We set off for our morning game drive from Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, after a hearty breakfast.

This was the first game drive of our 3-week tour of Namibia, and it was just the two of us and the guide, what a great way to start

The enjoyment to be experienced while sitting in the back of an open safari truck, I struggle to surpass. It is the anticipation of not knowing what African wildlife that you are going to come across within the bushes and trees of this desert.

On entering the reserve, it wasn’t long before we caught sight of our first shy antelope. Continuing through the bush our guide pointed out a male nesting ostrich (apparently male and female ostriches sit on the eggs until they hatch).

On passing through some dunes we came across a Gemsbok sauntering across the red sand, its horns are amazing, they are used mostly to defend themselves and are about 85cm (33 in) long.

Then we couldn’t believe it, a small herd of Wildebeest came into view, from over the top of a sand dune and down across the desert pan.

Our eagle-eyed guide then spotted a Southern Yellow Billed Hornbill; its beak is impressive.

There must have been something very tempting on the ground as a Lilac Breasted Roller came to join it.

A huge bird of prey came soaring above us.

Off in the distance, up the banks of the pan, were a family of Meerkats keeping an eye on us. These seemingly cute creatures belong to the mongoose family. They are very social animals and tend to live in colonies of around twenty.

Off in the distance, up the banks of the pan, were a family of Meerkats keeping an eye on us. These seemingly cute creatures belong to the mongoose family. They are very social animals and tend to live in colonies of around twenty.

Although we were out on the safari a couple of hours, the time just flew by. The terrain, and the spectacular environment of the Kalahari Desert are amazing.

The temperature in the desert was now starting to rise so it was time to start heading back. As we set off in the direction of home we saw another male ostrich but up on its feet this time and a lone Gemsbok.

Just before we returned to the camp, we also caught sight of a couple of Cape Ground Squirrels.

This game drive was fantastic way to break us in gently to the Namibian wildlife, and the guide was really extremely informative.

Why not have a look at all our posts from our Namibian adventure?

Hopefully, there’s plenty to inspire you, and you’ll get the urge to plan that trip of a lifetime.