Botswana
Central Kalahari National Park
Originally created to be a sanctuary for the San people inhabiting the Kalahari, the Central Kalahari is one of the largest, yet most remote, game reserves around. Although growing in popularity now, the Central Kalahari is a park which is largely skipped by visitors to Botswana. This means you can experience the park in privacy, taking advantage of the excellent and unique wildlife sightings, without seeing many other people at all on the vast plains and ancient river beds which make up the landscape. Gemsbok (oryx) and springbok dominate the wildlife, while lions, honey badgers, cheetahs and zebra are also often found.
Explore Central Kalahari National Park
Things to See & Do
Highlights and experiences in Central Kalahari National Park
Game drives through the Central Kalahari can cover huge distances without seeing another vehicle, but with regular sightings of wildlife. The terrain is excellent for spotting animals, with honey badgers scurrying through the grass at seemingly every corner. Larger animals are often found, with giraffe being spotted from miles away, and cheetahs and lions being particularly successful in the region.
A number of the lodges and camps in the region offer interactive San Bushmen experiences. The San people have occupied the region for thousands of years, so are the very best teachers when it comes to learning how to survive in the harsh, dry conditions. It is a wonderful way to start a morning by heading off on a walk being guided by one of the oldest tribes on earth, gaining knowledge about their culture and the surrounding wilderness.
Within the 50 000 square kilometres of reserve, it is unlikely you will find more than about 100 tourists at a time, with very few accommodation options inside the park, although there are a fair number of public campsites which cater to self-drive visitors. This isloation allows for a truly exclusive safari experience, on which you are definitely going to see far more animals than people during your stay.
Best Time to Visit Central Kalahari National Park
Month-by-month travel guide with weather, highlights, and expert recommendations.
Compare with other destinationsCentral Kalahari National Park in May
Weather
May is the beginning of the dry season, with warm days (23-28°C) and cool nights. Rainfall is very rare.
Highlights
Animals are increasingly drawn to permanent water sources as the landscape dries out. Predator encounters are common around these areas.
Best Areas
Piper Pan, Deception Pan, and Sunday Pan are key areas where animals gather for water. Game viewing is generally good throughout the park.
Pros
Ideal game viewing conditions with animals concentrated at waterholes. Comfortable daytime temperatures and minimal insects.
Cons
The landscape can appear drier and less lush compared to the wet season. Nights can be quite cold, requiring warm clothing.