The idea of Thakadu camp came about over a number of boozy evenings around the table on Kabaka's farm in the early 1990’s. A site was chosen at a lovely pan on the limestone ridge which runs through the property. The ancient Leadwood trees which thrive on this ridge have provided us with natural shade for the campsites and accommodation.
Discounts may be available for children sharing with adults, please specify the ages and number of children when making your booking or requesting a quote.
| January 2025 - December 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Per Person Sharing | Single Rate |
| Room | Please Enquire | Please Enquire |
| Camping | Per Person Sharing | |
| Camping | Please Enquire | |
Thakadu is now managed by Chris and Jeanette Woolcott and offers reasonably priced accommodation in a lovely natural setting.
We have a number of lovely campsites situated in a Leadwood cove serviced by two ablution blocks. The campsites are all provided with 220V power points, portable water and a braai (barbecue) pit. Campsites differ in sizes and can take up to 25 campers per campsite.
We have a well stocked bar, which is a popular waterhole by the waterhole. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be ordered from the chef's a’ la carte menu, including a selection of game meat at reasonable prices and a selection of wines is available. There is something quite special about winning and dining in the bush, as small herds of kudu, eland, impala, wildebeest and warthog come to the floodlit waterhole to drink, graze and play.
A unique split-level swimming pool with a waterfall, ideal for adults and children was built above the ground because the rock is so hard and this can be a great attraction as temperatures sometimes creep into the 40's and has the added advantage of overlooking the waterhole.
Guided San Bushman walks, Unguided marked walking trails. Gamedrives (including night drives), horse trails and Bushman dances are available but should preferably be organised in advance. We undertake guided Safaris countrywide for up to 4 people but specialise in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Tsodilo Hills.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve at 51,800 sq/km is one of the largest reserves in the world. It has only been open to the general public from the early nineties, as it was always considered too remote. It is now however serviced by 4wd accessible roads and with the advent of GPS is a rugged and awe inspiring destination for those who seek a truly remote and wild experience.
Although one may not experience the concentrations of wildlife found in other national parks the range of desert adapted wildlife is extraordinary and after the rains antelope may congregate in their thousands especially in the valleys.these are of course followed by the inevitable predators including Leopard, cheetah,wild dogs,brown hyaena and the famous and enormous black maned Kalahari lions.To see giraffe in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a unique experience.as they dominate the skyline even at considerable distances.
The Pan naturally holds water for a few months after rain but we supplement this to provide a waterhole throughout the year. Thakadu opened Easter 1999 and quickly became a favourite dining place and watering hole for the local farming community as well as for the weary traveller.
The San activities at Thakadu centre around a loosely knit group of Nai Nai bushmen who come mostly from the central areas of the CKGR, The population of which became the basis for the settlement of Xade and ultimately New Xade.
The name Nai Nai translates directly as “people of the bush” thus they consider themselves to be the true bushmen. To walk with these bushmen and witness their skills as gatherers and trackers firsthand, is a revelation not easily forgotten and if requested are available for traditional dances in the evening around the fire. There are sadly no bushmen living a completely traditional way of life in Botswana's Kalahari anymore, but many still have their traditional skills which supplement a life of general dependency in the settlements.
Thakadu Pan, as it is a natural calcrete pan of extraordinary beauty surrounded
by ancient and enormous Leadwood trees and frequented but large numbers of
Kalahari game,including a wonderful variety of both resident and migrant birds.
We also work closely with Cheetah Conservation Botswana to reduce predator/human
conflict.
