8 Day Kalahari Walking Safari

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day walking safari through the stunning !Khamab Kalahari Reserve. This is no ordinary walking safari — Here we get back our human roots and on a primitive basis we traverse on foot through expansive thornveld, open plains & pans for 5 nights.

You get to experience the raw beauty of the Kalahari like never before. Sleeping under the stars with nothing more than a bedroll, you’ll immerse yourself fully in this vast, unspoiled wilderness. This walking safari adventure starts and ends in Johannesburg on set dates and operates during the late winter months, with the option to extend your journey to explore Cape Town, the Kruger National Park, and many other remarkable destinations across South Africa.

Itinerary at a Glance:
Day 1 – Transfer from Johannesburg to !Khamab Kalahari Reserve
Day 2 to 6 – On walking safari through the Kalahari
Day 7 – Transfer back to the lodge
Day 8 – Departure for Johannesburg

 

Day 1 – Transfer from Johannesburg to !Khamab Kalahari Reserve

Your tour begins with being collected from your hotel or off an early flight and hitting the road for the !Khamab Kalahari Reserve, the largest private Big 5 game reserve in South Africa spanning around 95,000 hectares.

This afternoon, you will arrive at the lodge in time for lunch. Later, you can choose to go on a game drive in the Reserve to get a feel for the next five nights or relax at the lodge. This evening, you will enjoy a delicious dinner along with an introductory session on the next few days.

Day 2 to 6 – On walking safari through the Kalahari

This morning you will be driven to the starting point of your 5-day walking trail. Here is where your adventure begins.  With all your supplies on your back (please see the full list below) you will head off on foot into the vast Kalahari. Mornings and evenings will be chilly with midday temperatures getting quite warm, so please pack light warm layered clothing.

Over the next few days, you’ll experience the stunning beauty and solitude of the Kalahari. Each day will begin with the sunrise and the sounds of the early animal chorus, followed by breakfast and the packing up of camp. Then, you’ll set out for a few hours, taking breaks whenever the group needs to rest.

This is a Big 5 reserve, meaning lion, elephant, rhino, leopard & buffalo roam free, so while you’ll have a professional guide with you, it’s important to stay alert. Walking in areas frequented by lions and rhinos is an exhilarating experience, but your guides will take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Along the way, you’ll stop for lunch and rest during the hottest part of the day before continuing your journey to find the next wilderness campsite. As the evening sets in, enjoy the sounds of the crackling campfire and soak in the surrounding moments before slipping into your bedroll, drifting off to sleep while the nocturnal animals of the Kalahari serenade you.

This part of the Kalahari boasts a variety of habitats, creating a well-balanced ecosystem. While on the trail, you’ll encounter a range of wildlife typical of dry, arid environments, such as gemsbok, lions, meerkats, and springbok. You’ll also have the chance to see predators like leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas. Elephants, rhinos, wildebeest, antelope, giraffes, and more call these diverse landscapes home. If you’re fortunate, you might spot rarer species along the way, such as brown hyenas, African wildcats, honey badgers, bat-eared foxes, and cape foxes. The birdlife is equally impressive, with raptors soaring above and the skies even hosting the mighty Kori Bustard, the largest flying bird in Africa.

Day 7 – Transfer back to the lodge

Your 5-day wilderness trail is nearing its end. Pack up camp one final time and embark on your last walking safari before meeting the safari vehicle for your transfer back to the lodge. This evening, you can choose to enjoy a sundowner game drive or simply unwind at the lodge. Dinner will be followed by a closing session, giving you the chance to reflect on your adventure and share memories around the campfire from your unforgettable days in the wilderness.

Day 8 – Departure for Johannesburg

As all good things do, your time in the Kalahari has come to an end.  After your last breakfast in this wonderful setting, you will be transferred back to Johannesburg where you will continue home or onto the rest of your trip.

Prepare For This Walking Safari

On this 8-Day Kalahari Walking Safari you will be walking & sleeping in the true wilderness; therefore, you will need to be self-sufficient with a few items. Some items we provide (detailed with cost), but below are the extra items that you will need to provide for yourself:

Equipment and Clothing Items:
Backpack 50l to 70l capacity
Waterproof cover for your backpack
Winter sleeping bag
Sharp knife (Leatherman)
Water bottles of around 2.5l
Head torch and batteries
Binoculars and camera (optional)
Walking shoes that have already been worn in
Ankle gaiters
Neutral coloured clothing
Hat and sunglasses
Flip flops
Sarong or lightweight towel
Waterproof poncho
Warm clothes for the evenings (gloves, beanie, warm jacket, etc)

Personal Items:
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Toiletries
Large Ziplock bag to store rubbish

Safari Cost

R54,770 per person for the 8-Day Safari
Minimum of 5 pax, maximum of 8 pax

Departure Dates:
31 August 2025
7, 14 and 21 September 2025

Costs Include:
02 nights’ accommodation at the lodge
05 nights’s accommodation on a walking safari
Return transfers to Johannesburg
All meals and non-alcoholic beverages
Reserve Fees and Wilderness Levy
Trail equipment we provide: a blow-up mattress, pillow, bivvy bag, fold-up chair, ground sheet, gas cooker, pot, mug, cutlery, 1l water bottle, dry bag, toilet paper, and matches.

Costs Exclude:
Visas if required
International flights
Accommodation in Johannesburg
Alcoholic beverages
Personal items and gratuities
Travel Insurance