Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is Botswana’s biggest reserve and is situated in the middle of the Kalahari Desert. This is pure, untrammeled wilderness. The inhospitable desert habitat doesn’t support the wide variety of safari animals found in greener destinations – but sightings in this arid landscape are special.

Pros & Cons

Low-density tourism and eco-friendly lodges
Excellent wildlife viewing in northern parks
Beautiful and diverse scenery of dry desert, saltpans, savannah grasslands and delta waterways
Low population and vast, undeveloped areas
Political stability and safety
Expensive upmarket safaris with few budget options

In the harsh desert environment large concentrations of herbivores, such as blue wildebeest, oryx and springbok, can be seen at the water-filled pans in Deception Valley after the rains. Eland, greater kudu and red hartebeest can be found in smaller numbers, and following this migration are the black-maned Kalahari lion and cheetah.

Wildlife Highlights

Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot hyenas returning to, or leaving, their dens. Spotted hyena are common, but the less common brown hyena is quite easy to find as well. The desert is also home to many smaller predators, such as bat-eared fox, yellow mongoose and the charismatic suricate.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Central Kalahari has very seasonal wildlife viewing. The best time is in the wet months, from December to March, when animals congregate around the pans in Deception Valley. Some of the roads can become difficult to navigate during this time. April and May at the end of the rains are perhaps a good compromise. They offer good wildlife viewing in better weather conditions.

Wildlife Viewing

Wild animals are unpredictable, and visitors should always be extremely cautious. Every lodge will give a safety briefing at check-in, and it is essential to take any warnings seriously and listen to the advice provided.

When on an organized safari, you should always follow the instructions of the guide. When on a self-drive safari it is essential to stay in your car inside the park, unless in an area designated for alighting from the vehicle.

For more information, please read the 'wildlife viewing safety precautions on the TABS as indicated below.

Further advice on limiting dangers and annoyances when traveling see the TABS for as indicated below:

• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

• General Travel Safety Precautions

• Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions

• Safety & Security – Bostwana

• Malaria & Vaccinations – Botswana

The Central Kalahari offers good bird watching. Over 250 species have been recorded, and the park is particularly good for raptors due to the high volume of small animals for them to feed on. Some of the big ground dwelling birds to look out for are ostrich, secretary bird and kori bustard. Smaller bustards, such as black bustard and red-crested bustard are common as well.

Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders

Best Time for Bird Watching

Central Kalahari is a great reserve for bird watching throughout the year, but the best time is during the wetter months, from November to April, when migrants are present. At this time, a lot of birds are breeding, and some species such as the whydahs transform their plumage from drab to spectacular. The best wildlife viewing months are around the same time.

The best time to visit Central Kalahari Game Reserve is during the wet months, from December to March. Wildlife migrates through the park with the seasons and during these months animals congregate around the pans in the Deception Valley area. However, at this time, roads can get very muddy. In April and May, there are still a lot of animals around, but the roads tend to be in better condition.

Best Time December to March (Best wildlife viewing in Deception Valley)

High Season July to October (The park never gets crowded, but high season rates may apply in lodges)

Low Season November to June (Low-season rates may apply)

Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day with dry conditions)

Worst Weather January (It is hot, and it can be rainy)

April to October –Dry Season

April and May, in particular, are good wildlife viewing months
The roads are in a decent condition
It is cooler in the middle of the day from April to August
July to October is high season, and some lodges might charge high season rates
It gets very dry and dusty

November to March –Wet Season

The pans in Deception Valley fill up, and animals congregate to drink
There are many baby animals, which attract predators
This is the best birding time as migrants are present
It is very hot
Roads become very muddy and sometimes impassable
Afternoon thundershowers can interfere with activities

The Central Kalahari has a hot desert climate and experiences a distinct Dry and Wet season. It is recommended to bring warm clothing for early morning drives in the Dry season – especially June to August.

Dry season–April to October

The last rain of the Wet season usually falls in April. From May onward, the park becomes more and more parched as the Dry season progresses. June and July are the coolest months, but temperatures start rising in August.

April & May – This is the beginning of the Dry season. It is mostly dry and sunny. The middle of the day is pleasant with temperatures rising to 28°C/82°F.
June, July & August – These months see almost no rain at all. It is cooler now, with afternoon temperatures reaching up to 24°C/75°F on average. Early mornings are chilly at about 6°C/43°F.
September & October – This is the end of the Dry season. It gets hotter and hotter before the rains break. October is extremely hot with average, afternoon temperatures of 33°C/91°F. Nights and mornings are pleasant.

Wet season–November to March

It is a relief when the first rains come. It immediately cools down, and the dust settles. Afternoon thunderstorms and short showers are the pattern. It stays hot throughout the season, with afternoon temperatures of about 32°C/90°F.

November & December – It is hot and mostly sunny. It only rains every now and then, and it mostly comes as a relief. Early mornings are the most comfortable, with average temperatures of about 18°C/64°F.
January & February – These are the wettest months. It rains some afternoons, but it is usually over in a few hours. Heavy storms are common.
March – The rains are dwindling. It can still rain every couple of days, and it mostly comes in the form of a thunderstorm. Mornings are slightly cooler at 17°C/63°F.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve is located 250km/155mi south of Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. The drive takes about five hours. The park has four entrances. Most visitors driving to the park use the Matswere Gate, which is about 40km/24mi north of the popular Deception Valley. After rain, the road can be very bad and driving times will be longer.

