Central Kalahari Game Reserve

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Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the largest, most remotely situated reserve in Southern Africa and the second largest wildlife reserve in the world, encompassing 52,800 sq. km.

Nothing can prepare one on Botswana tour safari for the sheer size and immensity of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), nor its wild, mysterious beauty. There is the immediate impression of unending space, which gives the impression of having the entire reserve to you.

Waist-high golden grasses stretch to the horizon, punctuated by dwarfed trees and scrub bushes. Wide and empty pans appear as vast white stretches of pancake-flat earth, meeting a soft, blue-white sky. At night the stars are genuinely awe-inspiring, utterly dominating the land with their brilliance and immediacy.

During and shortly after good summer rains, the flat grasslands of the reserve’s northern reaches teem with wildlife, which gathers at the best grazing areas. These include large herds of springbok and gemsbok and wildebeest, hartebeest, eland and giraffe.

Silver Terminalia sand veldt, Kalahari sand acacias, and Kalahari apple leaf dominate the landscape, interspersed with grasslands and dotted with occasional dunes, pans and shallow fossil river valleys.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve was initially established in 1961 to serve as a sanctuary for the San people in the heart of the Kalahari (and Botswana). The Central Kalahari Game Reserve provides space for traditional lifeways, without intrusion or influence from the outside world.

Following 30 years of closure, the 1980s and 1990s saw limited self-drive and organized Botswana safari tours. Following initiatives lead by the Government of Botswana to diversify tourism across the country; authorities allocated concessions for lodge construction.

These sites are at the peripheries of and inside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, allowing for fly-in tourists. Deception Valley, located in the north, is one of the reserve highlights due to dense concentrations of herbivores that gather to feed on the sweet grasses that spring into life after the rainy season.

Naturally, these animals attract the usual itinerant predators. Deception Valley is also one of the most travelled areas of the reserve, with many public campsites and proximity to the eastern Matswere Gate. The other two gates are on the far side of the reserve, at Xade and Tsau, where public camps are also available.

Other worthwhile areas to drive are Sunday and Leopard Pans, north of Deception Valley, Passarge Valley, and further south, Piper’s Pan.

Activity highlights in CKGR include the following:

Game drives
Wilderness drives
Nature walks with the Basarwa (The San)
Culture based dances

Highlights and main Attractions of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Brilliantly remote and exclusive, Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the second largest wildlife reserve in the world, covering over 50,000 square kilometers, of which most is inaccessible.

It is the sheer sense of desolate, pristine landscape and untouched isolation that gives it such appeal, and the area is only seen by only a handful of visitors every year, making it ideal for those looking for a very private and peaceful African safari experience.

Dominating the centre of Botswana, the area mostly consists of grass and bush land albeit with shallow river valleys and sand dunes, and is occasionally punctuated with larger trees, like Kalahari apple, acacia, silver terminalia sandveldt and mopane.

Community, Weather and Expert tips

The history of the reserve is an interesting one, as it was originally established in 1961 to provide a protected sanctuary for the indigenous San community, who would be able to preserve their traditional hunter-gatherer culture without any human interruption.

For around 30 years the reserve was completely inaccessible for tourists, however in the 1990s this changed to allow very small numbers to have access, although these numbers are kept strictly low to this day.

The arrival of the summer rains is known as a highlight of this area, and indeed one of Africa’s best kept wildlife secrets, both during and immediately after the rains.

The northernmost sections of the reserve teem with wildlife activity, particularly around the Northern Deception Valley where herbivores such as gemsbok and springbok gather to feed off the sweet grasses, which in turn attracts large numbers of predators.

Infamous black-maned lions, hyena, leopard, ostrich, giraffe and wildebeest are all found here.

Why Go to Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Vast expanses and never-ending space

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the remotest reserve in southern Africa. Escape the crowds and bustle of modern life and revel in the reserve’s pristine, off-the-beaten-track wilderness. Set in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, this is the ideal destination to experience the deep silence and solitude of an open desert.

Kalahari’s famous black-maned lions

On your African safari in Botswana here, head out in search of Kalahari’s legendary black-maned lions. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to hear the lions’ mighty roars in the otherwise still nights. Black-maned lions were said to have been one of the earliest speciose to have roamed the vast Kalahari. These magnificent big cats have aptly adapted to this land of extremes and contrasts.

