Camp Kalahari

Camp Kalahari is owned and run by one of Africa’s most renowned safari guides, Ralph Bousfeld, this camp harks back to a bygone era of exploration. The fusion of local artefacts and antique furniture creates an authentic atmosphere which is accentuated by the use of paraffin lanterns and the complete lack of electricity. The ten Meru-style tents enjoy magnificent views over the Makgadigadi Salt Pans from a shrubby outcrop dotted with acacia and palm trees. Each one offers an open air bathroom with bucket showers and hot water. An interesting little library and small pool complement the main lounge and dining areas.

At first glance it seems as if there is not much life here, but this place is magical in that it gives you everything you didn’t know you needed. The sheer sense of space is very calming and this must surely be one of few places on the planet where you can actually see the curvature of the earth! The best way to experience this is by quad biking out onto the pans in the dry season (May – Oct) and spending a night under the stars. In the wet season (Jan – April) there is an incredible contrast as the largest zebra and wildebeest migration in southern Africa passes through – approximately 25,000 animals partake. The game drive vehicles are designed with special seating on the roofs and night drives here often produce some very unusual sightings such as brown hyena, aardwolf and bat-eared foxes. Other real highlights include spending a few hours with a resident family of habituated meerkats and learning the secrets of the desert from the local tribe of Bushmen. Horseback safaris are also offered and these can be tailored to last as long as five days.

Whilst Camp Kalahari doesn’t offer the luxury or prestige of its sister properties, Jack’s Camp and San Camp, it does offer the same experiences at a fraction of the cost. Those travelling with young children are also not required to hire a private vehicle, so this property naturally lends itself to a great family safari. The habitats and activities here are so different that we thoroughly recommend it on longer trips for a complete contrast to the rest of Botswana.