About
Ghanzi Trailblazers is an ecotourism venture situated approximately 10 kilometers south of Ghanzi, west of the Transkalahari Highway in Botswana. Established on a former cattle ranch by Julian Butler, its primary aim is to recreate an authentic hunter-gatherer community of the San/Bushman, thereby preserving their unique and ancient culture which faces significant pressures. This initiative provides the San/Bushman community with a sustainable income by enabling them to utilize their specialized traditional skills in a work environment where they are proficient.Accommodation at Ghanzi Trailblazers includes recreated San/Bushman grass huts, which are modified for guest comfort with stretchers, mattresses, lights, and mosquito nets. Additionally, chalets equipped with solar-powered lights and partially roofed en-suite bathrooms are available, alongside designated campsites. Communal ablution facilities, featuring flush toilets and hot showers, serve guests staying in huts and campsites. The culinary offerings primarily consist of traditional South African cuisine, such as braais (barbecues) and potjies (casseroles), with conventional Western-style food available upon request. Guests also have the opportunity to sample traditional Bushman cuisine. A bar is provided on-site for refreshments.Activities at Ghanzi Trailblazers are centered around cultural immersion and experiencing the Kalahari environment. Guests can join San/Bushman guides, accompanied by an interpreter, on walks to learn about their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, including identifying edible foods, medicinal roots, and tracking techniques. Horse riding is offered for experienced equestrians, with options for led rides for beginners, providing a distinctive view of the Kalahari sandveld. Visitors can also enjoy swimming in "The Gat," a man-made quarry with clear waters, and witness ancient San dancing rituals around a campfire at sunset. These dances serve as both a celebration of life and a method of transmitting historical folklore across generations. The camp can also facilitate visits to local Non-Governmental Organizations involved in the economic development and social empowerment of the San/Bushman community.The surrounding Kalahari region is home to diverse wildlife, including brown hyenas, lions, meerkats, giraffes, warthogs, jackals, and various antelope species such as eland, gemsbok, and springbok, along with numerous birds and reptiles. The vegetation is predominantly composed of grasses and acacias, with over 400 identified plant species, including the wild watermelon.
