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Baobabs under night sky, Kalahari, Botswana
Home Destinations Africa Botswana Kalahari Desert

Kalahari Desert

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

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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.

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.

Mountain biking, Kalahari, Botswana
 

Mountain Biking

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

Suggested Holiday Idea

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.

Where to stay

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

Dinaka £££££

  • Botswana
  • Safari Lodge

Dinaka Camp sits on a private reserve on the edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, overlooking a permanent waterhole in a landscape of open plains and red sands. 

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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.

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More luxury accommodation

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Botswana Family Safari
This family holiday perfectly showcases the culture, wildlife and diverse landscapes of northern Botswana, from the labyrinthine islands and waterways on the Okavango Delta to the elephant herds of Chobe and the vast salt pans of the Kalahari.
9 days from £5,290pp
George Laing with Meerkats, Kalahari, Botswana
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A Safari through South Africa and Botswana
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Okavango Delta and Selinda Concession Safari
Discover the wilderness of northern Botswana, beginning amidst the floodplains of the Okavango Delta before moving to the unique landscape of the Selinda Reserve. Rich in wildlife, both areas offer exclusive access within private concessions.
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Lion, Selinda Reserve, Botswana
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This 10-day journey explores two contrasting regions of the Okavango Delta, from a classic private concession rich in wildlife and varied activities, to a far more remote and little-visited corner where the focus is on exploration and discovery. The journey then ends…
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Need Inspiration?
Browse our Botswana holiday ideas.

Our Botswana experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea
Botswana
Botswana Family Safari
This family holiday perfectly showcases the culture, wildlife and diverse landscapes of northern Botswana, from the labyrinthine islands and waterways on the Okavango Delta to the elephant herds of Chobe and the vast salt pans of the Kalahari.
9 days from £5,290pp
George Laing with Meerkats, Kalahari, Botswana
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Botswana
A Safari through South Africa and Botswana
A 10 night journey through South Africa and Botswana takes you into some of the region’s most rewarding wilderness areas, from the dramatic mountains of Marakele and the vast Waterberg to Botswana’s Tuli Block and the remote northern reaches of…
11 days from £5,695pp
Elephant and landscape, Marataba Game Lodge, The Waterberg
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Botswana
Okavango Delta and Selinda Concession Safari
Discover the wilderness of northern Botswana, beginning amidst the floodplains of the Okavango Delta before moving to the unique landscape of the Selinda Reserve. Rich in wildlife, both areas offer exclusive access within private concessions.
7 days from £6,270pp
Lion, Selinda Reserve, Botswana
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Botswana
Highlights of Botswana
This 10-day journey explores two contrasting regions of the Okavango Delta, from a classic private concession rich in wildlife and varied activities, to a far more remote and little-visited corner where the focus is on exploration and discovery. The journey…
10 days from £10,850pp
Light aircraft, Okavango Delta, Botswana
View Holiday Idea
View all holiday ideas

Need Inspiration?
Browse our Botswana holiday ideas.

Our Botswana experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea
Botswana
Botswana Family Safari
This family holiday perfectly showcases the culture, wildlife and diverse landscapes of northern Botswana, from the…
9 days from £5,290pp
George Laing with Meerkats, Kalahari, Botswana
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Botswana
A Safari through South Africa and Botswana
A 10 night journey through South Africa and Botswana takes you into some of the region’s…
11 days from £5,695pp
Elephant and landscape, Marataba Game Lodge, The Waterberg
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Botswana
Okavango Delta and Selinda Concession Safari
Discover the wilderness of northern Botswana, beginning amidst the floodplains of the Okavango Delta before moving…
7 days from £6,270pp
Lion, Selinda Reserve, Botswana
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Botswana
Highlights of Botswana
This 10-day journey explores two contrasting regions of the Okavango Delta, from a classic private concession…
10 days from £10,850pp
Light aircraft, Okavango Delta, Botswana
View Holiday Idea

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.

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Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also a deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980
Chris Johnston
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Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Almost three decades ago, I set off for a three-month trip to Africa – and ended up staying for two years. Since then, I’ve led groups through Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi, and have been named a Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda by Condé Nast Traveller. This depth of knowledge and on-the-ground experience is something I bring to each tailor made itinerary I create.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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