The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a vast area of semi-arid savanna in central Botswana, crossed by fossil river valleys and pans. It suits experienced travellers looking for solitude rather than high animal density.
- Country
- Botswana
- Type
- Reserve
- Approx. area
- 52,800 km²
- Best time
- March to April
- Suggested stay
- 2–4 days
- Main gateway airport
- Maun Airport (MUB)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- Low risk: check with a doctor
Why go to Central Kalahari
- One of the largest reserves in Africa
- Kalahari black-maned lions
- Deception Valley in the green season
- Remote with few visitors
- Clear skies for stargazing
Best time to visit Central Kalahari
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Central Kalahari is March to April.
After the rains, fossil valleys such as Deception Valley turn green and draw springbok and oryx, followed by predators.
Winter is dry with cold nights that can approach freezing, and wildlife is more dispersed.
The end of the dry season is very hot and demanding for camping trips.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20–33 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| February | 19–33 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| March | 18–31 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 14–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| May | 9–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 6–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| July | 5–24 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| August | 8–28 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| September | 13–32 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| October | 17–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| November | 19–34 | some rain | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| December | 20–34 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Central Kalahari includes lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, African wild dogs, giraffes, oryx, wildebeest, kudu, eland, meerkats, ostriches, foxes and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
Visitors fly by light aircraft from Maun to lodges on or inside the reserve edge, or self-drive by 4x4 via Matswere Gate in the east or Xade and Tsau gates in the west. Tracks are sandy and require full self-sufficiency.
Trips to Central Kalahari
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Central Kalahari for families
- Central Kalahari for a honeymoon
- Central Kalahari for photographers
- Central Kalahari for a first safari
- Central Kalahari on a budget
- Central Kalahari for luxury travel
Compare with
- Central Kalahari vs Okavango Delta
- Central Kalahari vs Chobe
- Central Kalahari vs Madikwe
- Central Kalahari vs Hwange
- Central Kalahari vs Kruger
- Central Kalahari vs Mana Pools
Travelling to Central Kalahari from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Central Kalahari?
Generally March to April. After the rains, fossil valleys such as Deception Valley turn green and draw springbok and oryx, followed by predators.
How many days do I need in Central Kalahari?
Most visitors spend 2 to 4 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Central Kalahari?
Visitors fly by light aircraft from Maun to lodges on or inside the reserve edge, or self-drive by 4x4 via Matswere Gate in the east or Xade and Tsau gates in the west. Tracks are sandy and require full self-sufficiency.
Is there malaria in Central Kalahari?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: Botswana Tourism - Central Kalahari Game Reserve · Botswana Tourism - Ghanzi · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Ghanzi
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.