The Kalahari Desert extends for 900,000 square kilometres, across three countries: Botswana, South Africa and Namibia. Its name, which comes from the Tswana for “great thirst”, gives a taste of just how inhospitable it can be.
In 1885, a former entertainer and impresario – the Great Farini – claimed not just to have become the first white man to cross the Kalahari on foot, but also to have discovered the remains of a lost civilisation. What is more, he had the photos to prove it!
These pictures and the captions attached to them are representative of the time they were taken. Some use terms that would not be used today. However, our role is to preserve the integrity of the historic public record, which is why they have been preserved and presented as originally captured.
In 1885, a former entertainer and impresario – the Great Farini – claimed not just to have become the first white man to cross the Kalahari on foot, but also to have discovered the remains of a lost civilisation. What is more, he had the photos to prove it!
These pictures and the captions attached to them are representative of the time they were taken. Some use terms that would not be used today. However, our role is to preserve the integrity of the historic public record, which is why they have been preserved and presented as originally captured.
Wagons & Riding Oxen, Kalahari.
Author of work: Lulu Farini.
Date: 1885
Giraffe hunting in the Kalahari, South Africa.
Author of work: Lulu Farini
Date: 1885
Kattea encampment, Kalahari.
Author of work: Lulu Farini
Date: 1885
This is presumably Gert Louw, the skilled tracker on whose knowledge and experience the Farinis heavily relied.
Date: 1885
Tree with Grosbeaks nest, Kalahari, South Africa
Author of work: Lulu Farini
Date: 1885
Group of half breeds & Bushgirls, Kalahari.
Author of work: Lulu Farini
Date: 1885
Drying Giraffe Meat in Kalahari.
Author of work: Lulu Farini
Date: 1885
Going over Sand Dunes with Oxen & wagon, Kalahari.
Author of work: Lulu Farini.
Date: 1885
Cattle drinking at A'beam Pool, Kalahari.
Author of work: Lulu Farini
Date: 1885
Capt Derek Veelander, Chief Bastards, Kalahari.
Author of work: Lulu Farini
Date: 1885
Verwysings na Retha Stadler & Loch Maree:
Other References:
The story of The Lost City of the Kalahari
Website at https://lochmareeguestfarm.co.za/
eMail: lochmaree@absamail.co.za
Cell: 27 82 351 1834 / 27 82 492 3469
Retha Smit Stadler also runs a Facebook group Open Africa Kalahari Red Dune Route
The story of The Lost City of the Kalahari