Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Nothing defines the Central Kalahari Game Reserve like its space – at over 52,000 kilometres it is the second-largest reserve in Africa. It is one of the most remote destinations in southern Africa. It was created as a reserve where the San people could continue their traditional way of life in the 1960s. In recent decades, the Botswana government has opened the reserve for tourism.

Much of the year the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is an arid wilderness and the animals are widely scattered in the vast landscape. This changes with the rains from January through April when lush grass grows and attracts huge herds of Springbok, Gemsbok and Eland. During the dry season, the desolate pans offer exceptional photographic opportunities. Visitors come in search of rare Black-maned Lions and Cheetah which the reserve is known for.

The most visited region is in the north around Deception Valley which was made famous by the book Cry of the Kalahari. Due to its remote situation, it is a dark sky region which provides awe-inspiring stargazing experiences of the southern stars.

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is remote. Many clients will fly in by private plane to one of the airstrips at the luxury lodges in and around the reserve. Self-drive clients need a 4×4 vehicle and the park lies about 250 kilometres south from Maun. This journey takes about 5 hours. There are three entry points to the reserve – through Khutse in the south, Matswere in the northeast and Xade in the west.