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.
The CKGR is most alluring in the early months of the year, following the rainy season. During this period:
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.
Get lost in the seemingly endless Kalahari Desert, sleep out under the stars, and walk with the Zu’hoasi Bushmen on this adventure of a lifetime. You’ll stay at one of the most legendary camps in Botswana, each room full of curios from Natural History, you’ll also get back to basics sleeping under a blanket of stars on Kubu Island.
From 14500 per person
Spend 10 days on this small group tour heading through Botswana staying in fully serviced en-suite tented camping.
From 4500 per person
A luxury Botswana safari taking in a selection of award-winning luxury camps combined with world-class game viewing.
From 23000 per person
Discover the Kweene Trails, an area of the Okavango Delta few visitors get the opportunity to survey.
From 12000 per personAdaptation is key to survival in the often harsh environment of the CKGR. The wildlife has evolved unique strategies to thrive here:
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.
Despite the challenges posed by the arid conditions, several predators have adapted to life in the CKGR:
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:
