The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the largest protected areas in the world, a vast desert of open plains and fossil river valleys. It is wild and remote, famous for its black-maned lions, big herds of oryx and springbok, and a profound sense of space. The green season transforms it, when the rains bring the plains alive.

Why go

What makes Central Kalahari special

Desert-adapted wildlife

Black-maned Kalahari lion, cheetah, oryx, springbok and brown hyena all thrive in this arid land.

True remoteness

Few places feel as far from the everyday. The Kalahari is about space, silence and big skies.

Green season plains

After the rains, Deception Valley fills with grazing herds and the predators that follow them.

San heritage

This is the ancestral home of the San, and walks with local guides bring the desert to life.

Where to stay

A few of the camps we love

We choose the right camp for you from many we know well. Here is a taste of the styles on offer.

A remote desert camp, Deception Valley

A remote desert camp

Deception Valley

Classic and characterful, deep in the reserve where the lions roam.

A luxury desert lodge, Private concession

A luxury desert lodge

Private concession

Striking design and superb guiding, with the desert all to yourself.

A fly-camp under the stars, Seasonal

A fly-camp under the stars

Seasonal

A simple, magical night out in the dunes, for the adventurous at heart.

When to go

Best time to visit Central Kalahari

The green season from December to April is the prime time, when the rains bring grazing herds to Deception Valley and the predators follow. The dry months are quieter and starker, with wildlife gathering at the few permanent water points.

See our full when to go guide →
Safaris here

Trips that visit Central Kalahari

Mobile safari · 10 daysBlack-maned Kalahari lion

Lion Mobile Safari

Central Kalahari · Moremi

Follow the wildlife across the desert and the Delta by 4x4.

From£2,425 to £2,615per person
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Fly safari · 11 daysMeerkats standing sentry on the grasslands

Delta & the Pans

Okavango · Makgadikgadi

Water, wildlife and the salt pans in one trip.

From£5,875 to £9,175per person
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Fly safari · 7 daysPoler guiding a mokoro through the reeds

A Taste of Botswana

Okavango · Khwai

A shorter trip into the heart of the wilderness.

From£2,635 to £3,465per person
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Let us plan your Central Kalahari safari

One specialist, start to finish, building a trip just for you.

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