BOTSWANA
Kalahari
Vast, wild, and whisper-quiet – the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of Africa’s last great untouched wildernesses. Stretching across the heart of Botswana, this immense desert landscape stirs something deep within: a sense of stillness, scale, and solitude that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Here, life thrives in the unexpected. Black-maned lions roam the golden grasslands, springbok leap across ancient pans, and the open skies burn with stars each night. The Central Kalahari isn’t just a place you visit – it’s a place that stays with you.
KALAHARI
Key Facts
Size
52.800 km²
Bird Species
+/- 200
Mammal Species
+/- 60
Best Time to Visit
All year round
EXPERIENCES
KALAHARI
Time moves differently in the Central Kalahari. Mornings begin with the hush of dawn and the call of a distant dove, while evenings end with stars scattered across the sky like ancient stories. This is a place to slow down and feel the rhythm of the wild – to walk where few have walked, listen to the silence between sounds, and connect deeply with nature. Whether tracking wildlife, learning about the land from your guide, or simply sitting beside a fire under the Milky Way, every moment here feels personal, grounding, and unforgettable.
KALAHARI
GAME DRIVES
Game drives in the Central Kalahari are unlike anywhere else – raw, remote, and deeply rewarding. With few vehicles and vast open space, you’ll often have sightings all to yourself: a lone cheetah scanning the pans, a pride of lions resting in the shade, or a honey badger trotting fearlessly across the track. Your guide reads the land like a story, following tracks through fossil riverbeds and golden grasses, sharing not just wildlife, but the secrets of survival in this harsh, beautiful desert.
KALAHARI
Information
WEATHER
The Central Kalahari showcases dramatic seasonal shifts, each offering a unique experience:
Summer (November to March): Known as the green season, summer brings brief afternoon rains that transform the landscape into lush greenery. Daytime temperatures typically range from 33–35°C (91–95°F), while nights are cooler, averaging around 19–25°C (66–77°F).
Winter (May to August): The dry season features clear, sunny days and crisp nights. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, averaging 20–25°C (68–77°F), but early mornings and evenings can be chilly, with temperatures dropping to 5°C (41°F) or lower.
Shoulder Seasons (April, September, October): These transitional months offer a balance of temperatures and conditions. In April, for instance, average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows about 14°C (57°F).
Packing Recommendations:
Layered Clothing: Due to significant temperature variations, especially in winter, pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime and warm layers for mornings and evenings. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers also provide protection from the sun and insects.
Sun Protection: The African sun can be intense. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to shield yourself during outdoor activities.
Footwear: Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for walking safaris and exploring the terrain.
Rain Gear: If visiting during the green season, include a lightweight, waterproof jacket to stay dry during unexpected showers.
HOW TO GET TO THE KALAHARI
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of Africa’s most remote wilderness areas – vast, untamed, and deeply rewarding for those who venture in. Most travellers begin their journey from Maun, the safari capital of Botswana.
The most visited area of the reserve is Deception Valley, located in the northeast. Known for its open pans, fossil riverbeds, and impressive predator sightings, Deception offers some of the most accessible and wildlife-rich landscapes in the Kalahari.
By Road: From Maun, it’s a 4–5 hour drive by 4×4 to Matswere Gate, the main entrance to the reserve when heading to Deception Valley. Road conditions can vary, and the route is best navigated by experienced off-road drivers or with a guided transfer.
By Air: Charter flights from Maun can be arranged to nearby airstrips serving lodges in and around Deception Valley. It’s a quick and scenic way to arrive, with aerial views of Botswana’s endless landscapes.
COMMUNITY
The San people are the original inhabitants of the Kalahari. With deep ancestral ties to this land, they have lived here for thousands of years, moving with the seasons and reading the land like a language. Their knowledge of the bush is extraordinary: how to track wildlife, find water in dry earth, and live in harmony with nature. Spending time with San guides is not just a cultural experience – it’s a chance to see the Kalahari through different eyes, and to understand a way of life shaped by quiet wisdom and deep connection to the wild.
FAQ
Where is the Central Kalahari, and why is it special?
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is in the heart of Botswana – and it’s one of Africa’s largest and most untouched wilderness areas. It’s a place of wide horizons, ancient riverbeds, golden grasslands, and surprisingly rich wildlife. Unlike busier parks, it offers a deep sense of space, solitude, and connection to nature.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The Kalahari is home to desert-adapted species such as oryx, springbok, ostrich, and meerkats, as well as iconic predators like cheetah, leopard, and the legendary black-maned Kalahari lions. You may also see brown hyena, bat-eared fox, and, during the green season, large herds following the rains.
When is the best time to visit?
Each season offers something different. The green season (Dec–Mar) brings dramatic skies, newborn animals, and active predators. The dry season (May–Oct) is cooler, with excellent game viewing around limited water sources. April and November are lovely transitional months.
How do I get there?
Most visitors access the Central Kalahari from Maun. From there, you can drive (approx. 4–5 hours by 4×4 via Matswere Gate) or take a charter flight to an airstrip near Deception Valley. We’ll help plan the route that fits your trip best.
Where should I stay in the Central Kalahari?
For an immersive, comfortable, and authentic experience, we recommend our fully serviced mobile camp. It gives you access to fantastic game viewing while keeping you close to the raw beauty of the land.
What is a mobile camp like?
Our camp is set up just for your safari – a classic tented experience that’s simple, soulful, and comfortable. You’ll sleep in proper beds, with private en-suite bush bathrooms (toilet and bucket shower), solar lighting, and warm, personal service.
