A Return to the Kalahari — An Apex Experience
Posted by Joffers McCormick
in Africa and Expeditions
We arrived in the Kalahari on a beautiful, warm afternoon, thrilled to be back in one of Africa’s most unique wilderness areas. Before arriving here, we spent time at Londolozi, where we enjoyed incredible sightings of Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, giraffes, zebras, and so much more. Needless to say, excitement was already running high, and the anticipation of what the Kalahari had in store for us was almost impossible to contain.
We headed out on our first game drive
After settling into our rooms, we enjoyed a quick bite to eat before heading out on our first game drive. We left a little later in the afternoon, with only a few hours of daylight remaining, but those shorter drives often produce the most memorable moments.
One of the first highlights came while I was lying in the soft red Kalahari sand with the kids, showing them what a rhino “bed” looks like, the shallow depression rhinos leave behind after resting. Suddenly, our tracker, Willie, quietly whispered, “Shhh… shhh…” We looked up to see him pointing towards a Brown Hyena. It’s one of the Kalahari’s most elusive and fascinating predators, making the sighting all the more special. We quietly repositioned ourselves and watched as it calmly walked past us, no more than 30 feet away. It was an unforgettable encounter and the perfect way to begin our Kalahari adventure.
A family of Meerkats
The afternoon surprises continued and a wonderful encounter with a family of Meerkats was next. With the kids riding on the tracker seat, everyone eagerly scanned the landscape until we finally spotted the gang. We watched them groom one another, play, and slowly settle down for the evening before disappearing into their burrows for the night. Spending time with these charismatic little animals in their natural environment is always a privilege and remains a firm favorite for guests of all ages.
The following day brought one of those classic safari experiences that stays with you forever. We enjoyed a spectacular bush lunch overlooking a waterhole in the heart of the Kalahari. A beautifully set table awaited us, complete with delicious food, ice-cold beers, refreshing fruit juices, and uninterrupted views across the open plains. As we shared stories over lunch and watched wildlife moving through the landscape around us, it was easy to appreciate just how special this wilderness truly is.
Spotting a critically endangered Black Rhino
Of course, one sighting that none of us will ever forget was the Black Rhino. After spending much of the morning searching for this elusive and critically endangered species, our tracker, Ben, climbed down from the vehicle and began tracking on foot, showcasing the remarkable skill and intuition that great trackers possess. Time passed before the radio suddenly crackled to life.
“Mike, Mike, come in.”
“Ben, go ahead.”
“I have located a Black Rhino.”
The excitement in the vehicle was immediate. We carefully made our way to Ben’s position and were rewarded with an incredible sighting of this magnificent animal, completely relaxed in its natural habitat. Seeing a Black Rhino in the wild is an experience very few people are fortunate enough to have, and it was undoubtedly one of the defining moments of our time in the Kalahari.
As our safari drew to a close, we spent our final evening gathered around the campfire with drinks in hand, reflecting on the incredible experiences we had shared. Listening to everyone talk about how deeply the Kalahari had moved them and how quickly they had fallen in love with its vast, rugged beauty was the perfect way to end our adventure.
Kalahari memories to last a lifetime
The Kalahari has a way of getting under your skin. Its endless red dunes, remarkable wildlife, and profound sense of solitude create memories that stay with you long after you’ve left. Sharing those moments with such a wonderful group of guests made this safari one that I will remember for a very long time.