Valentines Day Dinner

Hope to see you there - on the Terrace!

Posted by Sedia Riverside Hotel on Wednesday, 10 February 2016

'Stormy Weather', Sedia Style

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.

Wildlife Extremes Sedia Style

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:

1. 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.



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



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



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



5. 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

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!"

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.