Surreal natural scenes

Watch serene sunsets over the wide horizons while you sip on sundowners. Allow the starry desert skies to dazzle you with their silent beauty. Slow down your mind and soul, and take the time to stop and truly marvel at the sheer scale of Africa’s immense empty skies and landscapes. It is wondrous and humbling sight to behold.

Kalahari’s Deception Valley

Named after the mirage-style effect that makes the pan’s blue-clay look as if it is filled with water when in reality it is bone dry, Deception Valley has been known to fool travellers for decades. Most noticeable from air, even the most seasoned pilots have said to still be deceived today. A birder’s paradise, the valley boasts incredible and unique sightings.

Places of Interest on Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Deception Valley, Kalahari:

An ancient 80 kilometre dried-up riverbed, this area is incredibly lush in the rainy season which attracts thousands of plains game.

Some stay around in the dry season, but it is a much harder life here once the surface water has gone.

The valley was the setting for the book ‘The Cry of The Kalahari’ by Mark and Delia Owens.

Tau Pan (the most central camp to the main pans in this northern area) and Kalahari Plains Camp (furthest south) are the two closest to this valley. Deception Valley Lodge is actually just outside of the Reserve in the north east.

Piper’s Pan, Kalahari:

If you’re coming from the north, this is about as far south as most people get. This is a flat expanse of grassland which, in the rainy season.

It is covered with springbok and gemsbok, and as the rains dry up is left with what looks like vast golden barley fields (around May/June). Grasslands Lodge and Kalahari Plains Camp are the closest to this pan.

Tau Pan, Kalahari:

Tau Pan is a stunning area of open grassland fringed by acacia trees and other vegetation.

Wildlife likes the grasslands here and there is enough protection from surrounding small trees for the plains game to have a little safety. The lodge of the same name is the best place to base yourself for this pan.

Most visitors fly into the Kalahari, though there are also some mobile safaris in Botswana which drive here, and you could get here on a self-drive if you are very confident driving in sand (otherwise the chances of getting stuck or lost are quite high!).

Activities on a Central Kalahari Game Reserve safari

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers a range of activities, from traditional game drives and cultural exchanges to serene stargazing and adventurous camping.

A haven for seasoned travellers and those seeking a quiet connection with Botswana’s wilderness. Our favourite safari activities here include:

Game drives and wildlife encounters

One of the primary activities in CKGR is game driving, best experienced in the reserve’s northern and central regions, such as Deception Valley, Passarge Valley, and Piper Pans.

While the game density may not compare to Botswana’s Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park, the CKGR is home to fascinating species adapted to the harsh desert environment.

Sightings often include springbok, gemsbok, giraffe, and predators like lions with distinctive black manes, cheetahs, and elusive brown hyenas.

Wildlife concentrations peak from December to March, when rains transform the arid plains into verdant landscapes, attracting large herds of wildebeest, zebra, and numerous bird species, making this a thrilling time for game viewing.

Cultural experiences with the San people

CKGR offers unique cultural encounters with the San, one of the world’s oldest hunter-gatherer communities.

Visitors can join guided walks led by San guides, who share their traditional knowledge of tracking animals, identifying edible plants, and surviving in the harsh desert landscape.

These fascinating experiences provide a glimpse into the San’s profound connection with the land, allowing visitors to learn about ancient survival skills, traditional medicines, and the spiritual significance of the Kalahari.

Guided walking safaris

Walking safaris in CKGR, often guided by expert San trackers, are an excellent way to observe the ecosystem’s subtleties.

These treks provide an intimate experience, where guests learn to recognise animal tracks, understand the behaviours of smaller wildlife, and observe unique plant species up close.

During these walks, guides might also introduce you to ancient archaeological sites, where remnants of the Stone Age, including arrowheads and other artefacts, offer a link to the region’s rich human history.

Night drives

In some areas on the reserve’s periphery, especially in private concessions, night drives are available, allowing guests to witness nocturnal animals such as aardwolves, bat-eared foxes, and genets.

While nighttime exploration inside the CKGR itself is restricted, lodges on the reserve’s borders offer this option.

Stargazing

The remote location of CKGR provides an ideal setting for stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the night sky here is spectacularly clear, making it a prime destination for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone captivated by the night sky.

You can often enjoy the view from campfire spots at lodges, or even from elevated sky beds available at certain camps, offering an unforgettable experience of sleeping under the vast African sky.

Birdwatching in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a real gem for birdwatching enthusiasts. While often overshadowed by Botswana’s more renowned birdwatching locations like the Okavango Delta.

