Central Kalahari

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the largest, most remotely situated reserve in southern Africa and the second largest wildlife reserve in the world, encompassing 52,800 km². It was established as a game reserve in 1971 to protect a series of pans, dry river valleys and wildlife.

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is not a typical desert as it is characterised by vast grasslands and medium to large trees. The floors of the pans are bare or covered with short grass and herbs that, after good rains, become huge tracts of excellent grazing that supports a population of animals that are specially adapted to a semi-desert environment.

Its diverse wildlife and wonderful scenery offers an amazing contrast to the rest of Botswana. During and shortly after good summer rains, when one can witness the most dramatic and beautiful cloud formations, the Central Kalahari completely transforms as the plains and pans burst with sweet grasses. The flat grasslands of the reserve's northern reaches abound with wildlife which gather at the rich grazing areas. This is one of the best game viewing areas in Botswana at this time of year and not many people to seem be aware of this - so visitors are relatively few. Large herds of gemsbok and springbok as well as wildebeest, hartebeest, eland and giraffe are a sight to behold. Predators abound with plentiful lions - especially the famous Kalahari black-maned lion, cheetah, leopard and jackals. Brown hyenas and wild dogs are also found in the area.

During the dry season months of May to September the Central Kalahari becomes a harsh environment causing the game to frequent permanent pans and water holes thus resulting in some exciting game viewing.