Kalahari Plains is a Wilderness Safaris camp and lies in a remote part of the diverse Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR). The camp offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa, particularly in summer and the best cheetah viewings in Botswana. A highlight is the opportuntiy to experience traditional San Bushman culture.

LOCATION

Located in the Kalahari Desert in central Botswana, this reserve is the largest conservation area in the country and one of the largest in the world. Its star attractions include the legendary Kalahari black-maned lion as well as some of the world’s best cheetah viewing.

CAMP

Kalahari Plains overlooks an immense pan with endless horizons and beautiful skies. It comprises eight en-suite canvas units with a sleep-out platform above each from which to enjoy moonlit or star-studded nights. The main area consists of a lounge and dining area with a pool and deck. Solar power provides all the electricity and hot water in the camp and insulated canvas walls and roofs keep temperatures inside the units comfortable. There is one faily tent at Kalahari Plains Camp.

ACTIVITIES

Healthy wildlife populations are present in the area all year round, but with the advent of the summer rains, the desert comes to life. A plethora of plains game such as springbok and gemsbok converge in their hundreds to graze, followed by lion, one of the highest concentrations of cheetah in southern Africa and leopard. In winter, the Kalahari is a typical desert. General game is still easily seen, from the carnivores to wildebeest, red hartebeest and steenbok as well as small predators like black-backed jackal, Cape fox, honey badger and myriad mongoose species. Some 220 bird species have been recorded.

Activities at Kalahari Plains include 4 x 4 game drives in the Kalahari Reserve and a Bushman Walk – meet another culture on a guided walk to learn about the fascinating and ancient lifestyle of the San Bushman people.

You can also enjoy a sleep out under the starry skies of the Kalahari and be lulled to sleep by the sounds of Africa.

GIVING BACK

Kalahari Plains is involved in a number of conservation initiatives that include wild dog research and working closely with local communities.

Due to its large size (52 500km2) the Central Kalahari Game Reserve has the potential to sustain a significant number of wild dog packs. The Wilderness Trust has funded a number of projects in the area over the past ten years that have attempted to determine an accurate estimate of the population of this Critically Endangered species. These projects have looked at the factors that influence their population dynamics and spatial ecology and the potential spread of disease from domestic dogs to these populations.

Kalahari Plains has actively engaged with the Basarwa (Bushman) people to ensure they can benefit from their brand of ecotourism. The majority of staff members hail from villages on the outskirts of the Game Reserve.

Since Kalahari Plains is in a very arid area, it is vital that we conserve water. Wilderness Safaris have installed water-harvesting tanks at each tent and other fixed structures to collect rainwater during the rainy season. When all tanks are full the camp has 150, 000 litres of additional water, reducing the need for borehole water during this period. The borehole water drawn from beneath the camp is too salty to drink and is therefore used in the pool and for showering. The camp has a state-of-the-art reverse osmosis desalination system to produce clean, safe drinking water.

RESEARCH PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY KALAHARI PLAINS CAMP AND WILDERNESS SAFARIS

The Wilderness Wildlife Trust has funded a range of projects in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, with Kalahari Plains functioning as a logistical hub for the researchers. These projects include:

Botswana Springbok Conservation Programme – http://www.wildernesstrust.com/portfolio/botswana-springbok-conservation-programme/

Botswana Vulture Conservation Project – http://www.wildernesstrust.com/portfolio/botswana-vulture-conservation-project/

Central Kalahari Wildebeest Study – http://www.wildernesstrust.com/portfolio/central-kalahari-wildebeest-study

Central Kalahari Wild Dog Project – http://www.wildernesstrust.com/portfolio/central-kalahari-wild-dog-research/

Okavango Kalahari Wild Dog Research Project – http://www.wildernesstrust.com/portfolio/okavango-kalahari-wild-dog-research-project/

KALAHARI PLAINS IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE CAMP IS FAMILY FRIENDLY AND WELCOMES CHILDREN AGED 6+ – FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 6 – 12 WILL HAVE TO BOOK A PRIVATE VEHICLE IN ADVANCE