Sedia Riverside Hotel - Maun

Traditonal Botswana Dancing at Sedia Hotel

2010-09-16T07:05:00.000-07:00

Sedia Hotel Flood Research

2010-05-13T04:18:00.000-07:00

Camp in the best of comfort, close to what may well be the greatest flood of your lifetime. Book an accommodated tent and do your own research on what could be the 'mother of all floods.'

Sedia Riverside Hotel is also an internet hotspot - bring your laptop and keep up to date with the latest research information. Walk the banks of the mighty Thamalakane River while you still can - marvel at the majesty of a vibrant river in full flow. Get close to the action - these are the good old days!

Sedia Riverside Hotel Inquires:

2010-01-17T02:18:00.000-08:00

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ampamp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ampamp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ampamp;amp;lt;a href="http://oceandavid.wufoo.com/forms/sedia-riverside-hotel/"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ampamp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ampamp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ampamp;amp;gt;Fill out my Wufoo form!&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ampamp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ampamp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ampamp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ampamp;amp;gt;

African Jacana - Mating at Sedia

2010-01-17T01:47:00.000-08:00

(Photo: Dr. Ernst Reitan)

Timing is everything - a time to mate and a time to be born and timing a great photo. Here we have 2 African Jacana mating just upstream from Sedia Riverside Hotel. Notice the 2 eggs resting on their floating nest. They lay up to 4 during the mating season - "They construct relatively flimsy nests on floating vegetation, and lay eggs with dark irregular lines on their shells, providing camouflage amongst water weeds^[1]."

Sedia now has a 9 metre boat for sundown cruises - a chance for you to see the bird life along the shores of the mighty Thamalakane River and look for animals by the Maun Game Reserve. What a wonderful way to end the day.

Global Travellers - Sedia Riverside Hotel

2010-01-14T05:12:00.000-08:00

Sedia Riverside Hotel attracts guests from all over the world. Here we have Jean- Christophe Devillers and Allan Bimson having a look at a classic Citroen. The map they are looking at shows a trip from Paris to Peking and returning via Moscow. Hopefully the driver will include his Botswana trip on the map after he returns home.

Maun Hotel Comfort

2009-10-18T03:50:00.000-07:00

The Sedia Riverside Hotel has its very own African ambience, cuisine and hospitality. Step inside the cool reception area and enter an oasis of relaxation with a very welcoming atmosphere.

This cozy hotel offers visitors a unique venue in which to unwind, relax and enjoy the personalized service in a environment exuding character.

At the Sedia Riverside Hotel, you will discover 24 rooms and 10 chalets. Recent refurbishments have been completed throughout to provide cheerfully decorated accommodation with an individual African theme and contemporary fittings including air conditioning, satellite TV and a private verandah overlooking the lawns and gardens which stretch to the banks of the Thamalakane River.

Other facilities include a fast wireless internet service available throughout the grounds , a large swimming pool shaded by a jacaranda where refreshments are always available creating a delightful idyll.

Afro Trek Safaris, based on the premises and close at hand, offers a range of safari activities into the Okavango Delta or beautiful Moremi Game Reserve and beyond. Or simply relax over a quiet drink poolside.

No matter what pace of life you are seeking, the warm and friendly Sedia Riverside Hotel offers guests the choice, with very comfortable accommodation in a spacious, tranquil setting at very attractive rates.

No Guts - No Glory

2009-09-26T02:10:00.000-07:00

Sitting at the Terrace of Sedia Riverside Hotel provides the opportunity to meet some very interesting travelers. Last week I met Gerard Swanepoel aka GUTS. The man has lead groups from Cape to Cairo twice and safaris all over southern Africa. The evening we met he had just returned from an AfroTrek Safari into Moremi Game Reserve. Photography is one of his passions and the above photo is from his collection.

Click on his name above and you will visit his Extreme Adventure Africa Safaris site. The following is a quote from the Discovery Adventure website:

"Guts is the perfect nick-name for this hardcore lover of life. A true explorer and extreme adventurer, Guts’ passion for photography has taken him to some of the most remote, yet extraordinary places just to get that perfect shot. Trained in adventure tourism, he is very well equipped to take you out into the wilds of Africa to experience a trip of a lifetime…just don’t forget your camera!"

