The Boteti River. A lifeline through a desert. A lifeline for an ecosystem connecting the Okavango delta with the Makgadikgadi salt pans. And a honey pot of relief for the animals gasping for a drink. You see, after the Central Kalahari receives its last drop of rain for the year, it's here they head. And here, overlooking the river bed, is the Boteti River Camp. Here beside the desert and delta, in this flat, flat land.
There are 8 en-suite chalets, 3 meru tents, and 8 campsites with water access and shared ablutions. The camp is a back-to-basics type of camp but quirky in all its colours and offers really everything you need. It's neat and tidy with comfortable accommodation, some funky traditional decor and a warm atmosphere.
The chalets have twin or double beds and you can ask for extra beds for children. They have en-suite bathrooms with outside showers and toilets. And, phew, they're air conditioned. You can book dinner and bed and breakfast. Which is probably wise seeing as there are no cooking facilities for guests in the chalets.
If you want to camp this is a shaded area. You'll have a water tap, 230V electricity and a fireplace. You can pre-order lunch and dinner at the kitchen 24 hours in advance, subject to availability. Best to book the activities in advance too.
Clearly, it's all about the wild. The river, the salt pans, the wildlife. Have a look around Khumaga village and if you have a 4x4, off you go or go with the guides. They offer half day morning and afternoon game drives to the Makgadikgadi National Park and full day game drives to Nxai Pan. There is also the opportunity for a cultural village walk.
First stop, salt pans. Makgadikgadi is huge. Practically the size of Portugal which is frankly ridiculous. Remote, inaccessible, dangerous. But extremely helpful too. They've supported human habitation, and their livestock, for a very long time. Large herds of antelope, zebra and wildebeest roam the dusty plains awaiting the first rains. Normally September time. There isn't always very much but come December a deluge falls. And then the grasslands wave at the passing herds.
Nxai Pan National Park is also right there. On the northern fringe of the Makgadikgadi basin. It includes Nxai Pan - an old lakebed that was once part of the ancient, giant Lake Makgadikgadi - as was the Okavango Delta itself. It's mainly a series of fossil pans covered in short grasses. Acacia trees too. Zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, eland, hartebeest, bat-eared fox, brown hyena cheetah. Game viewing can be rather unpredictable in Nxai Pan, especially during the dry season.
This area also attracts a plethora of birds so if that's your bag you'll be chuffed.
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