Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is, as the name suggests, centrally located in Botswana and is the second largest wildlife reserve in southern Africa. It is also the last area where the SAN bushmen live their traditional life almost undisturbed. The CKGR still has periods of rain after which many grazers visit the desert. With names such as Deception valley and Leopards Pan, this park has enormous appeal for the visitor who is looking for real nature and who can be completely self-sufficient.

Although the Central Kalahari is dry for most of the year, it is home to many animals, including the black-maned lion, leopard, hyena, jackal, and grazers such as gemsbok, springbok, wildebeest, eland, giraffe, and hartebeest. All animals that are not dependent on nearby water sources and can live without water for extended periods of time.

The most traveled part of the Central Kalahari Games Reserve is the northern part, with the Xade and Tsau gate in the west and the Matswere gate in the east being the most used entry.

There are several campsites in the park, all of which must be booked in advance. It is also not allowed to visit the park without an accommodation booking. The campsites have no luxury and there is no water, just a long-drop toilet and bucket shower. Pure raw nature without frills.

You pay the entrance fee for the Central Kalahari Game Reserve at the gate upon presenting your accommodation booking. The costs for international customers with their own transport are BWP190 (approx. €14 per day per person and BWP75 (approx. €5) per car per day.