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Highlights of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana
WHERE TO GO IN BOTSWANA
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) offers a breathtaking expanse of open space, stretching endlessly in every direction. This vast reserve, with its undulating sand ridges and occasional flat-topped acacias, is a sanctuary of raw natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the second largest wildlife reserve in the world, covering over 50,000 square kilometres, most of which is inaccessible. It is the sheer sense of desolate, pristine landscape and untouched isolation that gives it such appeal, and the area is only seen by only a handful of visitors every year, making it ideal for those looking for a very private and peaceful African safari experience.
Dominating the centre of Botswana, the area mostly consists of grass and bushland albeit with shallow river valleys and sand dunes, and is occasionally punctuated with larger trees, like Kalahari apple, acacia, silver terminalia sandveldt and mopane.
Best Time to Visit Central Kalahari Game Reserve
The CKGR is most alluring in the early months of the year, following the rainy season. During this period:
- Floral Blooms: The plains burst into color with yellow, blue, and pink flowers.
- Wildlife Activity: Grazing animals flock to the lush grasses, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
History of CKGR
The reserve was originally established in 1961 to provide a protected sanctuary for the indigenous San community, who would be able to preserve their traditional hunter-gatherer culture without any human interruption. For around 30 years, the reserve was inaccessible for tourists, but in the 1990s this changed to allow very small numbers to have access, although these numbers are kept strictly low.
The arrival of the summer rains is known as a highlight of this area, and indeed one of Africa’s best kept wildlife secrets, both during and immediately after the rains. The northernmost sections of the reserve teem with wildlife activity, particularly around the Northern Deception Valley where herbivores such as gemsbok and springbok gather to feed off the sweet grasses, which in turn attracts large numbers of predators. Infamous black-maned lions, hyena, leopard, ostrich, giraffe and wildebeest are all found here.
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From 12000 per personWildlife and Adaptation
Adaptation is key to survival in the often harsh environment of the CKGR. The wildlife has evolved unique strategies to thrive here:
- Oryx: Equipped with an internal temperature regulator to withstand extreme heat.
- Springbok: Obtain nearly all their water from plant consumption.
- Ground Squirrels: Use their bushy tails for shade.
- African Bullfrogs: Bury themselves in the mud of dried-up pools to endure long periods of drought.
Famous for Black-maned lions
This area has the highest number of camps and lodges, which provide access points to the main areas of interest. Jack’s Camp, for example, is set amidst palm trees in the heart of the Kalahari and offers prime wildlife viewing in hyena territory with access to Makgadikgadi and Nxai pans, whilst Tau Pan is a unique solar powered camp set in an area that is abundant with predators.
Predators and Birds
Despite the challenges posed by the arid conditions, several predators have adapted to life in the CKGR:
- Lions, Cheetahs, and Leopards: These apex predators still roam the plains, albeit in smaller numbers due to water scarcity.
- Secretary Birds: Stalk the plains with their striking appearance.
- Red-Billed Quelea: Form massive flocks that move like a living cloud.
- Raptors: Kestrels, kites, and other birds of prey dominate the skies.
Accommodation Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- Dinaka Safari Lodge
- Tau Pan Camp
Visitors to the CKGR can also gain insights into the San people's traditional way of life. Engage in some fascinating conversations with the San Bushmen. These indigenous inhabitants have survived in the Kalahari for centuries, and modern visitors can learn about their way of life as well as:
- Water Sourcing: Techniques for finding water in this arid landscape.
- Shelter Building: How to construct effective shelters using natural materials.
- Hunting Practices: Traditional hunting methods of the San people.