Sedai Riverside Hotel, Maun Map

2009-08-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

View Sedia Riverside Hotel, Maun Botswana in a larger map

Sedia Riverside Hotel, is situated north of the town of Maun, and is set in 7 hectares of beautiful, shady gardens, along the banks of the Thamalakane River. This hotel is an ideal base to explore the renowned Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve, and is also the perfect destination for business people and tourists alike, when traveling to or from Victoria Falls, Gaborone, South Africa or Namibia. Sedia Riverside Hotel prides itself on its African ambiance, superb cuisine and genuine hospitality.

The main building houses the reception, 2 restaurants with indoor and outdoor dining areas, the popular well-stocked, terrace pool bar, (with its own menu) and an indoor cocktail bar. Many of their guests relax and unwind around the crystal clear swimming pool, with lazy sun-loungers and tables/chairs supplied. An Internet Café, gift shop and Afro Trek Safari office are located in a separate building, inside and to the right of the hotels entrance way. Other facilities include a volleyball court, children’s climbing frame and a pool table. There is also 24hr secure parking. A visit to the hotel’s wellness centre, for a variety of treatments and massage’s, including manicures and pedicure’s, is a must, especially after a hard day’s drive or safari.

Maun Hotel With Chalets

2009-08-09T01:20:00.000-07:00

Are you planning to visit Maun, Botswana with your family or a couple of friends? Perhaps a hotel room won't provide the privacy you desire. Sedia Riverside Hotel has 8 chalets to cater to you needs. Notice the beautiful mukwa door - the chalet has a tasteful modern interior to match the exterior. The pool terrace bar is only 30 metres away if you want some company.

Sedia Riverside Hotel - Maun Flood 2009

2009-07-13T05:31:00.000-07:00

Visitors to Sedia should be aware of of special conditions developing in and around Maun, Botswana. The Thamalakane River is at record hight not seen in 30 or more years. Last week the Boronyane River started to flow for the 1st time since the 1980's. The Sashe River, which you pass going out of town - on your way to Toteng, is rumoured to flood any day now. The Boteti River is also flowing and is worth a boat ride to see and enjoy.

With all this excitement going on, we still found time to record Maun's most well known pilot - John Allott - as he was crossing the Hippo Pool to check on activity at the 5th pipe. Come and enjoy the 2009 Flood. Celebrate the recharging of the Okavango Delta.

Pearl Spotted Owl In Residence At Sedia Hotel

2009-04-22T04:29:00.000-07:00

Actually, it could well be a pair of Pearl Spotted Owls. These 7 or 8 inch wonders can sing up some beautiful sounds - described as a series of long lilting tu-tu-tu's. They tend to like starlite nights for their singing forays.

The Pearl Spotted Owl is described as earless. In discussions with Jon Dalsegg, a birder of note himself, he informs me they actually have assymetrical ears, it is just that they are pronounced.

Regardless, while visiting Sedia Riverside Hotel, listen for them late afternoon and on moonlite evening. The photo is from Flickr - I have yet to see one live, let alone get a phote like this.
Visit the source of the photo at http://www.flickr.com/photos/pattheplant/2658606094/ .

Sedia Riverside Hotel, Maun - Just Married!

2009-03-06T03:33:00.000-08:00

February 27th, 2009 - Janet and Allan Bimsom entering the reception tent after getting married in Maun, Botswana. What a wonderfull day of celebration - music, dance and song. Sedia Hotel still has a special buzz following the event. Best Wishes.

Chameleon Staying at Sedia Hotel, Maun

2008-11-30T00:44:00.000-08:00

A special guest at Sedia Riverside Hotel - a large Chameleon. Just moments before this shot the Chameleon put on a great display of dining skills. The tongue can extend upto 1.5 times their body length and it is very accurate. For this dinner the Chameleon was dining on emerging termites that were starting to fly out of their holes in the ground. Ah, a feast fit for a Chameleon!

