!Khamab in the Kalahari
!Khamab was established in 2007 as a private conservation venture in the Eastern Kalahari Bushveld bioregion. Several properties – mostly cattle and mixed cattle and game farms – were acquired.
!Khamab Kalahari Reserve Setting New Standards In Conservation With Minimal Human Interference.
!Khamab Kalahari Reserve is all about conservation!
One of !Khamab’s objectives is to attain a high level of success in the conservation of endangered species through good conservation management.
!Khamab currently conserves a considerable percentage of the free roaming wild dog population of South Africa and has provided numerous wild dogs over the years for the establishment, and strengthening, of populations elsewhere which includes other Southern African countries. As a member of the Wild Dog Advisory Group (WAG), !Khamab is in a healthy position to contribute significantly to the Range Expansion Project.
Recently, three wild dog females were captured on !Khamab and translocated to a reserve in Kwazulu-Natal, where they will be bonded with unrelated males in a boma for a short period, before being released to establish a new wild dog population.
Even our low-impact tourism policy is defined by conservation principles and sets high standards in the industry! Our guests enjoy a private and intimate experience of the Kalahari landscape, and with only eight guest beds on offer in 90 000 hectares of the Green Kalahari it makes !Khamab one of the reserves with the lowest bed to land ratios in Southern Africa, guaranteeing exclusivity.
The word “Kalahari” evokes visions of sand, wilderness and mystique. Few places in the world paint such a vivid picture in the minds of most, just by the mere mention of its name.
Derived from the Tswana word Kgala, which means “the great thirst”, the Kalahari Desert is punctuated by big skies, uninterrupted stars, red sands, golden winter grass, spectacular summer thunderstorms and a wonderful diversity of wildlife. This stirs feelings of wonder and discovery in those lucky enough to visit.
Tucked away on the south-eastern edge of the Kalahari is !Khamab Kalahari Reserve, the largest, private, Big-5 reserve in South Africa.
This 90 000 ha reserve has the vision to become a premier conservation area renowned for its positive contribution to the conservation of landscapes, habitats and ecological processes and the full spectrum of herbivores and carnivores typical of the eastern Kalahari Bushveld.
!Khamab’s name is also the Nama name for the only true fox in sub-Saharan Africa – the Cape Fox – which is often associated with arid and semi-arid areas. Although not as well known as the charismatic, large predators, its shy, nocturnal habits make it the perfect little creature to represent the reserve in its uniqueness.
The Kalahari Desert
Regarded as one of few remaining wilderness areas in Africa! The largest undisturbed, arid sandy savannah in Africa, covering almost 930 000 square km of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, it forms part of the 1.5 million square kilometre Kalahari Basin, which includes the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans.
It is the southernmost desert in Africa and the second largest desert on the continent after the Sahara. Because of its higher average rainfall, it is not classified as a true desert, but rather a semi-desert.
Its rainfall varies from as little as 5 inches in the southwest to 20 inches in the northeast. However, even the higher rainfall parts of the Kalahari lack surface water as the deep red sands instantly drains almost all rainwater, turning the Kalahari into a mostly waterless landscape.
!Khamab in the Kalahari
!Khamab was established in 2007 as a private conservation venture in the Eastern Kalahari Bushveld bioregion. Several properties – mostly cattle and mixed cattle and game farms – were acquired.
These were then amalgamated into a single property. A fence running 230km around the outside perimeter was erected before all internal fences were removed. The result is a 90 000ha reserve that is completely open, allowing animals to roam freely and ecological processes to play out.
The size of the reserve makes !Khamab the largest conservation area in the North West province by some margin. Its size means it plays a leading role in conservation in the province and a significant portion of the Eastern Kalahari Bushveld.
Bookings and Renovation Works for Okapuka Safari Lodge kick off
The Lodge is currently closed due to renovation works and will reopen in April 2023. However, bookings are being accepted.
Experience Africa’s wild side at the doorstep of Namibia’s capital Windhoek, just a 30 minute drive from the center of town. Surrounded by a 7300 ha living escape of prime African savannah, Okapuka Safari Lodge is an oasis of lush green lawns under ancient camel thorn trees against the backdrop of a towering mountain range. Enjoy the peace and quiet from the verandah of your cosy holiday home watching an array of warthogs passing by accompanied by antelopes, peacefully grazing side by side.
Okapuka, meaning “small animal” in Herero lives up to its name already at first glance. The iconic game drive, however, will take your breath away as you might encounter most of Namibia’s beautiful and diverse wildlife right here. Just out of town yet deep in the African bushveld, you are almost guaranteed sightings of all indigenous antelope species, giraffe, ostriches and, most importantly, white rhino.
Gondwana Collection Namibia took over the management of Okapuka Safari Lodge on 1 November 2022 and is now accepting bookings. However, guests will only be welcomed from 2 April 2023. Until then, the popular and well-known lodge at Windhoek’s doorstep will undergo a comprehensive facelift.
The thatch roofs are being serviced, and the main area will be opened up for an airier and lighter look. As soon as the first thatch roof of Classic Safari Room is completed, the interior of a sample room will be designed. We will share the first images with you as soon as they are available!
The former Okapuka Game Ranch was opened in 1998 and has since become a renowned accommodation establishment in the Namibian Tourism industry. It is known for its spectacular game drives, just 30 minutes outside Windhoek’s city centre, yet deep enough into the African Bushveld to enjoy a true Safari experience.
The extensive revamp of the Lodge premises is the first step in giving this Classic Safari Lodge a new lease on life. Join us on a nostalgic journey of yesteryear’s travel of your best childhood memories from 2 April 2023.
