Kalahari Holiday: Green 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.

As the sun rises over this remarkable landscape and the stars fade away, start your day with a light breakfast before setting off on a fast-paced journey. Ride along the edge of the Pans and through woodlands and grasslands where zebras and wildebeests graze.

The vast grasslands may stretch as far as the eye can see, with herds of animals. Gallop through them and, if you're lucky, they may join you on the ride - thousands of zebras cantering around you.

Reach Camp Kalahari in time for a refreshing shower and lunch.

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.

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. However if there has been a lot of rain then many of these areas will be full of water attracting several species of migratory water birds. 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 by vehicle 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.