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Central Kalahari Game Reserve: Botswana's Untamed Heart

Discover Botswana's vast, remote Central Kalahari Game Reserve: a haven for wildlife, San culture, and unparalleled wilderness experiences.

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The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), the second largest wildlife reserve in the world, offers an unparalleled experience of raw African wilderness. Explore vast open plains, encounter unique desert-adapted wildlife, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the San people.

A brief summary to Central Kalahari Game Reserve

  • BW

Local tips

  • The best time for wildlife viewing is during the wet season (December to April) when animals congregate around the pans.
  • A 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the sandy tracks within the reserve.
  • Book accommodations and campsites well in advance, as they are limited.
  • Bring sufficient fuel, food, and water, as there are limited supplies within the reserve.
  • Engage with local San guides to learn about their culture and the unique desert environment.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The most common way to access the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is by 4x4 vehicle. The closest major towns are Maun, Ghanzi and Gaborone. From Maun, the distance to Matswere Gate (the main entrance) is approximately 350 km. The drive takes about 6-7 hours via the road towards Rakops, then following signs to Matswere Gate. From Ghanzi, the distance to Xade Gate is roughly 150 km, a 3-hour drive on sandy tracks. Ensure you have sufficient fuel in Ghanzi for your entire stay. Park entry fees for international visitors are approximately BWP 190 per person per day, plus BWP 75 per vehicle per day. It's advisable to carry cash in Botswana Pula, as credit card facilities may not be available at the entrance gates.

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Discover more about Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) is a sprawling wilderness in the heart of Botswana, encompassing 52,800 square kilometers. Established in 1961, it stands as the second-largest game reserve globally and the most remote reserve in Southern Africa. Here, the sheer scale of the landscape evokes a sense of profound solitude and adventure. The CKGR's landscape is characterized by seemingly endless horizons, punctuated by golden grasses, scrub bushes, and dwarfed trees. Wide, empty pans stretch across the earth, meeting the soft blue sky, while at night, the stars dominate the land with their brilliance. The reserve's geography includes sand dunes, fossil river valleys, and salt pans, creating a diverse habitat for a variety of wildlife. The reserve is home to desert-adapted species such as gemsbok, springbok, giraffe, and the iconic black-maned Kalahari lion. Predators like cheetahs, leopards, and brown hyenas also roam the area. Birdwatchers will find the CKGR rewarding, especially during the wet season when migratory species arrive. The CKGR also holds cultural significance as the ancestral home of the San people. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about their traditional lifeways, tracking skills, and deep connection to the land. Travelers can explore the CKGR through game drives, nature walks, and cultural tours. Several campsites and lodges are located within and around the reserve, offering a range of accommodation options. Popular areas to visit include Deception Valley, Sunday Pan, and Piper's Pan.

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