Stretching across six countries, the Kalahari Desert is nowhere more beautiful and classic than in its heartland in central Botswana - remote, a true wilderness and a refuge of the traditional San (Bushmen) people. These people inhabit the southern and western reaches of the Kalahari and the wildlife is in the north.
Covering about 52,800km2, and without a tar road anywhere near it, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the world's largest game reserves. It dominates the center of Botswana.
Huge migration herds cross vast expanses in search of the few waterholes that preserve wildlife here.
Although sand dunes and pans do occur, the flat desert tableau is surprisingly well vegetated and in summer boasts a large concentration of game.
The main attraction is its wilderness atmosphere, wide-open spaces and intense solitude and silence. Animals that are found in the desert are Springbok, giraffe, hartebeest and wildebeest which are followed in their tracks by the predators, lion, cheetah and hyena.
Getting to the Central Kalahari
Tribes can offer trips in to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve either traveling north from
Gaborone by road using a 4 wheel drive, or south from Maun by road or small plane.
Activities in Central Kalahari
The Kalahari region has incredible beauty and infinite vastness. Central Kalahari is a desert but the landscape is surprisingly well-vegetated and most of the region receives a measure of annual rainfall. Sandy plains are covered in flowers and green grass while the summer rains transform most of the Kalahari into a verdant park.
Game is very good: lion, cheetah and leopard prey on the arid area species like springbok, gemsbok and red hartebeest. Bird watching can be amazing: look out for great raptors all year round and an influx of interesting migrants in the wet summer months.
Accommodation in Central Kalahari
The only places to stay inside the park are campsites. All of these are totally undeveloped; they're just cleared patches of ground with no water, toilets or showers. You must bring all the water you need, all your food, and a spade to dig your own toilets. (Don't forget matches to burn any tissue paper before burying it!)
As for the rest of Botswana's parks, it's essential that you book and pay for these campsites in advance, or you will not be allowed in through the gate.
There is only one lodge really close to the park: Deception Valley Lodge and must be booked in advance. It is at least two hours' drive from the scout gate camp, and over three from the area known as Deception Valley within the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Accommodation is in comfortable tents with beds and bedding under camel thorn trees, while a cook and camp hand handle the camp chores.
A trained guide takes care of the visitor. You have two choices of places to stay in this area: either within the park at demarcated campsites or stay at one of the two lodges which are both a few hours' drive from the entrance. These lodges are far from the park.
Deception Valley Lodge
o Ranks it as one of Botswana's top lodges in a remote locations.
o The lodge has five thatched chalets, each with a separate large lounge and bedroom, and a smaller bathroom between them. There is electric power. Aircon, fridge.
o Activities are drives and walks on the lodge's own area
Leroo-La-Tau Lodge
o (7 tents)Situated at the eastern end of a bend in the Boteti River
o very comfortable chalets and a choice of activities.
Xwaraga campsite
This bush campsite is a few minutes walk from Leroo-La-Tau Lodge; it is contactable through the lodge.
Safety
Sleeping in the open without a tent is dangerous and tents should be fastened to prevent snakes, and scorpions from gaining entry.
Foodstuffs should not be kept in the tent but in vehicles to avoid the unwanted attentions of lions and hyenas.
Visitors may walk in pan areas where visibility is good, but walking in areas of tall grass or thick bush is potentially dangerous and not encouraged.
It is always wise to stay within easy reach of the vehicle. There are three entry points to the reserve, the one through Khutse in the south, then a western entrance through Xade, and also in the north-east through Matswere