It is much easier to fly to one of the camps inside or outside the park by chartered plane. Or you can fly to Maun Airport (MUB) and rent a 4x4 to drive yourself to the game reserve. Alternatively, you can book a safari by 4x4, and you will be picked up by your driver-guide at the airport.

Domestic Airlines & Flights in Botswana

Most domestic flights are operated by Air Botswana. Small charter flights are frequently used to travel between parks or to get to remote areas, such as the camps in the Okavango Delta. Charter flights are usually booked through your tour operator.

Safety

Botswana has very few crime issues. The country as a whole is safe to visit in our opinion, and Central Kalahari is no exception.

Flying around from lodge to lodge is obviously the safest way to travel.

Botswana is a popular self-drive destination. Central Kalahari is, however, extremely remote and exploring the park independently is only recommended for people with a lot of 4x4 bush experience. There are several campsites without facilities, so you need to be fully equipped.

Your travel clinic will give you advice on which vaccinations are necessary for visiting Botswana. Central Kalahari lies in a no-risk malaria zone, but if you are visiting other parts of the country, particularly in the north, it is advisable to take antimalarials. Extra safety measures include using insect repellent (containing at least 30% DEET) and covering up in the evening. The malaria risk is highest in the rainy

Botswana is in our opinion a very safe and politically stable country. If you are traveling on an organized trip and staying at lodges and camps, safety problems are very rare. As is the case all over the world, most crime occurs in the cities, and basic safety precautions (such as locking away your valuables at your accommodation) is advisable.

Below are tips on staying safe in Botswana.

Staying Safe on Wildlife Viewing Activities

To stay safe on safari, just follow your safari guide’s instructions. When on a self-drive safari, get familiar with the rules of the parks and reserves, never approach animals too close and don’t leave your car outside designated safe areas. For additional tips:

• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

Staying Safe in Cities and Towns

Although crime is rare in Botswana, there are incidents of petty theft and pickpocketing in the cities. You are mostly sheltered from any risk on guided activities. When going out in the city unguided, you can easily avoid problems by following simple safety precautions: seek advice from your hotel before heading out; only take the money you need with you and never wear any valuables; take a taxi after dark. For more safety tips that apply to African cities in general:

• Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions

Malaria – Botswana

The information on this page is just a brief guide and should not be used to replace a consultation with your travel doctor.

Malaria Risk

High risk in central and northern Botswana and low risk in the rest of the country. The highest risk of transition is in the rainy season, from November to June.

Wildlife viewing is generally very safe in our opinion. A professional guide will ensure your safety on a guided safari. Self-drive safaris are safe as well, as long as you treat animals with respect and follow all park rules. It is extremely rare for incidents to occur. Below are some general safety guidelines and tips.

Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines
Always keep your voice down when close to animals
Stay in the car during game drives except at designated areas where you are allowed to get out
Don't stand up in the car, hang out of the window or sit on the roof
Don’t drive too close to animals if you are on a self-drive safari and back off if the animals seem disturbed
Don’t drive between elephants in a herd, especially females and their young
Stay together as a group close to your guide on a walking safari and always walk in single file
Never run or jog in a wildlife area as it entices predators to attack
Never walk between a hippo and water; it may panic and charge because its safety route to the water is blocked
Never leave food in your tent; it will attract wildlife
Cover your arms and legs in the evening and use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes
Wear a hat, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water
Don't wear bright and colorful clothes or too much perfume – especially on walking safaris
In tsetse-fly areas it is recommended not to wear dark-colored clothing – such as black or dark blue – since it attracts these stinging flies
Bring warm clothes for morning game drives in open vehicles

African safaris are generally safe in our opinion. Especially if your visit is primarily an organized tour. Your tour operator and guide will ensure your safety at all times. Self-drive safaris are generally safe as well, but it is recommended to seek advice about the safety of the areas you intend to visit. Below are some general safety tips:

Buy good travel and health insurance
Check the passport and visa requirements for your destination
Get all the required vaccinations, antimalarial medication and insect repellent (those containing DEET are most effective)
Lock all your travel bags and keep all valuables in your hand luggage
Make duplicates of important travel documents or keep copies online
Bring appropriate clothing to protect against the sun, mosquitoes and to stay warm on open vehicle game drives
Check luggage restrictions on all your flights (including domestic flights)
Don't drive at night
Put your valuables in the safety deposit box of the hotel
Always be polite and respectful to police officers and military personnel. In the rare instance that you might get asked for a bribe (on a self-drive safari only), a light attitude and a joke might well get you off the hook.

Travel in Africa is generally safe in our opinion. Especially if on an organized tour or safari. However, as is the case all over the world, there is an increased risk of crime in large cities and urban areas. Visitors on guided activities are mostly shielded from these risks and their guide will ensure their safety. When unguided, normal safety precautions and common sense should keep you safe. Below are some general tips:

Ask at your hotel if it is safe to walk around the local area; when new in a place it’s always good to seek local advice on safety issues
Don’t wear jewelry when walking in cities and leave all valuables in a safety deposit box at your hotel
Avoid walking alone in a large, unfamiliar city
Don’t walk around at night; take a taxi
Avoid getting engaged with people approaching you in the street
Be careful when drawing money from an ATM; go elsewhere if you suspect people hanging around
Always lock your car doors and close windows when driving in busy towns
Never leave a car unattended with valuables or luggage visible