A unique desert landscape

An infinite void of deserted ever-changing landscape awaits all who journey to the world’s largest sand basin; the legendary Kalahari Desert. This far-stretching desert conquers and reign supreme across six African countries, with its crown jewel laying in the heart of Botswana, known as Central Kalahari.

Although a vast arid region of red desert sand, Central Kalahari is carpeted by grass-covered dunes, dotted by ancient baobab and acacia’s, and flourishing with vegetation.

The protected land of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve was established as a refuge, to protect the traditions of the San Bushman, and continues to be a sanctuary utilized as hunting ground for some of Africa’s oldest inhabitants. Walk with Bushman and listen to their tall tales of ancient folklore passed on from generation to generation.

Don’t be alarmed when visions of dry riverbeds appear to be overflowing with refreshing water, because the marriage you’ll see is known as Deception Valley.

The apocalyptic images of the Makgadikgadi Pans are the largest salt pans of its kind in the world. Absolute desolation, sounds of imposing silence, and sublime yet daunting sights of glistening saline land stretches beyond the horizon; lending itself intimately to the absence of time, moments of introspection and harmonious solitude.

Best season to visit the Kalahari

Rains refresh the parched land during the months of November to March and from April to May, the Makgadikgadi Pans retain water. Many areas of the pans are inaccessible by vehicle during this season, but the migration of flamingos may be viewed from the safety of an aircraft.

Dry season sets in during April and lasts until September. Game viewing is at its heights in April to July.

Seasonal Changes

When the rain sets in and pours across the saline encrusted pans of the Makgadikgadi, the arid landscape transforms into a majestic oasis.

White dry flaky pans become shallow pools of sanctuaries, attracting more than 30000 breeding pairs of pink flamingos.

The region plays host to the migratory march of wildebeest and zebra, not to mention the predators that hunt them down. Great white pelicans, duck and geese migrate to the salt pans when the water levels raise and the grass grows lush.

Advice from Safari Russ:

“You can feel the space here like few other places on earth! It’s almost as if the stars are closer and the air is thinner. We see this as a wonderful complimentary experience if you planning to visit the Okavango Delta”