Courtesy of Sedia Riverside Hotel, Maun

2008-10-25T03:56:00.000-07:00

Arrive at Sedia Riverside Hotel in the comfort of their new luxury courtesy van. Advise them of your arrival time at Maun International Airport and you will be picked up and arrive at the hotel in 1st class style and comport. All aboard for Sedia Riverside Hotel - meet and greet never was so good - feel like a king or queen.

Tour d'Afrique Rests At Sedia Riverside Hotel

2008-04-22T01:36:00.000-07:00

' Tour d'Afrique' is on it's annual Cairo to Cape Town 12,000km bicycle tour. Over 50 tour riders and support crew were at Sedia for a two day rest. Their trip takes 95 days. The stopover gave them a chance to do a mokoro trip, go for a game flight or just relax around the pool and fill-up with some luxury - like cheese cake. Early Monday morning they were back on the road and heading for Windhoek, Namibia. Everyone looked strong and in great shape. Cape Town and the finish line is calling them. Good Luck to the Tour dAfrique group!

Okavango River of News

2008-03-21T02:38:00.000-07:00

Are you planning to visit Ngamiland, Maun or Sedia Riverside hotel? Are you planning a business trip or a safari? If you are looking for stories, photos or videos of the Okavango - visit Okavango River of News and click on the items that interest you.

Leave a comment on the site and let us know if you thought it was good research or of general interest. Happy surfing.

Irish Adventurers Visit Sedia

2008-03-06T02:54:00.000-08:00

Jim Quirke, Kimmo Pentalla, Ambruse Blaine, John O'Kelly and Philip McBride - just doing it!

When 5 large BMW motorbikes pull up at sundown, it creates a stir of excitement. When it turns out to be 4 Irishmen and and honourary Irishman from Finland, you know the ambiance will bubble with good-natured stories and laughter.

Apart from seeing Africa, these men are on a mission. The following is from the website AroundAfrika - "AROUND AFRICA website about charity Bike trip from Dubai across Middle East and Africa is now online. You will be able to follow up how far our Team of 4 Dubai based biker's is progressing from stage to stage."

The team flew home from Maun. They will be back in October to complete the last stage of the journey. Visit their site and find out about FSCE - Forum On Street Children - Ethiopia.

Beauty In Nature - Maun - Sedia Hotel

2008-03-01T00:29:00.000-08:00

The rainy season is slowly drawing to a close. It is still 'wet and wonderful' on the outside and nice and dry inside. Standing next to the Terrace Pool Bar can give you much to look at - like this photo. Looking over the rooms and beyond the Conference Centre, we can see nature in all her beauty.

We have had over 600mm of rain so far - well above the average of 450mm. March should give us our final significant downpours.

Sedia Riverside Hotel, Maun - Feeling Pink

2007-12-11T06:41:00.000-08:00

The Pink Caravan has made a December visit to Sedia Riverside Hotel with 2 buses of Swedish travellers. They are a group of adventurers and holiday makers. First they plan their activities - game flights and trips into the Okavango Delta. Then they make merry.

With all the spirit of Christmas merrymakers they carry-on into the night - swimming, shooters, playing pool, singing and talking. There are at least 50 people in the group and everyone seems involved in the festivities. We wish them well on the remainder of their 5 country tour and hope they all have a Happy New Year!

Sedia - Sanctuary In A Storm

2007-12-07T06:47:00.000-08:00

The above photo was taken on December 5, 2007 outside of Sedia Riverside Hotel. Two hours later we had 47mm of rain - cracking thunder and at times big gusts of wind. All of this are signs that the rainy season has started. To date over 150mm of rain has fallen at Sedia.

When visiting Maun, particularily in the rainy season, turn at the Sedia sign and find sanctuary from the storm. You will find it dry, warm and friendly inside.

The World Is At Sedia

2007-08-12T05:01:00.000-07:00

Safari Day Trippers Getting Back To Sedia

It's early August and everything is in full swing. I can hardly understand what anyone is saying. Dutch, Italian, Spanish languages are flowing all around me. It seems like much of the world has come to visit.

Rooms are full, the campsite is bustling with activity and Afro Trek Safaris is heading out to Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti and Chobe on a daily basis. Safari vehicles that are not used for safari trips are taking visitors into the Delta for mokoro trips.

