Kalahari Desert safaris, tours & holiday packages
A wildlife-rich, desert wildernessCustom Kalahari Desert
- Describe your dream trip
- We'll source the best value
- Book when you're ready
Help Me Plan
From the rolling red dunes of the Kgalagadi transfrontier conservation area, to the sparse grasslands of Botswana's Central Kalahari, this is an arid wilderness that is rich in in desert-adapted wildlife and unsurpassed scenic beauty.
The Kalahari is home to the regal black-maned lion, secretive leopard and endangered African wild dog. But the desert is also regarded as the best place in Africa to view cheetah in the wild. With its abundant herds of springbok and scattering of steenbok, the Kalahari's wide-open landscapes provide a perfect hunting ground for Africa's fastest land mammal. Visitors who are fortunate enough to spend some time in the company of a Kalahari cheetah stand an excellent chance of watching this amazing speedster in action as it hunts its favoured antelope prey at high speed.
“I know of no better place to go when I'm looking to decompress than the Kalahari. The solitude, big skies, wide-open spaces and deafening silence of this ancient desert are like no other place on earth. And having top quality wildlife sightings all to yourself is a real privilege.”
More on Kalahari Desert holidays
The Kalahari is believed to be one of the oldest deserts in the world, occupying a huge sprawling sandy basin that extends from eastern Namibia across most of Botswana as well as spilling over the border into the Northern Cape region of South Africa.
The Kalahari's varied landscapes and unique wildlife species are conserved within three primary protected areas: the wild and remote Khaudum National Park in Namibia, the scenically spectacular Kgalagai Transfrontier Conservation Area spanning the border between South Africa and Botswana, and the gigantic Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana.
All three of these reserves share a real sense of space, solitude and wilderness. The burnt red dunes of the Kgalagadi provide the most mesmerising and impressive landscape, but all three parks offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The Kgalagadi is the most popular and accessible of the reserves, while Khaudum sees no more than a handful of self-drive visitors per year.
Kalahari Desert Map
Kalahari Desert's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about Kalahari Desert
Whether you are in the Southern or East Africa you will generally be able to see the big five. The difference really comes in when considering antelope as they are based on your chosen location. go there.
This is all dependant on the countries that you will be visitng and due to the status of certain vaccinations changing at times, please consult our experts before getting vaccines. go there.
In some parts of Southern Africa it is safe to drink the tap water, however it is highly recommended to stick to bottled water (mostly supplied) during your trip as even drinkable African water is completely different in taste and… go there.
Reviews on our Kalahari Desert safaris
It took one e-mail to Discover Africa (very friendly and competent staff), one phone call for details and one phone call for minor modifications and in the end we had a perfect holiday experience - a magical Botswana safari as they titled…
Friedrich
from Germany
Related Articles
Year-round special at Haina Kalahari Lodge
The Kalahari desert's incredible age and history is available to you at the click of a button. This hidden oasis is all about luxe camping with a rustic feel. Spend your nights in a spacious 'tent' while you enjoy day and night game… read more
The ultimate guide to preparing for a luxury African safari
The African savannah is often portrayed as a warm and dry destination, and may result in unwanted surprise for travellers who aren’t properly informed about what to expect in the bush. With the right advice and guidance, knowing what to… read more
12 reasons why you should visit Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Did you know that Central Kalahari Game Reserve is also a habitat for the Kalahari’s famous Black-maned lions, as well as cheetah, springbok, gemsbok, ostrich and wildebeest? It is also the second largest wildlife game reserve in the world,… read more
5 tips for a night safari
Night safari drives are a popular and good way in which to see various types of animals who are nocturnal and only venture out into the African bushveld after hours. It can often become a game of survival for certain animals as predators… read more