Kalahari Holiday: Dry Season

Start your day with a piping hot cup of coffee and a light breakfast, then set out to explore the fascinating meerkats of the Kalahari. With our horses secured, we will approach the meerkat group on foot, thanks to an ongoing program by Uncharted Africa Safari co. that allows for close encounters with these captivating creatures. While they are not domesticated, they are accustomed to our presence.

On cool mornings, you may find a meerkat seeking warmth by your side or using your head as a lookout point in the absence of a termite mound or tree. Spending time observing these social and adaptable animals will provide insight into their interactions with each other and their surroundings.

As the day heats up, let the meerkats continue their search for food. Ride out on the well-used paths that lead to the herds of zebra and groups of ostriches drawn to the area by hidden waterholes. Return to Camp Kalahari for lunch, a shower and a rest in the shade of the mess tent.

In the afternoon, take a vehicle to observe unique desert animals like springbok, gemsbok, red hartebeest and the shy brown hyaena. These creatures have adapted to survive in dry regions with limited resources. The brown hyaena, in particular, is a secretive creature that hunts alone at night and lives in small groups.

Embark on a night game drive back to camp, using a spotlight to spot nocturnal desert dwellers such as aardvarks, bat-eared foxes, aardwolves, porcupines, honey badgers and maybe even a black-maned Kalahari lion.

Return to Camp Kalahari for dinner after the night drive.

Awakening with the sunrise, a light morning meal is followed by an extended horseback ride through the picturesque "land of a thousand islands". Stranded on the historic lakebed, these sand dunes adorned with palm trees are among the most captivating and stunning regions of the Botswana wilderness. The white salt pans amidst the islands offer ideal terrain for horse riding, but during rainy periods, these areas may be flooded, attracting various migratory waterfowl species.

Return to Camp Kalahari for a revitalizing shower and lunch before resting during the midday heat in the comforting shade of camel thorn trees or taking a dip in the camp's swimming pool. In the afternoon, venture out to observe unique desert wildlife like springbok, gemsbok, red hartebeest and the elusive brown hyena; these adept desert creatures thrive in harsh environments with limited food and water sources.

Uncharted Africa has been a pioneer and strong supporter of cultural tourism in Botswana since its establishment in 1993. The company firmly believes that cultural tourism is crucial for preserving the unique but endangered culture of the region. For many years, they have worked closely with the Zu/’hoasi people of the Western Kalahari, who reside at Jack's Camp in the Makgadikgadi. These Bushmen individuals, spanning four generations, offer insights into their traditional ways of survival in the harsh environment, sharing knowledge on plants, animal behavior and survival skills. The Zu/’hoasi community practices a semi-traditional lifestyle, showcasing their hunting, food-gathering techniques and craftsmanship while also adapting to modern changes.

Through Uncharted Africa's efforts, the community collaborates to pass down knowledge from one generation to the next, ensuring that the younger members carry forward their ancient traditions with pride and empowerment. Visitors can experience a glimpse of the Bushmen way of life by visiting their traditional village, where elders greet guests in a customary manner before embarking on a guided walk through the bush. This educational excursion focuses on the ecological aspects of the Kalahari and the unique flora and fauna of the region, with Bushmen guides sharing their insights on plant and wildlife uses. The experience ends with a final lunch before we bid farewell to Camp Kalahari, enriched with a deeper understanding of this remarkable culture.