I thought I had seen the best Botswana had to offer, but nothing could have prepared me for the raw beauty and mesmerizing wilderness I encountered in the Deception Valley Private Reserve, located in the heart of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana. This place, a vast expanse of golden sands and hidden oases, is a paradise for anyone seeking a truly wild, African adventure.
Day 1: Arrival and the Afternoon Game Drive
Arriving at The Dune Camp was like stepping into a serene oasis, where the warm desert air and the sight of vast, sweeping dunes immediately made me feel a sense of calm and awe. The camp itself is cozy and intimate with spacious thatched roof rooms that offer incredible views of the surrounding wilderness. After a quick refresh it was time for our afternoon game drive.
Afternoon Game Drive: The First Glimpse of the Wild
As we set out in our open-view safari vehicle, the golden light of the late afternoon filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the desert landscape. The reserve was alive with activity, and we soon encountered a variety of wildlife. A group of kudus appeared gracefully grazing in the distance, while a herd of impalas darted across the plains. The guide Paul and his tracker France were exceptionally skilled at spotting animals, and soon we were watching a group of zebras and wildebeests running around looking at us as some uninvited guests disturbing their drinking time at the man-made water hole.
Evening: Lions Visit the Camp
As night approached and we gathered for dinner under the stars, an unexpected and thrilling event unfolded. Our dining area became the setting for an extraordinary wildlife encounter. A pride of lions casually walked through the camp, their powerful forms moving gracefully in the fading light. A lioness and her 4 young adults.
They passed right by the dining area, barely noticing us as we watched in awe. The lions seemed at ease, and we marveled at how close we were to these magnificent creatures. As we sat around the dinner table, their presence made the experience feel even more immersive and exhilarating. They drank water and soon stalked and chased a porcupine which has been lurking around.
After diner, I returned to my room. Just after taking a shower, I heard the soft, rumbling growls of the lions. To my surprise, they made their way past my room and sprawled out in front of the rooms, napping in the moonlight. It was surreal—being so close to these predators, experiencing their power and grace while still feeling completely safe and in tune with nature.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Cultural Experience with the Naru Tribe
Morning Game Drive: A New Day in the Desert
The next morning, I woke up early. 5 am wake up call, breakfast at 0530 and departure for the morning drive at 0600am eager to see what the Kalahari would offer in the soft light of dawn. The temperatures were cool, and the desert was quiet and still, allowing us to spot animals as they began their day. Time to spot cats. The excitement!
To begin the day, we came across a herd of kudus at the nearby waterhole. It was a magnificent sight to see these beautiful creatures drinking, walking elegantly showing off their well carved horns. The waterhole had become a gathering point for many animals during our stay, and it wasn’t just kudus; we also saw elephants and the occasional lions passing through, all drawn to the precious resource.
As we continued the drive, Paul pointed out various bird species and small creatures, such as ground squirrels and couples of jackals. We also spotted a lone leopard on the prowl, her eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of prey.
As the drive continued, our guide pointed out a pair of Kori bustards—a sight I won’t soon forget. At first, I mistook them for much larger, four-legged creatures. Their massive size and impressive stature gave them the appearance of a predator or a larger mammal as they moved across the plains. The Kori bustard, the national bird of Botswana, is one of the largest flying birds in the world. Seeing it in the early morning light reinforced just how magnificent and imposing these birds are.
The morning safari was peaceful yet thrilling, a perfect way to start the day.
Afternoon: Cultural Experience with the Naru Tribe
In the afternoon, we had the privilege of meeting members of the Naru tribe, one of the indigenous groups who have lived in the Kalahari Desert for generations. We were warmly greeted and invited to join in their cultural practices.
The tribe shared fascinating stories about their ancestors and their deep connection to the desert. We were shown how they use local plants for medicinal purposes and how they have adapted to survive in this harsh environment. It was eye-opening to learn about the tribe’s traditional hunting techniques, using simple but effective tools to catch game and navigate the landscape.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was participating in a traditional dance and song, where we joined the Naru in rhythmic movements around the campfire. It was a beautiful experience that allowed me to connect with the culture of this ancient community and gain a deeper appreciation for their way of life.
Night Drive: The Desert’s Nightlife
As darkness fell, we embarked on our final adventure—a night game drive that promised to reveal the Kalahari Desert’s nocturnal side. The night safari was unlike anything I’d experienced before. With the spotlight in hand, the tracker, France, scanned the horizon, illuminating the eyes of various nocturnal creatures.
We spotted a pair of jackals, their eerie calls echoing in the night as they moved through the bushes. Another pair appeared, darting across the path, their eyes glowing in the dark. The highlight of the night, however, was when we encountered a family of lions. Their silhouettes were visible against the dark landscape as they went on about their night hunting business. The tension and excitement of the moment were palpable, knowing that these powerful predators were so close, yet calmly going about their business.
One of the highlights was seeing spring hares hopping around the acacia bushes and grass, their long, powerful legs allowing them to move swiftly across the desert in search of food. Their large eyes, glowing in the spotlight, gave them an almost otherworldly appearance as they bounded through the darkness.
After the night drive, I returned to my room again, feeling deeply connected to the wilderness. The sounds of the desert night—the calls of distant animals and the occasional rustle of leaves—reminded me that I was truly surrounded by nature in its most unspoiled form.
Reflection: Adventure to Remember
My two nights at The Dune Camp were an unforgettable adventure filled with close encounters with wildlife, enriching cultural experiences, and the kind of wild serenity that only a place like the Kalahari Desert can offer. The camp’s proximity to two waterholes created the perfect setting for observing wildlife, and the lions’ unexpected visits around the dining area and guest rooms added an element of excitement to the stay. From watching the graceful kudus, huge elands and plenty of other antelopes by the water to listening to the rhythmic sounds of the Naru tribe, every moment felt immersive and unique.
For anyone seeking an authentic safari experience in Botswana, The Dune Camp is a hidden gem. The combination of culture and wild beauty made this trip one of the most extraordinary I’ve ever had. The Deception Valley Private Reserve, with its vast open spaces, incredible wildlife, and rich cultural history, is a place I’ll cherish forever
Sky Like No Other
One of the most magical experiences in Deception Valley is the stargazing. As night falls, the sky transforms into a brilliant canvas of stars, unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The Kalahari Desert, with its minimal light pollution, offers some of the clearest night skies in the world. I marveled at the constellations, and our guide pointed out the Southern Cross. The vastness of the desert below and the stars above created a sense of peace and awe that I’ll never forget.
