Alone in the World in the Kalahari Desert!

Let’s manage expectations: the Kalahari isn’t your typical Big Five safari destination. Unlike many other reserves and conservancies in Botswana, you won’t often encounter large herds of animals here – except for antelope species.

Instead, the Kalahari is home to kudu, ostriches, giraffes, and the iconic black-maned Kalahari lion. With a bit of luck, you might also spot hyenas, the elusive honey badger, or even cheetahs.

It’s not just the wildlife that’s remarkable; the flora is equally impressive! In addition to sandy desert plains, you’ll find expansive grassy steppes and savannahs. These grassy areas are characterised by tough, tall grasses, shrubs, and acacia trees. In the west, the Kalahari transitions into Namibia’s sandy Namib Desert, while the north features towering African baobabs, fig trees, mulberries, and African ebony trees. Despite its aridity, much of the desert is covered in vegetation.