Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR for short) is the second-largest reserve in the world and by far the most remote in South Africa. CKGR covers an area of 52,000 square kilometers and is home to rhinoceros, black-maned lions, and desert-adapted elephants, among other prominent game species.

A testament to the history of Central Kalahari, it is inhabited by the San, an ancient hunter-gatherer society beyond its time with superb hunting skills and an ability to adapt to environmental challenges harsh fields caused by this enormous desert.

This part of the country is largely uninhabited, with most inhabitants belonging to private conservation camps or parts of bush tribes that have lived in the area and inland for thousands of years. The reserve was created to protect a space where these people could continue their traditional way of life. Now only a small number of visitors are allowed into the park every year to preserve the landscape and maintain the natural balance of life.

Unlike other Botswana safari destinations, January to April is the best time to visit. During this green season in Botswana, the beautiful interdune valley becomes lush with vegetation, attracting thousands of springboks, gemsbok, ostriches, wildebeest, and giraffe. The green season also heralds the spawning season, where hundreds of young give birth, creating some truly exciting predator-prey interaction. You also have the opportunity to take excellent photos.

Location: Kalahari Desert, Botswana