Make sure you book ahead and confirm all reservations, as you are approaching Maun. Everyone here wants to make sure your trip of a lifetime happens as you planned. Come and join the international environment. See you by the Terrace Pool!

Annual Flood Graces Sedia

2007-06-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

Annual Flood Comes Rushing Down Thamalakane River

First the Flood was starting to enter the Hippo Pool at the Old Bridge - 11:40 AM June 16th. Then it started to build-up. Soon you could see that the Flood was 'pushing.' By 4 PM that afternoon it was passing under the Old Bridge at about 1/2 cu. metres per second.

By 6:15 AM June sixteenth it passed by Sedia Riverside Hotel and was making its way quickly towards the new bridge in Maun. It was a day for children, adults, dogs, cows and donkeys - a day to celebrate on the malapo. Pula to everyone!

Pelicans Camping At Sedia Hotel - Maun

2007-06-03T03:21:00.000-07:00

The beginning of June has brought flocks of Pelicans to Sedia Riverside Hotel. Come the end of the day, they arrive in the hundreds and hundreds. First they enjoy the thermals and show their majesty and grace in the skies. Then the Pelicans circle lower and finally they land on the banks of the Thamalakane River - to rest for the night.

The final sunlight of the day makes the scenes spectacular to watch. Some Saddle-Backed Storks are also camping with the Pelicans. We hope they continue to camp with us for a long time. We enjoy Pelicans In Residence.

Tour d'Afrique at Sedia

2007-05-06T01:38:00.000-07:00

The 2007 version of the Tour d'Afrique has just been through Sedia Riverside Hotel. Over 30 bicycle riders from 12 countries have just visited for two days. They are a colourful group with all the biking gear you can imagine. The group is expected in Cape Town on May 12th - go and celebrate the tour with them.

It is the annual Cairo to Cape 12,000 km. bicycle ride. In the picture you see the support vehicle and some of the bikes. They arrived on Saturday, had a rest day on Sunday and were back on the road early Monday morning. These are serious bike riders and they have serious fun. Click on the link above to find out more information.

Sedia Riverside Hotel From Space!

2007-03-27T05:42:00.000-07:00

Sedia Photo - Out of this World

Here we have Sedia Riverside Hotel from Google Earth. At the top of the picture is the main hotel and guestrooms - then there is the terrace area and pool. Around the ourside you see the chalets. Towards the Thamalakane River you have the camping area.

Here is how we look from space - how the Martians kind of see us. Come and see for yourself, how we look from ground level. We guarantee you will have a soft landing.

Sweden Invades Sedia Hotel, Maun - Pink Caravan

2007-03-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

'Pink Caravan' at Sedia Riverside Hotel

Three or four times each year the 'Pink Caravan', a Swedish Overland Tour Company visit our campground. Each visit is 2 or 3 days of rest, comfort and Mokoro Trails trips into Moremi Game Reserve.

Each group is more than 30 young people, on holidays - visiting Southern Africa. They bring a wonderful spirit of maturity and enjoyment. Stop in and enjoy the spirit and sense of adventure they bring with themselves.

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-24T04:12:00.000-08:00

Love Celebrated at Sedia

Maun must be full of romantics. Sedia Riverside Hotel was packed for dinner on Valentine's Day. Candles surrounded the pool, live music serenaded the lovers and prizes for best dressed and best dancers were awarded. The dinner was a grande sucess.

Next to New Years Eve, Valentine's Day is the most celebrated day of the year. Cupid is busy at Sedia. Visit - you may also fall in love.

Overlanders at Sedia

2007-02-11T03:54:00.000-08:00

Overlanders travel rain or shine. Here we have Jean-Christophe Devillers and a joyeux group of French travellers sitting back and telling some after dinner safari stories. Jean-Christophe works with Trans Africa Expeditions and camps often throughout the year at Sedia. He is one of the more experienced Chef d'expedition in Southern Africa. His personal company is enjoyed by all our staff when he visits.

All French travellers should click here to visit the Trans Africa Expeditions. Enjoy

Sedia Relationship Building

2007-01-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

Sedia Riverside Hotel and Mo Happy People

Sedia Riverside Hotel and Mo Happy People Travel and Tours have developed a new working relationship to start the New Year. Both hospitality companies look forward to providing highly satisfying visitor experiences. In the picture you see members of staff from both companies dining with guests from Germany.

