Reviews of Camp Kalahari

"We arrived here at about 4pm, dropped our bags in our room, got into the 4WDs and then were told that we were going for a quad bike ride. Very rushed.

When we got to the bikes, we had minimal briefing on them before we set off without helmets. This was quite frightening for me. Firstly, I know that there are many accidents involving quad bikes in Australia and am wary of them as a mode of transport. The rods we went on were very rutted and I was actually quite scared during the riding. There seemed to be a pressure to continue with the activity and I felt very inadequately prepared. By the time it got dark, as a passenger I just closed my eyes but I was still far from relaxed.

The surprise dinner on the Pan and the sleeping out, was indeed a surprise. By the time we got back to our room the next morning, we had not showered for well over 24 hours. All in all, a good experience, but could be improved.

The next morning, there was no water in the Camp apparently due to human error.

The meercat experience, which I had been sceptical about, was fantastic." See all these reviews: 26n in Namibia; 7n in Botswana

"We visited Camp Kalahari, Tau Pan Camp, Sable Alley, Chief´s Camp within 9 days during raining season. The trip as a whole was great and most impressive. Our Group consist of 3 men and 3 women from 56 to 80 years old. The air transport was excellent and even so the Chance to store additional luggage in Maun.

The sequence of different locations was a symbol for rising attraction, comfort, number and variety of animals. In Camp Kalahari we met a family of native bushmen (about 25 people, young and old) who introduced us for more than 2 hours into their way of life. Now we can make fire without matches and lighters, we can hunt with bow and arrow, we will find plants with water in their roots and so on. It was a fundamental experience and we are still deeply impressed.

Then we saw many Lions with their cubs, we saw many Leopards, Cheetahs and impressive big Elephants not only at the horizon but often in almost touching distance,

We will never forget excellent Food and Red wine and last but not least we remember the friendliness of all people. Before landing at home we started already collecting money for our next visit in Botswana.

Thanks a lot, it was a great time." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana

"I didn't know for sure what to expect at Camp Kalahari in terms of wildlife. I expected meerkats, but didn't know if we would see anything else. I was pleasantly surprised by both the amount and the variety of life we saw. Three male lions sleeping, then again in the morning on a kill, surrounded by 27 jackals and innumerable vultures. A huge mixed herd of wildebeest and zebra at a waterhole. Ostrich and secretary birds and black korhaan. Most surprising were several bachelor herds of elephants.

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

"Spectacular - had no idea there would be so much to see in such a sparsely vegetated area. Staff was awesome. My only complaint is the furniture in the common area was uncomfortable" See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana

"Standard 'classic camp' tent layout, but great attention to detail to give the feel of a Victorian explorer in terms of the furnishings and fittings.(even down to the morning tea tray complete with tea cosy and plate of biscuits).
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

"Great place. Wonderful people. Nice camp. Every drive/ outing - a unique experience.
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

"I cannot say enough about Camp Kalahari. Accommodations, staff, food, wildlife, guide, activities were all top notch. Our guide not only was one of the best I've ever had, but had an obvious rapport with other guides in the area. Sightings were never shared and there was seamless cooperation - which didn't involve the guests - at interesting spots. Walking with the meerkats was a bucket list item, and can be done no where else. Guides worked very hard, and listened to our interests.

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

"This camp was so disappointing. We knew it was going to be 'rustic' but the tents were quite tatty with the zips broken along the bottom. This made securing the tent against creepy crawlies and snakes quite tricky.

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

"It's enclosed and thus is rather limited in terms of contact with animals. The food is great (best we had in Botswana), people are very helpfull.

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

"One of the many highlights of our trip.

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