South Africa/NC: Khalagadi NP – San People

The San people (aka Bushmen) are one of the oldest indigenous groups in the world, with a history dating back over 20,000 years. They are known for their hunter-gatherer lifestyle and deep knowledge of the environment and insane survival skills. The San have survived in the Kalahari Desert for thousands of years by relying on their knowledge of plants, water sources, and animal behavior. They track animals expertly, reading tiny footprints, disturbed grass, and scents to hunt antelope like oryx and springbok. They speak languages like ǃKung, Juǀʼhoan, and Nǁng, which use distinct click sounds (hence the name of the !Xaus Lodge – which belongs to the San Khomani community, but it managed by a professional company with all the profits coming back into the community, and the lodge employees many San as guides). We got lucky to have an opportunity to visit the San people and interact with them and see a glimpse of their life.