Botswana Safari Destination - The Central Kalahari
Larger than Denmark or Switzerland, and bigger than Lesotho and Swaziland combined, the 52,800 square kilometre Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which was set up in 1961, is the second largest game reserve in the world. Situated right in the centre of Botswana, this reserve is characterised by vast open plains, saltpans and ancient riverbeds. Varying from sand dunes with many species of trees and shrubs in the north, to flat bushveld in the central area, the reserve is more heavily wooded in the south, with mophane forests to the south and east. Rainfall is sparse and sporadic and can vary from 170 to 700 millimetres per year.
The people commonly known throughout the world as Bushmen, but more properly referred to as the Basarwa or San, have been resident in and around the area for probably thousands of years. Originally nomadic hunters and gathers, the lifestyle of the Basarwa has gradually changed with the times and they now live in settlements, some of which are situated within the southern half of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Government is, however, encouraging these people to move to areas outside the reserve in order that they may be provided with modem facilities, schools, clinics, etc. and to integrate them into modern society.
Other fairly recent residents were Mark and Delia Owens, who spent many years in the Deception Valley area of the park undertaking research mainly on brown hyaena. They set up their camp in the northern section of Deception in a prime "tree island", however tree islands are no longer used for camping in these days of more environmental awareness. The Owens' book, "Cry of the Kalahari" brought the attention of readers to this previously little-visited area and even today many people refer to the Central Kalahari simply as Deception. The name "Deception" comes from a pan the dry surface of which sometimes appears convincingly full of water until one gets right to the edge.
Trans-Kalahari Travel
The main wildlife concentrations are to be found in the tourist areas in the northern half of this vast reserve but it is possible for adventurous and completely self-contained visitors to travel through the reserve between Khutse on the southern boundary to the northern section - a journey that takes a minimum of two days of 4x4 wilderness travelling. Undeveloped campsites are available for overnight stops at Molapo, Gope, Bape and Xaka. Those visitors wishing to travel trans-Kalahari should note that, apart from being self-contained with all fuel, food and water, they should only travel in a group of two or more vehicles with basic spares and survival aids.
How to get there
There are three entry points to the reserve, the one through Khutse in the south, then a western entrance through Xade and also in the northeast through Matswere. Access to Xade, where there are two undeveloped campsites near the Xade Wildlife Camp, is made by turning off east from the Ghanzi-Kang road about 36 kilometres south of Ghanzi where indicated by signpost. Xade is reached after following this loose sandy track for 160 kilometres, taking about three hours for the full journey from Ghanzi. Visitors should fill up with fuel at Ghanzi and ensure that they have sufficient for their entire stay. On arrival at Xade visitors are required to check in at the tourist office in the Wildlife Camp.
Access to Matswere can be made via Rakops, where petrol and diesel are available most of the time, 55 kilometres from the check-in point at Matswere. Rakops can be accessed from the north from Maun - Motopi - Kumaga - Tsoe, or from the south from Mahalapye - Serowe - Letlhakane - Mopipi. Matswere can also be accessed from Maun by travelling 57 kilometres east, turning right at the Makalamabedi junction, continuing for 20 kilometres to the village and turning right on the western side of the veterinary fence. The fence is followed south for some 80 kilometres of sand track to the Kuke corner veterinary gate, after which a further 21 kilometres down the eastern boundary of the reserve takes the visitor to the entrance gate which is then only 9 kilometres from Matswere. This "short cut" from Maun takes about three and a half hours travelling time.
Camping facilities
Matswere is the access point for designated but undeveloped campsites in the region of Deception Valley, Sunday Pan, Leopard Pan and Passarge Valley, whilst the campsites at Piper Pan can be accessed from either Matswere or Xade. New tracks and campsites have been opened up along the Passarge Valley, where game viewing can be most rewarding, and south from the Passarge waterhole area through to link up with the Piper Pan/Deception road. It is along this latter route that the new Tau campsite has been opened in an area that well reflects the very spirit of the Central Kalahari.
Plans have been made to put in rustic pit latrines to service most of these undeveloped campsites, but until this development has been completed, visitors dig their own mini-latrine to ensure they leave no signs of being there, particularly where toilet paper is concerned. Firewood may be collected from well-wooded areas but not from tree islands.
The ashes from campfires must be buried before vacating a campsite, combustible rubbish burnt and non-combustibles carried back to the pit at the entrance gate. Water for purposes other than drinking is available from the Wildlife Camp at Xade and at the Matswere entrance gate/tourist office. There is also a plan to develop some basic shower facilities at the Matswere entrance gate for visitors' use, but the provision of water for this purpose is, in common with most desert areas, a problem at present.
