The vast scrublands of the semi-arid Kalahari Desert cover approximately 900,000 km² throughout Namibia, South Africa, and a significant part of Botswana. It constitutes a segment of the large Kalahari Basin, which, in addition to the desert, encompasses diverse wetlands including the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Despite the Kalahari Desert’s inability to be accurately categorized as a desert due to its yearly precipitation of 12 to 25 centimeters, the arid soil eagerly absorbs any residual liquid following the wet season. The desert’s rust-hued valleys of sand dunes, interspersed with scrubland in certain areas, are regarded as the biggest uninterrupted stretch of sand on Earth. The indigenous fauna and vegetation have adapted over millennia to thrive in this arid desert.

The indigenous San bushmen have inhabited the Kalahari for 20,000 years; although many have adopted sedentary lifestyles in settlements, some continue to reside on the periphery of the desert. Visitors can encounter the authentic essence of the Kalahari region by exploring the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The expansive Kalahari Basin in Botswana encompasses the fertile Okavango River Delta and other lush regions to the north, including Chobe National Park and Moremi Wildlife Reserve.

Data and Knowledge

Visiting the Kalahari is an exceptionally gratifying experience. The Kalahari comprises a variety of dynamic landscapes that extend over Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia. In Namibia, the Kalahari Desert is situated in the south and east, frequently paired with an excursion to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon globally. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, located in South Africa and Botswana, boasts an extensive array of protected wildlife, similar to the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana. Find your ideal lodging for your Kalahari expedition.

The expansive Makgadikgadi Pans, the largest globally, are technically part of the Kalahari region, although being regarded as a distinct destination. Witness the flamingoes and substantial migration herds of wildlife traversing the vast open landscapes! Numerous other pans exist in the region, such as Nxai Pan, which become inundated during the summer rains, drawing a diverse range of wildlife.

Climatic Conditions and Topographies

The majority of the Kalahari is not a genuine desert, as it gets an average annual precipitation of 75-250 mm, exceeding the minimum criteria for desert classification. Summer temperatures can soar to 40°C; however, the regular rains mitigate the heat and draw animals to the pans and waterholes. In Spring, flowers and plants blossom, converting the otherwise desolate terrain into a vibrant sanctuary of color and vitality. The winter is rather arid, and although daytime temperatures are more tolerable, nighttime can get quite frigid.

The Kalahari, characterized by diverse habitats such as moist broadleaf woodland, dry savannah thornveld, and semi-arid duneveld, sustains an extraordinary variety of flora and wildlife in one of the most sparsely populated regions of the inhabited world. Private game farms, comparable in size to small nations, host elevated densities of wildlife and avifauna, providing a distinctive and exclusive observation experience.

Reaching the Destination

The Kalahari is an extensive area, covering 900,000 km² over three distinct countries. Accessing this location is contingent upon your desire to experience the Kalahari in South Africa, Namibia, or Botswana.

Which country: Botswana, South Africa, or Namibia?

Botswana:

The majority of visitors to the Kalahari often frequent the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, a huge reserve located in the center of the country, or the expansive Makgadikgadi Pans situated somewhat to the north. The nearest town is Maun, which has frequent flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and other locations in Botswana. The majority of travelers will then opt for a private charter flight to their selected camp, as Maun is very distant from the reserve and Makgadikgadi.

Republic of South Africa:

Travelers can visit the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which extends into Botswana. To arrive here, board an internal aircraft with South African Airlink to Upington from either Cape Town or Johannesburg. The Twee Rivieren Entrance Gate is situated roughly 250 kilometers north of Upington, necessitating a trip to reach it.

Namibia:

The Kalahari is situated in the southern and eastern regions of the country and is typically paired with a visit to the magnificent Fish River Canyon. Accessing this location is challenging, requiring an extensive journey from either South Africa or Windhoek. Consequently, the majority of travelers visit Botswana to experience the Kalahari, as it represents the most feasible choice.

Note: The Kalahari is an optimal travel option to complement a Botswana safari in Chobe National Park or the Okavango Delta. We can coordinate all aspects of your journey, including accommodations and flights.

Consider reaching out to us to arrange your customized journey.