Deception Valley Lodge

Deception Valley Lodge is a remarkable setting to learn about the Kalahari desert. Paramount to the experience is the emphasis on the bushman culture, resulting in the use of bushman trackers – without a doubt the most skilled trackers in the world. Tracking one of the many leopards or lions in the area and eventually locating the animal with Deception Valley Lodge trackers is extremely exciting.

Deception Valley Lodge is located on a private concession of 15,000 ha which is fenced although much game can move in and out despite the fences. There is a high density of leopard as well as frequent lion sightings. On my last visit to Deception Valley Lodge we had extreme luck with honey badgers, having 4 sightings of 5 badgers. The reserve does contain a lot of thick scrub bushes and when they are leafed out sightings take some work. This is the desert and not the Delta so patience is required but with outstanding guiding (I highly recommend Adriaan) and the incredible skill of the Deception Valley Lodge employed bushmen applying the art of tracking, sightings can be extremely rewarding.

During the green season at Deception Valley Lodge, it is recommended to pay extra for a day trip into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in the world, to look for large herds of oryx (also called gemsbok) and springbok with good possibilities for cheetah and enormous black-maned lions if you find the herds. If you do not find the herds it can be quite empty but the solitude and enormity are staggering and well worth the visit if you are one who can appreciate wilderness without having it be stuffed with animal sightings.

Going on a cultural walk with the bushmen at Deception Valley Lodge is a must. They are proud to share their encyclopedic knowledge of the bush as they show you how they survive in the harsh desert environment. Deception Valley Lodge provides a view into the life of the first people that we all originate from and it is homecoming that you will never forget.

Deception Valley Lodge has eight well constructed luxury chalets. They have well appointed living rooms, bedrooms, indoor bath tub and outdoor shower as well as long decks perfect for relaxing. Wanda and Adriaan are outstanding camp managers at the Deception Valley Lodge, and food ranks amongst the best that can be found on safari, utterly surprising considering the remoteness and the harsh environment.

Deception Valley Lodge is an ideal stop on any itinerary looking for diversity by encompassing the amazing desert adapted species, the solitude of life in the Kalahari, and best of all a view into the bushman culture.