Kalahari Adventure: Dry Season

Rise with the sun, start the day with a light breakfast, and embark on a long morning horseback ride through the picturesque "land of a thousand islands" in Botswana. Explore the stunning sand dunes covered in palm trees that lie on an ancient lakebed, teeming with wildlife during the migration season including zebra, wildebeest, hartebeest and ostriches along with their predators.

The white encrusted pans between the islands provide great terrain for horse riding. Return to camp for lunch and relaxation under the shade of camel thorn trees or a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. In the afternoon, venture out to observe unique desert species like springbok, gemsbok, red hartebeest and the elusive brown hyaena, which are well-adapted to surviving in arid environments.

Experience a night game drive back to camp, using a spotlight to spot nocturnal desert creatures such as aardvarks, bat-eared foxes, aardwolves, porcupines, honey badgers and possibly a black-maned Kalahari lion. Arrive back at Camp Kalahari in time for dinner to conclude the day's adventures.

Today we have a long journey ahead as we head eastwards to Xau Xai Fly Camp, so it's important to start early. Make sure to pack some essentials for the next two days of adventure.

Our route will take us away from the edge of the pans and through mopane and acacia woodlands, with short grasslands allowing for enjoyable long rides.

The area is teeming with birds of prey, bustards, korhaans and other unique dry woodland bird species. There's also a chance we might spot kudu and the occasional elephant bull.

By lunchtime, we'll arrive at the iconic Green’s Baobab, situated next to the Missionary Road traveled by David Livingstone on his northward expeditions. The ancient baobab tree bears the marks of early travelers dating back 150 years, showcasing the area's rich history.

After lunch at Gutsa Pan, nestled under palm trees where Stone Age artifacts and Bushmen hunting blinds can be found, we'll rest during the midday heat and then continue our journey to Xau Xai Fly Camp after tea.

Relax with a refreshing drink as you watch the sunset and enjoy dinner under the stunning Kalahari sky.

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.

After the meerkat encounter, ride out to observe herds of zebra and flocks of ostriches drawn to the area's waterholes. Return to Xau Xai for lunch and a shower before embarking on a thrilling adventure in the ancient lakebed.

As the sun sets and the stars emerge, experience the unique silence of the vast, flat expanse. Camp under the starry sky, surrounded by the quietude of 16,000 square kilometers of uninhabited land, where only you and invisible brine shrimp roam. This unforgettable experience offers a chance to sleep under the celestial canopy in the midst of nature's tranquility.

As the sun rises over this remarkable landscape and the stars fade away, make your way back to Camp Kalahari across the pans. If we're fortunate, we might catch a glimpse of ostriches in the distance.

The horses thrive in the vast expanse, eager to continue despite the miles already covered. The exhilarating gallops seem endless.

Reach Camp Kalahari for a revitalizing shower and lunch.

As the sun sets and darkness descends, we will reflect on the incredible experiences of the past few days. Stunning scenery, unforgettable wildlife sightings and exceptional horseback riding have made this journey truly remarkable.

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.