Nightclubs and bars in Ghanzi District

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Not many people will want to go to Ghanzi for its club scene; it’s the peace of the desert that most are in search of. The locals use either the bottle store or bar of the Kalahari Arms Hotel and sometimes some of the nearby Safari Lodges will put on a band. Thakadu is a great place if you just want some informative chat and some news on animal movements. See the restaurant section for more details.

Chris Woolcott, at Thakadu lays on night drives through his farm, get there at dusk to see the wildlife come down to the waterhole, within comfortable viewing distance of the bar. Watch out for Basil, the Bat Eared Fox, as he comes down to inspect the clientele.

If you’re staying at Buitsivango Farm, Andrea Hardbattle lays on some wonderful Bushman music and dancing. These are the real villagers that you’ll be staying with, so you’re bound to be charmed by their innocent, homely banter as they recall previous enchanting evenings.

One experience you must try is drinking Chibuku, maize beer, known locally as “Shake- Shake” because you have to shake the one litre carton regularly, to prevent it from going flat and boosting the alcohol surge. It’s an acquired taste, described as “vomit” by some Westerners but we found it quite palatable, though it has a tendency to make you feel bloated. We tried ours at a private house, doubling as a shabeen, you can spot these places by the number of people in the garden and the small Chibuku sign discreetly hanging from the roof. It’s very cheap but the clientele have to consume large amounts to get intoxicated, a large belly tends to be a sign of a regular Chibuku drinker.

Dress Code: This is very much, "Come as you are" country.