Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve, in one word, is epic. This due to not only its size (20,000 mi²), but also its uniquely beautiful landscape of wooded dunes and petrified river valleys. This reserve in Botswana is reanimated during the rainy season (Dec-Apr): a variety of animals return when the rains fill the (formerly) petrified river valleys. The best example of this is arguably the highlight of the Reserve: Deception Valley. Therefore, in contrast to most parks and reserves, the reserve’s High Season is not during the dry season, but rather the rainy season.

Wildlife inhabiting the Central Kalahari includes hartebeest, springbok, gemsbok, ostrich, eland, brown hyena, lion, giraffe, lynx, bat-eared fox, black-backed jackals, oryx, steenbuck, blue wildebeest, cape fox, leopard and wild dogs. The park also contains arguably the best cheetah population in Botswana, and a lucky visitor can spot a huge, black-maned lion. In addition, many of the camps offer interactive cultural experiences with the San bushmen.