Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana

Established in 1961, Central Kalahari Game Reserve is an extensive national park which is situated in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana. The game reserve covers an area of about 52,800 square kilometers and it is one of the largest protected areas in the African continent. Though the game reserve is remote, it is a home to large wildlife including the black – maned Kalahari lions and others predators.

black – maned Kalahari lions

Central Kalahari Game reserve hosts numerous wildlife species more especially the predators including the bat eared foxes, springboks, gemsboks, lions, cheetahs, jackals, wild dogs, brown hyenas, and others. The national Park records the estimated numbers of the predators in the park at round 800 brown hyenas, 500 lions, 150 African wild dogs, 100 spotted hyenas, 300 leopards and 100 cheetahs.

Kori bustards

Besides wildlife, Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a home to numerous bird species which are sighted around the ancient river valleys. Among the larger bird species in the park include the ostriches and the kori bustards.

Besides wildlife, Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a home to numerous bird species which are sighted around the ancient river valleys. Among the larger bird species in the park include the ostriches and the kori bustards.

What to do while in Central Kalahari Game reserve

Game drives

Enjoy the guided game drive through the different trails and paths of the park. The national park conducts different game drives at different times that are in the morning, afternoon and night game drives. During the experience, sight different wildlife using a park vehicle or self-drive car. Among the animals expected to be seen during the drive include the lions, hyenas, giraffes, leopards, warthogs, wildebeests, kudus, wild dogs and others.

Nature walking safaris

Explore Central Kalahari Game reserve on foot under the supervision and guidance of the park ranger. During the walk, sight different features in the park including the rivers, hills, mountains, tree species, animals, birds and others. The park encompasses a variety of attractions which you will sight and know more about them while on walking safaris.

Bird watching

Central Kalahari National Park hosts a number of bird species including the migratory and residential birds. These birds can be easily sighted during the dry season around the ancient river valley. Among the birds in the park include the larger bird species like the ostriches and the kori bustards.

Village or cultural tours

Enjoy the cultures and traditions of the local people – the san. These people are also called the Bushmen and were the first inhabitants of the area where Central Kalahari Game reserve is. These hunters will show you their hunting tactics and others things they do so as they could live a better life. Enjoy other practices of these people like songs, dances, poems and others.

How to get to Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Central Kalahari Game reserve is located 250 kilometers south of Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. The drive takes about five hours and the park has four entrances. Of these four entrances, the tourists mostly use the Matswere Gate which is about 40 kilometers north of the Deception Valley.

Matswere Gate

pick up by 4X4 Africa in Botswana

Travelling to the park is easier by flying to one of the camps or even inside or outside the park by the use of a chartered plane. OR

One can fly to Maun Airport and rent a 4×4 vehicle and then drive to the game reserve.