About Camp Kalahari
Camp Kalahari is a relaxed yet stylish safari camp located on the edge of Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, offering a comfortable base for exploring one of the most unique desert ecosystems in Africa. Part of the trio of sister properties that include Jack’s Camp and San Camp, Camp Kalahari is more family friendly and casual, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want both adventure and comfort without the ultra-luxury price tag. The camp’s design captures the essence of a traditional safari with plenty of character, using canvas, wood, and locally inspired décor to blend into its wild surroundings. Guests here can enjoy both the fascinating culture of the Kalahari and the remarkable seasonal wildlife movements that sweep through the region.
ACCESS & LOCATION of Camp Kalahari
Camp Kalahari is situated on Brown Hyena Island, near the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park in north central Botswana. Access is primarily by light aircraft to Tsigaro Airstrip from Maun (around 1 hour) or Kasane (about 1 hour 45 minutes), followed by a short game drive to the camp. For self drive travelers, access is possible in the dry season with a suitable 4×4 vehicle, although most guests arrive as part of a fly in safari due to the remoteness of the area and the seasonal conditions that can make the terrain challenging.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT Camp Kalahari
The camp offers twelve Meru style canvas tents, including two family tents, each with en-suite bathrooms, hot running water, and flush toilets. Interiors are simple yet charming, decorated with locally woven textiles, wooden furniture, and vintage campaign style pieces. There is a central mess tent with a dining area, bar, and small library, while a shaded swimming pool provides welcome relief during the hotter parts of the day. Evenings often revolve around the fire pit where guests can share stories and enjoy the desert night sky. Camp Kalahari runs on solar power and takes pride in operating with minimal environmental impact.
ACTIVITIES AT Camp Kalahari
Guided Game Drives
Explore the Makgadikgadi Pans and surrounding grasslands in open 4×4 vehicles, searching for desert wildlife such as springbok, gemsbok, and the elusive brown hyena.
Meerkat Encounters
Spend time with habituated meerkat colonies, watching them forage and interact up close while learning about their fascinating social structures.
Quad Bike Adventures
During the dry season, ride across the vast open salt pans on quad bikes, venturing into areas few people have ever set foot on and experiencing the silence and isolation of this unique environment.
Bushman Walks
Walk with San Bushman guides who share their intimate knowledge of the desert, demonstrating ancient survival skills, storytelling traditions, and medicinal plant uses.
Horseback Safaris
Experienced riders can explore the pans and surrounding terrain on horseback, enjoying a different perspective and getting closer to wildlife without the sound of an engine.
Zebra and Wildebeest Migration Viewing
In the green season (November to April), witness the dramatic arrival of Africa’s second largest zebra migration as thousands of animals move across the pans.
Gallery of Camp Kalahari
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