Reviews of Camp Kalahari
Wildlife sightings and reviews
56 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Camp Kalahari and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Surprising amount of animal life"
Our guide, Bones, was great! At the beginning of the trip, I told he we would like to see some of the rarer, more nocturnal animals, such as brown hyenas, aardwolves, aardvark, and also gemsbok. Though we saw no gemsbok, he was able to give us a sighting of the aardwolf, a great view of a brown hyena (in daytime) and even a short nighttime glimpse of the aardvark and springhares. Bones even spotted a pair of cheetahs, recognizing them just by their eyeshine.
The tents were not as luxurious as some of the other tented camps - smaller and a little less fancy. Access to the bathroom area required passing through two sets of zippered openings, which was tiresome but not really a big deal.
Food was excellent. We enjoyed the bushmen visit, although we had to cut it short due to a flight out." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 2n in South Africa
"Camp Kalahari review"
"A fabulous experience"
The camp does have electricity now, with adequate lighting in the tents and charging facilities for batteries etc in the main area.
The highlight of this camp is, of course, the meerkat colonies. It was an unforgettable experience to spend time so close to these enchanting animals. We were also lucky enough to see two brown hyaena here.
In addition, good, late, rains in this area, meant that there was still water in some of the pans. As a result there were still large herds of wildebeest, zebra etc and a huge flock of flamingos. Normally these would all have migrated away from the pans by this time of the year.
We had a really excellent guide here, Bart, who was a highly knowledgeable about the history and geology of the area as well as the wildlife, and therefore added significantly to our enjoyment.
We had an amazing sundowner where we came across a bar, chairs and camp fire all laid out ready for us on a rocky outcrop." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 9n in Namibia
"A wonderful surprise "
One only glitch - my wife and another guest who was with us got food poisoning on the last day" See all these reviews: 15n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Best by far - highlight of the trip"
Camp staff was wonderful - managers here are great. Food was very good as well.
This camp should be selectively booked - people (Americans) only interested in seeing lots and lots of animals should perhaps not come here. This is about the culture of the people and seeing some unique species in a very beautiful landscape, not about quantity - at least not in June." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 5n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Disappointing "
Rather than a safari experience this felt much more like a tourist trip. Not much flexibility in itinerary. We were told each day what were doing rather than ask what we wanted to do. We were reeled round the tourist sights; meerkats, brown hyena, bushmen, Chapmans tree. The result was that each drive felt like we were on a mission to get to the next destination.
The camp was cold at night, we asked for fleeces to put over our knees during dinner but this was declined. The forgot to put hot water bottles in our beds the first night. The lodge was not busy when we were there (4 guests) so there was really no excuse.
Our overall impression was that the staff, although very nice indeed, were just doing their job. There seemed to be no passion. This has to come from the top, the owners of the concession. I would avoid any other concession owned by these people. We came away disappointed.
On a more positive note, our first sundowner was set up in advance by the staff. A full bar set up by a water hole complete with fire. This was truly amazing. If only they had kept up that level of service, this camp could be fantastic." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana
"Camp Kalahari review"
It lacks the 'safari view' and makes Jack's Camp all the more desirable.
The horses stabled there are under used and could use more of a promotion. The cost seems expensive (it's an add-on) but it is on a subcontract with an outside firm." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"Camp Kalahari review"
Camp Kalahari is basic but very nice. The tented rooms are large and comfortable. The camp staff were great and made sure you were very well looked after.
The food was excellent and beautifully presented.
Our guide Jonah was excellent, I think he enjoyed taking on the game drives nearly more than we did.
We were lucky to see the very private Brown Hyena and the absolute highlight was spending time with the Meerkats on two occasions.
We had a great excursion with the Bushmen which was a lot of fun and very informative." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 8n in Botswana
"Camp Kalahari review"
"Fabulous"
The accommodation was luxurious, the food was excellent and the guides (particularly the highly knowledgeable Bart) were impressive. We experienced exciting game drives, enjoyed learning about San (Bushman) life and had a truly magical time in the salt pans with the contrast of quad bikes and absolute peace.
The "surprises" provided throughout the stay made this a truly unforgettable three days." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
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Other lodges in Kalahari's Salt Pans
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