Elephant Pan
Set deep in the heart of the Khwai Private Reserve, Elephant Pan is an intimate, laid-back safari camp built around a thriving waterhole that attracts some of the largest elephant herds in northern Botswana. Surrounded by dry mopane forests and open plains, this remote hideaway blends comfort with wilderness simplicity. Each of the eight tents faces the waterhole, offering front-row views of elephants bathing, hippos grunting, and antelope grazing just beyond your deck.
Days begin with the sound of trumpeting elephants and end under vast starlit skies, where the campfire glows beside the illuminated waterhole. Elephant Pan is all about authenticity, a relaxed, off-grid experience where nature takes centre stage. It’s ideal for travellers seeking connection to the wild rather than excess luxury, and every element of the camp is designed to immerse guests in the rhythm of life at the waterhole.
As part of the 200,000-hectare Khwai Private Reserve, the camp sits within one of the most wildlife-rich ecosystems in Botswana. With access to Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, sightings of predators, elephants, buffalo, and rare antelope are frequent. Add to that guided walks, night drives, birdwatching, and even a sleep-out under the stars at Skybeds, and Elephant Pan delivers a wonderfully rounded safari that’s as intimate as it is wild.
Gallery
Wildlife
- Huge elephant herds gather daily at the camp’s central waterhole.
- Resident hippos, buffalo, and plains game including zebra, kudu, impala, and wildebeest.
- Regular sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dog.
- Roan and sable antelope found in the surrounding woodlands.
- Giraffe, tsessebe, and waterbuck move seasonally across the plains.
- Birdlife is exceptional, African fish eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, carmine bee-eaters, and Pel’s fishing owl among 350+ species.
- No fences between Khwai, Moremi, and Chobe, allowing natural animal migrations.
Game Drives
- Morning and afternoon game drives in open 4×4 vehicles.
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A maximum of 6 guests per vehicle.
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Drives typically last 3–4 hours, depending on sightings and seasonal conditions.
- Led by highly experienced guides familiar with predator tracking and behavior.
- Access to diverse habitats within the private concession for uncrowded wildlife viewing.
Activities & Facilities
- Game drives
- Night drives
- Mokoro excursions (water-level dependent)
- Seasonal boating safaris
- Guided bush walks
- Birdwatching
- Predator tracking with KPR rangers
- Cultural visits to Khwai Village
- Fishing (March–December)
- Scenic helicopter flights
- Sleepouts at Skybeds (seasonal)
- Photography from game-viewing hides
- Swimming pool
- Spa treatments
- Swimming pool
- Main lounge area
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Open-air dining deck
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Outdoor boma
Highlights
- Overlooks a permanent waterhole drawing large herds of elephant year-round.
- Located within the game-rich Khwai Private Reserve, adjoining Moremi and Chobe.
- Underground hide for close, safe photographic encounters with wildlife.
- Day and night game drives offering exceptional predator and nocturnal sightings.
- Guided walks led by expert trackers and professional safari guides.
- Seasonal mokoro excursions and boating on nearby floodplains.
- Access to more than 350 bird species including wattled crane and Pel’s fishing owl.
- Optional Skybeds sleep-out experience (April–October).
Location
- Elephant Pan is located in the Okavango region of northern Botswana.
- The camp is situated in the drier interior of the Khwai Private Reserve, bordering both Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park.
Getting There
- The best way to get to Elephant Pan is to fly from Johannesburg to Maun, followed by a flight via light aircraft to the Khwai Private Airstrip.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Maun: 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Flight time from Maun to Khwai Private Airstrip: 35 – 45 minutes.
- Inter-camp air transfer options are also available.
Special Offers
- Long stay discounts apply when staying at one or a combination of Natural Selection camps.
- 5 – 6 nights: 10% off for stays in Mid season 1.
- 5 – 6 nights: 5% off for stays in Mid season 2, High & Peak season.
- 8 nights: 15% off for stays in Low season & Mid season 1.
- 8 nights: 10% off for stays in Mid season 2 & High season.
- 8 nights: 5% off for stays in Peak season.
Child Policy
- Elephant Pan welcomes children from 6 years old.
- Families with children under 12 must use a private game drive vehicle.
- Families are accommodated in the family tent or with extra arrangements in standard tents.
- Certain activities (walking safaris, mokoro excursions) have higher age limits for safety.
- Activities are tailored to suit family groups and safety considerations.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Included: Daily activities, all meals, beverages, laundry, airstrip transfers and park entry fees.
- Excluded: Premium brand drinks and anything of personal nature.
Rates
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
- Rates are charged per person, per night.
- Single supplement of 40% applicable.
- There is no single supplement from 10 January – 31 March & 01 October – 19 December.
- Rates displayed are valid until 09 January 2027.
Seasons
- Peak season: 01 July – 31 August
- High season: 01 – 30 June & 01 – 30 September, & 20 December – 09 January
- Mid season 2: 31 May & 01 – 31 October
- Mid season 1: 01 – 30 April & 01 November – 19 December
- Low season: 10 January – 31 May
Your Safari, Expertly Curated
Our dedicated travel specialists craft seamless, tailor-made journeys – every detail designed around you.
Tents
Seven twin or double tents are elevated on individual decks and positioned for privacy and sweeping Read more views of the waterhole. Each includes an en-suite bathroom with a hot-water shower, solar power, mosquito netting, and a portable fan. Beds can be configured as doubles or twins. Read Less
| Peak Season | $ 1,045per person per night |
|---|---|
| High Season | $ 945per person per night |
| Mid Season 2 | $ 865per person per night |
| Mid Season 1 | $ 795per person per night | Low Season | $ 595per person per night |
Family Tents
The family tent is raised on a wooden deck overlooking the waterhole and accommodates Read more up to four guests. It features an en-suite bathroom with an indoor shower, solar lighting, and a portable fan. Read Less
| Peak Season | $ 1,045per person per night |
|---|---|
| High Season | $ 945per person per night |
| Mid Season 2 | $ 865per person per night |
| Mid Season 1 | $ 795per person per night | Low Season | $ 595per person per night |
