Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Discovering the Secrets of Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Overview
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a vast wilderness area in Botswana, covering over 50,000 square kilometers of pristine African bushveld. This reserve is steeped in history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 20,000 years. The landscape is dominated by grassy plains, sand dunes, and salt pans, and the climate is arid, with hot days and cool nights. The reserve is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and many more. The plant life is equally impressive, with a variety of acacia trees, baobabs, and other species that have adapted to the harsh desert conditions. A visit to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve promises a breathtaking experience that will leave you in awe of the natural beauty and wildlife of Africa.
Things to Do
Safari Tours: Explore the stunning wildlife and natural beauty of the area on a guided safari tour. See majestic lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and many more in their natural habitats.
Cultural Tours: Learn about the fascinating history and culture of the local people with a guided cultural tour. Visit traditional villages and meet the friendly locals to get a glimpse of their way of life.
Quad Biking: Take an adventurous quad biking tour across the vast and otherworldly salt pans. Experience the thrill of speeding across the flat, expansive terrain and enjoy the stunning views.Â
Stargazing: The clear skies above the Central Kalahari Game Reserve make it an ideal location for stargazing. Marvel at the beauty of the Milky Way and other celestial bodies under the African night sky.
Birdwatching: The reserve is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a prime location for birdwatching enthusiasts. Spot rare and unique bird species while enjoying the scenic views.
Hot Air Ballooning: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the reserve from above with a hot air balloon ride. Get a bird’s eye view of the grassy plains, sand dunes, and salt pans, and marvel at the stunning landscape from the sky.
Nature Walks: Take a leisurely nature walk and explore the unique flora and fauna of the area. Spot rare plant species like the acacia tree and baobab, and see smaller animals like meerkats and mongooses up close.
What to See
Wildlife: The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and many more. Take a guided safari or game drive to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat
Landscapes: The landscape of the reserve is dominated by grassy plains, sand dunes, and salt pans, creating a unique and otherworldly environment that is truly breathtaking. Explore the diverse landscapes of the reserve and marvel at the stunning views.
Baobab Trees: The ancient baobab trees are one of the most iconic features of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. These majestic trees can live for thousands of years and are an important part of the local ecosystem.
Acacia Trees: The reserve is also home to a variety of unique acacia tree species, which have adapted to the harsh desert conditions. These trees are a vital source of food and shelter for the wildlife in the reserve.
Birdwatching: The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers, with a wide variety of bird species to spot, including the ostrich and the Kori bustard, the heaviest flying bird in the world. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the diversity of bird life in the reserve.
Salt Pans: The vast salt pans of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve are a must-see destination. These expansive and otherworldly landscapes are like nothing else on earth, and offer a unique and unforgettable experience. – Pangolins: The reserve is also home to the elusive and rare pangolin. These shy animals are rarely seen, but if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of these fascinating creatures.
Night Skies: The clear and unpolluted night skies above the Central Kalahari Game Reserve are a sight to behold. Stargaze and marvel at the beauty of the Milky Way and other celestial bodies under the African night sky.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve depends on your interests and preferences. The dry season, from May to October, is the most popular time to visit, as the temperatures are cooler and the wildlife is more concentrated around the waterholes. This is also the best time for birdwatching, as many species are in breeding plumage and the migrant species are present. The wet season, from November to April, is less popular but still offers a unique and beautiful experience. The landscape is transformed into a lush green oasis, and the wildlife disperses throughout the reserve. This is also the calving season for many species, so you may have the chance to witness newborn animals.
Getting there
By Air: The easiest and most convenient way to get to Central Kalahari Game Reserve is by air. There are several airlines that fly into the nearby Maun International Airport, which is about 400km away from the reserve. From Maun, you can take a charter flight to the reserve, which takes about an hour.
By Road: Alternatively, you can also get to Central Kalahari Game Reserve by road. The reserve is accessible via two main gates – Xade Gate and Matswere Gate. Both gates can be accessed by 4×4 vehicles, and the roads leading to the gates are mostly dirt and gravel. It is recommended that you have a high clearance vehicle if you plan to drive to the reserve.
Where to Stay
Mid-Range Accommodation:
Tau Game LodgeÂ
Tau Game Lodge offers comfortable mid-range accommodation near the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The lodge features spacious chalets with en-suite bathrooms, a restaurant serving a variety of dishes, and a swimming pool. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, bush walks, and cultural experiences.
Deception Valley LodgeÂ
Deception Valley Lodge offers mid-range accommodation in a private concession bordering the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The lodge features tented rooms with en-suite bathrooms, a dining area serving delicious meals, and a viewing deck overlooking a waterhole. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, bush walks, and cultural interactions with the local San people.
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Luxury Accommodation:
Kalahari Plains Camp
 Kalahari Plains Camp offers exclusive luxury accommodation in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The camp features stylish tents with en-suite bathrooms, a dining tent serving gourmet cuisine, and a swimming pool. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, bush walks, and stargazing.
Haina Kalahari Lodge
Haina Kalahari Lodge offers luxurious accommodation near the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The lodge features spacious chalets with en-suite bathrooms, a restaurant serving gourmet meals, and a swimming pool. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, bush walks, and cultural experiences.
Other Attractions in Botswana
Okavango Delta
Chobe National Park
Moremi Game Reserve
Makgadikgadi Pans
Linyanti Wildlife Reserve
Nxai Pan National Park
Tsodilo Hills
Tuli Block
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
General Knowledge Base
General information about Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in the world, covering an area of over 52,000 square kilometers.
The reserve is characterized by vast open plains, salt pans, and fossilized river valleys, creating a diverse and unique landscape.
The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, and the unique brown hyena.
Yes, guided night drives are available in the reserve, offering the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife such as leopards and hyenas.
Yes, there are several luxury lodges and campsites in and around the reserve, offering visitors a comfortable and immersive safari experience.
Yes, some lodges and campsites offer cultural experiences where visitors can learn about the San Bushmen’s traditional way of life, including dances and storytelling.
The best time to visit is during the dry season (from April to October), when wildlife congregates around the remaining water sources, making it easier to spot.
