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Central Kalahari Game Reserve

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Animal habitat
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Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Botswana)

Weather…

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) in Botswana is one of the largest protected areas in the world, spanning approximately 52,800 square kilometers. Established in 1961, it was originally intended to provide a sanctuary for both wildlife and the indigenous San (Basarwa) people. The geography is characterized by vast, flat plains, fossilized river valleys, and scrub-covered dunes. Despite its extreme aridity, the reserve hosts a remarkable variety of wildlife, including the iconic black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetahs, and large herds of gemsbok. Environmental conditions are harsh, with summer temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and winter nights frequently dropping below freezing. For the San people, the reserve is a spiritual and ancestral home where they have practiced hunter-gatherer lifestyles for millennia. In recent decades, the reserve has been at the center of international legal battles regarding land rights and the relocation of indigenous communities from their ancestral territories.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282726232016161923272829
Rain mm9781562934002154475

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is best visited during the dry season from May to October. Animals then concentrate around waterholes and the vegetation is lower, making sightings easier.
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Best time of day
Early morning has the highest animal activity, especially predators hunting. Evening twilight also provides good chances to spot rare species.
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Etiquette
Do not leave your vehicle outside designated areas and do not drive off marked roads. Feeding animals is prohibited, and night driving is not allowed.
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What to bring
A good binocular for observation and a camera with telephoto lens are essential. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a cap for the extreme heat.
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Getting there
The reserve is in central Botswana and accessed via dirt roads. A four-wheel-drive vehicle and good navigation are essential as the area is remote.
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What to expect
Animals are spread over a vast area - long drives without sightings are normal. Enjoy the silence of the Kalahari and the vast landscapes as part of the experience.

Geography

Coordinates
-21.66000, 23.50000

Facts

  • At 52,800 km², the reserve is larger than the country of Switzerland.
  • It was established in 1961 during the British protectorate era.
  • Deception Valley is a major fossilized riverbed located in the north.
  • There are no permanent natural surface water sources in the reserve.
  • The San people have inhabited the region for at least 20,000 years.
  • Significant diamond deposits were discovered at Gope within the reserve.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ghaghoo Diamond MineGhaghoo Diamond Mine61 km · SEExplore →
Boteti River RegionBoteti River Region113 km · NEExplore →
Boteti River BirdwatchingBoteti River Birdwatching116 km · NEExplore →
Kwebe HillsKwebe Hills117 km · EExplore →
Kalahari Wildlife CorridorKalahari Wildlife Corridor140 km · SWExplore →
Kalahari Savanna AgricultureKalahari Savanna Agriculture141 km · SWExplore →
Boteti RiverBoteti River147 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How large is the Central Kalahari Game Reserve?
It is one of the largest protected areas in the world, larger than Switzerland.
Can you meet the San people there?
Yes, some tours offer cultural insights into the lives of the Kalahari's original inhabitants.
What is Deception Valley?
A famous fossil river valley known for its vast grasslands and lion prides.
Is special equipment needed?
A fully equipped 4x4 and supplies of water and fuel are essential for survival.
When is the best time to visit?
December to April (rainy season) when the plains are green and many animals are born.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve: where is it located?
Central Kalahari Game Reserve is located in Botswana.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) in Botswana is one of the largest protected areas in the world, spanning approximately 52,800 square kilometers.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Phuthadikobo Museum — Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Botswana)
Phuthadikobo Museum
This museum, housed in a 1920s school building, is a landmark of Bakgatla culture overlooking the village of Mochudi.

More places

Kalahari Wildlife Corridor — Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Botswana)
Kalahari Wildlife Corridor
A corridor protecting animals migrating through the desert.
Kalahari Savanna Agriculture — Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Botswana)
Kalahari Savanna Agriculture
Despite aridity, small agricultural projects exist here.
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Ghaghoo Diamond Mine
Ghaghoo is a diamond mine located within the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.