Evolve Back Resorts, formerly known as Orange County Resorts, has opened its first ever international resort in Central Kalahari, Botswana.
Known as the Evolve Back Ghum Dhao Lodge, the name ‘Ghum Dhao’ comes from the local San language which translates as ‘Tracks of the Lion’ in English. The resort is situated on the northern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana.
For their first international project Evolve Back zeroed in on Botswana because apart from having extraordinary wildlife offerings, it has a stable democracy and the highest per capita income in Africa. Botswana is also a country that is not overtly commercialised and strongly focuses on ‘high-end low-volume’ tourism, maintaining the natural and wild surrounding that Evolve Back resorts are best known for.
Established in 1961 and measuring a little over 52000 sq. km, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the second largest game reserve in the world. Located in the centre of the Kalahari Desert, it is a distinct ecological unit that links the woodlands of the northern Kalahari with the thornveld and scrub plains of the south making it home to many exotic species such as the Lion, Leopard, the elusive Brown Hyena, Gemsbok, Blue Wildebeest and Eland.
The Kalahari Desert is a large basin like plain located in the interior plateau of Southern Africa. It stretches across most of Botswana, eastern Namibia and parts of the Northern Cape province in South Africa.
Jose Ramapuram, Director-Marketing, Evolve Back Luxury Resorts, said:
This has been a dream project for us. Africa is the most premium market today and we chose Botswana because we believe in going to non-commercial places and building it up while retaining its natural wilderness. With this property, our aim is to create incredible immersive experiences for our guests by introducing them to every aspect of Kalahari from its famed night skies and unique wildlife to the resident San people and their ancient culture. We want to globally reiterate our belief of being one with the land and while doing that we want to promote low-impact, high-end tourism.
Located in its own 11,000 hectare private game reserve, it offers a classic Kalahari experience, with game viewing and personal interaction with the indigenous San people of Kalahari.
Accommodations
The property features three categories of luxury tented accommodation with the maximum capacity of twenty guests thus ensuring exclusivity that defines contemporary luxury, allowing you to experience the Kalahari at your own pace.
The five Luxury Tents are sheltered by a uniquely structured slatted canopy inspired by the traditional dwellings of the San people. Three Superior Tents come with large decks and are built beneath a thatched canopy, which provides shade and keeps the tents cool. The Family Tent comprises of two Luxury Tents situated on an inter-leading deck. Only one in number, it provides exclusivity, privacy, and space for the family.
Dining
The main lodge consists of a lounge, dining room and bar area housed beneath a pitched thatch and timber structure.
Facilities
A swimming pool with deck, Boma area and a gym with outdoor shower are present at the resort. The resort offers a range of activities that allows the discerning visitor a rare chance to experience the Kalahari as it should be.
Early morning, afternoon and night game drives are conducted. Each drive is conducted by professional and experienced guides in open-sided 4×4 vehicles. Guests can choose from a shared or private drive.
Walk with the San is another experience where guests are invited to journey on foot into the bush with the resident San people who will passionately share an authentic and traditional experience.
Sightings, Bird-Watching, Day trip to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Kalahari Sundowner, Bush Dinner and Star Gazing are some of the experiences that guests are recommended to do while at the resort.
Located in the heart of the Kalahari, Evolve Back, Gham Dhao Lodge has its own private airstrip, making it easily accessible within Botswana.
Evolve Back Ghum Dhao Lodge is a rebranding of the former Haina Kalahari Lodge.
Featured image by Evolve Back
What do you think of Evolve Back’s first international resort in Botswana? Let me know in the comments section below.
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