The Ju/’hoan community is small, and those who are still committed to living in the traditional manner is even smaller.

Our purpose here is to share with them, learn from them, and support them - not to overwhelm them with a deluge of prying outsiders.

After many lengthy discussions around the campfire we’ve settled on 10 as the maximum number of people that can participate in a meaningful and mutually beneficial experience.

We will spend the vast majority of our time tracking, hunting, and learning traditional bushcraft. We also explore some stunning landscapes, come into contact with many forms of wildlife, learn basic safety and survival skills, play with the local kids, and generally have a good time roughing it in the desert.

It will be remote and challenging, but yes, you will be safe. Keep reading below.

Maybe. You’ll have to work at this, even if you’re already in decent shape for running on roads and trails. Running in hot and dry environments without trails or supplies has its own unique set of challenges, which most of us are not well prepared to meet.

We’ve developed comprehensive material to help you build the strength you’ll need, which is available to all participants free of charge.

That said, running is not mandatory for all participants. Some people prefer to stick around closer to camp, learn more about local traditions, gather edible and medicinal plants, and generally take things at a slower pace. 100% OK.

Dehydration, sunstroke, and cramping are probably the biggest threats for runners in the Kalahari. These, of course, are mostly preventable with proper training and sensible nutrition.

Lions do live in the area, but they’ll be sleeping all day and won’t bother us in camp at night. Not an issue.

Elephants can be ornery sometimes, and we’ll do our best to steer clear; locals will teach us best practices when we arrive.

Venomous snakes do live in the area, but they are rare and will leave you alone unless you step on them. Anti-venom kits can be purchased for those looking to be extra-safe, though they are not cheap and it’s worth noting that locals never use them.

Best policy is to stay alert, be sensible, and stick together.

Best to speak with your doctor about this, and of course check the regulations specific to your country of residence. We can say, however, that in September there are 0 mosquitos in the Kalahari, so malaria is not an issue. Rabies is extremely rare, on par with Europe or the US. TB, Hep A, and Hep B are fairly common, and transmissible, but can be treated if contracted. You’ll have to make your own judgment call here.

Probably a very good idea. Medical care in Namibia is very affordable by international standards, but in the unlikely event that you need a medivac or complex emergency procedure, it’s definitely better to be covered by insurance.

We will carry essential First Aid material with us at all times, and there is a public health clinic less than 1 hour drive from our base camp. The doctors here are extremely experienced and competent, but lack the infrastructure necessary to perform complex medical procedures. In the unlikely event that it becomes necessary, both private and public options for comprehensive care are available in Windhoek.

We have been working closely with many local communities for a number of years in order to make this event happen in an ethical and sustainable manner; we are collaborating with the local Conservancy and Traditional Authority to ensure that everything is done according to the highest standards possible.

Our principles, which we expect all participants to follow, are simple: Humility, Respect, & Reciprocity. Experience has shown us, again and again, that this is the only way to do things right in the Kalahari.

English is the official language of Namibia, and many locals have received some amount of formal schooling, so basic communication is definitely possible. We will also have a dedicated translator to help us throughout the experience.

Not much. In fact, we strongly advise that you bring everything for the entire 10 days in a small carry-on bag.

This is the minimum gear that you must have with you while hunting:

-Carrying capacity 2 liters water

-500g of nutrition

-Clothing capable of reasonably protecting you from both sun and thorns

-Headlamp

-Reflective emergency blanket and basic personal First Aid kit

-Backpack with adequate carrying capacity

In addition to running gear, you should bring the following:

-Appropriate sleeping bag and warm clothes for night

-Biodegradable and odor-free soap, sunscreen, and toothpaste

-Larger water bottle or bladder to keep with you at camp

-External battery system for headlamp

-Towel

-First aid kid for personal use (cuts, blisters, etc.)

-Any specific food, medicine, supplements, etc. you need to stay strong

Depends on your country of residence, though the answer is most likely yes. There is an easy online form to fill out, now required for visitors from most countries.

We will be camped out in tents and grass huts alongside our hosts. As a general rule accommodations will be shared, unless you have a good reason for needing to sleep alone.

Everything except airfare. Pack your gear, get yourself to Windhoek, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Fees go to cover the costs of the event, and all money beyond that is donated to community endeavors to help the Ju/’hoan keep their traditions alive.

The main projects at present are geared toward passing on ancestral knowledge to the younger generations in three main areas: (1) running, hunting and tracking, (2) gathering edible and medicinal plants, and (3) shamanic healing traditions.

How kind of you to ask. Yes, of course. Contribution, collaboration, and donations of many kinds are gratefully accepted. Send us an email and we’ll talk over the details.

We’ll be flying in and out of Windhoek, Namibia.

We also offer in-person workshops, retreats, immersive adventures, and mind-body therapy.

Check out www.primalnature.eu for details.