Itineraries
Wild Kalahari
Duration - 4 days
The Kalahari Desert produces scenes of shimmering mirages, springbok herds, stately gemsbok and regal black-maned lion. All this can be seen in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, one of Africa's largest protected areas. Game drives explore the areas surrounding the shallow pan systems and isolated waterholes. Islands of stunted acacia dot broad savannah and provide shade for predators such as cheetah and lion, while specialised species as diverse as meerkats and springbok thrive on the plains. This short Exploration unlocks the fascinating wildlife treasures found in this wonderful area and San Bushman experiences provide insights into the distinctive culture of this fascinating people. A three-night stay here provides a perfect contrast to the Okavango and Linyanti regions and rounds off the diversity of northern Botswana.
This short exciting Kalahari Exploration is also recommended as a contrasting add-on to Migration Routes or a lodge-based itinerary through the Okavango and Linyanti.
This Exploration has the following unique features:
- A short Exploration that provides an exceptional and unique Kalahari Desert experience as well as glimpse into the culture of the San people.
- Habitat is entirely different and desert-adapted species not present in other areas (such as springbok, gemsbok and red hartebeest) may be easily seen in the central Kalahari.
Day 1 - Deception Valley Lodge
Upon arrival in Maun you depart overland to Deception Valley Lodge.
Deception Valley Lodge is located approximately 40km from Deception Pan, bordering the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The lodge accommodates 16 guests in private chalets, each with a spacious lounge, en-suite Victorian-style bathroom, outdoor shower and veranda. The main area, connected to the units by elevated wooden walkways, boasts dining, lounge and bar areas. From the deck wildlife can be seen at the nearby waterhole and there is a curio shop, small library, swimming pool and boma for evening meals.
On the evening of arrival, you will enjoy a night drive. The main activity on the day of departure on Day 2 includes a short game drive en route to a guided Bushman nature walk.
Days 2 and 3 - Kalahari Plains Camp
After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will have the unique opportunity to experience the Kalahari Bushman way of life.
You then depart by road on a game drive transfer to Kalahari Plains Camp where you will spend the next two days exploring and observing the unique fauna and flora that this starkly beautiful region has to offer.
Kalahari Plains Camp is situated in a remote part of the diverse and productive Central Kalahari Game Reserve and offers some fascinating wildlife viewing opportunities. Located in the Kalahari Desert biome in the central part of Botswana, this reserve is the largest conservation area in this country and at 5 million hectares (12 million acres), one of the largest in the world.
Kalahari Plains Camp comprises six Meru-style en-suite tents with a central area with lounge, dining area and central bar. The tents and main area are all raised off the ground to catch the breeze and take in the sweeping spacious view across the Kalahari. Solar power provides electricity and hot water, and the innovative insulated canvas walls and roof keep the temperatures inside comfortable.
Thanks to the diversity of habitats, healthy game populations move through the area. In the winter months, the Kalahari is more typically a desert-type system: warm and dry. Game viewing remains productive and moves into the vegetated dunal belt and pan systems surrounding the valleys; a series of ecologically placed waterholes further enhance wildlife viewing. Gemsbok, springbok and blue wildebeest are commonly seen. Predator concentrations can be good and sightings of lions are complemented with possibilities of the best cheetah viewing in Southern Africa. Wild dog and leopard are seen on occasion and black-backed jackal and bat-eared fox are common. Other mammal possibilities include southern giraffe, steenbok, red hartebeest and the charismatic ground squirrels and meerkats (suricates).
Day 4 - Back to Maun
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