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Destinations
  • Okavango Delta
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  • Nxai Pan National Park
  • Central Kalahari
  • Makgadikgadi Pans
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Expert Botswana
Home
Camps
  • Xigera Safari Lodge
  • Jao Camp
  • Sandibe Safari Lodge
  • Xudum Okavango Delta
  • Baines Camp
  • Chitabe Lediba Camp
  • Chitabe Camp
  • Belmond Eagle Island Camp
  • Duba Plains
  • Kwetsani Camp
  • Little Tubu Camp
  • Nxabega Okavango Camp
  • Xaranna Okavango Camp
  • Abu Camp
  • Vumbura Plains Camp
  • Little Vumbura Camp
  • Stanley's Camp
  • Machaba Camp
  • Chiefs Camp
  • Khwai River Lodge
  • Mombo Camp
  • Little Mombo Camp
  • Selinda Camp
  • Dumatau Camp
  • Kings Pool Camp
  • Zarafa Camp
  • Deception Valley Lodge
  • Jacks Camp
  • San Camp
  • Chobe Chilwero Camp
  • Belmond Savute Lodge
  • Ngoma Safari Lodge
  • Kiri Camp
  • Gomoti Plains
  • Duke's Camp
  • Okavango Explorers Camp
  • Sable Alley
  • Tuludi Camp
Destinations
  • Okavango Delta
  • Chobe National Park
  • Moremi Game Reserve
  • Linyanti Savuti
  • Nxai Pan National Park
  • Central Kalahari
  • Makgadikgadi Pans
Enquire
More
  • Home
  • Camps
    • Xigera Safari Lodge
    • Jao Camp
    • Sandibe Safari Lodge
    • Xudum Okavango Delta
    • Baines Camp
    • Chitabe Lediba Camp
    • Chitabe Camp
    • Belmond Eagle Island Camp
    • Duba Plains
    • Kwetsani Camp
    • Little Tubu Camp
    • Nxabega Okavango Camp
    • Xaranna Okavango Camp
    • Abu Camp
    • Vumbura Plains Camp
    • Little Vumbura Camp
    • Stanley's Camp
    • Machaba Camp
    • Chiefs Camp
    • Khwai River Lodge
    • Mombo Camp
    • Little Mombo Camp
    • Selinda Camp
    • Dumatau Camp
    • Kings Pool Camp
    • Zarafa Camp
    • Deception Valley Lodge
    • Jacks Camp
    • San Camp
    • Chobe Chilwero Camp
    • Belmond Savute Lodge
    • Ngoma Safari Lodge
    • Kiri Camp
    • Gomoti Plains
    • Duke's Camp
    • Okavango Explorers Camp
    • Sable Alley
    • Tuludi Camp
  • Destinations
    • Okavango Delta
    • Chobe National Park
    • Moremi Game Reserve
    • Linyanti Savuti
    • Nxai Pan National Park
    • Central Kalahari
    • Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Enquire
  • Home
  • Camps
    • Xigera Safari Lodge
    • Jao Camp
    • Sandibe Safari Lodge
    • Xudum Okavango Delta
    • Baines Camp
    • Chitabe Lediba Camp
    • Chitabe Camp
    • Belmond Eagle Island Camp
    • Duba Plains
    • Kwetsani Camp
    • Little Tubu Camp
    • Nxabega Okavango Camp
    • Xaranna Okavango Camp
    • Abu Camp
    • Vumbura Plains Camp
    • Little Vumbura Camp
    • Stanley's Camp
    • Machaba Camp
    • Chiefs Camp
    • Khwai River Lodge
    • Mombo Camp
    • Little Mombo Camp
    • Selinda Camp
    • Dumatau Camp
    • Kings Pool Camp
    • Zarafa Camp
    • Deception Valley Lodge
    • Jacks Camp
    • San Camp
    • Chobe Chilwero Camp
    • Belmond Savute Lodge
    • Ngoma Safari Lodge
    • Kiri Camp
    • Gomoti Plains
    • Duke's Camp
    • Okavango Explorers Camp
    • Sable Alley
    • Tuludi Camp
  • Destinations
    • Okavango Delta
    • Chobe National Park
    • Moremi Game Reserve
    • Linyanti Savuti
    • Nxai Pan National Park
    • Central Kalahari
    • Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Enquire

Central Kalahari

Introduction

The Central Kalahari is a vast and arid savanna located in Botswana, in southern Africa. It is one of the largest game reserves in the world, covering an area of approximately 52,800 square kilometers (20,400 square miles).

