On a quest to discover the most scenically astounding areas of this great continent, we were naturally drawn to the unique presence of the Kalahari, which occupies much of southern Africa. This vast desert basin has varied habitats; from red dunes and spiny umbrella thorn trees, to rolling, grassy plains, and stark saltpans. It supports a wealth of wildlife, and even in its most desolate areas, it is the kingdom of beauty, alive with the creatures that have adapted to the harsh seasons of the Kalahari. To the west of the Kalahari lies the Namib Desert – the world’s oldest desert, occupying the coastal stretch of Namibia where its ancient sand dunes rise to meet the icy Atlantic Ocean. Between South Africa’s northern territory, Botswana’s Central Kalahari expanse, and Namibia’s inimitable Sossusvlei, we’ve picked our top 3 African desert safari destinations. These are our selections for an ultra-luxurious, country-hopping desert discovery…
1. Jack’s Camp, Central Kalahari, Botswana
The Kalahari basin falls within Botswana’s borders, engulfing the country in its sandy semi-desert and saltpans, which transform into vegetated plains and vast lakes in the rainy season. Right on the edge of the Nwetwe Pan in the Makgadikgadi Pans region of northern Botswana lies Jack’s Camp – a 1940s-style tented safari camp, reminiscent of the African expedition era and appearing like an oasis in the remote, unchartered Kalahari. The Makgadikgadi saltpans are ancient inland lakes, which have long since dried up and fossilised, creating these expansive pans and becoming world-renowned natural attractions. During the dry months (April to November), Jack’s Camp offers the incredible experience of quad biking across the wide, open pans, dining out under the stars and surrounded by absolutely nothing, while the rainy summer months bring about the famous annual migration of zebra and other wildlife across the grass-filled pans.
All year round, the safari experience at Jack’s Camp blends elements of local wildlife, culture, and geology to create a diverse and fascinating collection of activities for guests. Guided walks with the Kalahari Bushman are unique to the area, while horseriding alongside wildlife is an unforgettable experience. Chapman’s Baobab is definitely worth visiting, and the habituated family of wild meerkats is an exceptionally memorable element to a stay at Jack’s Camp.
When it comes to the camp itself, the days of the great explorers come back to life with the use of draping curtains, four-poster beds, antique furniture, intricate wooden details, glass display cabinets, and the warm burgundy colours of the parachute-style tent. Jack’s Camp transports guests to a time, long ago, making the whole experience entirely otherworldly and indulgent.
2. andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia
In the cradle of the Namib Desert, surrounded by endless dunes and rising desert hills, andBeyond Sossusvlei is one unrivaled retreat. Located in secrecy, just outside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, guests can expect total exclusivity as they enjoy the indescribable vistas of the ancient Namib. The cumin-coloured sand dunes shift over the years, transforming the surroundings and changing the view from the 10 magnificent stone and glass suites dotted along the edge of the escarpment. This desert is dramatic, yet simple, and it is just waiting to be explored.
Immense silence fills the air, and peace is found at Sossusvlei, which is one of Namibia’s most celebrated natural areas. Over the dunes and the emptiness that seems to exist there, lies Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, which is known for its rough seas, dense mist, and history of shipwrecks. It is quite astonishing to imagine being in a place to barren of water, yet to find the vast ocean along its west coast.
At andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, the emphasis is on the location, and the activities offer the opportunity for guests to discover and appreciate the unique surroundings. Quad biking in the dunes, guided nature walks and game drives into the extensive wilderness, which is home to only the most successful, desert-adapted species. Visit Dead Vlei, which is the famous place of the dead trees: Between towering red dunes, flat, white pans occupy the ground, dotted with the skeletal remains of trees. Dine out under the enormously starry sky at a special spot in the desert, surrounded by flickering lanterns and feasting on superb cuisine; or enjoy a private dinner for two at your luxury suite, overlooking the darkening dunes.
3. Tswalu Kalahari, Northern Cape, South Africa
Tswalu is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, covering an area of over 100,000 hectares. It is an entirely exclusive and traverse belongs only to the Tswalu accommodations on this expansive property. This is immaculate luxury, and when the phenomenal and unique game viewing of pangolin, aardvark, meerkat, cheetah, and brown hyena are combined with the opulent lodge and faultless service; it becomes one of Africa’s most sought after destinations. Tswalu’s Tarkuni is the old Oppenheimer family’s house, which has been transformed into a 5-suite desert homestead. It emphasises the natural surroundings in its detailed decor, with grand pieces that represent the textures and colours of the Kalahari region. Incorporating rock and wood, with rough textures and bold furniture, Tarkuni is nothing less than striking.
Tswalu makes conservation its priority, with a vision to restore the Kalahari to its most spectacular self. There is ancient history in these hills, with some of the oldest Bushman rock paintings on earth. Nature is in a perfect balance, and every care is taken to enhance and protect it. Tswalu has superlative wildlife, offering sightings of some of South Africa’s rarest and most extraordinary wildlife. Prepare to feel entirely spoilt by the expertise of the staff and guides, who go out of their way to make your Tswalu experience one desert adventure you will never forget.
