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Kalahari Sunset Safaris

These are the activities that will make up the 6 day experience, the order can be tailored to individual needs.

Familiarisation Bushwalk (Morning Activity)

The familiarisation walk to orientate yourself with this unfamiliar environment. This will include a walk along the old river bed (Buitsivango River), identifying places of interest, including natural salt/mineral licks and caves.  Identification of trees, bushes, spoor, birds and other animals, etc. This is a crucial part of your introduction to the bush and your stay in the Kalahari. You will then be introduced to the resident Giant Tortoise Clan (Bushman Clan/family).

Gathering of Veldt foods (Morning Activity)

This a guided walk around Buitsivango with two Bushman women and an interpreter to identify the "salad and root vegetables". All samples collected will be tasted by clients after they have been prepared in the afternoon. May be of particular interest to vegetarians, veldt foods can be sampled by clients at this time. As part of re-education, the 'Melon dance' will be performed by the women of the clan to celebrate a good harvest of veldt foods, this is an opportunity for the younger women to learn the dance. Preparation of veldt foods, stamping, cooking and mixing of the salads and other foods gathered during the bushwalk.

Melon Dance (Afternoon)

A celebration dance for a good harvest performed by the women of the clan. The women also take this opportunity to show off to the men they wish to attract. They also play the foot bow, and anywhere from one to ten women will play on one bow. (see photo gallery)

Bushwalk for Herbal medicines (Morning Activity)

An introduction to the plants used by the Bushmen of the Ghanzi district for various ailments. Works the same as the bushwalk, but with the walk concentrating on the identification of medicinal plants and their uses, certain plants will be dug up, taken back to the camp and used at a later date. (see photo gallery)

Trance Dance (Evening) Generally all night.

One of the few things we cannot offer to anyone, mainly because it is part of Bushmen Religion and not something to be put on. The Sharman refuse to perform this ritual unless someone is genuinely ill, so it is not taken lightly. A god alternative to the trance dance is the rain dance which is more of a celebration of a good hunt, for pleasure or for the pleasure of having a get together. (see photo gallery)

Rain Dance (Evening) Lasts all night

Similar to the trance dance, although no religion or talking to the gods involved, a very light hearted affair.

Hunting Experience (Early Morning Activity)

A minimum of four hours required, a guided simulation hunt with two Bushmen, hunting traditionally. Basic Hunting and Survival skills (simulated hunting and tracking). Identification of tracks along the fossil river bed and a basic course in methods of tracking, hunting and if requested traps for various animals.

Myths and Legends of the Kalahari (Late Afternoon Early Evening Activity)

This takes place in the camp in the afternoon under the shade of a big Camel thorn tree or after the evening meal by the dying embers of the camp fire, to accompaniment of the sights and sound of the African night.

Traditional Craft Skills demonstration (Afternoon Activity)

There is a group of people resident at Kampoorra who spend their day making the hardware and traditional "jewellery" for the Red People. A chance to see how necklaces and bangles are made from scratch with Ostrich eggshells, glass beads and seeds, using sinew to string them. In addition to all this, male hardware skills; producing and repairing of hunting sets, tanning skins and curing hides. As well as the making of rope and glue.

Games (Afternoon Activity)

Can only be described as 'Bushman Olympics', a series of games played by children, that is a basis for the hunting skills necessary in later life. Clients will be encouraged to participate, as the real element of fun is participation and group enjoyment.

Music of the desert (Late Afternoon/Evening)

Mouth bow, foot bow and thumb piano. A soothing way to round off the day, although it is so much more enchanting if played at night

Kalahari Sunset Safaris Ltd. © 2007. All rights reserved.
P.O Box 651 Ghanzi, Botswana, Southern Africa.
00 267 721 55 259.