This eco-tourism initiative provides a rewarding and unique safari experience in a vast private reserve in the Kalahari wilderness, home to spectacular variety of rare and iconic species.
This exciting trip to a Big 5 reserve in South Africa offers a unique opportunity to support a pioneering conservation project in the Kalahari Desert. Previously a vast expanse of cattle farms, in the past 14 years fences have been taken down, the land has naturalised and alongside some reintroductions, wild populations have recovered, leading to the creation of South Africa’s largest private Big-5 game reserve.
From the comfort of an intimate safari camp, complete with only four ensuite guest tents, we will have the chance to participate in much-needed fieldwork, gaining hands-on experience in a range of ecological activities ranging from predator monitoring to game counts, vegetation surveys and anti-poaching efforts. These are the tools needed to ensure a balanced ecosystem is maintained, and that the goal of restoring the Kalahari to its natural state is achieved, whilst also giving us a greater understanding and appreciation of the landscape and the animals that complete it.
This off-the-beaten-track private reserve has just one conservation project, offering unrivalled exclusivity in a land awash with wildlife. We will be sharing this landscape with cheetah, lion, elephants, wild dog, white and black rhino and even rarer predators such as brown hyena and aardwolf. Whilst caracal, pangolin and aardvark also make their home in this reserve.
We will learn from qualified and experienced guides about the reserve’s ecology, biology, and interesting animal behaviours, as well as the importance of habitat restoration and nature conservation. In our company will be popular team member and tour leader Helen Bryon, lending her invaluable enthusiasm and experience of working as a safari guide in South Africa to the mix.
Reflecting on the day’s sightings and experiences in the field, whilst nestled beside a crackling campfire and listening to the sounds of the bush, all under a star filled sky, this is Africa at its best and knowing that you are directly contributing to its preservation can only make the experience even more satisfying.
We also have a green season itinerary, where you can participate in the same activities but witness a contrasting landscape. Contact us to find out more.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Depart UK
Day2: Transfer to Kalahari Private Reserve
Much of today is spent transferring to Kalahari Private Reserve, arriving during the evening. We settle into our accommodation and get some rest following our travels before beginning our excursions the next morning.
During the course of our safari, we will follow a similar daily routine which includes an early morning start, with breakfast provided before heading out on our morning activity. For lunches we may return to the lodge or depending on the schedule, packed lunches may be provided.
Afternoon activities will usually be followed by a sunset drive/sundowner at the watering hole before returning to camp to freshen up before dinner.
Activities will likely include the following:
Camera Traps: Placing and monitoring camera traps to conduct scientific research, nocturnal monitoring, and animal identification (e.g. a wild dog’s unique coat).
Predator Monitoring: Based on the ecological needs of the reserve, we will participate in continuous monitoring of the population dynamics and predator/prey relations of wild dog and lion.
Game Counts: Conduct regular game surveys to monitor the distribution and sex and age ratios in all the reserve’s wildlife populations.
Vegetation Surveys: The reserve’s ecologist has set up a programme in motion to monitor changes in fauna and flora. These surveys are used to identify gradual and/or sudden changes in vegetation across the reserve, recognise changes in species composition, health of the grass layer, bush encroachment and whether the reserve is overstocked.
Reserve Work: Reserve work may include managing bush encroachment, removing invasive plant species, and removal of old fencing wires left over from earlier farming days that may entangle animals.
Anti-Poaching: We will assist experienced rangers with their daily efforts to identify signs of poaching and collect valuable data. Keeping eyes on a vulnerable animal offers it the best form of protection. Record activities of animals at water points and other key areas such as data is used to identify poaching “hotspots” and potential vulnerabilities.
Day9: Departure
This morning we leave the Kalahari for our overnight flight to the UK.
Day10: Arrive UK
Please note: This schedule offers a rough indication of programme activities and is subject to change at the discretion of the reserve ecologist. Activities will only be undertaken where required as part of the reserve's ecological management plan.
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 10 daysfrom £3,895 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 daysfrom £3,295 pp
A member of the Wildlife Worldwide team, Helen is a qualified South African safari guide who following a trip to Baja California, discovered a passion for cetaceans.
Extending her marine mammal knowledge accordingly, she has also turned her attention to improving her ornithological knowledge throughout the different destinations she leads to, including South America and Europe. With her boundless energy, enthusiasm and eye for perfection, Helen will ensure you get the most from your time on her trips whilst sharing her passion for wildlife.
This private and exclusive reserve is a thriving example of healthy Kalahari landscape with rare and endangered species such as pangolin, aardwolf, brown hyena and wild dog living alongside Africa's iconic animals including elephant, cheetah and the black maned lion of the Kalahari.
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Where: Kalahari
Ideal for viewing: aardwolf, ground pangolin, wild dog, cheetah, brown hyena
Despite this giant arid region being a harsh environment, scored with the beds of dried up rivers and vast salt pans, it not only provides the setting for fine wildlife-viewing but also for encountering San bushmen, hunter gatherers who precariously cling to their traditional ways of life throughout this region.
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Where: Southern Africa
Ideal for viewing: blue wildebeest, cheetah, eland, ostrich, springbok
Authentic safari tents, each en-suite with a private decking will be your base for your safari. With just four tourists tents on this vast private reserve you will have unrivalled exclusivity. Hammocks, campfire and main area are a comfortable place for meals and relaxation.
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