Sun Destinations

I’m sitting here with an ice cold Savanna (cider) in my hand listening to the high-pitched cry of a jackal in the background. The sun is slowly sinking into oblivion behind the Umbrella trees that are the ever-present mark of the Kalahari. My suede colour canvas tent is protecting me from inquisitive predators and provides much needed respite from the seering heat of the African Bush. I’ve finally arrived at my destination – the Haina Kalahari Lodge.

Located close the borders of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, this four star lodge provides an ideal hideaway for avid safari-goers. Tented lodges lie comfortably on wooden platforms and are located far from one another; creating an almost isolated “middle of the bush” experience. Should there be a medical emergency there are air-horns in the room to alert management. I was told that a lion outside your tent is not an emergency !

I feel calm, restful, peaceful and grateful. In my tent I have a massive deep set bath, a shower gracefully encased in a glass cubicle overlooking the bushveld and all the modern amenities of a city hotel. Haina, after all, is a four star lodge. Despite the evidence of the modern world, it is still authentic and feels like the bush. The camp has been designed to incorporate elements of the natural surrounds into the decor.  There’s plenty of wooden furniture, leather couches and hints of Africa.

I’ve migrated from my room and made way to the communal lounge area which overlooks the pool. There is wireless here – but not in the rooms. The rooms are for reading, sleeping, relaxing and listening to the cries of the Kalahari. Do you really want to be tempted into logging onto Facebook and playing Farmville all day? Thought not.  Right now, I’m staring at white candles in glass jars, my feet are up – littering the cherry wood table laden with wildlife books;  and I’m listening to the birds prattling away. In the background I can hear a feint neighing sound from Ponchos, the foal. Wanda, the camp manager, rescued a foal and is currently rehabilitating this poor creature before she is adopted.

Feels like home here and I’m not sure I want to leave. I’m impressed with the friendliness and efficiency of the staff. One of the things I love is that everyone here greets me by name. I’m looking forward to what’s in store for the next few days. I’ve heard I’m headed to the CKGR (Central Kalahari Game Reserve) to find the famous Black-maned lions – the Dune Kings ! I’ll also be hanging out with the Bushmen – the Bushmen experience is a unique selling point of the Haina Kalahari Lodge.

Facts I’ve learnt about the Haina Kalahari Lodge:

• 90 % of the staff have Bushmen heritage.
• There are 10 tents. 3 luxury, 1 family and 6 standard.
• There is a great little Bushmen crafts and curio shop on site.
• The tiny watering hole in front of the lodge is frequented by Cheetah.
• To get here; the best option is to fly into Maun then arrange a charter to Haina – they have their own landing strip.
• You need to book your day trip into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in advance through Haina.
• The Bushmen experience is a highlight for many guests (I’m looking forward to it!)
• The management team is very flexible in terms of tending to guests’ needs.

Read here for all the reviews about Haina Kalahari Lodge on Tripadvisor

Stay tuned !