Welcome To Ghanzi Camping Thakadu
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.
Accommodation Prices at Ghanzi Camping Thakadu
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.
Ghanzi Camping Thakadu Prices 2025 and 2026
Accommodation at Ghanzi Camping Thakadu
Thakadu is now managed by Chris and Jeanette Woolcott and offers reasonably
priced accommodation in a lovely natural setting.
Camping
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.
Camping Facilities
- Shared Ablutions
- Power Points
- Water
- Braai Area
Ghanzi Camping Thakadu Amenities and Facilities
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.
Facilities at Ghanzi Camping Thakadu
- Restaurant And Bar
- Swimming Pool
What To Do at Ghanzi Camping Thakadu
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.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
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.
More Information about Thakadu Camp
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.