KALAHARI HORSE TRAIL -3 Nights

 

Day 1 - Camp Kalahari, Makgadikgadi
Fly from Maun to Camp Kalahari.

On arrival by air or road, you will be greeted by your host and Guide David Foot and settled into Camp Kalahari, nestled amongst the acacias and Mokolwane palms of Brown Hyaena Island, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, adjacent to the Makgadikgadi-Nxai Pans National Park, Botswana. A thatched central library, living and dining area featuring an eclectic mix of original African furniture and textiles paired with traditional campaign style pieces and colonial antiques provide the perfect area in which to relax and enjoy the serenity of this enchanting area. Cool off in the swimming pool or enjoy a siesta in the thatched pavilion! This traditional bush camp has eleven spacious Meru tents, comprising six twin tents, four double tents and one family unit which has two adjacent tents, accommodating two Guests in each with an inter-leading bathroom. All Guest tents have en-suite covered bathrooms, hot and cold running water and flush loos along with four poster beds, crunchy cotton sheets, rich textiles, Moroccan kilims and hot water bottles in winter. Head off after tea in the beautiful afternoon light, for an introductory ride – primarily to match horse and rider but also your first opportunity to experience the beauty of this magical area. Return to the camp for sundowners followed by dinner and to kraal the horses close by, before the lions of the Kalahari commence their nightly prowling.

• Camp Kalahari (BLD)

Day 2 - Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Ride from Camp Kalahari on Horse back for The Lost Island of Baobabs and Kubu Island.

Today is a long ride eastwards to Xau Xai Fly Camp, so an early start is imperative. Be sure to pack a few essentials for the next two days of adventure. The journey takes us away from the edge of the Pans and through the mopane and acacia woodlands interspersed with short grasslands allowing for lovely long canters. Whilst the area is rich in birds of prey, bustards, korhaans and numerous other unusual dry woodland bird species; there is also a chance that we will sight kudu and the odd elephant bull. By lunchtime you reach the famous Green’s Baobab proudly positioned alongside the well-travelled Missionary Road, traversed by David Livingstone on his journeys northwards. The magnificent trunk of this ancient tree is scarred with the initials of early travelers dating back some 150 years thus providing a living testimony to the rich history of this area. Break for lunch at the adjacent Gutsa Pan under a stand of palm trees where we may find Stone Age artifacts and the hunting blinds used over millennium by the Bushmen. Siesta through the midday heat and after tea, continue the journey on to Xau Xai Fly Camp. The camp will be made up of comfortable dome tents, a central mess tent, loos and bucket showers. Enjoy a long cool drink as you watch the sunset followed by dinner out under the magnificent Kalahari sky.

• Xau Xai Fly Camp (BLD)

 

Day 3 - Camp Kalahari, Makgadikgadi

 

Wake up on the moon! As the dawn greets this extraordinary landscape and the last of the stars disappear, head directly across the Pans, you may be lucky enough to see the unusual sight of ostrich deep in the Pans and then from a great distance the site of the famous Chapman’s Baobab. Also known as the Seven Sisters and was acknowledged to be the third largest tree in Africa until it recently fell to the ground. This was once the campsite of early explorers like Livingstone and Selous when they pioneered the area and a visit here gives you an opportunity to gain a fascinating insight into the history of the early explorers. Arrive at Camp Kalahari in time for a refreshing shower and lunch. As the sun dips below the horizon and the last light fades, we will be sure to dwell on these amazing past few days. Incredible scenery, memorable wildlife encounters and above all superb riding!

• Camp Kalahari (BLD)

 

Day 4 - Departure

Offering a window into the past, visit the local bushmen community who teach you how they have survived in this harshest of environments, using their vast and ancient knowledge of plants, animal behavior and survival skills. The Zu/’hoasi lead a semi-traditional lifestyle, and share their traditional hunting and food-gathering skills as well as how they make jewelry and hunting equipment, it is a glimpse into their traditional way of life, but by no means an attempt to keep them frozen in time. Through the lodge's initiative, a community is able to work together and share their knowledge with each other and Guests, allowing the older generation to pass the knowledge on to the next generation. The young children are the future and it is hoped that they will carry the knowledge and traditions of their incredible ancient culture into the modern world with a sense of pride and personal empowerment. After breakfast, drive through the bush to the traditionally built Bushmen village; where the community gathers during the day. The huts provide shelter from the harsh Kalahari environment, but are not the community’s permanent accommodation. On arrival, the elders of the community will meet you in a traditional manner after which you will walk out into the bush with the men, women and children. The focus of the walk will be to provide a gentle introduction to the Kalahari and Bushmen way of life. The group will point out the distinct ecological characteristics of this area and its animal and bird species. Spontaneous gathering and discussions about the uses of plants and wildlife by your Bushmen Guides provide the link between culture and wild environment that we seek to offer our Guests. 

Time for one more lunch; before you bid farewell to Camp Kalahari in preparation for your onward journey.

Type of Safari

Mobile Camping Safari

2 - 14 people, available for
Private Bookings

 

Accommodation style

Fully serviced, walk-in tent,
shower and toilt en-suite, Bed roll open air 

 

Duration

5 Nights / 6 days

 

Countries

Botswana

Included

• Comfortable walk-in tent;s with built in floors and mosquito gauze. Beds are comfortable camp stretchers including all bed linen and a towel
• En-suite bathrooms with a bucket shower and bush loo
• Licensed and experienced professional guide
• Game drives and local transfers in custom made open game drive vehicles with shade roof, game viewing seats
• All entrance and camping fees within the National Parks & Game Reserves. Private campsites are used wherever possible
• All meals & selected drinks 
• Dedicated safari team including cook, camp assistant and back up driver
• Bathroom amenities (soap, shampoo and insect repellent)
• Medical evacuation insurance
• All activities as specified in the itinerary

 

Excluded

• International & domestic or charter flights and airport departure taxes
• Visas
• Laundry
• Travel, cancellation and medical insurance (essential on all safaris)
• Optional safari extensions
• Spirits (other than Gin)
• Items of a personal nature

 

Vehicle

Horse back, 4x4 safari vehicle

Please send us info on the safari/s you are interested in, your preferred dates, how many adults and children [+ ages] and we will come back to you with a detailed quote.

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