Secrets of the San: The Original Great Kalahari Inhabitants

The San people are the ancient inhabitants of the Kalahari Desert, who have thrived in this unforgiving landscape for around 20,000 years. So what is their secret?

In this blog, we will explore the heart of the Kalahari Desert, uncovering the secrets of the San people. We will delve into their fascinating culture, which is woven from a deep respect for nature, a profound understanding of the environment, and a unique spiritual connection to the land. 

Who Are the San People?

Also known as Saan or Bushmen, the San people are the oldest inhabitants of southern Africa. For thousands of years, they lived in complete harmony with nature. But over the past few decades, the San have had their fair share of struggles with colonisation and interference from the modern world.

Today, there are still plenty of San people who maintain their ancient practices, like living a nomadic lifestyle and hunting with a bow and arrow. However, many have made compromises to adjust to modern life. For example, some San people lead visiting tourists on guided walks and demonstrate animal-tracking techniques.

Typically, the San live in small, mobile groups made up of roughly 25 men, women, and children. These groups sometimes join up to exchange gifts and participate in ceremonial activities, such as marriages and other special occasions. Groups aren’t governed by a leader or a chief. Instead, decisions are made by group consensus. 

The San people are generally known to be peaceful and gentle. They have an incredible connection to nature and an inherent understanding of plants and animals. Exploring their fascinating lives can reveal so much.

The Nomadic Lifestyle of the San

One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the San people is their nomadic lifestyle. The groups move seasonally, often migrating alongside herds of grazing animals to ensure a steady food source. The groups often live in caves to protect them from the elements. Sometimes they camp out in the open and make temporary structures out of grasses and other natural materials.

Because they are always on the move, San people do not domesticate animals or cultivate crops for their own consumption. One of the most incredible aspects of their existence is how they live on only what nature has provided. 

Hunting Methods and Gathering Techniques Used by the San

The San people are known for their incredible hunting skills. They make their own bows and arrows from natural materials, and the arrow is dipped in a lethal poison that kills the prey over a few hours. Smaller prey, like duiker, typically take around two hours to die, while larger antelope can take as long as 12 hours to die. The poison is usually made from beetle larvae, snake venom, and plant matter.

Various forms of trapping are also used by the San people but these methods aren’t as common as hunting with a bow and arrow. In the case of trapping, deep pits are dug and covered by debris. 

Armed with extensive knowledge of their prey, the San are excellent trackers. Some of the animals they eat include antelope, zebras, wild hares, giraffes, fish, tortoises, hyenas, and even snakes.

Hunting is carried out by the men in the group and foraging is taken care of by the women and children. The San diet consists of over 100 edible plants, so gathering these plants can take up a significant portion of the day. Some of the most common food sources include mushrooms, bulbs, melons, and berries. Plants are also used to treat a variety of physical ailments.

San People and Spirituality

The San are deeply spiritual people, with many cultural traditions and spiritual practices. They worship a being called the ‘Kaggen’, who is believed to be the creator of all living things. The Kaggen often takes the form of a praying mantis, but he can appear in a wide variety of different forms. Many of the San’s rituals involve an eland, as it is thought that the eland is the Kaggen’s favorite animal. 

Each group of San people usually has their own shaman, also known as a medicine man. This shaman leads the group through spiritual practices like trance dances, where evil spirits are banished and ancestors are appreciated.

The San’s rock art, painted on the walls of caves, often depicts scenes of trance dances and other spiritual practices. There are over 15,000 known rock art sites in southern Africa and these paintings give valuable insight into the inner lives of the San people.

The Miracle of Wildlife Amidst the Harsh Conditions of the Kalahari

With little to no water on offer in the desert for most of the year, it’s a miracle that any wildlife survives in the Kalahari at all. However, during certain months of the year, there are plenty of incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Some of the animals you can look forward to seeing include meerkats, wildebeests, springboks, aardvarks, African wild dogs, and hartebeests. 

Birding enthusiasts will be pleased to note that over 200 bird species can be found in the Kalahari, although most are only around during certain times of the year. That being said, it’s a good idea to pack in your binoculars so you don’t miss out on seeing some of our favorites, like the kites, weavers, ostriches, and bustards.

The Kalahari Desert is also known for its specially adapted plant species, including cacti, baobab trees, and the African horned cucumber (also known as Kiwano Melon Eruit). 

The flora and fauna of the Kalahari Desert have played a major role in the survival of the San people. Without the plant and animal diversity, the San people would certainly have migrated to greener pastures many years ago. It is thought that the ecology hasn’t changed much thanks to the lack of human interference and the absence of major industries.

Want to Experience the Magic of the Kalahari for Yourself?

December and January are often considered the best months to visit the Kalahari Desert as this is when the region is the greenest, following the summer rains. The valleys of the Kalahari completely transform and you’ll enjoy optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. 

Some of the best camps in the Kalahari Desert include the Tau Pan Camp and Kalahari Plains Camp. Both camps offer a variety of accommodation options and activities like game drives, nature walks, and stargazing. 

They each provide a sense of remoteness that is hard to find anywhere else in Botswana. This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the raw, rugged beauty of the desert and truly connect with nature.

Here are a few tips for visiting the Kalahari Desert:

• Bring long, loose clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect you from the sun.
• Remember to drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
• Pack sturdy, comfortable footwear for walking activities.
• Your skin may require more moisturizer than usual.
• Pack your camera to capture special moments in the desert.

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