🌍✨ Discover the Kalahari, one of Africa’s most untouched landscapes. Stretching across three countries and encompassing an impressive 930,000 km², this ‘desert’ is unlike any other. Despite what is said, the Kalahari actually isn’t a desert per se. In fact it’s a vast ancient sand sheet now largely covered in bushes, trees and grasses. Fortunately all this sand has always seemed of little use so most of the Kalahari remains arid and untouched, as it has been for about 65 million years. Perhaps here more than anywhere else on their journey, travellers are struck by the feeling that they are light years away from modern life.
🦁🌾 In the heart of this vast wilderness lies the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), the ultimate in remote safari destinations. There have always been small groups of Bushmen living in the reserve, but it’s only quite recently that it has become more accessible (in the north) to the public. Even now, this region is seen by only a relative handful of intrepid visitors each year.
This region offers a stark contrast to the more frequented Okavango-Chobe areas, with an ecosystem that supports unique wildlife seldom seen elsewhere in Botswana. From the elusive brown hyena and aardwolf to the iconic black-maned Kalahari lions, the diversity is astounding.
🐦🦊 The Kalahari is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 200 species. Whether you’re exploring one of the permanent camps within the reserve or venturing into adjoining private reserves, each experience offers a unique window into the natural ebb and flow of life here. The best time to witness this magnificent spectacle is during the wet season from December to April, when wildlife congregations are at their peak.
💫 Experiencing the Kalahari means engaging with a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for millions of years, offering a sense of solitude and connection to the earth that is both rare and revitalising.
#KalahariAdventure #Hidde
Travel Sustainably: How to Make Your Safari Eco-Friendly
🌍 As temperatures rise and natural habitats dwindle, some incredible destinations are shrinking or disappearing altogether. The way we travel impacts these precious places. Without steps to reduce our carbon footprint and travel more sustainably, these gems might vanish.
Here are a few simple ideas on how you can travel more sustainably and make your safari a journey to remember:
1. Support companies that give back:
Choose companies that employ local guides and staff, and find out how they support local communities in the areas you’ll be visiting.
2. Visit National Parks:
African national parks have strict regulations to protect wildlife and the environment. Visiting these places ensures you respect natural habitats while seeing wildlife up close.
3. Avoid single-use plastics:
Pack reusable containers to limit waste and your carbon footprint. Some safari lodges may offer reusable water bottles during your stay to reduce plastic use.
4. Shop ethically:
When shopping, ask your local guides for recommendations on ethical souvenirs that are locally produced.
🌿 We value partnering with organisations that prioritise sustainability. By travelling with Compass Odyssey, you can be confident that we deeply care about the environment and the communities we send you to.
#EcoFriendlyTravel #SustainableTourism #SafariTips #CompassOdyssey #TravelGreen
☀️ Understanding Namibia's Weather Patterns
Namibia, partially covered by the Namib Desert, is known for its dry and pleasant climate throughout the year. The weather varies across the country, so it's important to understand the patterns to plan your visit:
☀️ Summer (October to March)
Climate: Hot and humid with occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Wildlife: Abundant foliage makes wildlife spotting slightly more challenging, but it's the time when many mammals give birth.
Regions: In savannah regions like Etosha and Damaraland, wildlife is more dispersed due to the availability of water.
Best For: Photography enthusiasts as the rains add freshness to the landscapes.
🌤️ Autumn/Winter (April to September)
Climate: Clear, warm days and chilly evenings.
Wildlife: Ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather around permanent waterholes due to the lack of rain.
Regions: Best in the savannah regions for unobstructed wildlife viewing.
Best For: Those that enjoy travelling during the drier traditional safari high season.
⭐ Top Tip: Consider travelling to Namibia in May or June as there can still be some post-wet season greenery in the landscape but there is no risk of rain plus there are fewer visitors compared to the peak months from July to September, when especially the Etosha camps are usually fully booked.
🌍 Please feel most welcome to contact us to learn more about the best times to visit Namibia, or any of our destinations. We're always happy to provide obligation-free advice to help you plan your ideal journey.
#NamibiaTravel #SafariTips #TravelGuide #CompassOdyssey #BestTimeToVisitNamibia #Africa
🌊 Cape Town’s iconic Boulders Beach, near Simon's Town, known for its resident African penguins, recently claimed the second spot in the Golden Beach Awards 2024.
🌍 South Africa is renowned for its incredible landscapes, diverse fauna and flora, and stunning beaches. It's no surprise that this particular beach has been recognised among the best.
🏆 The worldwide Golden Beach Awards evaluated beaches based on visual allure, value to the local community, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), lifestyle offerings, and cultural significance. By taking this broader perspective, these awards shine a light on beach gems that don't typically make it onto traditional one-dimensional "best beach" lists.
🏖️ BeachAtlas curated its Top 100 list by inviting selected travel experts and influencers worldwide to vote on beaches based on these criteria, which led to the selection of this stunning beach, located on the Cape Peninsula to the south of Cape Town.
🌅 Boulders Beach and its resident penguin colony is always on the itinerary for our travellers visiting Cape Town and we invite those past travellers to post their favourite penguin image here.
📸Video footage of penguins at Boulder’s Beach with thanks to The Safari Expert
#BouldersBeach #SouthAfricaTravel #GoldenBeachAwards #CompassOdyssey #penguins
Further to Compass Odyssey traveller, Meredith's recent visit to Greater Kruger, here's another video from a night game drive, showing the not-so friendly relationship between hyenas and African wild dogs.
Further to Compass Odyssey traveller, Meredith's recent visit to Greater Kruger, she shared with us this very rare sight of two hyena playing and swimming together just like a couple of puppies.