Wildlife
Game viewing for animals which include giraffe, brown hyaena, warthog, wild dog, cheetah, leopard, lion, blue wildebeest, eland, gemsbok, kudu, red hartebeest and springbok, is best between December and April, when the animals tend to congregate in the pans and valleys. Visitors are warned that sleeping in the open without a tent is dangerous and foolhardy and that they should keep their tents fastened to prevent snakes, scorpions, etc. from gaining entry. Foodstuffs, etc. should not be kept in the tent but should be closed into the vehicle to avoid the unwanted attentions of lions and hyaenas.
Lodge Accommodation Options at Deception Valley:
Deception Valley Lathita Interactive Safari Lodge
- Self Catering Serviced Tented Camps
- Serviced Camp Sites
- Guided Game Activities
Haina Safari Lodge
- Luxury Fully Serviced Lodge
- Serviced Camp Sites
- Guided Game Activities
Deception Valley Lodge
- Luxury Fully Serviced Lodge
- Guided Game Activities
20 April 2008
02 April 2008
Travel to Africa
Travel to South Africa
Promoting travel to South Africa has the potential of increasing and expanding your travel business tremendously. South Africa has so much to offer, and almost everybody thinks of "Safari" when talking to them about travel to South Africa.An African Safari is an opportunity of a lifetime. South Africa has preserved wide tracts of land for conservation; allowing visitors to witness and experience close encounters with African animals at home in their natural habitats. Many game reserves can be found around South Africa, all offering excellent opportunities and experiences. The Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa at nearly 2 million hectares is home to an impressive number of species. The Big 5 - lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino, are among these. Also to be seen are zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, wild dogs and hippo. Private game reserves offer exclusive luxury accommodation in harmonious bush lodges or luxury tented camps. With most of these lodges in excellent settings, it is not uncommon to see game from your private viewing deck overlooking a waterhole. Game viewing takes place from open-air vehicles and a private game guide will ensure that the experience is unforgettable, getting you up close and personal with the wildlife. Before dark falls, watch the blazing African sunset melt away and darkness take its place as a lion roars in the distance. With every modern comfort, excellent cuisine and sipping South Africa’s delicious wines, the romance of Africa is certainly captured. Later around the campfire, recall and share the exciting experiences and game viewings of that day while listening to the calls of the night.To ensure that your clients have an "experience of a lifetime" and have peace of mind about traveling to South Africa, there are certain things you need to be aware of when booking your clients on a tour and safari to South Africa. It is important to know the tour operator you are booking with. I suggest that an agent book their clients' safari vacations through a company that is familiar to them, not just an unknown company that they might have stumbled upon on the internet, but one that they personally know or that has been recommended to them. It is even better if that company has an office within the United States. Being able to call that company on a toll free number to talk directly with a representative and have all your questions answered is so assuring!Client satisfaction is key in selling any vacation, but is paramount when selling a safari vacation! Know what your clients' interests and needs are. Do your clients want a luxury tent accommodation or do they prefer a more modern lodge? Do they want to travel with a very small group only or do they want to be part of a larger group of travelers? Are they the more seasoned and adventurous traveler whose interest lies in a self-drive tour?The baby boomer generation and senior travelers travel well in small groups. Traveling in smaller groups is much more enjoyable. This offers greater intimacy, and the leader and the guide can pay attention to each client and their comforts, and they feel that this tour is designed just for them. Escorted tours and personally accompanied tours make your client feel unique and safe. They are not just a number in a large group, but they get individual attention and have the opportunity to experience South Africa just the way they always imagined to.Look for a company that can cater to your clients' needs, one that can offers specialized tours and customized travel, one that is flexible and can offer tailor-made tours to meet your clients' needs such as honey moons, anniversary destinations, small group travel where your client is made to feel unique and safe, or even cater for larger groups such as university alumni groups. Your clients might be interested in cultural experiences, the theatre, home visits to local South Africans, or food and wine tours. South Africa boasts two luxury trains. Their main route is from Pretoria to Cape Town and vice versa taking either one or two days for the journey, but there are other shorter or longer side trips that are available. Both offer a memorable and very special experience.Another important aspect to consider is the issue of malaria. There are a number of game parks and reserves in malaria-free areas that offer the "Big Five" (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino and Buffalo) game viewing experience in just a great a way as the famous Kruger National Park does. It is important for you to be able to offer this malaria-free safari option to your clients through the operator you are working with.South Africa is the destination of the future. Most of your clients have been to Europe, have done more than their fare share of cruises, and want to learn and experience something new. Exchange rates make South Africa particularly attractive. Some Americans are considering alternatives to a European holiday, as the euro-to-dollar exchange rate makes such trips more expensive. The situation has made South Africa, with the favorable exchange rate of more than 8 Rands per dollar, more alluring. And on closer look, many travelers discover the nation's offerings are often on par with those of Europe.
