South Africa 365

BOTSWANA

Kalahari Desert & Makgadigadi Pans

Although called a desert, the Kalahari is actually covered with stunted thorn trees, low scrub and grass. It’s a vast, flat sandy landscape with only a few, gently sloping valleys. One of the primary reasons visitors travel to the area is to embark on a Kalahari Desert Safari.

Kalahari Desert Safaris -

Salt pans glisten in the heat haze and blur the image of the magnificent gemsbok, or oryx, which can withstand the harsh climate thanks to a clever, genetic cooling system.

The Central Kalahari was dubbed "Dorsland" – thirstland - by Afrikaner trekkers, who came up from South Africa in the 1870s in search of new lands to settle. On a Kalahari safari you will spot the brown hyena, a shy nocturnal scavenger, porcupine are plentiful here too, as are aardvark. It is also the ancient home of the San, or Bushmen, who still live in the Central Kalahari, living in a traditional way and passing on their incredible knowledge about the plants and animals that live in these harsh surroundings. The San’s ability to live here and almost supernatural affinity with their environment is legendary.

The Makgadigadi Pans have their folklore too, and stories abound of the people who have perished here during the driest time of year. The pans only fill with water during the November rains and, because of their hard surface, retain the water into April. The thirstland is then transformed into huge sheets of shallow water filled with birdlife and game making this the best time of year to embark on a safari in the Kalahari Desert.

Browse through the range of Kalahari safaris, tours and accommodation offerings and start planning your holiday to the Kalahari Desert today.

Other areas of interest in Botswana:
Okavango Delta | Chobe National Park

Other regions in close proximity to Botswana:
Namiba | Zambia | Victoria Falls


Pans, Sands and Rivers

Explore the contrasts of the Makgadikgadi saltpans, the broad vistas of the savannahs of the Nxai Pans, & the fertile green islands of the Okavango Delta. This Wilderness serviced camping safari takes you back to the bygone days of Africa's exploration.
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Best of Botswana Wing Safari

See the best of what this incredible destination has to offer. 7 days of safari magic, from the expansive Makgadikgadi pans, through the intertwined rivers and deltas of the Okavango to the huge herds and apex predators of the Chobe region.
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Classic Okavango Delta

Experience the true diversity of this fabled area, spending 3 nights in a water-based camp and 3 nights in a land-based safari camp of your choice.
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Jack's Camp

Jack's Camp is situated on an isolated area filled with tall fan palms and commiphora trees. Ten green roomy and stylish canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms and indoor and outdoor showers make this a very unique place.


San Camp

On private concession adjoining the Makgadikgadi National Park. Desert palms line the horizon with endless vistas of rolling golden grasslands. No running water nor electricity but with comfortable beds, wonderful food & personal service.

Imagery compliments of Wilderness Safaris.

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  • Learning bushlore from the Bushmen
  • Marvelling as gemsbok endure the heat
  • Porcupines on nocturnal foraging missions
  • Catching a glimpse of the elusive aardvark
  • Sunset over the Makgadigadi
  • Early morning game drives in mid-winter
  • Walking with Bushmen as your guides
  • Learning to use a Bushman’s bow
  • Being taught to make fire by the San
  • A Kalahari thunderstorm
               

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