Is it safe?
Yes. Your safari is led by professional guides with deep knowledge of the area. Camp life follows strict safety protocols, and we always maintain respectful distance from wildlife.
What activities are included?
You’ll enjoy twice-daily game drives and full-day excursions that lead deeper into the Kalahari.
What’s the weather like, and what should I pack?
Expect hot days and cool nights – especially in winter. Pack light, breathable clothes, a warm jacket for mornings and evenings, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Layers are key.
Is there electricity or Wi-Fi?
The camp runs on solar power for lights and basic charging (phones, cameras), but there’s no Wi-Fi – which makes it the perfect digital detox. Evenings are lit by lanterns and starlight.
What’s the food like?
Delicious, freshly prepared meals made in camp by our bush chef – hearty breakfasts, light lunches, and fireside dinners. We happily cater to dietary needs with advance notice.
Is the camp private?
Yes – our mobile safaris are intimate and exclusive, ideal for couples, families, or small groups. It’s about space, silence, and a safari that feels like it’s just yours.
Seasons
Rainy Season (November – March)
Mid Season (April– May)
Dry Season (June – October)
Hot and rainy, lush landscape with abundant wildlife, calving season, and great predator activity. Ideal for birdwatching. Roads might be challenging.
Cooler and drier; a mix of green and dry conditions with improving visibility. A great time for both scenery and game viewing.
Cold mornings, warm days, very dry. Sparse vegetation. Game scattering in search of water.
VISITING THE KALAHARI
JANUARY
- Rain showers keep the landscape vibrant and fresh.
- Newborn springbok, wildebeest, and hartebeest attract predators like lions and cheetahs.
- Birdwatching with migratory species in full breeding plumage.
VISITING THE KALAHARI
FEBRUARY
- Peak of the green season—lush grasslands stretch across the reserve.
- Calving continues, and predator activity is high.
- Dramatic skies and excellent photographic opportunities.
VISITING THE KALAHARI
MARCH
- Rains begin to taper, but the bush remains alive with activity.
- Plenty of grazing herds and predator encounters.
VISITING THE KALAHARI
APRIL
- The land begins to dry; vegetation thins out.
- Game becomes easier to spot as visibility improves.
- Cooler temperatures make for pleasant game drives.
VISITING THE KALAHARI
MAY
- Clear skies and golden grasses dominate the landscape.
- Wildlife viewing is excellent with concentrated sightings.
- Road conditions are improving
VISITING THE KALAHARI
JUNE
- Dry and chilly—cold mornings, warm days.
- Animals gather at remaining water sources.
VISITING THE KALAHARI
JULY
- Coldest month; nights can drop below freezing.
- Sparse vegetation offers great visibility.
VISITING THE KALAHARI
AUGUST
- Still dry and cool, warming slightly by month-end.
- Wildlife concentrated around pans and waterholes.
- Great time for observing large herbivores like oryx and hartebeest.
VISITING THE KALAHARI
SEPTEMBER
- Hot, dry, and dusty with temperatures climbing.
- Wildlife is more scattered in search of water.
VISITING THE KALAHARI
OCTOBER
- Very little surface water; many animals disperse in search of water.
- first clouds and storms may appear late in the month, offering relief and dramatic skies.
VISITING THE KALAHARI
NOVEMBER
- First rains fall, breaking the dry spell.
- Fresh grasses attract large herds and start the calving season.
- Migratory birds begin to arrive.
VISITING THE KALAHARI
DECEMBER
- The reserve greens up quickly, and wildlife disperses across the area.
- Plenty of young animals and active predators.
Ecosystems
LOCATION
KALAHARI
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve lies at the heart of Botswana, stretching across the country’s central plateau in a vast, open expanse. It’s a truly remote region – wild, roadless in parts, and beautifully off the grid. Access is typically via 4×4 from Maun, the safari hub of northern Botswana. For a quicker and scenic arrival, light aircraft flights can be arranged into nearby airstrips. Its isolation is part of the magic – getting there is a journey, but one that rewards with silence, space, and deep wilderness.
WILDLIFE OF THE KALAHARI
The Central Kalahari is a land of surprising abundance, where life has adapted beautifully to the desert’s rhythm. This is the realm of the legendary black-maned Kalahari lion, often seen striding across sunlit pans or dozing beneath camelthorn trees. Cheetahs thrive here too, using open spaces to their advantage, while oryx, springbok, and steenbok roam the landscape. You might glimpse elusive brown hyenas at dawn, hear the call of jackals at night, or catch a flash of movement as a bat-eared fox disappears into the grasses. It’s a place where every sighting feels like a secret shared.
EXPERIENCE
UNTOUCHED KALAHARI
To truly feel the spirit of the Central Kalahari, there’s nothing quite like a mobile safari. Far from the crowds and fences, our camp is set up in remote, private sites – temporary by design, but deeply comfortable. You’ll sleep in walk-in canvas tents, wake to fresh coffee and birdsong, and spend your days exploring vast landscapes on expertly guided game drives. Evenings bring firelight, delicious meals, and stories under a sky full of stars. It’s a way of traveling that’s both light on the land and rich in experience – immersive, intimate, and deeply connected to the wild.
MOBILE CAMP
BOTSWANA
Our mobile camp brings you closer to nature, set up in exclusive wilderness locations across Botswana.
Experience the thrill of the wild with comfortable en-suite tents, private game viewing, and total immersion in nature.
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CONTACT
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