Beware - Hippopotamus Crossing

It's late on a Sunday morning and I'm watching these two hippos from across the Thamalakane River - about 300 metres down stream from the hotel. They have been eating the river grasses and wading along the far shore for the last half hour.

The 'far shore' is the best place to watch hippos. They can be very territorial. Males like to mark their territory so that other hippos are aware and act appropriately. It is said that they kill more humans than any two other animals, in Africa. When the ears start to flick quickly and the mild, deep grunts become loud snorts - its time to move away.

Although hippos look fat and seem to have a smile on their face, they are all muscle and very serious. Top sped on the open malapo can be over 30 kilometres per hour. Reaching lengths of up to four metres, hippos will at times attack a boat twice their length.

When you see a group of hippos sleeping together on a river bank, it is hard to believe they can be so reactionary. Field glasses give you the freedom to be at a safe distance and see closely inside their mouth's when they yawn.

Do you want to work up a hunger for lunch? Tha 'Old Bridge' is just about two kilomentres up stream and a picturesque walk. When you stand in the middle of the bridge and look downstream, you are looking at the Hippo Pool. If you are lucky a group of hippos will we lounging on the banks.

Bird Lovers Paradise

Mid-June and the Quelas' are flying in their dynamic formations over the Thamalakane River - here they are in front of Sedia. Two years ago, when Lake Ngami finally refilled, the numbers were in the 10's of thousands. Now they are just in the thousands - but still a marvel to watch.

Sundown is an active time, with many flocks all returning at the same time from the day of foraging. The occasional flash of silver as they swoop and dive is eyecatching. With their special navigation skills, they all seen to find the right temporary rousting tree. The chatter escalates each time a new flock joins a tree. It seems that there is much to talk about after a day on the wing.

A late afternoon walk down to the river is often rewarded with a view of the 'high priest' of river fishing - the African Fish Eagle. What could be better than two in one tree. Few fishing trips are complete without a story of the Fish Eagle stealing a fish from a boat. With a good storyteller, you can almost see the extended talons ready to grab it's catch of the day.

Bird lovers have identified over 130 different birds in and around Sedia. They mark the seasons and for many make the trip. A checklist is available for the enthusist, to help keep track of their sightings and sounds

Your welcome at Sedia Riverside Hotel

It is a unique hotel, small with just 24 rooms and 8 chalets and a delight for those in search of something with character. Extensive lawns and gardens back onto Sedia Riverside Hotel, in which a large swimming pool is the principal feature.

Step inside the cool reception area and enter an oasis of relaxation with a very welcoming, cosy ambience. This atmosphere of contentment is made complete with a splendid cross -cultural mix of Euro-Afro cuisine, prepared with a contemporary flair by expert chefs and served either indoors or al fresco on the poolside deck.

This shady poolside deck area offers a good relaxation area, overlooking the lawns with refreshments always available. It is the perfect place to unwind and relax, all discreetly hidden behind the Hotel.

Whatever the reason for your visit, you are sure to have a very comfortable stay at Sedia. No matter if you’re a business person seeking a comfortable and quiet place to rest after a hard days work, someone participating in a meeting at our Conference Centre, or just passing through to one of the many National Parks and Game Reserves in the area, our individually styled rooms should suit your requirements.

We have singles, doubles and twins all are readily available with private verandas overlooking our lawns and gardens. The guest rooms, all en suite, have been cheerfully decorated with an individualistic African theme each with its own private veranda overlooking the lawns.

The rooms provide contemporary facilities and fittings including air conditioning, satellite television and complimentary tea and coffee. The Chalets are fully self-contained and include air-conditioning, spacious lounge with T.V. (digital satellite) kitchenette with fridge and veranda overlooking the lawns. The life style at Sedia Riverside Hotel can be al fresco, with breakfast taken in the garden, while lunch and dinner may be enjoyed under mulberry trees on the poolside deck or inside the restaurant. But where to eat and drink is a matter of mood and appetite, coolly casual or a bit smarter perhaps with light Euro-African cuisine, ideally suited to the climate.

You choose either from the buffet or a la carte - taken in the garden, on the pool deck or in the candle-lit air conditioned restaurant, embraced by the moody African decor. Our quality chefs and their team are always prepared to tempt you to an array of gourmet delights.