Traditionally known to the San Bushmen as Kgalagadi, The Great Thirst land, the Kalahari Desert represents Africa at its most brutally wild and is the ultimate in ‘remote safari destinations. A safari to Central Kalahari is an experience in pristine wilderness that allows visitors to escape the crowds for the deep desert silence and real solitude in this immense open space. At night, the reserve turns into incredible star-gazing wide skies over dark horizons is a sight to behold Covering 52,800 square kilometers (almost 10% of Botswana), this vast and expansive desert reserve with open plains, salt pans and ancient riverbeds can be a challenge to access and, because of the aridity, wildlife tends to spread out more than in the other parks in the region. Central Kalahari game reserve is a land of pure adventure that sure to provoke a feeling of privilege among safari goers. Visitors will get up close to Zebras, black manned lions, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, black-backed jackal, brown and spotted hyena, giraffe, duiker, eland, gemsbok, kudu and springbok that roam free in the unique environment. The reserve is an excellent bird watching destination, hosting over 200 species of birds. In addition to the amazing wildlife and bird viewing during the day, visitors can watch amazing sunsets while sipping on sundowners.
The northern deception valley is one of the highlights, principally because of the dense concentration of herbivores, its sweet grasses attract during and after the rainy season, and the accompanying predators that prey on them. There are no facilities in the reserve and its advisable to never travel alone, guided safari or guided self-drive safari is highly recommended. You need a Tour Operator with knowledge and well maintained and equipped vehicles on your first visit to central Kalahari.
For an insight into the diversity of Africa, there is nothing better than a two-stop safari combining the shimmering pans of the Kalahari with the Okavango wetland wilderness
