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
Deception Valley is all that remains of a sprawling riverbed that has long since dried up. Stretching across 80km of the reserve’s north; 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 thorn and buffalo thorn. 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 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 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. Some of the big ground dwelling birds to look out for are ostrich, secretary bird and kori bustard. Smaller bustards, such as black bustard 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.
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.
When to travel to Central Kalahari Game Reserve
The seasons of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve are very dry and cold winters, (April to October). And very hot, wet and green summers (November to March). 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 winter months can be more difficult to find the wildlife as they disperse over this large reserve. However, photographers delight in capturing shots of wildlife with the open and dusty areas. Especially at sunrise and sunset. The moment the rains threaten to come, the wildlife tend 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
More information on Botswana’s safari destinations and useful information:
Eco-friendly luxury accommodation in Central Kalahari Game Reserve overlooking Tau Pan, where you can enjoy game drives, walks and day trips to Deception Valley – great for families and honeymooners
