Over the past weekend I was lucky enough to spend 2 nights at Haina Kalahari Lodge and then a quick 1 night stay at Xigera Camp in the Okavango Delta.
Haina Kalahari Lodge is located in the Central Kalahari, in the centre of Botswana, and this reserve is characterised by extensive open plains, saltpans and ancient riverbeds. Today this area is a fantastic game-rich area and a variety of grass, acacia, thorn trees and other drought-resistant plants cover most of Central Kalahari.
The Central Kalahari is accessed via 2 hour scheduled flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Maun in Botswana, and then a short 30 minute light air transfer to Haina’s private airstrip. Upon arrival I was met by Adriaan and had a short drive in open 4×4 Landcruiser to the lodge.
The lodge is what a lot of tourists yearn for these days. In an era of super luxury “hotels” in the bush, Haina is a fantastic authentic lodge. Although the main areas and tents (raised up on wooden platforms) are very well furnished, and you don’t want for anything, you still know you are in the bush! The accommodation consists of six standard tents and four luxury tents, one of which is a dedicated family tent. All are en-suite, and the luxury tents offer baths as well as showers. All lighting and heated water is provided by solar energy. The tents are located very far apart from each other and you really have a feeling of it being just yourself in the middle of the wilderness! It really is special.
The main areas consist of a pool and deck area, comfortable lounge and dining area, and then a fantastic bar and outside sitting area that overlooks a very productive small waterhole. Throughout my stay there were regular visits to the waterhole by kudu, impala and gemsbok. If you are lucky enough you might also see lion and brown hyena! Check out their Facebook page!
The activities on offer at Haina Kalahari Lodge include day and night game drives as well as guided walking safaris. For excursions into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the lodge can arrange a full day outing with a picnic to Deception Pan. The pan is well known for great game viewing and guests will be taken to the original campsite of the authors of “Cry of the Kalahari”. In addition, quad bike rides are also offered. Of course one of the highlights is the cultural Bushmen experience. Guests can interact with the Bushmen on the reserve and get an insight into their nomadic way of life.
A two or three night visit to Haina Kalahari Lodge and the Central Kalahari is a must for any safari enthusiast wishing to experience a complete Botswana Safari – combine it with the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park and I can guarantee you an amazing safari with plenty of memorable moments. You will be very well looked after by Adriaan and Wanda, the experienced Management Couple at the Lodge.
After my fantastic stay at Haina, I made my way to the Okavango Delta via two quick and efficient light air transfers (via Maun, although you can go direct) to Xigera Camp. Xigera is a classic “wet” safari experience in the Okavango. Located within the borders of the Moremi Game Reserve, and just to the west of Chiefs Island, the activities here focus on boating and mokoro through the crystal Delta’s waterways, lagoons and rivers.
The transfer from the airstrip to the camp is via a short road and boat trip and I was warmly welcomed by the local staff with a welcoming song! The camp is very well appointed with all the facilities you could wish for at a luxurious camp in a very remote location. The luxury tents all overlook a lagoon and the view from the comfort of your bed of the sunrise over the shimmering water takes your breath away! All the tents are connected by walk ways raised up on wooden stilts and just on the walk between my tent and the main area I saw bushbuck, a large bull elephant, vervet monkeys and numerous different birds.
On the first afternoon, I had a relaxed mokoro excursion to a nearby island for sundowners and then the next morning experienced an incredible boating safari to Chiefs Island. I was lucky enough to see red lechwe, hippos, buffalo, giraffe, a Marshall eagle hunting ducks, and a plethora of beautiful birdlife. It was an exquisite way to experience the beauty of the Okavango Delta and on my way back to camp (because of time constraints) I learnt that the guests had seen a pride of lions resting on a termite mound on Chiefs Island! From a boat! What a sighting!
The camp is beautiful and guests are very well looked after by the experienced and professional Management team, as well as guides and support staff.
If you would like to experience the contrasts that a Botswana Safari offers, please feel free to contact one of our Expert Safari Consultants who will be happy to assist.
