdoor lounge around a large firepit is the perfect spot to end the day, under the stars, regaling stories from the day.