Evolve Back Kalahari

The moment we set foot at the Evolve Back Kalahari lodge we felt at home. We spent three exiting days enjoying every single minute of our time. The hospitality of Thelma and the staff of the Gham Dhao lodge were the highlight of our visit to this beautiful part of the Botswana and the majestic Kalahari. After working and living as a guide for many years in the Southern African bush veld I always heard colleagues and friends about how magical the Central Kalahari was as a Safari destination. Gham Dhao has completely exceeded our expectations. Wildlife and nature at its purest. As is known worldwide: It is the warmth and professionalism of the people that make each experience special. Thanks for the fantastic stay! We will be back soon. Elisabeth and Robin

Short version of my review: if you are visiting this region of southern Africa, GO HERE! Three nights are perfect, and you'll be wishing you stayed for a fourth! There are so many positives about Evolve Back's Gham Dhaó Lodge, and they have all been documented by previous reviewers. Let me add some thoughts. Getting there is a breeze if you can get to Maun. The lodge has a tight relationship with Mack Air, the small plane regional air transport company that flies you to the lodge's dirt airstrip. Mack Air is at your side from the time you get your bags off the carousel at the Maun airport, walking you through extra luggage storage and check-in for their airline. They make it so easy. With your reservation, you will not be idle for very long long. Gham Dhaó's game drives fill your mornings and afternoons, with plenty of "dining" in between. There are a few little surprises along the way, and won't divulge them here. Will just say that Thelma and her entire team are accommodating beyond any expectation. Evolve Back has really gone the extra miles to make sure that customer experience is both paramount and sincere. The staff felt like family during our stay. It's like going to a familiar place where everyone knows your name - - and here they do! Other things that people want to know: it's safe (but follow a few simple rules). The food is REALLY good (I retired from the hospitality industry in the State after 45 years, for perspective). Beverages seem to be unrestricted. Plenty of filtered water. Decent coffee. High quality bedding. Plenty of hot water. Exceptionally clean and well-maintained throughout. Our guide is now like a son, according to my daughter and her husband who joined us for the trip, Zi Zie is terrific and the San tracker Secco - so much fun and exceptional. Not enough words can be written about them. I can't speak to how it is to sleep outside during the hotter months, but retiring to the outdoor sky bed during their winter was amazing. Yes, it goes down into to 40F - 45F, but we were not cold and hadn't slept that well during our entire two week trip. If you can do it, book the Sky Luxe tents. We never slept inside! While there are many other places we would like to visit in the years ahead, we would definitely consider a return trip the Gham Dhaó Lodge (or Evolve Back Kalahari, if your prefer). It was such a wonderful, deeply personal experience. The lions, giraffes, kudu, zebra, and oryx were great, too! Only one word to add - Kabaah!!