Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Best Time To Visit

23 Central Kalahari Safaris

Expert

By Anthony Ham

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Botswana.

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The best time to visit Central Kalahari Game Reserve is during the wet months, from December to March, when animals gather in the Deception Valley area. However, roads can get very muddy at this time. In the drier months, from April to October, the roads tend to be in better condition. This is especially true later in the season when animals gather close to water sources, such as the waterholes at Letiahau, Passarge Valley, Sunday Pan and Xaxa.

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

High Season July to October (It rarely 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 and rarely crowded
Roads are in decent condition
It is cooler in the middle of the day from May to August
Animals can be found close to waterholes
July to October is high season, and some lodges might charge high-season rates
It can get very dry and dusty

Wildlife Photos

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+23 Photos Want To Visit

November to March –Wet Season

The pans in Deception Valley fill up, and animals gather to drink
There are many baby animals, which attracts predators
This is the best time for birding as migrants are present
Daytime temperatures can be very hot
Roads become very muddy and sometimes impassable
Afternoon thundershowers can disrupt activities