Flavours for the Senses: Camp Kalahari Trip – By Dimitri Syrris

Car packed to the fullest, sun and sand heating up and three excited explorers. Rebecca, Charlotte and I were all ready for our adventure to the east of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The drive was three hours of sand drifting into the beautiful vast landscapes of bush, rolling grasslands and salt pans. We then arrived into this enchanted world of white open spaces, rich in wildlife and scattered with towers of palm trees.

Landing at our campsite mid-afternoon, tents were erected, and camping chairs prepared for our bonfire later that evening. We hopped back into the vehicle for an afternoon game drive through the CT11 concession; a dry and dusty environment that gave the animals a particular light and ominous glow. From ground squirrels to oryx, ostriches, jackals and elephants – all life was perfectly adapted to what seemed to be an enduring environment to conquer. A highlight was watching two male elephants sharing their afternoon drink, with a dust cloud of wildebeest forming behind them. Listening to their thirst being quenched, one could almost sense a sparkle of happiness shine through their eyes.

A bush getaway is not complete without a sundowner drink, where we situated ourselves at the edge of one of the salt pans and ensured we had a row of palm tree soldiers on the horizon. As the sunset, a blast of colours was shot into our eyes, ranging from blues, oranges, pinks and reds. A mind-taking moment, where the only thought left was that of the present moment and the beauty we were witnessing. As quickly as the colours came, the darkness of the night soon blanketed over us.

Back at camp, we had a roaring fire going, a delicious pre-prepped meal was heated and we held Amarula in hand. We were able to sit back and enjoy the African night sky that glistened down on us. The night allowed good conversations and for our imaginations to wander into thoughts of CT11’s endless space and beauty.

Six am was our rise-and-shine-time for the morning game drive. Stepping out of the tent in the morning, and witnessing the sunrise above the horizon, can transcend one’s mind into a reconnection with raw and real reality. Meandering through the pans, vultures drifting above, and with the car fully loaded, our journey back to camp was one of gratitude and thankfulness. Thankful for this incredible place we get to call home and for EfA being able to share this untouched getaway with us. Thank you EfA…