Evolve Back Kalahari

Such an amazingly special place… the accommodation was top class the staff and guides too!!! The food was incredible and we saw great game… especially the bird life… loved it!

Short version of my review: if you are visiting this region of southern Africa, GO HERE! Three nights are perfect, and you'll be wishing you stayed for a fourth! There are so many positives about Evolve Back's Gham Dhaó Lodge, and they have all been documented by previous reviewers. Let me add some thoughts. Getting there is a breeze if you can get to Maun. The lodge has a tight relationship with Mack Air, the small plane regional air transport company that flies you to the lodge's dirt airstrip. Mack Air is at your side from the time you get your bags off the carousel at the Maun airport, walking you through extra luggage storage and check-in for their airline. They make it so easy. With your reservation, you will not be idle for very long long. Gham Dhaó's game drives fill your mornings and afternoons, with plenty of "dining" in between. There are a few little surprises along the way, and won't divulge them here. Will just say that Thelma and her entire team are accommodating beyond any expectation. Evolve Back has really gone the extra miles to make sure that customer experience is both paramount and sincere. The staff felt like family during our stay. It's like going to a familiar place where everyone knows your name - - and here they do! Other things that people want to know: it's safe (but follow a few simple rules). The food is REALLY good (I retired from the hospitality industry in the State after 45 years, for perspective). Beverages seem to be unrestricted. Plenty of filtered water. Decent coffee. High quality bedding. Plenty of hot water. Exceptionally clean and well-maintained throughout. Our guide is now like a son, according to my daughter and her husband who joined us for the trip, Zi Zie is terrific and the San tracker Secco - so much fun and exceptional. Not enough words can be written about them. I can't speak to how it is to sleep outside during the hotter months, but retiring to the outdoor sky bed during their winter was amazing. Yes, it goes down into to 40F - 45F, but we were not cold and hadn't slept that well during our entire two week trip. If you can do it, book the Sky Luxe tents. We never slept inside! While there are many other places we would like to visit in the years ahead, we would definitely consider a return trip the Gham Dhaó Lodge (or Evolve Back Kalahari, if your prefer). It was such a wonderful, deeply personal experience. The lions, giraffes, kudu, zebra, and oryx were great, too! Only one word to add - Kabaah!!

A beautiful lodge with a great staff who made us feel as if we were part of the family. The ski luxury tent was fantastic. In our afternoon drive we saw a big pride of black maned lions thanks to the good work of our guides Freeman and George. After the drive, they took us back to our tent where they made a bar next to our roof top bed. There we did some wonderful stargazing. The food was spot on. Very tasty and well decorated plates. I really hope to visit this special place again.

One of the best lodge we had the pleasure to be in; beauty, quality, warmth, fantastic people, guides, trackers, cooks, room ladies and direction, everyone was really involved to let us fell welcome and to experience a great 5 stars stay! We recommend this lodge!

From the arrival at their private airstrip to the gorgeous "tent" that is more well appointed then their website let's on, the staff was wonderful and warm. We had an excellent experience with safari drives and outstanding meals. Am amazing place with sky beds for enjoying the southern stars. Simply out of this world!

We had a wonderful stay at the Gham Dhao Lodge in June. From arrival to departure, everything is perfect. The guides are highly trained and strive to fulfill their guests' every wish. The entire team welcomes you as a guest like part of the family. We would definitely visit the lodge again. The peace and seclusion in the Kalahari are simply unique. Sleeping under the stars with a view of the Milky Way makes the stay perfect.