Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana: where it is located, when to go, and what to see

One of the places on Earth that remains untouched and wild is the Kalahari Reserve, also known as CKGR, and called by the Tswana "Kgalagad", which means land of thirst. It covers an area of 52,800 square kilometers, is located in the central part of Botswana, and is particularly loved by travelers in search of silence and an authentic connection with nature. Most visitors explore the northern part of the Reserve, characterized by easier-to-navigate roads and where it is possible to encounter many animals. Few venture south, where the paths are mostly sandy and traveling alone can be dangerous.

Discover with us how to organize a visit to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, in Botswana: where it is located, when to go, and what to see!

Where is it located?

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is located in the central part of Botswana and is part of the Kalahari Desert, which extends through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. This place is the land of the Bushmen, who were evicted from the reserve between 1997 and 2002 and, despite winning a legal battle, those who chose to return face torture, fines, and arrests.

How to get there?

There are no direct flights from the United States. Near the Reserve, close to XAde, Xaka, and Deception Pan, there are landing strips reserved for lodges, but the most commonly used airport is Maun. From New York or Los Angeles, there are flights with Lufthansa in partnership with South Africa and Air Botswana that stop in Frankfurt, Johannesburg, and Kasane (21 hours), or British Airways with South Africa and Air Botswana that stop in London, Johannesburg, and Kasane (24 hours) - Compare flights

How to reach the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Once you arrive in Maun, it is essential to rent a 4x4 vehicle, and by following the indicated tracks, consulting a good map, and setting a GPS, it is possible to reach the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Alternatively, you can contact various tour operators and agencies that organize 2 or 3-day safaris, generally departing from Maun. This way, you won't have to worry about driving in challenging terrains.

There are 4 entrances: Matswere Gate is the main one, located northwest of Rakops and accessed via the B300 road. Tsau Gate, on the far northwest, is easily accessible from Maun. Southern Gate is along the track to Khutse Game Reserve, and finally, Xade Gate is near D'Kar.

When to go? Info on climate and best time to visit

Climate two seasons, one dry from May to September, with a strong temperature variation having lows around 34°F and highs of 72-77°F, and a slightly rainier one from October to April, very hot with temperatures ranging from 61°F at night to 95°F during the day
Best time to visit from May to September when the roads are more navigable and the temperatures are milder and more pleasant
Time to avoid the rainy season, from October to April, as the tracks are often muddy and the heat can be unbearable
Recommendations it is advised to pack cotton sports clothing, a fleece for the evenings, a sweater, a wool hat, and a heavy jacket (for winter nights), a sun hat, sunglasses, binoculars, and comfortable shoes

What to bring: recommended clothing and equipment

Clothing short and long sleeve shirts, a fleece, a kway (for the rainy season), a sweater, a wool hat, and a heavy jacket (for winter nights), sports shoes, warm pajamas for winter
Equipment necessary for camping (tent, heavy sleeping bag, mattress), flashlight, binoculars, camping stove, water and fuel containers, GPS, maps

What to see: animals and points of interest

Passarge Valley area is quieter and you may spend hours without encountering other vehicles. This often allows for spotting various animals such as oryx, springbok, ostriches, leopards, lions, and cheetahs
Deception Valley more frequented but offers the possibility of encountering numerous felines and other animals
Pools in the northern area in the northern part of the reserve are the Pipers, Letiahau, Sunday, Passarge, and Motopi pools where animals often gather to drink
Tau Pan area characterized by savanna and desert ideal for a game drive especially at the end of the rainy season. Here the lodge also organizes bush walks with San guides
Salina of Motopi Pan is the perfect spot to observe wildlife; it is easy to encounter lions in groups
Piper Pan is a secluded place where camping is also possible, and many animals can be spotted thanks to the pool near the salt pans
Deception Pass area where the famous black-maned lions are concentrated. Here there is a lodge with only 6 luxurious tents
Ghanzi and the village of D'kar before reaching the Reserve, or after your safaris in this area, don't forget to visit Ghanzi and the village of D'kar inhabited by San ncoakhoe populations
Avifauna With the use of binoculars look for singing hawks, eagles, bustards, francolins, starlings, scrub jays, and many others. The suggestion is to have an illustrated guide on avifauna

How much does it cost to visit the Kalahari Game Reserve? Prices, offers, and tips

The entrance to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve has a daily fee per person of 120.00 BWP (€9.00) and 50.00 BWP (€3.75) per vehicle. To visit, it is necessary to participate in safaris organized by agencies that cost between 1720.00 BWP and 2870.00 BWP (from €131.70 to €220.00) per day, or organize independently with properly equipped 4x4 vehicles.

Regarding accommodations, you can choose between expensive lodges with rates between 9200.00 BWP and 15510.00 BWP (between €704.54 and €1187.70) for half board or camp in designated areas with basic sanitary facilities (bucket showers and pit toilets), where you must be fully equipped (water, food, tent). In this case, the cost drops significantly to around 200.00 BWP per campsite (€15.00).

Note: Camping is only allowed in designated areas which must be booked well in advance. Without a reservation, entry is not permitted.

Travel informed: useful info about Botswana

Inhabitants 2,254,068
Capital Gaborone
Languages Setswana and English
Local currency Botswana pula (BWP) / €1.00 = 13.34 BWP
Climate semi-desert, with scarce and irregular precipitation; temperature variations, both daily and annual, are quite high. The average temperature in the capital Gaborone is 18.5°C
Vaccinations no mandatory vaccinations, only in case of transit even for a day in at-risk countries is yellow fever vaccination required. Hepatitis A and B vaccines, diphtheria and tetanus prophylaxis, and anti-malarial prophylaxis are recommended if traveling during the rainy season
Entry requirements passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity; visa not required for stays of up to 90 days. To drive, an Italian driving license is sufficient, but it must be translated into English; alternatively an international driver's license is acceptable.
Distance from the USA 7,524 km (15 hours of direct flight)

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