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is known for its unique and diverse wildlife, including various species of antelope, predators such as lions and cheetahs, as well as an abundance of birdlife. The landscape is characterised by vast open plains, sparse vegetation, sand dunes, and occasional scrub and acacia trees. Visiting the Central Kalahari offers a unique opportunity to experience the raw and untouched beauty of the African wilderness. It provides a chance to immerse oneself in the vastness of the desert-like landscape and observe the wildlife in its natural habitat.

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Central Kalahari

Breath taking scenery

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana offers its own brand of breathtaking scenery, characterized by its vastness and unique desert-like landscapes. While it may not boast towering mountains or dramatic waterfalls, the beauty of the Central Kalahari lies in its vast open plains, golden grasses, and expansive skies. In summary, the breathtaking beauty of the Central Kalahari lies in its vast open spaces, stunning sunsets and night skies, unique wildlife encounters, and the sense of solitude and tranquility it provides. It's a place where the subtle wonders of the desert-like landscapes can leave a lasting impression on those who venture into its remote reaches.

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Highlights

Diverse Wildlife

Water based activities

Water based activities

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife, adapted to survive in its arid and semi-arid environments. While it may not have the high concentrations of wildlife found in other regions, such as the Serengeti or Kruger National Park, the Central Kalahari offers unique and fascinating wildlife encounters.


Water based activities

Water based activities

Water based activities

As the Central Kalahari is primarily known for its vast desert-like plains, wildlife sightings, and the unique experience of being in a remote and arid environment. If you are specifically seeking water-based activities, other regions of Botswana, such as the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park, would offer a wider range of opportunities for exploring and enjoying water-based experiences.

Cultural Significance

Cultural Significance

Cultural Significance

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana holds significant cultural importance for the San people, also known as Bushmen or Basarwa. The San have inhabited the region for thousands of years and have a rich cultural heritage deeply intertwined with the land. Visiting the Central Kalahari offers an opportunity to appreciate not only the natural beauty of the reserve but also the cultural significance of the San people.

Deception Valley Lodge

Sustainable Tourism

Cultural Significance

Cultural Significance

Sustainable tourism practices in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve are crucial for preserving the fragile ecosystem, supporting the local communities, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region. By embracing sustainable tourism practices in the Central Kalahari, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the reserve while contributing to its conservation and supporting the well-being of the local communities.

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Photo Gallery

Tau Pan Camp

Up close with the wildlife

Walking Safaris Tau Pan Camp

Explore on Foot

Lions Deception Valley

On the Prowl

Games Drives Deception Valley

A Game Drive to Remember

Need To Know

How to get there

Most safaris in Botswana start and end at either Maun Airport or Kasane Airport. Daily scheduled flights operate between Cape Town/Johannesburg and Maun and on certain days there are flights between Johannesburg and Kasane. 

Best time to visit

The Dry Season is between (May to September) and this is generally considered the best time to visit the Central Kalahari. During this time, the weather is cooler and the landscape is drier, making it easier to navigate through the park. The wet season, which occurs from November to April, brings heavy rainfall, resulting in muddy roads and difficult driving conditions. Many animals disperse during this time, and it can be challenging to spot wildlife. Whatever time of the year you visit the Central Kalahari, it is a truly special place that offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in wildlife, adventure, or simply soaking up the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, the Kalahari is a must-visit destination in Botswana.

Central Kalahai Photo Gallery

Tau Pan Camp
Game Drives Central Kalahari
Walking Safaris Central Kalahari
Game Drives Central Kalahari
Game Drives Central Kalahari
Tracking Central Kalahari

Activities in the Central Kalahari

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers a range of activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the unique environment and experience the natural wonders of the region. Here are some of the best ways to experience game viewing in the Central Kalahari:


  1. Game Drives: Game drives are a fantastic way to explore the vast expanses of the Central Kalahari and encounter its diverse wildlife. Guided game drives with experienced trackers allow you to search for iconic African animals such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. The open savannah and scrubland provide excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings.
  2. Bush Walks: Walking safaris offer a more intimate and immersive experience in the Central Kalahari. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, you can discover the smaller wonders of the reserve, including tracking animal footprints, identifying unique plant species, and learning about the local ecosystem. Bush walks also provide a chance to appreciate the serenity and tranquility of the wilderness.
  3. Cultural Interactions: The Central Kalahari is home to the San people, who have a rich cultural heritage and a deep connection to the land. Engaging with the local San communities allows visitors to learn about their traditional way of life, including hunting and gathering techniques, storytelling, and music. Cultural interactions provide insights into the indigenous cultures and offer a unique perspective on the region.
  4. Birdwatching: The Central Kalahari is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts, with over 200 bird species recorded in the reserve. From raptors soaring through the sky to colorful resident and migratory birds, the diverse avian population provides ample opportunities for birdwatching and photography.


