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Experiences

What to do in Central Kalahari

If there’s one word to sum up the Central Kalahari, it would be remote. Adventurous, wild and untrammelled, most come here for the experience of simply being and take in the magic of the unknown, desert landscape. Wildlife is not abundant, but sightings are very special and morning, afternoon and night game drives are available at all times of year. Sightings include magnificent Kalahari black-maned lion, cheetah, and desert-adapted antelope like oryx and springbok. In the green season (November to March) quantities of wildlife increase as animals gather at the sources of water. When the sun goes down, there’s a good chance of seeing honey badgers, brown hyena and servals. Alternatively, head out on foot and enjoy the intimate details of the desert, sometimes missed from a vehicle. The other side to the Kalahari is the chance to absorb the culture of the San. One of the oldest peoples on earth, their traditions are complex and fascinating. Join the tribe on a walk, hunting, seeking out medicinal plants and tracking wildlife, or visit the village and take part in daily life.

Track the Kalahari's wildlife on a game drive

Within the super remote Central Kalahari, as dawn breaks or dusk approaches, your expert guide will lead you on a game drive journey across this untouched desert landscape. Traverse the Kalahari in search of big cats (including black-maned lion), meerkats surveying the scene from rocky outcrops and, if you're around between November and April, herds of gemsbok. Stop for a refreshing cup of something hot or a sundowner before you return to camp.
Track the Kalahari's wildlife on a game drive

Meet the San people in Central Kalahari

When you picture the Kalahari, it might conjure up images of endless desert, but we'd like to introduce you to the San people. As the keepers of this land and the oldest culture on earth, the chance to meet a member of this nomadic community is not one that comes around often. Head out with a local guide to meet the people who have mastered a life in the seemingly unliveable desert and see how they make bows and arrows from the flora, use plants to quench their thirst and make a fire with zero matches.
Meet the San people in Central Kalahari

Learn about the stars in Central Kalahari

The already lunar-like landscape of the Central Kalahari is the perfect spot to turn your gaze skywards. Leave camp under an inky sky to join an astronomy expert on an evening of star gazing. Dubbed one of the darkest places on the planet, the Kalahari has a glorious view of the star-spangled sky. Hear all about the legends of the constellations and spot the Big Five of the Southern Hemisphere. These include the most dazzling formations from each type of deep-sky class, from nebulas to galaxies! You'll find the clearest nights between April and October when stargazing is out of this world. Return to base for a warming cuppa by the fire!
Learn about the stars in Central Kalahari

Spot wildlife on a Central Kalahari bush walk

Strap on your safari boots for a bush walk to remember! In the sun-drenched Central Kalahari, you'll join a bush-wise guide on a intimate walk through nature where the tiniest details come into focus. Spot the scuttling Milkwood leaf beetle with its technicoloured coat, find hidden burrows of animals big and small, and learn to find tracks amongst the golden grass. Your guide doesn't miss a beat and without the hum of a 4x4 to distract, you'll have the chance to lean in close. The grasses aren't as high between May and September, which makes it the best time for a bush walk.
Spot wildlife on a Central Kalahari bush walk

Go on a night game drive in Central Kalahari

Depart from camp under a clear, star-spangled sky for a sultry night drive. Your knowledgable guide will lead you with an infrared light (that doesn't disturb the wildlife), which picks up the glow of eyes peering out from behind trees. In the piercing quiet of the African evening, listen for the crack of a twig or growl of a big cat on the hunt. There is a cast of creatures you wouldn't see during the day including the shaggy brown hyena, shy serval and feisty honey badger (if you're really lucky!). Return to camp for a warming drink before bed.
Go on a night game drive in Central Kalahari
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