Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch

Location

The lodge is located on the southern edge of the Kalahari desert and the reserve has some of the highest dunes in the area. These afford incredible views of the wild expanse and, for those wanting even more, they even host an observatory and its state-of-the-art digital telescope. The lodge runs several different tours into the surrounding locale so whether it’s feeding cheetahs or spotting meerkats, guests are well looked after. It’s even possible to charter a helicopter flight to get a birds-eye-view of the wildlife and unique terrain.

Accommodation

The accommodation takes its design cues from the lovingly converted farmhouse that serves as the lodge’s main building. Thanks to traditional building methods and natural materials, each of the three types of accommodation preserves the ranch’s colonial safari feel. It’s a difficult decision to choose between them. Chalets on stilts are perched on top of a Kalahari sand dune have ideal south-westerly views while charming lodgings built with hay bales, for insulation, offer high timber ceilings. There are even four garden rooms next to the lodge with their own thatched veranda.

Dining

Specialising in typically southern African barbecue, or braai, expect a wide variety of charcoal grilled local meats including the chef’s favourite – springbok fillet. When the lodge is near capacity, buffet style feasts are put on. However, with an exceptionally flexible kitchen, those with vegetarian tastes are also well catered for. The ranch also has a wine cellar making it all too easy to find a complementary evening tipple. With mouth-watering homemade cakes and excellent cappuccino, a rare find abroad, guests can also enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge.

Facilities

While the ranch is best known for its four legged attractions, there’s still plenty to keep you occupied back at base. There’s a swimming pool to cool down in and when you need a rest from relaxing poolside, and a treatment centre that offers a host of traditional Namibian massages. To round off the relaxed atmosphere there are friendly, domesticated springboks that roam freely in the lodge’s grounds. Guests also have access to the owner’s personal library that’s as well stocked as the wine cellar.