Central Kalahari Reserve Botswana flag

1 Tours 1 Hotels & Lodges

Starting from

$1200PP

Overview

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve lies within the Kalahari Desert in the southwest of the nation and is perhaps the biggest reserve on the planet. The hunter-gatherer San or Bushmen are perhaps the oldest cultures on the planet, straightforwardly descendants from the first individuals in Southern Africa. Although a desert park, there is an immense amount of wildlife here and a walking safari with San guides is a rare experience. The Central Kalahari is comprised of mostly flat and delicately undulating bushveld, with areas of sand dunes and stands of taller trees. The region additionally has Passarge and Deception Valleys with their various fossilized salt pans.

High Season
July to October
Best Time to Go
December to March

Pros & Cons

  • Amazing desert scenery
  • Meerkats can be spotted in some parts of the park
  • Off-the-beaten-track and very little visited
  • Opportunity to spot Kalahari black-maned lions
  • Adventurous wilderness destination
  • Can be crowded during peak season
  • Weather dependent activities

Map in Botswana

Central Kalahari Reserve map

Wildlife & Animals

Deception Valley, one of the vital attractions of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and home to a rich water source during the wet season, draws in huge groups of herbivores like Oryx, springbok and blue wildebeest. Little groups of red hartebeest, greater kudu and eland can likewise be seen assembled around the water source. These herbivores are in good company; they are trailed by cheetahs, Leopards and the popular black-maned Kalahari lion.

Wildlife Highlights

A small, desert-adjusted well evolved mammals, meerkats are found all through the Kalahari, which covers quite a bit of Botswana. The Central Kalahari is one of the top areas for spotting meerkats in Africa. Sunrise and nightfall are the best occasions to spot hyenas getting back to, or leaving, their caves. Spotted hyenas are normal, yet the more uncommon brown hyena is very simple to find too. The desert is additionally home to numerous more modest predators, for example, bat-eared fox, yellow mongoose and the alluring suricate.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Central Kalahari has very seasonal wildlife viewing. The Best time to visit Central Kalahari is in the Wet season from December to March when animals gather around the Central Kalahari’s fossilized pans, Deception Valley. This is also when many new animals are born. At this time, the roads can be difficult to navigate. April and May at the end of the rains are perhaps a good compromise. They offer good wildlife viewing in better weather conditions.

Birds

Central Kalahari has excellent bird watching opportunities, particularly in the wet season with over 250 bird species recorded so far. Military eagle, black-chested snake-eagle, and a few raptors are seen taking the skies of the Central Kalahari. The enormous centralization of small animals offers them a lot of food. Other outstanding bird species incorporate the chat flycatcher, double-banded sandgrouse, Marico Flycatcher, Namaqua dove, sandgrouse, red-billed quelea and yellow-throated sandgrouse.

Best Time for Birding

Central Kalahari is an excellent reserve for bird watching throughout the year. However, the best time is during the wet season from November to April, when migratory birds are available. At this time, a lot of birds are breeding, and some species such as the whydahs transform their plumage from drab to spectacular. The best wildlife viewing months are around the same time.

Best Time to Visit – Central Kalahari Reserve

Central Kalahari has very seasonal wildlife viewing. The Best time to visit Central Kalahari is in the Wet season from December to March when animals gather around the Central Kalahari’s fossilized pans, Deception Valley. This is also when many new animals are born. At this time, the roads can be difficult to navigate. April and May at the end of the rains are perhaps a good compromise. They offer good wildlife viewing in better weather conditions.

High Season
July to October
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around Central Kalahari Reserve.

No FAQs available for this park yet.

Change Currency

Loading currencies...