Available: 15 June - 31 Oct
Operating from: 15 June - 31 Oct.
Available to: all bookings staying 3 nights or more at Leroo La Tau, subject to availability.
Operates with a minimum of 2 pax and accommodates a maximum of 6 pax. Larger special groups are available on request.
Weather: The sleep-out is subject to weather conditions and seasonal rain on the day. Should weather affect the sleep-out, an alternative day-trip experience will be arranged.
Sleep-Out experience: only valid for a maximum of 6 people and must be pre-booked before arrival.
Please note: the Sleep-Out is not guaranteed. Weather conditions such as strong winds, seasonal rain, or cold fronts may affect the experience and result in cancellations. Guests will be offered a day trip to the Nxai Pans if the Sleep-Out is not possible.
Conditions: Conditions can get extremely hot, the journey can be rough and challenging, and the nights are cold. Remember, it is just you, a warm bed, and the salt pans with some basic amenities. There is no tent or hot and cold running water.
Animals and creatures: Don't worry, there are no wild animals that can cross your path while you are sleeping at night. The pans are covered in a crusty salt layer. There is no water or plants and therefore no incentive for wildlife to come out there. No snakes, scorpions, or big cats. Mosquitoes are unlikely to be encountered.
Room at the lodge: Your room will be kept for you. You may leave your valuables in the safe or with the management and simply pack a light bag with your overnight things.
Which day: While the camp will do its utmost to accommodate guest requests and preferences, unless a private activity surcharge is booked for the duration of the trip, camp management will allocate which day the Sleep-Out will take place.
When can I book: Sleep-Out bookings usually begin in June and end in October when the rains start. Guests may request Sleep-Outs in June and November but should be aware there is a high chance of cancellation due to inaccessibility and seasonal rainstorms. The pans Sleep-Out operates only in the dry season.
Weather (June - August): You can expect the days to be warm to hot but manageable, around 25 to 35 degrees during the day, and in the evening the temperatures drop significantly. Occasionally, temperatures can get close to freezing, and with the easterly winds, it can feel colder than freezing at night.
Weather (September - November): Days begin to reach extremely high temperatures. The afternoon journey to get to the pans will be extremely hot. Temperatures of 35 to 40+ degrees can be expected daily. The wind can feel like a hot oven. The temperature drops quickly at sunset, and the evenings are pleasant to cool. Despite the extremely warm daytime temperatures, the evenings can still be chilly.
Toilets/shower: The team will prepare a basic portable "bush toilet". There is no water for flushing, but a natural system has been devised. There is no shower, but the camp will prepare a small canvas "bush-basin" with water to freshen up in the morning and evening.
Meals: A delicious bush menu is prepared and cooked on an open fire under the stars. Breakfast is basic continental style.
Sleeping arrangements: The team will prepare what is referred to as a "bedroll", which consists of a mattress with a duvet, pillow, and extra blankets for warmth. The bedroll is covered in thick, durable canvas, and guests sleep directly on the ground under the stars. There is no tent, covering, or mosquito net.
Double bed: All bedrolls are three-quarter size and can fit a couple close together. Clients may request their preference on the day.
How long does it take to get there: Total journey time is around 3-4 hours.
Wi-Fi: There is no Wi-Fi and no cell phone reception.
Emergency: In case of emergency, there is a satellite phone to contact camp and/or emergency support.
C-PAP: There is no electricity or back-up power. Guests with quiet lithium battery-powered C-PAP machines may be able to join the Sleep-Out, but anybody with pre-existing medical conditions should seek medical advice.
