Information
You’ll find Camp Kalahari amongst the acacias and mokolwane palms of Brown Hyaena Island, on the edge of Botswana’s hauntingly beautiful Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Wildlife in the surrounding savannah includes brown hyena, bat-eared foxes, elephant (the camp swimming pool is a welcome stop!), meerkat and during the green season, spectacular numbers of zebra and wildebeest.
In the desert, rain is everything. When the drops start to fall, the transformation of the desert around Camp Kalahari is remarkable – the words chalk and cheese spring to mind! From November onwards, the cycle of life is stimulated, and algae blooms, crustaceans breed, and clouds of flamingo descend. Then comes the rumble of Africa’s second largest ungulate migration; epic herds of 30,000 zebra and wildebeest chased by black-maned lion, cheetah, wild dog and leopard. Dramatic to say the least.
In the dry season (May to October), normal, desert duties are resumed on the Makgadikgadi Pans. A haze settles above the salt, and the sun shimmers on the scorched, dry ground. And those photos of us racing across the landscape atop roaring quadbikes? This is the perfect time of year to try it out.
Rooms
Meru Safari Tent – 6 Twin Tents
All traditional Meru safari tents are En-suite and furnished with rich textiles, Moroccan kilims and four poster beds.
Meru Safari Tent – Family Tent
All traditional Meru safari tents are En-suite and furnished with rich textiles, Moroccan kilims and four poster beds. 2 Family Tents.
The family tent is made up of 1 double + 1 twin joined by 1 common bathroom
Meru Safari Tent – 4 Double Tents
All traditional Meru safari tents are En-suite and furnished with rich textiles, Moroccan kilims and four poster beds.
Facilities
• The style of the camp is refreshingly SIMPLE, COSY, COMFORTABLE and traditional.
• Guests can relax in a traditionally built THATCH LIBRARY, LIVING AND DINING AREA.
• PLUNGE POOL with DECK.
The common areas include a central library and a living and dining area, festooned with an eclectic mix of original African furniture and colonial antiques. Meals are refreshingly simple and wonderfully tasty, and served, family-style, at the long table. There’s also a thatched swimming pool, providing the perfect place for a refreshing dip on a hot afternoon – just watch out for the eles who might pop in for a quick drink too. We’ve kept our use of electricity to a minimum too; there are electrical lights in the bedrooms, but when night falls, the majority of camp is lit by twinkling paraffin lanterns (but camera batteries and other appliances can be charged in the safari vehicles when required).
Activities
2 Hour Horse Riding Activity
Enjoy a 2 hour morning or afternoon leisurely horse riding activity across the pans with our expert riding guide. This activity is not included in the nightly rate so should be booked additionally. Guests booking the horse riding activity will forfeit the other Camp activities running at the same time.
Children above 8 years of age are welcome.
Zebra & Wildebeest Migration – Green Season only
During the green season, experience the migration of zebra and wildebeest – the second biggest in Africa, and the last remaining in Southern Africa.
Fallen Baobab
Visit the site of the Fallen Baobab, one of the three largest and oldest trees in Africa and the camp site for Livingstone and Selous.
Camp Kalahari Quad Biking
During the dry season, spend a morning quad biking across the lunar expanse of the pans.
Camp Kalahari Horse Safaris
Explore this wild, unspoilt area in the same way as the earliest explorers, hunters and missionaries did – on horseback.
Camp Kalahari Bushmen Walk
Spend time walking with a group of Zu/’hoasi Bushmen for a glimpse into their ancient culture, understanding how they use the flora and fauna to survive in this sparse environment.
Walking with Meerkats at Camp Kalahari
Get up close and personal with our families of habituated meerkats. Head out from camp at sunrise, so that you are ready to tail these delightful omnivores as they set off in search of their breakfast. Walk amongst them (advised by your guide) and if you take a seat you might be lucky enough to be mistaken for a termite mound, where you’ll be used as a look out point for predators.
Game Drives at Camp Kalahari
Game drives allow you to experience unique desert wildlife such as brown hyena, bat eared foxes and if you’re lucky enough, lion & elephant.
