Botswana : Kalahari

Stretching across six countries, the Kalahari Desert is nowhere more beautiful and classic than in its heartland in central Botswana - remote, a true wilderness, this is the last refuge of the San Bushmen. Often referred to as "Deception Valley" after a book written about the Central Kalahari, the area is contrary to what one might expect - although sand dunes and pans do occur, the flat desert tableau is surprisingly well vegetated and in summer boasts a large concentration of game and is the location of the largest animal migration outside East Africa. One of the main attractions is its wilderness atmosphere, wide-open spaces and intense solitude and silence - an experience which every soul deserves at least once in a lifetime! This atmosphere combined with the San Bushmen gives the whole area a feeling that it has been lost in time.

Deception Valley Lodge
Deception Valley Lodge, is located just on the boundary (there are no lodges within the reserve) of the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The camp is original in design with 5 chalets fanning out along raised walkways from the bar and eating area of the lodge. The décor of the lodge has a bushman theme, warm African colours and quirky additions which make this camp stand alone. There is a good-sized pool and a breezy veranda, all of which overlook a waterhole which attracts a variety of game especially in the dry season.
The camp is owned and run by Braam who knows the area intimately as he was born and brought up in the Kalahari, his child hood playmates Xhase, Malaki and Dagham are now the bushman guides at camp.
The emphasis here is on activities based on learning about the Bushmen culture, birding, walking and in the right season game viewing. Deception Valley was made famous by the book 'Cry of the Kalahari' and is one of the best places in Africa to see the elusive Brown Hyena and the famous black maned Kalahari lions. The Bushman experince is reason enough to visit Deception Valley Lodge. Tactfully done, educational and interesting, a highlight of any stay here, the Bushmen are amusing and answer honestly about their ancestors and future, it's a fascinating experience and well worth a visit especially in the wet season as 'life' comes to the Kalahari.

click on the photos for a larger version

bathroom	bedroom	brown hyena

dinner table	Xhase	Malaki