Mo Happy People Travel and Tours was established to offer and render quality travel, tourism and hospitality products, services and advise to prospective customers and clients alike. Passion and the love for our job encourage us to exceed your expectations. Click on the link above and visit their site.

Their Vision is to Become Your Absolute One–Stop Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Solution Company, Providing You with Quality Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Products, Services and Advise.

The Travel Net - Africa

2006-12-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

The Sedia Riverside Hotel has recently been highlighted on The Travel Net a webside about world travel. Click on the above link and visit the site. What follows is an introduction taken from their article:

David blogs of Africa and in particular that beautiful unspolied parcel of wilderness – the Okavongo Delta. Tourists travel to the Okavongo Delta from all over the world for the amazing wildlife viewing opportunites. The elephants and hippo are especially plentiful.

The Sedia Riverside Hotel sits at the edge of the Thamalakane River and because of its location the hotel is considered a prime travel destination by travelers. In one of his posts David writes of the hippos that he saw just down river from the Sedia…
Continue reading ‘The Okavongo Delta is a Bird Lovers Paradise - Botswana’

"Ke Mo Sedia!"

2006-12-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Maun Celebrates Life at Sedia

Sedia Riverside Hotel is a special place in Maun. The reasons people celebrate at Sedia are as long as your arm. During any given week there are wedding reception, company parties, a child’s birthday party, training workshops in the Conference Centre, a special dinner with your wife of girlfriend or a football team celebrating their winning end to the season.

Many people arrive back in Maun for a visit. They sit at a shady terrace table and work their cell phones. “Ke mo Sedia… Ke mo Sedia…” Soon their table is full of old friends, pleasantly chatting away – their conversation mixing with the splashing coming from the pool and gentle breezes rustling the shade giving leaves. Who could ask for anything more!

Request For Information - Sedia Riverside Hotel

2006-12-16T03:52:00.000-08:00

&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href="http://oceandavid.wufoo.com/forms/sedia-riverside-hotel/"&gt;&lt;br&gt;Fill out my Wufoo form!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;

Botswana Prepares For Xmas

2006-12-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Party – Maun

The holiday season is fast approaching. Santa and Sedia Riverside Hotel are busy catering to the season’s festivities. Tables are being joined together for company dinner parties – white tablecloths set with wine glasses, plates, cutlery and candles. The staff is as helpful as Santa’s elves. Ho, ho, ho!

Larger groups are catered to on the expansive lawn. Often a big tent is set-up for serving food, dancing or just in case it rains. This is the way to start the holiday season – at Sedia Riverside Hotel. Be prepared for the New Year. Merry Christmas to all!

Daily Post, Liverpool - Review

2006-11-06T10:46:00.000-08:00

Trevor Peake Review - Sedia River-side Hotel

Trevor visited Sedia Riverside Hotel in June, 2006. Other excerpts from Trevor's visit can be found at Afro Trek Safari:

"With 28 bedrooms, all en suite, six chalets, which are sizable detached two bedroom dwellings, a couple of bungalows, ten permanently erected tents and a large caravan site with good facilities, the Sedia set-up is a big undertaking."

"Allan and Janet have furnished all the rooms and chalets with beautiful examples of African art and crafts over the years, and there are carvings, masks, pictures and basket-wear throughout the hotel, with the reception area a genuine sight to behold."

"The facing wall as you walk in is dominated by a five feet tall carving of the African continent featuring the 'big five' - lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard. I counted ten carvings of giraffes, some over siz feet tall, eight hippos, a couple of elephant, rhino and buffalo, and numerous masks and birds, a splendid introduction to the Sedia experience."

'Stormy Weather', Sedia Style

2006-10-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

The Calm Before The Storm

October is upon us and the rainy season is quickly approaching. The photo is shot from just beside the pool and Terrace Bar. We were fortunate to have 20mm of rain at the end of September. Anytime now the serious rain storms can start. If the storm is serious enough, power can be interrupted, but fear not - candles are always in good supply.

