Baobabs under night sky, Kalahari, Botswana

Kalahari Desert

An area of stunning vistas and vast night skies, of salt pans, deserts and grasslands – all transformed by the changing seasons.

The Kalahari Desert is vast and imposing. It is also the second-largest wildlife reserve in the world, covering a massive 52,000 square kilometres, and one of the remotest places on the continent.

Oryx, Tau Pan, Kalahari, Botswana
Kalahari Desert, Botswana

A little more about the Kalahari Desert

Many desert species thrive here, however, the rains late in the year bring the area to life and attract the last significant migration to survive in Southern Africa. Home to the hunter-gatherer clans of the San Bushmen of the Kalahari, the area offers the chance of a rare glimpse into their way of life – a real privilege.

Bushmen walk, Feline Fields, Kalahari Desert
Kalahari Desert, Botswana

When to travel

Due to its location, the Kalahari is the complete opposite to the rest of Botswana. Peak game viewing is from January till May which the rest of the year being more about the desert experience.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Bushmen, Makgadikgadi, Botswana

Join the San Bushmen

Walk, hunt and gather with the San Bushmen of the Kalahari. Learn how they have adapted to life in this harsh desert environment.

Suggested camp

Oryx, Tau Pan, Kalahari, Botswana

Spot Desert Species

Head out on game drives to spot some of the desert-specific species that survive in the Kalahari. These include meerkats, oryxes and brown hyenas.

Suggested camp

Baobabs under night sky, Kalahari, Botswana

Stargazing

After dark, spend time identifying some of the beautiful constellations that fill the Kalahari sky. The complete absence of light pollution makes this the perfect place for stargazing.

Suggested camp

Mountain biking, Kalahari, Botswana

Mountain Biking

Explore the Kalahari on two wheels, making the most of the lack of predators.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Kalahari Plains Camp £££££

  • Botswana
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Kalahari Plains Camp, situated in the remote Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers 10 tented rooms, spread out and raised off the ground to catch the breeze and take in the serene views. Each tent has insulated canvas walls and roofs keeping the indoor temperatures comfortable and the entire bedroom section opens out to a shaded veranda and stairs lead to upper-level platforms, where you can sleep out under the stars.

View Property

Feline Fields £££££

  • Botswana
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Uniquely designed and wonderfully remote, Feline Fields is a pioneering new lodge that is almost lost amongst the emptiness of the western Kalahari. Found outside of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the lodge offers a place of relaxation and isolation, with the opportunity to meet some of the Kalahari’s remarkable Bushmen.

View Property

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Africa.

25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?


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