CKGR offers a fascinating selection of desert-adapted, arid-land and migratory bird species that thrive in its diverse habitats, including open grasslands, sparse woodlands, and seasonal pans.

The largest of the birds, the ostrich and kori bustard, are doing extremely well and are commonly spotted. The reserve’s remoteness and serene landscape enhance the beauty of each sighting, making it a must-visit destination for birding enthusiasts looking to explore Botswana’s arid habitats.

Birdwatching in CKGR is particularly rewarding during the wet season, from December to March, when migratory species arrive, and many resident species are breeding.

Key bird species

Bird species in CKGR include a mix of raptors, desert specialists, and migratory visitors, offering an exciting range of sightings for birdwatchers:

Raptors: The open plains and valleys of CKGR are prime habitats for birds of prey. The Central Kalahari’s most common raptor is the pale-chanting goshawk; there are also a good number of black-shouldered kites, rock kestrels, bateleurs, black-breasted and martial eagles. The brown snake eagle and tawny eagle are also frequently seen soaring over the reserve in search of prey. During the breeding season, lanner falcons and kestrels are more active, especially around the Deception Valley area.
Kalahari Desert specialists: CKGR is home to several bird species uniquely adapted to the arid environment. The Kalahari scrub-robin, ant-eating chat, and the elusive Burchell’s sandgrouse are examples of birds that have developed behaviours to thrive in the desert. Sandgrouse, in particular, are fascinating to observe. During the day they can be difficult to spot with their excellent camouflage, but during the mornings large numbers can be seen on their daily journeys to water sources, often accompanied by chicks. Large flocks of red-billed quelea are also common, often seen as they swarm down from trees to drink or in search of food.
Ostriches: These iconic birds are commonly seen striding across the open plains of CKGR. Observing a group of ostriches moving through the landscape is a memorable experience, especially when they engage in display behaviours or courtship rituals.
Waterbirds at seasonal pans: In the wet season, CKGR’s seasonal pans attract waterbirds, including species like flamingos, pelicans, and storks. The presence of water draws a unique mix of species, sometimes including African spoonbills, blacksmith lapwings, and red-billed teal. These sightings can be especially common at areas like Piper Pans and Sunday Pan, which are known to fill with water after rains.

Best areas and tips for birdwatching in Central Kalahari

Deception Valley: Known for its rich biodiversity, Deception Valley offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, especially around waterholes and shaded areas where smaller birds gather. Birders may spot crimson-breasted shrikes, southern yellow-billed hornbills, and various lark species in this area.
Passarge Valley: This region’s varied terrain provides habitats for both woodland and open-country birds. The valley is home to kori bustards, the world’s heaviest flying bird, and secretary birds, which are often spotted stalking prey on the ground.
Piper Pans: During the wet season, Piper Pans are a haven for migratory waterbirds. The pans are ideal for spotting large flocks of flamingos and a range of ducks and waders.

Birdwatching season

While birdwatching in CKGR can be enjoyable year-round, the best time is during the rainy season (December to March).

The abundance of water transforms the landscape and attracts both migratory and resident species, offering birdwatchers a diverse array of sightings.

Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times for birdwatching, as the cooler temperatures bring birds out in search of food, making it easier to observe them.

Birdwatching essentials Given the vast, rugged environment of CKGR, birdwatchers are advised to bring binoculars with high magnification, a field guide for identifying species, and plenty of water.

A telephoto camera lens can also be beneficial for capturing distant sightings of larger raptors and waterbirds.

Top Tip from our Central Kalahari Game Reserve Experts

In Central Kalahari Game Reserve , you will engage in some fascinating conversations with the San Bushmen. Learn about their way of life and the different roles within their tribe.

You will have plenty opportunities to ask all sorts of questions whether it’s to do with the way in which the men hunt or how their homes are looked after.

Exploring with the San Bushmen gives you a unique experience, and gives you excellent insight into the land.

Land of the Tswana

There are so many places that you can visit in Botswana but there are some other attractions that stand out more than others and are worth visiting during Botswana Safari. These make the list of the top Tourist Attractions In Botswana.

There are many tours that you can do in Botswana and the most common is the overland tour, where you can drive around to most parts of the country in an overland truck. Most common tours include a Botswana Wildlife Safari, Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park package, Desert tracking, Premium safaris and 5 to 10 day safaris.