On the private Kabakae Game Reserve, Thakadu Bush Camp was a dream that became a reality in 1999 by Chris and Jeanette Woolcott. Now, more than 20 years later, this lodge is still in the family and they still love their special part of the Kalahari Bushveld. Better yet, they love sharing it with their guests and they’re good at it.

It’s rustic and down to earth (the brown dusty and sandy earth of the Kalahari Desert) which makes it all the more authentic. The last 3km to the lodge requires some ‘bundu bashing’ (a 4WD is ideal, but you’ll get there on these rough roads in a 2WD too). Thakadu overlooks a dry pan, which bar a few months of the year, after heavy rains, fills with water. Never mind though, there’s a waterhole there too and it draws out the plains game of the Kalahari year round.  

Thakadu (tha-ka-du) in Setswana means a ‘long pig-like snout ant eating bear’, more commonly known to safari enthusiasts as the aardvark. A fitting description. You’ll see him in these parts. Be on the lookout. You could also see wildebeest, warthog, giraffe, springbok, mongoose, wildcat, aardwolf (not related to the aardvark although his dining preferences are similar), impala, porcupine, kudu, bat-eared fox, gemsbok and eland.  

Accommodation options vary from brick walled rooms to thatched chalets and Meru-style tents. There’s a campsite too. Noku’s Nook is our favourite. An exclusive camp tucked away in the bush, 2,5km from the main lodge. It has a thatched lapa, swimming pool and its own private waterhole.  It’s certainly not a luxury stay at Thakadu Bush Camp, but that’s not what they’re about. It’s more a comfort stop over, where it’s all about the bush experience, peaceful wilderness and beautiful night skies.