Central Kalahari

Dominating central Botswana, the 5-million-hectare Central Kalahari is one of the biggest and most remote protected areas in Africa. 

Endless sand dunes stretching towards a distant horizon

A captivating wilderness that covers an immense area of arid plains, rolling grasslands, and ancient sand dunes, this is a remote and untamed part of the world. Home to stark, arid landscapes of low, brown scrub and gently rolling grassland, the Central Kalahari is surprisingly filled with life. Encounter the iconic Kalahari lions, known for their adaptability to this harsh landscape, as well as elusive cheetahs, graceful oryx, and herds of springbok on thrilling game drives and immersive bush walks. The Central Kalahari is ideal for travellers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-track unparalleled safari experience that is as awe-inspiring as it is humbling.

An ancient land of the San Bushmen

These are the ancient hunting grounds of the San bushmen, Africa’s indigenous people, whose understanding and knowledge have been handed down over millennia, enabling them to survive in harsh and challenging conditions. The San get everything they need from the Central Kalahari, as do the plants and animals that call it home. Giraffes, cheetahs, African wild dogs and gemsbok have all adapted to life in the desert, as has a rich diversity of birdlife, reptiles and small mammals. The Central Kalahari is dotted with impressive, fossilised river valleys, remnants of a time when water was abundant here before a shift in the earth’s crust caused the region to become a basin. There are several pans, including the renowned Makgadikgadi Pan – one of the largest salt flats in the world.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation options in the Central Kalahari are designed to provide an authentic and immersive experience in the heart of the desert. From glamorous tented camps to rustic bush lodges, each property offers a unique blend of comfort and charm, allowing you to connect with the natural surroundings, while enjoying a peaceful retreat after exhilarating safari adventures.