Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Expert Reviews (11)

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Expert

Anthony Ham –

Visited: Multiple times

Anthony is a photographer and writer for travel magazines and Lonely Planet, including the guides to Kenya and Botswana & Namibia.

4 people found this review helpful.

The heart of the Kalahari

Overall rating

3/5

Wildlife:

Bush Vibe:

Scenery:

Birding:

One of the largest protected areas in Africa, the Central Kalahari can feel like you’ve fallen off the map. This may be a desert wilderness, but don’t come here expecting sand dunes – the Kalahari’s dunes are usually concealed beneath thorn scrub and light woodland. Wildlife densities may be low, but lion sightings – Kalahari male lions have distinctive, luxuriant black manes – are surprisingly common; there are an estimated 500 lions in the park. I’ve seen Kalahari males every time I’ve visited the reserve, and have also had luck with cheetahs, bat-eared foxes and even a honey badger and an aardwolf, along with larger numbers of ostrich, gemsbok, silver-backed jackal, kori bustard and springbok. Deception Valley – a broad shallow valley of golden grasses and acacia stands – is the park’s prettiest corner but also sees the most vehicles. To the north, Passarge Valley’s terrain is similar, but less frequented. The south is pure wilderness, although wildlife is sparse.

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Expert

Harriet Nimmo –

Visited: September

Harriet is a zoologist with more than 20 years’ experience. She has the privilege of working with the world’s top wildlife photographers and photo-guides.

2 people found this review helpful.

Wild Arid Heartland

Overall rating

3/5

Wildlife:

Bush Vibe:

Scenery:

Birding:

Situated in the heart of Botswana, the CKGR is vast. It is a semi-desert with much of it covered in acacia scrub together with a series of open pans. At first sight the CKGR can seem rather underwhelming. You come here for the wilderness experience, rather than expecting to see lots of wildlife. However the longer you stay, the more the CKGR works its magic on you, and you appreciate how special this wilderness is. You should see oryx, wildebeest and springbok, and if you’re lucky the famed black-maned lions and possibly cheetah. The smaller animals, such as the ground squirrels and bat-eared foxes, are fascinating to watch and we’ve had good sightings of honey badger and African wild cat.
Accommodation options include self-drive and camping, a mobile safari with a guide, and there are two upmarket lodges within the national park and a couple more on the park’s boundaries within private concessions. The lodges offer walking safaris and encounters with Bushmen, as well as game drives.
The CKGR is best visited during February to May, during and after the rains, however there’s some wildlife year-round.

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