Tented Safari Camp
Botswana

Camp Kalahari
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Camp Kalahari, Botswana
Camp Kalahari, Botswana
Camp Kalahari, Botswana
Camp Kalahari, Botswana

Highlights

  • Authentic Safari Setting: Camp Kalahari is nestled on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, offering a classic safari experience with a touch of adventure in one of Botswana’s most unique landscapes.
  • Comfortable & Stylish Tents: The camp features traditional Meru-style tents with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable four-poster beds, and inviting communal spaces decorated with campaign-style furniture and colourful textiles.
  • Extraordinary Wildlife Encounters: Discover desert-adapted species such as brown hyenas, bat-eared foxes, and aardwolves, as well as the legendary habituated meerkat colonies that call this region home. Seasonal zebra and wildebeest migrations further enhance the wildlife experience.
  • Cultural Connection: Walk with the indigenous San Bushmen and learn about their deep knowledge of the land, ancient survival techniques, and storytelling traditions in an immersive cultural experience.
  • Unparalleled Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night skies over the salt pans provide an awe-inspiring stargazing experience, perfect for witnessing the Milky Way in all its glory.
  • Adventurous Activities: Explore the vast, moon-like terrain on horseback or quad bike across the salt pans, experiencing the exhilarating freedom of this extraordinary wilderness.
  • Seasonal Transformations: In the dry season, the salt pans are an endless expanse of white, while the wet season brings dramatic changes as migratory birds, including flamingos, arrive to breed in the shallow waters.

Good to know

How to get there

Reaching Camp Kalahari typically involves a scenic light aircraft flight from Maun or Kasane to Tsigaro Airstrip, located near the camp. The flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi landscapes.

Are children welcome?

Yes, Camp Kalahari is family-friendly and welcomes children of all ages. The camp offers exciting activities tailored for younger explorers, including meerkat encounters, guided bush walks with the San Bushmen, and horseback safaris. There is also a dedicated family tent, making it an ideal destination for an adventurous and educational safari experience with kids.

Giving back

Camp Kalahari is committed to sustainability and minimizing its environmental impact while preserving the delicate ecosystem of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

Solar Power: The camp is primarily powered by solar energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and significantly lowering its carbon footprint. Energy-efficient lighting and appliances further support sustainable energy use.

Eco-Friendly Camp Design: Built using sustainable materials, Camp Kalahari blends seamlessly into the natural landscape, ensuring minimal disruption to the environment. The camp’s low-impact design helps preserve the fragile ecosystem of the salt pans.

Water Conservation: With its location in an arid desert region, the camp implements water-saving measures, including efficient fixtures and responsible water usage practices. Greywater recycling systems further reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Waste Management: A strict waste management program is in place, focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials. Single-use plastics are minimized, and all non-biodegradable waste is disposed of responsibly to protect the environment.

Community Engagement: Camp Kalahari actively supports local communities by employing staff from surrounding areas, providing sustainable job opportunities, and contributing to conservation and education initiatives. These efforts help promote cultural preservation and economic growth within the region.

Wildlife Conservation: The camp collaborates with conservation projects to protect the unique wildlife of the Makgadikgadi, including meerkats, brown hyenas, and migratory birds. Safari activities are conducted ethically, ensuring minimal disturbance to animals and their habitats.

Wildlife you are likely to see

At Camp Kalahari, you can expect to see a fascinating range of wildlife that thrives in this unique and harsh desert environment:

Meerkats: San Camp offers a rare opportunity to observe habituated meerkat colonies up close as they forage and interact with one another in their natural habitat.
Brown Hyenas: The elusive brown hyena, one of the region’s most interesting species, can be seen in the Makgadikgadi, often during night drives when they are most active.
Zebra Migration: During the wet season, the area plays host to one of the largest zebra migrations in Africa, with vast herds crossing the salt pans in search of fresh grazing.
Springbok and Gemsbok: These desert-adapted antelope species are commonly seen roaming the salt pans and nearby grasslands, gracefully navigating the challenging environment.
Bat-Eared Foxes: Often spotted during night excursions, these small, nocturnal predators hunt for insects and small prey in the cool desert evenings.
Flamingos: Thousands of flamingos flock to the pans during the wet season, creating a stunning spectacle as they feed in the shallow lakes formed by seasonal rains.
Kalahari Lions and Elephants: While sightings are rarer, Kalahari lions and elephants occasionally pass through the region, especially during the rainy season, adding to the wildlife allure.
Birdlife: The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a rich diversity of birds, including migratory waterfowl, raptors, and other species, especially during the wet season.

Why we love Camp Kalahari

One of the most incredible experiences at Camp Kalahari is horseback riding across the vast, open salt pans — it’s truly breathtaking!

Aisha Gross

Specialises in

Africa and the Indian Ocean
Camp Kalahari, Botswana

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