Home to the best dangerous game (Lion and Buffalo) and plains game hunting one could imagine, this exclusive destination needs to be experienced! Home to all of Africa’s esteemed Big 5, as well as Cheetah, Wild Dogs and an array of plains game, the Kalahari delivers unforgettable hunting and unique wildlife experiences for every person who visits. This is strictly a CVS destination, and you will have exclusive use of the lodge.

Escape to Esperance Safari Lodge situated in the far north of the concession. The luxurious thatched lodge provides the perfect vantage point of a pumped waterhole right in front of camp. This waterhole draws in amazing volumes and species of game seeking to quench their thirst in this arid environment, including Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Black & White Rhino, African Wild Dog, and an array of plains game species including Giraffe. The lodge is fenced. There is an electric fence in a trench below ground level at the waterhole separating the family pictured below from the elephant in the background.

Accommodation

The 2 Luxury thatched air-conditioned suites which sleep a total of 8 guests are separate from the main lodge. You will find two sumptuous bedrooms in each suite on opposing sides, separated by a lounge area complete with couches, coffee table, mini bar fridge, coffee station and a fireplace. Each room has a private veranda and an ensuite bathroom which is complimented by a refreshing outdoor shower.

The main Esperance Lodge features distinct areas and these include a lovely swimming pool, upper and lower-level viewing decks over the nearby waterhole, a lounge and bar upstairs and a second bar downstairs near the formal dining area. Expect both gourmet favourites and delectable local dishes to be expertly prepared by the head chef and lodge manager Ian.

Delicious dinners are served either around the crackling fire in the lantern-lit boma or around a cosy campfire overlooking the floodlit waterhole or in the beautifully appointed formal dining room in the main lodge.

Legendary bush dinners

A highlight on every safari is the spectacular “surprise” bush dinner which is meticulously set up by Ian and his team! Dinning in the bush around a glowing fire, under African skies and overlooking a busy waterhole, is an experience to behold. Over the years we have enjoyed some once-in-a-lifetime experiences having Lions arrive and roar the night away or watching Rhino peacefully quenching their thirst just 50 yards away. We never know what will surprise us and therein lies the beauty of this very special occasion.

Hunting and Wildlife

The best wild Lion (all USFW import permits issued to date) and Cape buffalo hunting is on offer here, along with incredible plains game hunting for a variety of species, ranging from Cape Eland, Gemsbok, Red Hartebeest, Burchell’s Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Giraffe, and Steenbok to name a few. We also hunt a variety of different species on neighbouring properties close by.

Most days after a hearty breakfast we head out for the day and enjoy a packed lunch in the bush, followed by a siesta in comfortable hammocks normally overlooking a busy waterhole. After a full days hunting we generally get back to the lodge after sunset ready for cocktails and a delicious dinner.

The trophy quality is exceptional because of the extremely low annual hunting quotas which are strictly adhered to! We do not mix groups; you will have exclusive use of the lodge.

Unique wilderness camping adventures

The Kalahari is where we offer unique wilderness camping in our fully equipped and rugged trailer, which is kitted out with everything one needs (and more) to enjoy this wild experience. Spending a few days or your entire safari “under canvas” in a truly wild Big 5 area is an experience to behold, one that will never be forgotten!

Living simply under the milky way, being serenaded by lions, or experiencing the thrill of wildlife literally on your doorstep is a magical experience.

We also offer an “on foot camping safari”, which entails not setting foot in a vehicle for 5 to 7 full days. The safari team moves camp each day, and the hunting party will walk and hunt their way to the new camp daily. Contact us for more detailed information on these truly unusual adventures which only CVS can offer.

There is no malaria in the Kalahari. Wi-Fi is available in the lodge for your convenience. Cell phone coverage is poor. Travelling from Johannesburg there are two options to get to the Kalahari. A charter flight to a nearby airstrip followed by a 1-hour drive through the bush to the lodge or fly commercial to Kimberley Airport followed by a 5-hour drive.

The Kalahari management team:

This reserve is a major contributor to the establishment of new wild Lion populations in several regions in Africa, it is also a recognized custodian of White and Black Rhino and endangered African Wild Dogs. The reserve management team comprises dedicated and highly experienced professionals who are passionate about conserving this pristine jewel of Africa by keeping it wild and untouched. If ever there was a destination worth experiencing this is it and we are privileged to have hunted here exclusively since 2012!