And now for the main event, the reason I came to Upington, a safari in the Kalahari Desert! But before the adventure could start, we (my guide/driver and I) had to drive 3 hours to get to the park entrance at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp, just broken off bybreakfast at a lodge on the way. Since I was there for a night only, we were only able to explore the area around Twee Rivieren, and it also meant a fairly busy game drive schedule, in the afternoon after arriving and the next morning before and after breakfast. Such a short time is far from ideal for a safari, but that’s unfortunately all the time I had. Having been on a safari before, what I wanted to do this time was see more of the animals specific to the Kalahari, mainly the meerkat and the black maned lion. And that I got 🙂 Would have loved to see more of them, but at least I got it ticked off my bucket list, and maybe better luck next time. My guide was a bit disappointed by how few animals we saw, as he was used to seeing loads more. This business is all about luck 🙂 There is no doubt had I had more time than the one day of game driving I had, the list of spotted animals would have been even longer. And how lucky was I to be handed this great guy to take me around. Not just a chill person to hang out with, but not the one who’s gonna talk your ears full, and not the one who is a total mute. Just perfect! You are after all stuck in a car (actually a regular car, I didn’t know one could go on a safari in a regular car) with this person for several hours, just the two of you. A good thing he has an eye for spotting animals (goes hunting), because otherwise I wouldn’t have seen anything. How is one suppose to see a beige coloured animal on a beige coloured background…? I got better after a while 🙂 Also did lunch out in the bush. Met up with another group from the same tour company for a little braai/barbeque at a picnic spot next to an early settlement museum. After the animals that could been seen were seen, on the way back to Upington we did a short stop at the bushmen road stall, and swung by a huge salt pan.
I booked my safari through Kalahari Tours. A family-run business who’s been in the game for 16 years. And I couldn’t be happier. Welcoming, helpful and accommodating are what you get.
Website: sanparks.org/parks/kgalagadi
Hi, I have read some of your blog posts and I absolutely love them. I am currently a safari guide in South Africa and am trying to share my experiences with everyone. It would be greatly appreciated if you have a look at my blog samhankss.wordpress.com and let me know what you think. Many thanks in advance.
Thanks so much for your kind words! What a great job you have! Love safaris. Where in South Africa are you working?
Absolute pleasure! Im the Greater Kruger area.
Decided not to do Kruger while in South Africa. Maybe a wrong choice as Kalahari was quiet 🙂 Let’s hope I have better luck next time, as safaris will always be high on my list!
You may say it was quiet but I’m sure there were still amazing things to see. Definitely do Kruger next time, it’s amazing.
I’ve realised it is a lot of luck involved. Others that were on the road the same time as us had spotted more cats. Yes, still had a great time. Even though SA is amazing, probability of going back is small, as there are so many places to see in the world. What are you favourite parks beside Kruger? So far I’ve done Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kalahari.
Dying to go on safari! That’s great you got to see the animals you wanted to see even though there weren’t many of them. Sounds like you were satisfied :). Thanks for linking up with #farawayfiles
Safari is the best! This is my second time, and definitely not my last. It is time consuming, but time files by.
It’s good to catch a picture of you at last! Game drives involve a lot of luck, I think. Like you say, a good guide can make all the difference. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Haha, I don’t like to be in front of the camera, and I don’t like to ruin a great shot with my appearance. But I am trying to get better at it 🙂 Yes, game drives is all about luck. Animals can cross the road a minute after you left. A good guide is a must!
Oh wonderful! We’d love to do some game drives too!
Love safaris 🙂