Botswana’s Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Useful Information

History

San communities, often called Bushmen, have lived across the Kalahari for tens of thousands of years, relying on their deep understanding of nature to survive in the desert. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve was established in 1961 to conserve this remote wilderness. In the late 1990s, many San families were relocated, leading to landmark court cases. A 2006 ruling confirmed their right to live within the reserve, and a 2011 Court of Appeal decision restored access to vital boreholes, reaffirming both cultural and environmental preservation in this vast landscape.

Wildlife

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife adapted to arid conditions. Antelope such as gemsbok, springbok, steenbok, and eland thrive by drawing moisture from vegetation rather than surface water. Predators include the dark-maned Kalahari lion, cheetah, leopard, brown hyena, and spotted hyena. Smaller mammals like black-backed jackal, Cape fox, meerkat, and bat-eared fox are common. Birdlife is prolific, with raptor and ostrich well represented. In the wetter northern areas, visitors may also see elephant, giraffe, and buffalo drawn to seasonal pans after summer rain.

Vegetation & Terrain

The Kalahari is one of the largest sand basins on Earth, spanning much of Botswana and parts of neighboring countries. Its name derives from the Tswana word meaning “great thirst,” reflecting the region’s scarcity of water. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve features sweeping grasslands interspersed with sand dunes, acacia woodlands, and fossilized riverbeds that trace ancient watercourses. Deception Valley, one of the most famous of these, offers a glimpse into the area’s geological past. Scattered camelthorn trees and golden plains create timeless desert scenery under expansive, luminous skies.

Activities

Exploring the Central Kalahari involves guided game drives that cover vast distances and reveal its unique desert ecosystem. Experienced rangers, often accompanied by San trackers, share insights into wildlife behavior and survival techniques. Walking excursions with San guides provide a fascinating look at traditional skills passed through generations. Evenings bring exceptional stargazing beneath unpolluted skies. Birding and landscape photography are rewarding year-round. Visitors should always follow park regulations, travel with guides, and remain cautious in this remote and pristine wilderness environment.