Description
Xai Xai & Tsodilo Hills
The Ju!hoasi bushmen of the Western Kalahari are a people only slightly touched by the onslaught of Western civilization. The current grandparent generation is THE LAST of the great line of knowledge gathering and information passing.
Botswana's laws on education have meant that there exists a knowledge gap between the grandparent and parent generations, and the parent and child generations, so wide, that the knowledge will almost certainly be lost forever. It is not a science, it is an art.
The immense library of information that these elders carry with them defies the belief of even the biggest of doubters. Their tracking skills, so honed after decades of experience, are second to none. The hunting skills of the men and the foraging skills of the women in the harsh environment of the Kalahari ensure their survival. But for how long?
An anthropological safari with this amazing people is an unmissable chance to catch the last of the last of thousands of years of soon-to-disappear history.
Just imagine: After your hard days walk with the Ju!hoasi, you've showered, eaten and rested a bit, then it starts..., just off in the distance..., but close enough to hear... As you walk over to their camp, the stars are out, the fire glows an eerie orange, the women are clapping and chanting, the men are dancing, the babies are silent, almost asleep, and you're 400km from the nearest signs of formal civilization.
Soon enough, one of the men falls into a trance. The women control his movement through their perfect beat and beautiful voice, and he controls his level of trance through his breathing. Never has something felt so alien, and never have you felt so involved in anything so ancient and sacred, that even shamans in other societies can't compare.
The men in trance start to heal people near the fire, ecstatic in their state of elevated consciousness. A warm energy envelopes all those who are healed by the elders in trance, a feeling which is indescribable to anyone who has never experienced it.
Experience this wonderful group of ancient people in their environment, which is harsh only to our untrained eyes.
The only way to visit the Ju!hoasi Bushmen is by mobile safari. There is an airstrip into which you will fly, to be met by a vehicle which will take you to camp, from where you will start to explore the area and most importantly meet these amazing people.
http://www.golden-okavango.com/cultural.html
Safaris follow ethical guiding practices, and we can reaveal to the visitor aspects of Botswana's flora and fauna, as well as the wide-ranging and unique geology of this peaceful, economically stable and friendly country.
We are certain that your memories of a safari here in Botswana will inspire you to return to explore further… just read the guest comments!
Golden Okavango is operated out of Maun, Botswana; Maun has an international airport with established links to surrounding African airports, and allows convenient and efficient access to all internal smaller airports and airstrips within Botswana, as well as land access to other areas more off the beaten track.
The company is run by Robert Barber, Director and Fully Licensed Professional Guide, and caters to the safari traveller, experienced or newcomer, seeking to explore, discover and learn about the immensely beautiful flora, fauna, landscape and people of Botswana.
Botswana has it all, and Golden Okavango is your key to access it all.
Private Guides
Rob was born in the southern highlands of Tanzania and was introduced to the bush at a young age. His first stomping grounds were in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, where the family would regularly go camping. After finishing school, Rob went on to work in Ruaha guiding for a season at a lodge with family friends. This is where he knew that a life of guiding and working in the bush was unquestionably the one for him. Rob studied in Bristol, UK and graduated with a BA(Hons) but the bush was always calling. Before leaving the UK for good and returning to his roots, Rob was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS).
He came to Botswana and was immediately taken by the incredible wilderness and diversity of the country and soon realised that this was to be his new home. He went on to start up Golden Okavango, and today, as Director of the company and a fully licensed professional guide of Botswana, he continues to work throughout the country, in the Okavango, Chobe and Kalahari, leading safaris for many repeat clients who keep coming back for more. He also has some pretty bad jokes that’ll make you groan, so don’t encourage him too much!
Tel: +267 7269 1551
Private Bag 114
Suite 67
Maun
Botswana
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