Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The blooming desert filled with wildlife

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is an incredible safari destination during the emerald season (rainy season), when the desert provides lots of vegetation due to the frequent daily thunderstorms. It really is much more of a semi-arid area than a desert, with expansive grasslands and savannah, in which the wildlife roams, hides and hunts. The scenery is breathtaking, the wildlife abundant. I had a particular interest in birds during my trip to Botswana and knew that many migratory birds escaping the cold European winter can be found in sub-saharan Africa. I was absolutely astounded by the numbers of Storks of various kinds in the Kalahari Game Reserve. Hundreds of them were flying high up in the air in kettle formation, or satiating themselves in the grassland and water holes. The amount of mammal species was great as well and their behavior wonderful to observe from the Land Cruiser. Since there is more vegetation during the emerald (rainy, summer) season, the wildlife might be a little more difficult to spot than during Botswana's winter. But a good guide can make up for that and enable you to observe some very interesting hunting and eating behavior.
The scenery was beautiful due to the vegetation and blooms. We experienced rain in the afternoon once in four days, but I understand that it can rain daily. Since our Land Cruisers had a sun/rain roof and very comfortable ponchos, we really were not affected at all by the rain. The temperature was very hot during the middle of the day, but all game drives took place either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The hottest time was siesta time at camp. In the Central Kalahari Game Reserve night drives are not permitted and all vehicles have to be back at camp when it gets dark.
We stayed at the Kalahari Plains Camp, which was a nice basic camp with really delicious food. The "tents" were clean and comfortable, the shower only salt water, with one fresh water faucet at the bathroom sink.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve was our first of three camps in Botswana, and definitely a great introduction to the country.

Mornings in the Kalahari are spectacular... my favorite !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was everything we imagined about the Kalahari Desert - wildlife everywhere and intense heat!

This was an amazing place so full of contradictions. It looked like there wouldn't be too much wildlife supported in the desert-like area, but animals were everywhere! There were no rhinos, hippos or buffalo because of the arid environment, but plenty of lions and cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, gemsbok, springbok, zebras, snakes, and so many birds! Kwando Safaris gave us a top notch experience with excellent food, bush walks with San Bushmen, game drives and beautiful accommodations looking out at the waterhole. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about any questions we had, and our tracker was a San who did an interesting bush walk and was able to identify and locate everything for us. The birds were particularly impressive with their variety and beauty, and the insects were the biggest we've ever seen. We saw lions mating and cheetahs on the hunt. Kwando Safaris is environmentally friendly with all their power from solar energy. They had no internet, no cell coverage, no radio, no tv, but did have power points where we could charge our computers and cameras. There is no air conditioning, but with the thatch-roofed huts and the ceiling fan, we were able to stay reasonably cool during the 110F heat of the day. We weren't expecting such attention from the staff and were treated like royalty. I'd recommend Kwando Safaris and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve to anyone. It provided us with a lifetime of memories to cherish.

An incredible unique experience.

Visiting the Central Kalahari Game Reserve was a unique, incredible and irreplaceable experience. It was incredible to see the nature and scenery that the area had to offer and I would gladly return anytime.

Big game, bigger sky

The CKGR is a magnificent park! Right in the heart of Botswana, this enormous reserve is home to the finest of southern Africa's wildlife, and provides an unparalleled bush experience.

My fellow travelers and I drove down from Maun, and left the grid and pavement behind very quickly. With limited paved roads and power lines, it's a real pleasure to arrive at a beautiful lodge nestled into the softly graded terrain. Botswana's national emphasis on quality over quantity is abundantly apparent in their approach to tourism, and I felt that my money was very well spent.

I saw my very first lion hunt in the CKGR, and am inspired to return again to enjoy seemingly endless game drives under the enormous sky - bright day, or brilliant night.

Saw lions and leopards and some big birds.

Typical Kalahari just like Mabuasehube

Excellent..very wide.deception valley is ultimate..

The CKGR is a difficult safari destination, requiring many hours on rough roads. Thus, it feels truly wild. You must stay on your toes here!

Large variety of animals and limited amenities