Central Kalahari Game Reserve

One of the largest game reserves in the world, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) is a remote and pristine safari destination in Botswana that inspires a sense of freedom that’s difficult to put into words. Its vast, arid landscapes of rolling sand dunes, open plains, and ancient riverbeds support a surprising abundance of wildlife. Here, you can experience beauty and solitude in the same landscape that inspired Mark and Delia Owens to write Cry of the Kalahari.

Must-Visit Areas in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The CKGR is divided into distinct areas that each offer a different perspective on this incredible desert wilderness:

Deception Valley: Iconic Kalahari Scenery

Made famous by Mark and Delia Owens’ book Cry of the Kalahari, Deception Valley is one of the most well-known areas in the CKGR. Its grassy fossil riverbeds attract large herds of herbivores and their predators, especially during the green season. Expect to see oryx, springbok, cheetahs, and the legendary black-maned Kalahari lions.

Passarge Valley: Remote Wilderness

Passarge Valley is even more isolated than Deception Valley, making it perfect for travellers seeking a true off-the-beaten-track safari. This area is excellent for spotting Kalahari lions, leopards, and brown hyenas. It also offers stunning landscapes, with undulating dunes and expansive salt pans.

Piper Pan: Predator Hotspot

Piper Pan is known for its excellent predator sightings, particularly cheetahs, which thrive in the open grasslands. Large herds of gemsbok and springbok can be seen grazing here, and birders will enjoy spotting species such as the kori bustard and pale chanting goshawk.

When’s the Best Time to Visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve?

The green season (December to April) is the best time to visit for game viewing, as the summer rains bring fresh vegetation that attracts large herds of antelope, followed closely by predators. Migratory birds are also abundant during this time.

The dry season (May to October) offers a completely different experience, with harsher, drier landscapes and fewer animals but also fewer tourists, making for a more private and exclusive safari.

Animals Found in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) may not be a Big Five destination, but it still provides safari-goers with the opportunity to see impressive wildlife, including predators like the iconic black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetahs, leopards, brown hyenas, and African wild dogs. Herbivores include oryx, springbok, giraffes, wildebeest, and kudu, while in terms of birdlife, you can look out for secretary birds, martial eagles, and many species of sandgrouse.

How to Get to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The easiest way to reach the CKGR is via Maun International Airport, from where travellers can take a charter flight to a lodge airstrip or embark on a guided safari in a 4×4 vehicle – arranged by your Discover Africa safari expert, of course.