About 100 million years ago the Kalahari basin consisted of a flat depression that over time came to be covered with sediments. The continuous east winds have formed the red sand dunes which have become typical for the Kalahari and run parallel from east to west. The Kalahari is one of the world's oldest deserts. Even though no surface water is available, the dunes are covered with vegetation and obtain their typical reddish colour from ferric oxide. Amazingly, the vegetation can survive through lengthy periods of drought.

Large sections of the region previously known as the Kalahari basin have been declared as nature reserves. The Kaudom National Park, known to be one of the ‘wildest’ parks in southern Africa, is not fenced off, enabling elephants, antelopes, zebras and other wild animals to move along the migration routes in search of food.

Tourist destinations such as the Popa falls, the Mahango National Park, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Moremi are famous for their wildlife. Four of the ‘Big Five’ of Africa’s wildlife are at home here. Vital principles of the animal way of life here are based on the fight for survival, preservation of species and dominance of the strongest.

Even the adventurer and painter Thomas Baines was already fascinated by the uniqueness of the Makgadikgadi Pan east of Maun. During the rainy seasons this pan boasts the second largest Flamingo colony which comes here for breeding purposes, but a plentitude of other birds can also be seen here.

Kubu Island may remind you of ‘The Little Prince’. This interesting rock formation situated in the midst of the pan is covered in a weird array of baobab trees, forming a stark contrast to the remaining landscape. In 1862 Baines visited this region as part of his expedition and ‘stumbled across’ this group of baobab trees, set up tent here and decided to paint them; in 150 years’ time not much has changed about Baines' baobabs.

The call of the wild unfortunately demands our departure. The African wilderness cannot be tamed, and when the lion roars at night and sends shivers down your spine, saying goodbye will not come easily.