About Thakadu River Camp
The idea of Thakadu Camp came about over a number of boozy evenings around the table on Kabakae Farm in the early 1990s. A site was chosen at a lovely pan on the limestone ridge that runs through the property.
The ancient Leadwood trees that thrive on this ridge have provided us with natural shade for the campsites and accommodation. Thakadu was opened with a view to providing affordable accommodation and camping in as natural a Kalahari setting as possible.
Features of 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 at Easter in 1999 and quickly became a favourite dining place and watering hole for the local farming community as well as for weary travellers. Thakadu is now managed by Chris and Jeanette Woolcott and offers reasonably priced accommodation in a lovely natural setting.
The San activities at Thakadu include walking with the Bushmen. Walking with these Bushmen and witnessing their skills as gatherers and trackers firsthand is a revelation not easily forgotten. If requested, traditional dances around the fire in the evening are also available.
There are sadly no Bushmen living a completely traditional way of life in the Botswana Kalahari anymore, but many still have their traditional skills, which supplement a life of general dependency in the settlements.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in en-suite thatched chalets, luxurious en-suite Meru tents (a chalet in canvas), budget twin-bedded cottage tents, and camping in our wonderful Leadwood shaded campsites.
Camping
The campsites are all situated under shady Leadwood trees with electric lights, power points, drinking water, and braai stands. All campsites are within a short distance of our two ablution blocks. Firewood is also available.
Accommodation in Meru Tents
The luxurious raised Meru tents provide wonderful rustic comfort. They have electricity and abundant hot water for dusty travellers. Cars can be parked close by, and the Meru tents are a short walk from the bar and restaurant. They are twin-bedded, and an extra bed can be added for children.
Accommodation in Cottage Tents
Fully bedded pre-erected safari-style tents provide comfortable budget accommodation. All are equipped with electric lights and utilise the campsite ablutions.
Facilities
- Bar and Restaurant: We have a well-stocked bar, which is a popular waterhole by the waterhole. The cosy restaurant overlooking the pan (waterhole) provides excellent à la carte meals at reasonable prices, with a selection of wines available. There is something quite special about dining in the bush as small herds of kudu, eland, impala, wildebeest, and warthog come to the floodlit waterhole to drink, graze, and play.
- Swimming Pool: 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. This can be a great attraction as temperatures sometimes creep into the 40s, and it has the added advantage of overlooking the waterhole.
Activities
- Guided San Bushman walks
- Unguided marked walking trails
- Game drives (including night drives)
- Horse trails
- Bushman dances
These activities are available but should preferably be organised in advance.