Central Kalahari

Central Kalahari Overview

Situated in Central Kalahari, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the second largest game reserve in the world.

The area is rich in wildlife, offering sightings of both big and small game that roam the area. Game drives offer the opportunity to view big herds of game including eland, gemsbok and blue wildebeest.

Set under the brilliant stars of the Kalahari evening sky, night drives offer the opportunity to see a variety of nocturnal animals like porcupine, aardvark and brown hyena.

Interact with the bushmen of the Kalahari. The San people offer demonstration of their ancient ways of gathering food and reading signs of the veld. 

Highlights & Places in Central Kalahari

The Kalahari stretches outside of Botswana's western borders, entering parts of South Africa, Namibia and Angola.

Even though rainfall is sparse with a mere 170 to 700 millimetres of rainfall per year, the Kalahari is well vegetated with acacia trees and widespread grasslands.

The area boasts magnificent cloud formations during the summer rains as well as a healthy variety of wildlife which graze on the grass plains of the northern Central Kalahari Game Reserve; all of which can be enjoyed on a game drive.

Apart from large wildlife and vegetation; reptiles, brilliant birdlife and ancient culture are also part of the Central Kalahari exploration attraction.

Experience a unique cultural experience mingling with the San bushmen who have lived off the desert for centuries.

The starry night sky is truly stunning. Situated in the middle of Botswana, far from urban spoils, a crystal clear, star studded sky stretches over the Kalahari.  

Best Time to Visit Central Kalahari

When to Go

The best time to visit is January to October. Animals are grazing and birdlife is thriving with resident birds being joined by migrant birds as well as raptors.

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Central Kalahari

The closest town to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is Maun. There are regular flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town flying into Maun International Airport.

Seeing as Maun is quite a distance from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, if your accommodation has its own airstrip, you can take a private charter to your camp from Maun International Airport.

It is also an option to take a 4x4 drive from Gaborone into Central Kalahari where you can enter the game reserve from three different point, the best being Matswere in the north.  

Getting Around Central Kalahari

The easiest way to get around once in Central Kalahari is via 4x4 safari vehicle.

Central Kalahari Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
Maun is the nearest city to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and does have ATM’s, however there are no ATMs in Central Kalahari.

Forex/Money:
It’s best to carry local currency, Pula, with you because most of the camps don’t accept travellers cheques or US dollars.

Credit/Debit cards: 
Credit cards are only accepted at larger camps.

Internet availability: 
Very few lodges offer an internet connection.

Drinking water: 
It is advised that you drink bottled water. You can buy bottled water from the nearest city or from the lodge you're staying at.

Hospitals & Medical: 
General health care quality and availability in Botswana’s bigger cities (Gaberone, Maun, Francistown) are of a high standard, however in the rural areas, medical assistance is poor. Visit your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip departure and enquire about medical vaccinations and inoculations required for the area.

Visa Requirements:
Most country’s citizens will not be required to organise a visa before entering the country but will need a valid passport as well as confirmed return tickets.

Central Kalahari Map