Camp Kalahari

OVERVIEW:

Camp Kalahari is the laid-back, more affordable sister property to Jack’s Camp and San Camp, all operated by Natural Selection. Offering adventurous, explorer-style accommodation, Camp Kalahari is cozy, hospitable, and family-friendly, with a terrific selection of activities for all ages. As one of only three camps in an epic million-acre private wildlife reserve, it has a privileged location that very few will visit in a lifetime. Accommodation is booked on a full-board basis, including all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, selected activities, and a laundry service. The camp is open year-round, but varying activities suit different times of year, so do contact the Yellow Zebra team for advice on when to visit!

ACCESS & LOCATION:

Camp Kalahari is located on Brown Hyena Island, amongst mokolwane palms and acacia trees on the edge of Botswana’s magnificent Makgadikgadi Pans. Access is by light aircraft, approximately 50 minutes from Maun, followed by a 20-minute car transfer.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT CAMP KALAHARI:

Camp Kalahari features twelve cozy Meru-style canvas tents, including six twins, four doubles, and two 2-bedroom family units. Inside, four-poster beds are framed by smart, striped canopies with storage trunks at the foot. The floors are covered with huge sisal rugs and oriental kilims, and there are also Moroccan-style tables, mahogany bedside stands, antique chests of drawers, and writing desks. Positioned at the back of each tent, the en-suite bathroom offers a walk-in indoor shower, flush toilet, full-length mirror, and double basins. The family tents comprise one bedroom with a king-sized bed, a second bedroom with two twin beds for the children, and a shared bathroom. Outside, there’s a shady veranda with a daybed and a couple of safari chairs, ideal for soaking up the gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. Please enquire in advance for details on disabled access.

Under a lofty, thatched roof, the open-sided main areas at Camp Kalahari are housed within two conjoined spaces. In one, you’ll find the camp’s homely lounge, decorated with local artifacts, oversized sisal mats, and mahogany furniture. The adjacent dining room features one long table where guests dine together on classic safari chairs. There’s also a library with a good range of reading material and some display cabinets with various objects of interest, including animal skulls and ostrich eggs. Outside, the small swimming pool has its own shady sala with comfortable loungers, offering respite from the heat of the day. You might even see a few thirsty elephants come to drink from the water! Please be aware that there is very limited and rather unreliable Wi-Fi at the swimming pool deck, but no phone signal in camp, and camera charging facilities are available in the mess tent.

ACTIVITIES AT CAMP KALAHARI:

Camp Kalahari offers a brilliant range of family-friendly activities. Keep in mind that some of these are seasonal, so speak with the Yellow Zebra team for further advice.

• Game drives 

  – The Makgadikgadi Pans comprise two salt pans, the remains of what was once a super-lake. Pristine white and frequently described as lunar-like, the pans are nothing short of magical and a treat to explore by car on guided game drives. During the green season, usually November to mid-April, the area experiences an amazing influx of zebra and wildebeest. Mid-April to October sees less wildlife overall, but safarists can enjoy looking out for brown hyena, red hartebeest, springbok, gemsbok, and the charismatic meerkat. The bird count is equally impressive, including kori bustard, chestnut-backed sparrow-lark, and ant-eating chat.

• Night drives 

  – The pans by night are just as intriguing as they are during daylight hours. Look out for aardvark, aardwolf, and brown hyena as you explore this remarkable desert wilderness after dark, accompanied by an expert guide.

• Walking safaris

  – Guests are invited to join the local Zu/’hoasi Bushmen on fascinating walks around these ancient desert pans. This is a unique, truly privileged opportunity to explore the area in the company of people who have lived here for thousands of years.

• Horseback safaris 

  – All skill levels of riders are accommodated on a horse-riding adventure across the salt flats, which usually lasts about two hours. You’ll enjoy remarkably close encounters with wildlife from the saddle, as most species are at ease with horses. Children aged 8 years and older may participate in horse-riding activities, and beginners are welcome. Please note that horse riding incurs an additional cost.

• Quad biking 

  – Embark on the ultimate desert adventure by quad bike – the ideal method of transport for anyone wishing to cover a lot of ground! Ride across the ancient salt-crusted pans, taking in the sights and sounds of the one-time super lake. Please note that this activity is seasonal (usually between April and October) and depends on weather conditions and the dryness of the pans. Children aged 6 years and older may join quad bike expeditions, but children under 12 may not drive the quad bike.

• Stargazing

  – Settle back and marvel at the star-filled night sky, where practically zero light pollution means endless opportunities for gazing at the galaxies and constellations. Please note that this is a dry season activity, usually offered between April and October.
  

• Meet the meerkats 

  – Camp Kalahari is located close to several colonies of habituated meerkats, and no stay is complete without visiting these charming little creatures. Stop by early in the morning and watch them busily embarking on daily life – playing, digging, keeping alert for predators, and possibly even using you as a handy lookout point!

• Zebra and wildebeest migration (November–April)

  – Between November and April, approximately 30,000 zebra and wildebeest migrate across the Makgadikgadi Pans. If you’re visiting during these months, this is indeed a spectacle to behold – the second-largest migration in Africa.

• Scenic helicopter

  – With doors off (or on), take to the skies on an unforgettable scenic helicopter ride, where you’ll soar above the Makgadikgadi Pans and take lunch on an island of baobabs. Please note that this activity incurs an extra cost. 

**This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.