The idea of Thakadu camp came about over a number of boozy evenings around the table of Kabakae Farm. We recognised the need in the frontier town of Ghanzi for a lodge and campsite more in tune with the Kalahari. .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. Thakadu opened at Easter 1999 and quickly became a favourite dining place and watering hole for the local farming community as well as for the weary traveller.
Thakadu is owned and managed by Chris and Jeanette Woolcott and offers reasonably priced accommodation in a lovely natural setting. It is an ideal stopover for travellers through Western Botswana or going to the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR)
The Pan at Thakadu naturally holds water for a few months after rain, but we supplement this to provide a waterhole throughout the year. The Ghanzi district is blessed with an abundance of wildlife and birds and these are drawn to Thakadu Pan, and can be seen while sitting on the Verandah or at the pool.
Ghanzi is world renowned as a centre for the Bushmen (San) of the Kalahari. 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. Families take turns at coming to Thakadu to train in our vegetable gardens and small stock farm. This gives them worthwhile smallholding skills to equip them for modern life in the settlements, while the opportunity to guide and dance for our clients keeps their traditional skills honed and provides them with a welcome income.
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