Caprivi Mutoya Lodge
Tranquil Accommodation
Only a 20 minutes-drive (25 km) from Katima Mulilo, situated in a riverine forest overlooking a tranquil backwater of the Zambezi River, Gondwana Caprivi Mutoya Lodge offers a variety of accommodations.
Comfortable air-conditioned en-suite rooms, en-suite luxury tents, campsite safari tents and a well manicured campsite under huge indigenous trees.
A variety of accommodation to suit all budgets!
Birding in Zambezi
Did you know that the Zambezi Region is home to over 450 bird species, making it a haven for ornithologists and keen bird photographers? We offer boat cruises on the Zambezi River and drives into the floodplains for viewing of birds and other wildlife, such a hippos and crocodiles.
The highlight is going to visit the Carmine Bee-Eaters breeding colony (the largest in Southern Africa) from August to late November. Did you know that this colony has approximately 3000 birds and has nests up to 3 metres underground?
Fishing Packages
We offer fishing trips on the Zambezi River with expert guides who have very good knowledge of the river (the best fishing spots). We also offer airport transfers, either from Katima Mulilo or Kasane over the border in Botswana.
We only support CATCH & RELEASE.
Conferences & Workshops
Mutoya Pavilion seats up to 30 people in a spacious venue, which is ideal for conferences, workshops, training courses, corporate team-building and social events.
Although the pavilion only has large open-air window openings with roll-down canvas blinds, it is fitted with fans and air conditioning for sweltering hot African summers. For snacks and meals these are catered for in our main lodge bar/restaurant deck area only a minute walk from the pavilion.
Small events and functions can be also organised on our large pontoon boat.
Zambia Entry Visa
Zambia has announced it will waive visa fees for visiting nationals from select countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and Canada.
Who doesn’t require visa?
Nationals of the countries listed below do not require visas to enter Zambia. However, just like other non-citizen and non-residents arriving in Zambia by Air, they must be in possession of valid return air tickets. Those arriving by land and water must have enough funds for their stay in and departure from Zambia.
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Full list of exempt countries
Aland Islands
Angola
Anguilla
Antigua and Bermuda
Australia
Australian Antarctic Territory
Austria
Azores
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Botswana
British Antarctic Territory
British Indian Ocean Territory
British Virgin Islands
Bulgaria
Canada
Canary Islands
Cayman Islands
Channel Islands
China
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
Estonia
Falkland Islands
Falkland Islands Dependencies
Fiji Islands
Finland
France
French Guiana
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Hungary
Iraq
Ireland
Isle of Man
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kuwait
Latvia
Lesotho
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Madeira
Malaysia
Malawi
Maldives
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritius
Mayotte
Montenegro
Montserrat
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru
Netherlands
New Zealand
Niue
Norfolk Island
Norway
Oman
Pitcairn Islands
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Reunion
Romania
Ross Dependency
St. Helena
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Martin
St. Vincent and Grenadines
Samoa
Saudi Arabia
Serbia and Montenegro
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Swaziland
Sweden
Tanzania
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Island
Tuvalu
Uganda
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America
Vanuatu
Western Samoa
Zimbabwe
The iconic symbol of the Botswana's delta
The silence of travelling in a mokoro means that birds and animals are less likely to take fright, allowing you the opportunity to capture that perfect photo and see that lesser-spotted bird.
See the Okavango Delta from a different point of view.
Access places that land vehicles can’t.
A skilled “poler” will guide your mokoro with control and dexterity.
Photographer’s dream as the silence of the mokoro lets you capture those perfect shots.
Soak up nature at a slower pace
Glide across mirrors of water
Very little beats the tranquility of gliding through narrow water channels in the company of smaller amphibians like reed frogs and dragonflies that you would usually miss out on.
Soak up a different point of view.
Catch details that would otherwise be missed.
See micro colourful frogs and macro-sized elephants knee-deep in water.
Unrivalled peace and silence.
Front row seats to Africa
Become one with the waters
Your experienced Machaba Safaris guide will navigate the channels while you relax and soak up the sights and sounds. From wallowing elephants to small winged water creatures, life on the water is an aquatic world of its own.
More about the mokoro
Thousands of years ago, the Bushmen used dug-out canoes to effortlessly move around the Okavango Delta. Today, eco-friendly fibreglass versions are used for game viewing safaris and the mokoro has become the iconic symbol of the Delta. Gliding over mirror-like bodies of water in one of the most idyllic spots in the world is an experience that is quite unrivalled.
Safari from the water
A little like the gondolas of Venice, your boat poler will propel your vessel around the channels and waterways of the Delta, giving you the freedom to absorb the diversity of its wildlife species from the comfort of your seat. From plants to birds, to insects and large animals, the mokoro is the perfect place from which to view it all.
Pack for fun in the sun
It’s easy to forget about sunburn when on the water, however sunshine reflecting off a glossy surface means that you will burn from above and below your hat. Wear sunglasses, drink lots of water to stay hydrated and regularly apply a high (50+) SPF sunscreen. Slip-proof rubber-soled shoes are recommended and don’t forget the binoculars and camera.
Drink in nature's scale
The world seems a little bit bigger when viewed from the water. You will be able to appreciate the size and scale of elephants drinking and hippos and crocodiles basking – all from the safety of your boat and the protection of a highly knowledgeable Machaba Safaris guide.
Top 10 African countries with quality roads:
Namibia (score 5.2) world ranking 23
South Africa (score 5.0) world ranking 29
Rwanda (score 5.0) world ranking 31
Côte d'Ivoire (score 4.7) world ranking 42
Mauritius (score 4.7) world ranking 44
Morocco (score 4.4) world ranking 55
Kenya (score 4.2) world ranking 61
Botswana (score 4.1) world ranking 6
Cape Verde (score 4.1) world ranking 66
Senegal (score 4.0) world ranking 71
