Central Kalahari Mobile Safaris

The desert doesn't hoard the sun, it is generous with it, profligate. But it keeps nothing in store for the darkness: the nights are cold, often bitter. The desert lives in the moment. It is opportunistic, it has no plans, no expectations. Drink when you can, eat when you can. Follow the sundial of shade, and then shiver in the monochrome night. Deception Valley hosts huge herds of gemsbuck, springbuck, wilderbeest and hartebeest attracted to the area by the flush of sweet grasses that flourish in the ancient valley following the rains. There is also a good chance of seeing the Kalahari lion, cheetahs, brown hyaenas and meerkats.

Time is spent exploring Deception Valley, visiting Deception Pan and traveling to the Piper Pan area searching for other intriguing desert species. Top-of-the-range, Toyota Landcruisers are extremely comfortable with multiple details that make them perfect for game viewing... roof-top seats, leather bean bags for photography and ponchos to keep one warm on sunrise gamedrives.

Part of the Kalahari was once a primeval lake fed by four rivers. The whole place is now a flat, pristine jumble of sand and thorn. It is the birthplace of the super-mammal and possibly man. Deception Valley in the Central Kalahari is one of the remotest areas in the Kalahari. The Game Reserve is the second largest in Africa covering approximately 52,000 sq/km of pristine wilderness and is the largest open eco-system remaining in Botswana. To explore the area is to travel back to an Africa of another time.

Camp is comprised of large tents equipped in a luxurious fashion unequalled on any other mobile safari. Real beds, down pillows, pure cotton sheets, Persian rugs, bone-handled silver cutlery, damask table linen and teak and brass, classically-styled, campaign kit combine style with comfort. Three course meals under the stars include such treats as fresh tomato and basil soup, ostrich piccata, roast Botswana beef, delectable orange tarts and impossibly rich, but light, chocolate puddings.

The Kalahari is a place of extremes, metaphor and allegory. It shuffles your deck, rearranges the cerebral furniture and messes up your priorities. It is the perfect cure for unrest.

Listed is one set itinerary - 4 nights in Central Kalahari. However, fully customaziable itineraries are available. Please contact Global Basecamps to build your very own itinerary.