In a country where the currency is called Pula, which means rain, you have to enjoy the rain showers when they arrive. After all, we are situated on the edges of the Kalahari Desert. The good news is Thamalakane River is still at it's peak and many of us are hoping the rains will help keep the water levels high. There is more water in the river in October than there has been for 10 or 20 years.

A Botswana September

2006-09-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

September at Sedia Riverside Hotel

The month of September is now with us. It's dry, dusty and windy. The grass has gone, the leaves have fallen - it's the time of year when, it could be said, nature bares it's soul. This bareness is very short live, with many trees already pushing through new foliage and certain tree species actually blossoming.

Within our complex at Sedia Riverside hotel, we are fortunate in having one Kigelia africana or Sausage tree. Not only is it sporting new leaves, but also boasting several flowers in the bud stage on their hanging racemes. These are in full blossom within a day or two, no doubt to the delight of Peters Epauletted Fruit Bats. They will devour the fruit and also feed on the nectar of the large flowers. The flowers are cup shaped and very vivid in colour, being dark red to maroon.

The large sausage shaped fruit which eventually materializes, up to 500mm long and 150mm in diameter are very heavy - made up of a fibrous pulp with seeds embedded inside. These large, heavy fruits have a tendency to fall at the most unsuspecting moments and could prove lethal to an innocent by-stander taking a breather in the shade beneath a Kigelia africana.

David Livingstone camped under one such tree in a village in Northern Botswana, before setting eyes the next day on a magnificent waterfall 70 km away. That waterfall is now known as the Victoria Falls and the village, where he camped the night before coming across the falls , is known as Kazungula.

Maybe it's a pity he didn't have an encounter with one of these sausages during his stopover that night. Just think, the whole course of recent African history could have been changed by a falling sausage!

Wildlife Extremes Sedia Style

2006-08-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Many of our guests go on safari during part of there stay. The majority want to see and shoot photos of the 'Big 5.' They are in search of Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino. In particular people seem to want to see the big cats. What about the 'Small 5?'

For people who like the contrarian view, humour or just something different - think about the Small 5 the next time you are on safari. Check with your guides, reference books and fellow guests. Make sure these Small 5 are not missed:

The Ant Lion is an insect wit four wings and looks like a dragon fly. They create funnel shaped traps to catch their ant prey.

The Leopard Tourtoise is the biggest land tortoise in Southern Africa at ever 20kg. We can see the shell pattern in the photo.

The Buffalo Weaver nests high in trees where the branch forks and makes it nest from twigs and course grasses.

The Rock Elephant Shrew can weigh in at over 50 grams and up to 250mm in length.

The Rhino Beetle has a horn in it's head, much like the Rhinoceros.

You will probably have to get closer to the Small 5 to get good pictures. Regardless, it provides good diverion during tea breaks, meals or around the campfire at night. If you get a good photo, I would be happy to show it here.

Home Made Chef = Home Made Cooking

2006-08-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

Here we have "Captain" surrounded by his staff. Starting from the left, we have Mary Kgwathisi, Moitsholi "Dollars" Ngore, "Captain" and Dievenge "Dicks". Together they make the kitchen hummm.

Born and bred in Sedia Ward, Maun, Botswana Mompoloki "Captain" Bakwadi is the Sedia Riverside Hotel Chef. Cooking is a family tradition. His father has been a Chef with well known lodges and safari operation in Ngamiland.

Soon after joining Sedia in 2001, Captain was moved to the kitchen and trained under Edward Jakie - a chef of regional renown. The following year he was sent to the famous Victoria Falls Hotel for two weeks of on the job training. Shaka, Mary, Dollars and Dicks back up and support Captain in the modern and spacious kitchen.

Captain's favourite meal to present to guests is prawns - stir fried with butter, garlic and other secret herbs. Most visitors believe his best dish is fillet steak. For my tastes, he has taken the preparation of pizza in Maun to a new level - his 'Quattro' is hard to beat.

Traditional food is most often eaten by visitors from the bordering countries of Namibia, Zinbabwe and South Africa. Listen to Captain when he says to those who travel, "When you visit Botswana, I would really like to prepare a traditional African meal for you!"

Beware - Hippopotamus Crossing

2006-07-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

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.