Welcome to Little Pan Camp – an Adventure on a River Island

Hey there! Join me on an extraordinary journey to Little Pan Camp, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of a river island.

Get ready for a thrilling experience where you can immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. At Little Pan Camp, you’ll have the chance to explore the untouched wilderness, encounter captivating wildlife, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

But before I tell you more about this incredible adventure, let me explain what makes Little Pan Camp so special.

A Unique Location

Picture this: a quaint little campsite located on a picturesque river island, with crystal-clear waters gently flowing by. Sounds magical, right? Well, that’s exactly what Little Pan Camp offers.

As you step onto the island, you’ll be greeted by lush greenery, vibrant bird songs, and the soothing sound of the river. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, where you can truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Thrill of Exploration

Now, let’s talk about the adventures that await you at Little Pan Camp. Whether you’re an avid nature enthusiast or someone looking for a new experience, this place has something for everyone.

Embark on a riveting safari into the heart of the island. Guided by experienced naturalists, you’ll have the opportunity to spot majestic creatures like elephants, leopards, and even the elusive Indian wild dog. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness these incredible animals in their natural habitat.

Don’t worry if you’re not a wildlife expert – the guides at Little Pan Camp are passionate about sharing their knowledge and will ensure that you have a deep understanding of the flora and fauna you encounter.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. You can also partake in thrilling boat rides along the river, where you might spot crocodiles basking in the sun or catch a glimpse of colorful kingfishers diving for their next meal.

For the daring souls, there’s even an opportunity to camp under the starry night sky. Imagine roasting marshmallows around a crackling bonfire, sharing stories of your adventures, and falling asleep to the soothing symphony of nature.

A Retreat for the Soul

Little Pan Camp is not just about exploration and adrenaline-pumping experiences. It’s also a place where you can unwind and reconnect with yourself.

The serene surroundings and peaceful ambiance make it an ideal spot for yoga and meditation. Start your day by practicing gentle yoga poses on the banks of the river, feeling the cool breeze against your skin and listening to the sounds of nature. It’s a rejuvenating experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Moreover, the camp offers delicious locally sourced meals, prepared with love by talented chefs. Feast on traditional delicacies and savor the flavors of the region, while enjoying the company of fellow adventurers.

Time to Embark on Your Adventure

So, are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to Little Pan Camp? Pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and get ready to reconnect with nature in the most extraordinary way.

This hidden paradise is waiting to be discovered, and I assure you, it will be an experience like no other. Let the river guide you, the wildlife enchant you, and the serenity of the island captivate your soul.

See you soon at Little Pan Camp – your gateway to a river island safari!

Imagine being surrounded by nothing but nature, with the sounds of the wild and the serenity of the stars above. That’s exactly what you’ll find on this secluded island.

Welcome to the Okavango Delta, just 15km away from Maun, Botswana.

Maun has transformed from a quiet town into a bustling safari hub, where peaceful nights are hard to come by due to the constant barking of dogs. But there’s a hidden gem called Little Pan that brings back the tranquility you seek. Nestled on an island in the Thamalakane River, on your way to Moremi’s South Gate, this intimate tented camp offers you a haven of calm as soon as you step foot on its grounds.

When the sun sets, the acacias surrounding the mess tent become a lively habitat for bush-babies. It’s a sight that never fails to amaze me.

The river that encircles the camp has been severely impacted by three consecutive years of drought. Its once powerful current has dwindled to a mere trickle. However, this doesn’t deter the wildlife that frequents the area. They continue to roam freely, completely unaffected by the river’s predicament.

A remarkable fact about this camp is that it has been awarded Botanical Garden status, with its very own ecosystem of plants. Little Pan, as it is affectionately named, is the first of its kind in the Okavango Delta. Exploring this pristine landscape is a sensory delight. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of untouched nature.

Tags are scattered around the camp, providing information about the various plant species that inhabit the area. This allows us to educate ourselves about the diverse flora we have encountered during our bush adventures. It’s fascinating to learn about the different plants and their unique characteristics.

With an icy G&T in my hand, I was led to my ‘room’ – and boy, was it a sight to behold. The canvas walls of the large tent, styled like a traditional Meru tent, were pulled back, allowing the gentle rays of the afternoon sun to filter in. Inside, the decor was simply stunning. It was so enchanting that it was tough to leave and make my way to the mess tent for dinner. But the tantalizing smells and the approaching darkness finally tempted me away.

The camp has four luxurious and incredibly spacious tents. It’s like stepping into a dream.

We gathered around the warm fire as the sun dipped below the horizon, sipping on our evening drinks. The resident bushbabies provided endless entertainment as they gracefully leaped through the branches. As night fell, dinner was served in a magical candlelit setting. Each plate that arrived was a masterpiece, tempting our taste buds.

After dinner, the staff set up a night camera near the waterhole. In the morning, we eagerly looked through the photos captured by the camera. The ghostly images revealed a secret world that came alive under the cover of darkness. We spotted bats soaring through the night sky, a genet stealthily moving about, and even a magnificent aardvark.

After spending a month camping in the wild, my friends and I decided to take a break and not participate in the many activities available. There were horseback safaris, mokoro trips, and day safaris into Moremi, among others. We did go on a guided bush walk, but I have to admit, once I found myself lying next to the swimming pool (which is designed with a sloped bottom so that hippos can exit if they decide to join the party), I couldn’t resist counting the birds in the nearby trees. At that point, I considered my Botswana bush holiday complete.

What I Loved the Most
There are only four tents at this camp, and two of them are family-friendly. They are nestled among beautiful mature trees. I had the most amazing night’s sleep there. I woke up to the sounds of a glorious dawn chorus in the surrounding foliage and took a refreshing outdoor shower while listening to the sound of elephants snapping branches nearby.

Price
The cost was R6,000 per person, which included all meals, local drinks, transfers, and a nature walk.

My Experience Exploring Different Travel Destinations

This story was featured in the January 2020 edition of Getaway magazine.
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Please note that prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication but may have changed since. Make sure to double-check with the respective establishments before making any bookings or purchases.