Situated right in the center of Botswana; lies the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. It is characterized by vast open plains, salt pans, and ancient riverbeds. Varying from sand dunes with many species of trees and shrubs in the north, to flat bushveld in the central area. The reserve is more heavily wooded in the south, with mopane forests to the south and east. Rainfall is sparse and sporadic (from 170 to 700 millimeters per year).
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is larger than Denmark or Switzerland. Furthermore, it is bigger than Lesotho and Swaziland combined! At 52,800 square kilometers, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the second largest game reserve in the world.
The Owens, who lived on the pan for seven years studying the brown hyena that live here, wrote the book, “Cry of the Kalahari”. This book brought the attention of readers to this previously little visited area. And even today many people refer to the Central Kalahari simply as Deception. The name “Deception” comes from a pan. The dry surface of which sometimes appears convincingly full of water until one gets right to the edge.
What to expect?
Stretching across 80km of Central Kalahari Game Reserve’s north is Deception Valley. Once a sprawling riverbed, the valley is now covered with short grass. Dotted with the occasional island of bushy trees. Some roots of the larger trees extend as far as 50m below the surface, to the water table. Enabling them to survive the dry winters.
The low canopies of these tree grove islands provide shelter for the game during the heat of the day. And one can often see lions dozing in the shade of these thickets. They are usually made up of umbrella and buffalo thorn trees. This is a common & wonderful sighting in winter in Africa. In the early mornings and later in the afternoon the road retains some heat. Whereas the shade of the ‘bush’ will be much cooler. This brings the wildlife to the roads. Therefore it is one of the main reasons why early morning and late afternoon game drives are the best times for a safari and to spot the wildlife. In summer, they don’t really need to do this.
Activities are centered around daytime game drives when staying inside the park. Activities are more flexible when staying just outside the reserve on private concessions. These camps are able to offer walking safaris and night drives.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana hosts a rich variety of wildlife. It is known for the iconic black-maned lion, as well as other predators such as cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. The reserve also supports large populations of herbivores, including wildebeest, giraffes, springboks, and oryx.
The San Bushman offer insight into their fascinating culture and how to survive in such harsh conditions.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve Birding
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a birder’s paradise all year round (over 250 species). However, it is during the rainy season that the area comes into its own as a birding destination. It is particularly good for raptors due to the high volume of small animals for them to feed on. The Central Kalahari’s most common raptor is the pale-chanting goshawk. There are also a good number of black-shouldered kites, rock kestrels, bateleurs, black-breasted and brown snake eagles, martial and tawny eagles, and lanner falcons.
Some of the big ground dwelling birds to look out for are ostrich, secretary bird, and kori bustard. Smaller bustards, such as black and red-crested bustard, are common as well.
The sub-Saharan species of sandgrouse can be difficult to spot during the day with their excellent camouflage. But during the mornings large numbers can be seen flying to the waterholes. Large flocks of red-billed quelea are also common. Often seen as they swarm down from trees to drink or in search of food.
When to travel to Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Wildlife is found throughout the year in the Kalahari. However, it is more concentrated during the wet season. Temperatures are extreme and can exceed 40°C in the day but may drop below -14°C at night!!
The seasons of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve are very dry and cold winters, (April to October). Winter months can be more difficult to find wildlife as they disperse over this large reserve. However, photographers delight in capturing shots of wildlife in the open and dusty areas. Especially at sunrise and sunset.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve has very hot, wet, and green summers (November to March). The moment the rains threaten to come, the wildlife tends to congregate in the pans and valleys. The rains make the scenery lush and food is aplenty, so a dramatic difference to the winter.
We recommend Kalahari safaris mostly between December and April when the animals are slightly easier to find. And the migratory birds have arrived.
Central Kalahari sunset with wildebeest
Central Kalahari Game Reserve Accommodation
Stay in the Central Kalahari at our accommodation options to experience the timeless magic of one of Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes. We can do all lodges / camps so if it isn’t here, please do get in touch by clicking the ‘Get Quote Now’ button below. If it is your honeymoon, see our Central Kalahari Game Reserve honeymoon accommodation.
The game reserve is home to two permanent safari camps, each offering its unique appeal. Tau Pan Camp is set on a ridge with expansive views, and Kalahari Plains Camp (currently closed). These camps also provide an excellent base for an extended, immersive private mobile safari experience. Additionally, there are three lodges located in private reserves just north of the main reserve, each offering a variety of camp styles to explore the region’s distinctive ecology, wildlife, and San culture.
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