Lathita Travel offers unique travel to South Africa. Robin and Stella personally accompany the groups from the USA on requestand travel with them for the entire duration of the trip. For more information, contact Lathita Travel at www.lathita.co.za, robin@lathita.co.za, or call 1-866-466-8222 or 502-545-1878. (USA)
Promoting travel to South Africa has the potential of increasing and expanding your travel business tremendously. South Africa has so much to offer, and almost everybody thinks of "Safari" when talking to them about travel to South Africa.An African Safari is an opportunity of a lifetime. South Africa has preserved wide tracts of land for conservation; allowing visitors to witness and experience close encounters with African animals at home in their natural habitats. Many game reserves can be found around South Africa, all offering excellent opportunities and experiences. The Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa at nearly 2 million hectares is home to an impressive number of species. The Big 5 - lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino, are among these. Also to be seen are zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, wild dogs and hippo. Private game reserves offer exclusive luxury accommodation in harmonious bush lodges or luxury tented camps. With most of these lodges in excellent settings, it is not uncommon to see game from your private viewing deck overlooking a waterhole. Game viewing takes place from open-air vehicles and a private game guide will ensure that the experience is unforgettable, getting you up close and personal with the wildlife. Before dark falls, watch the blazing African sunset melt away and darkness take its place as a lion roars in the distance. With every modern comfort, excellent cuisine and sipping South Africa’s delicious wines, the romance of Africa is certainly captured. Later around the campfire, recall and share the exciting experiences and game viewings of that day while listening to the calls of the night.To ensure that your clients have an "experience of a lifetime" and have peace of mind about traveling to South Africa, there are certain things you need to be aware of when booking your clients on a tour and safari to South Africa. It is important to know the tour operator you are booking with. I suggest that an agent book their clients' safari vacations through a company that is familiar to them, not just an unknown company that they might have stumbled upon on the internet, but one that they personally know or that has been recommended to them. It is even better if that company has an office within the United States. Being able to call that company on a toll free number to talk directly with a representative and have all your questions answered is so assuring!Client satisfaction is key in selling any vacation, but is paramount when selling a safari vacation! Know what your clients' interests and needs are. Do your clients want a luxury tent accommodation or do they prefer a more modern lodge? Do they want to travel with a very small group only or do they want to be part of a larger group of travelers? Are they the more seasoned and adventurous traveler whose interest lies in a self-drive tour?The baby boomer generation and senior travelers travel well in small groups. Traveling in smaller groups is much more enjoyable. This offers greater intimacy, and the leader and the guide can pay attention to each client and their comforts, and they feel that this tour is designed just for them. Escorted tours and personally accompanied tours make your client feel unique and safe. They are not just a number in a large group, but they get individual attention and have the opportunity to experience South Africa just the way they always imagined to.Look for a company that can cater to your clients' needs, one that can offers specialized tours and customized travel, one that is flexible and can offer tailor-made tours to meet your clients' needs such as honey moons, anniversary destinations, small group travel where your client is made to feel unique and safe, or even cater for larger groups such as university alumni groups. Your clients might be interested in cultural experiences, the theatre, home visits to local South Africans, or food and wine tours. South Africa boasts two luxury trains. Their main route is from Pretoria to Cape Town and vice versa taking either one or two days for the journey, but there are other shorter or longer side trips that are available. Both offer a memorable and very special experience.Another important aspect to consider is the issue of malaria. There are a number of game parks and reserves in malaria-free areas that offer the "Big Five" (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino and Buffalo) game viewing experience in just a great a way as the famous Kruger National Park does. It is important for you to be able to offer this malaria-free safari option to your clients through the operator you are working with.South Africa is the destination of the future. Most of your clients have been to Europe, have done more than their fare share of cruises, and want to learn and experience something new. Exchange rates make South Africa particularly attractive. Some Americans are considering alternatives to a European holiday, as the euro-to-dollar exchange rate makes such trips more expensive. The situation has made South Africa, with the favorable exchange rate of more than 8 Rands per dollar, more alluring. And on closer look, many travelers discover the nation's offerings are often on par with those of Europe.
Lathita Travel offers unique travel to South Africa. Robin and Stella personally accompany the groups from the USA on requestand travel with them for the entire duration of the trip. For more information, contact Lathita Travel at www.lathita.co.za, robin@lathita.co.za, or call 1-866-466-8222 or 502-545-1878. (USA)
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