Intu Afrika Kalahari Reserve & Lodges

“Here at Camelthorn Kalahari lodge, I became one with nature.”

The Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge is aptly named as it finds itself between two sand dunes in an area peppered with Camelthorn trees which are endemic to this region.

The 12 rondavel-style thatched huts are sparsely set against a backdrop of red dune sands, yellow grasses, piercing blue skies and the greens and browns of the wide-spread Camelthorn and Acacia trees.

The 12 rooms are smaller than those at Zebra lodge but are styled the same way with crisp white linen on comfortable beds. The San-inspired décor compliments this stylish yet rustic style. The en-suite bathrooms are fitted with a large shower, air conditioning and a tea and coffee station. This lodge is designed to cater for the more young at heart and the rooms are therefore at an adequate distance from one another. Each rondavel has a small stone patio from which the captivating scenes of the Kalahari Desert can be taken in.

An inviting, sparkling blue pool which attracts the odd Oryx despite there being a waterhole in close proximity is the first sight to catch your eye as you enter the main area of the lodge. The lounge has comfortable leather seating and is next to the bar that leads to a boma area where large fires are lit and barbecues can be enjoyed at night. An upstairs restaurant overlooking the majestic sights serves an alternative area where sumptuous meals are served. The kitchen is also replenished with organically grown vegetables from the neighbouring farm, Twilight and guests truly enjoy the finest and freshest culinary delights that the Kalahari has to offer.

Guests of the Intu Afrika Game Reserve are encouraged to spend more than one night at the lodge because of the variety of activities with which guests can occupy and enthral themselves with. Guests can explore the neighbouring lodges and choose to have dinner at one of the other lodges or to spoil themselves with the ever popular dune dinner.

All the activities on offer at the Game Reserve can be enjoyed at any of the lodges and the friendly staff efficiently facilitate the client’s desires. So whether it’s a game sunset game drive on an open-air 4×4 vehicle or on a quad bike, or a walk with the Bushman (San) or simply a massage, simply ask, it shall be done.

Simply stylish and elegant, the Zebra Kalahari Lodge is the most decadent of the 3 lodges on the Intu Afrika Private Game Reserve. After a short drive through the contrasting Kalahari Desert where game languish under trees or in pans, guests are welcomed with a much-needed refreshing drink and a smile as warm as the desert sun. The gurgling fish pond and the beautiful stone and wood buildings immediately soothe one’s soul and guests are ushered into the coolness of the lounge area overlooking a rather vibrant waterhole and swimming pool whilst logistics are efficiently handled.

The rooms area are huge and the walls are decorated with ancient African masks and ebony furnishings and are fitted with air conditioners, a mini bar, a hairdryer and a coffee and tea station with a very large bathroom leading out to an outside shower.

There are 16 rooms adjacent to the lodge area which consists of a lounge with comfortable leather seats, a dining area on a deck mirroring the waterhole and swimming pool and a bar. This lodge is ideal for families or for more mature travellers as the facilities at the main lodge are easily accessible from their rooms.

The friendly staff cater to the whim of every customer, pre-empting what the guest could need and then providing it.

The food served in the dining area is world class, with all the choice game available for viewing, also being served up with delicious vegetables that are also grown organically on the neighbouring sheep farm, Twilight(where meat is also culled).

Meals are served on the deck and guests are never bored with the large numbers of wildlife and birdlife that frequent the water hole. This lodge is set in a valley of dunes and watching the game emerge from various parts of the bush makes for a mesmerising experience.

A well-stocked bar manned by a jovial barman provides some much needed refreshments and on chilly nights a fire is lit in the lounge and guests sit around the fire sharing their travel stories and some refreshing drinks.

Guests of the Intu Afrika Game Reserve are encouraged to spend more than one night at the lodge because of the variety of activities with which guests can occupy and enthral themselves with. Guests can explore the neighbouring lodges and choose to have dinner at one of the other lodges or to spoil themselves with the ever popular dune dinner.

All the activities on offer at the Game Reserve can be enjoyed at any of the lodges and the friendly staff efficiently facilitate the client’s desires. So whether it’s a game sunset game drive on an open-air 4×4 vehicle or on a quad bike, or a walk with the Bushman (San) or simply a massage, simply ask, it shall be done.