Published Sat, Sep 30, 2025
We stayed for two nights, staff, accommodation, and safari drives were amazing. Would love to return as it was so relaxing.
Private Bag HA 58 HAK, Maun, Botswana
What makes Deception Valley Lodge special, is the rare opportunity to meet and explore this remarkable environment with Bushman Guides of the Naru-speaking tribe, one of the oldest cultures in Africa. Experience safaris and walks with real Bushmen. Exploring the bush on foot, while your guide will teach you of the hunting and survival skills, the culture and crafts of the San people, who over the centuries have adapted their lives to survive in the most inhospitable environment of them all.
Deception Valley Lodge an oasis in the Kalahari of Botswana, a luxury lodge close to the famous Okavango Delta. Experience the Kalahari with Bushman at hand, to share their knowledge, while you can relax in total luxury at this unique destination.
Deception Valley Lodge is situated next to the north-eastern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) in 15 000 hectares of privately owned, pristine Kalahari bush.Here at Deception Valley Lodge visitors will spend time with the Naru-speaking Bushmen. Nomadic hunter-gatherers like the Naru Bushmen were the first people who inhabited Southern Africa. The Kalahari is one of the last regions where the Bushmen still survive. Although they had to adapt their traditional way of life to meet the challenges of modern life, they still have a great understanding of nature and the skills to survive in bush life.These skills are employed and demonstrated to guests at Deception Valley Lodge. Naru Bushmen guides & trackers take guests on day and night safaris in open game viewers, lead bush walks, spend time with them in the hide at a water hole and share with them the Southern Hemisphere night sky. Game drives turn into adventures on and off road, while guests continually learn more about the culture, skills, history and dreams of these unique people. The focus of all the activities is not only on sightings of Kalahari game such as the magnificent black mane Kalahari lion, the majestic eland, masque face oryx or shy brown hyena - but sharing a truly holistic experience of the unique ecology of the Kalahari as revealed and interpreted by expert guides and Bushmen trackers.
Deception Valley Lodge an oasis in the Kalahari of Botswana, a luxury lodge close to the famous Okavango Delta. Experience the Kalahari with Bushman at hand, to share their knowledge, while you can relax in total luxury at this unique destination.
Eight chalets arranged in a sickle moon around a waterhole. Walkways connect the chalets with the main lodge area.
An exclusive haven built in the style of a Colonial farmhouse. Exclusive use of a guide, private vehicle and chef.
1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
Food & Drink - Minibar (fees may apply)
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, bathtub or shower, bathrobes, and a hair dryer
Comfort - Ceiling fan
Smoking And Non-Smoking
Connecting/adjoining rooms can be requested, subject to availability
A fusion of African traditional ingredients and contemporary techniques to give “bush food” an unexpected twist. Created by talented young chef, Veronishka Clayton, a graduate of the International Hotel School of Management and Professional Cooking in Durban, SA. Assisted by Emily le Roux, a Motswana from Ghanzi. Emily was trained as a cook at Deception Valley Lodge by Helen Dewar, nationally acclaimed in-house trainer of chefs in Botswana. Plentiful fresh venison prepared in traditional yet modern ways “Veldkos” (food found in the veld) such Kalahari truffles, wild mushrooms, marogo (similar to spinach) and skilpadkos (a type of succulent) appear in season and ostrich eggs could turn up at breakfast.
In an effort to limit the carbon footprint there is an organic vegetable garden that provides fresh herbs and vegetables to the degree that this arid area allows.
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The main complex boasts a dining room, lounge and bar area decorated in warm Kalahari colours which make use of Bushmen and other African artefacts. From the deck you can view game activity at the nearby water hole. A curio shop and small library forms part of the complex. The lodge has an ethnic African theme and was build to fit into the surrounding bush without altering, damaging or detracting from its ambiance and colour.
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Swimming Pool
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A swimming pool situated close to the main areas, enhances the enjoyment of guests. The boma features prominently during the African nights when guests enjoy their dinner while gazing across a clear African night sky. |
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Based on 207 reviews
5
Location
4.9
Sleep Quality
4.9
Rooms
4.9
Service
4.9
Value
4.7
Cleanliness
4.9
Published Sat, Sep 30, 2025
We stayed for two nights, staff, accommodation, and safari drives were amazing. Would love to return as it was so relaxing.
Published Thu, Aug 31, 2025
It’s a beautiful small lodge with only 10 luxury rooms (with an outdoor shower). The main area has a great terrasse with a close view on the waterwhole, where we could see elephants, lions, kudu’s...