Regardless of how you choose to experience game viewing in the Central Kalahari, you're sure to be enchanted by this pristine and beautiful wilderness.

Our Accommodation in the Central Kalahari

Tau Pan Camp Accommodation

Tau Pan Camp

Deception Valley Lodge

Deception Valley Lodge

Tau Pan Camp is located on a sand ridge overlooking the beautiful Tau Pan inside the world renowned Central Kalahari Game Reserve. 

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Deception Valley Lodge Pool

Deception Valley Lodge

Deception Valley Lodge

Deception Valley Lodge

Deception Valley Lodge offers luxury as well as one of the best African-Kalahari experiences, where Bushman will share their knowledge and guests can relax.

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Other Areas

Zebra in the Naxi Pan National Park

Naxi Pan National Park

Naxi Pan National Park

Naxi Pan National Park

The Nxai Pan is one of Makgadikgadi's salt flats, located on the northern border of the park. In 1992 it was declared a National Park.

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Game Drives in Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park

Naxi Pan National Park

Naxi Pan National Park

The Chobe River in the National Park is renowned elephants that dominate the land, while a whole host of water-loving wildlife flock to the riverbanks to drink.

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Cheetahs in the Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve

Naxi Pan National Park

Moremi Game Reserve

The Moremi Game Reserve falls within the tribal land of the Batswana and rates as one of the leading wildlife areas of the world. 

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Explore

Excursions

Explorations

Explorations

Our Excursions are short two to three night safaris based at our Permanent Camps with transfers starting and ending either in Maun or Kasane.

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Explorations

Explorations

Explorations

To explore is to discover and our Explorations visit a combination of our Permanent Camps in different wildlife areas for four nights or more with transfers.

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Expeditions

Explorations

Expeditions

Expeditions are longer safaris  that visit our Expedition Camps or combine them & our Permanent Camps on a voyage of discovery with all transfers.

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Our Camps

Xudum Okavango Delta

Xudum Okavango Delta

Xudum Okavango Delta

Xudum Okavango Delta

Overlooking a crystal clear lagoon, Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge consists of 9 luxurious, secluded safari suites with en-suite facilities

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Abu Camp

Xudum Okavango Delta

Xudum Okavango Delta

Abu Camp

Abu Camp is one of the most luxurious camps in the whole of Botswana. The camp has very high levels of service and is an exclusive destination.

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Duba Plains

Xudum Okavango Delta

Little Tubu Camp

Duba Plains Camp

Situated on an island in the far north of the Okavango Delta, near the Moremi Game Reserve, Duba Plains is a small intimate camp with just 6 tents. 

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Little Tubu Camp

Sandibe Safari Lodge

Little Tubu Camp

Little Tubu Camp

Situated on Hunda island in the Jao Concession, Little Tubu camp is an intimate camp with just three traditional safari tents.

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Stanley's Camp

Sandibe Safari Lodge

Sandibe Safari Lodge

Stanley's Camp

Set in a private concession of the Okavango Delta bordering the Moremi Game Reserve, Stanleys Camp has eight safari tents. 

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Sandibe Safari Lodge

Sandibe Safari Lodge

Sandibe Safari Lodge

Sandibe Safari Lodge

Echoing the lines of the rare Pangolin, Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge’s guests areas are constructed of shingles & timber.

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Trade Enquiry

If you have a trade related enquiry about the Stars of Botswana, please fill in the form that  will open in a new window by clicking on the Enquire Now button below.

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Our Values

Locally owned

Commitment to service

Commitment to service

All our camps and expedition operations are owned and managed by local men and woman of Botswana. Most started their safari careers as guides in the industry. 

Commitment to service

Commitment to service

Commitment to service

We are dedicated to arranging a memorable safari and welcoming you to Botswana. You can expect personalised service from your initial enquiry through to the end of your safari.

Expert travel advice

Commitment to service

Expert travel advice

We have many years of experience in arranging a safari in Botswana and are specialists in the wildlife areas that we operate. You can expect honest and expert travel advice of the highest calibre from our team.

Every journey begins with a single step


African Proverb

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