kalahari south africa safari

Discover story-worthy Kalahari moments with

DISCOVER STORY-WORTHY KALAHARI MOMENTS WITH

to the heart of the unspoilt Kalahari.

Kalahari Safaris offer guided tours for friends and family or groups up to 30 guests. Enjoy air-conditioned vehicles with knowledgable tour guides and quality accommodation.

We are strategically based in Upington, the Northern Cape, to share with you a love for the Kalahari, mixed with pride in our South African history and a willingness to show off our beautiful country to you, our guest.

Knowledgeable and highly experienced guides will make your visit a memorable experience.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park 3 Days / 2 Nights

Tour NC 105

Kgalagadi / Augrabies / Witsand & Mokala National Parks – 14 Days – 13 nights

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park 10 Days / 9 Nights

Pamela D says:

“ We did a 10 day trip starting in the Kalahari and ending in the Eastern Cape (Makhanda) with Johan and we could not have asked for a better experience or introduction to this diverse area. “

Lonely Planet travel guide says:

“Kalahari Safaris comes highly recommended by our readers.”

May 2023 Family says:

“ An outstanding guide- very knowledgeable about the park and wildlife, an amazing ability to spot wildlife, very friendly and helpful, and an excellent cook ( the tour included all meals). “

Footprints Handbook says:

“Pieter really knows and loves the Kalahari …”

Greenwood Guide says:

“Pieter was born in the Kalahari and learned much of his wonderful bush knowledge from the legendary Bushmen…”

Sahrin R says:

“ The three days tour was amazing. I enjoyed every second and i can highly recommend Kalahari Safaris . “

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Kgalagadi Tours Northern Cape Tours South Africa Tours Namibia Tours Botswana Tours

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Five Zero Safaris

The kalahari safari in south africa, explore an incredible wilderness on the kalahari safari.

The Kalahari Safari takes exclusivity to a new level. Set deep in the Kahalari, South Africa’s largest privately owned game reserve hosts you as you explore this wonderful desert landscape, filled with magnificent wide open spaces and stunning blue skies. The Kahalari is alive with the rare and extraordinary! Encounter the Kalahari’s predators, with great sightings of the powerful black-maned Lions, the sleek and elegant Cheetah, and the energetic and haphazard antics of Wild Dogs. Track the critically endangered Desert Black Rhino, and enjoy many different species of antelope, including the majestic Roan Antelope. However, it is perhaps Africa’s smaller and lesser-known animals that make this safari experience truly special; the Kalahari Safari is the best place to see the elusive Pangolin and  Aardvark, not to mention the fascinating antics of the Meerkat colonies that are completely habituated to humans, allowing you to get right in among the busy families!

During this incredible adventure, you will be comfortably accommodated in an ultra luxurious camp, with sweeping views and every amenity you can imagine! The friendly service and delicious food top off what is an amazing safari experience.

This safari is fully customised – from group size to dates and duration. If you are looking to extend your stay in Africa, there are several options to continue your adventure. Contact our safari specialists to help you plan your dream safari!

Here is a little teaser: The Kalahari Safari Video

Contact us for more information.

Photos from previous safaris. Click to view at full-size.

Suggested itinerary for The Kalahari Safari in South Africa

Upon your arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met by a local representative and transferred across to the charter flight lounge, where you can relax with a tea and coffee before your short charter flight to the Kalahari.

Your ranger will be waiting to greet you at the airstrip and you will get a first taste of what the Kalahari has to offer as you make your way through this arid savannah to your lodge, arriving in time for a delicious lunch. Following a short rest, you will head out on your first afternoon safari, returning to the lodge just after dark, in time to freshen up and enjoy pre-dinner cocktails.

You begin each day with an early morning wake up of tea and coffee before heading out on your morning safari. Your private ranger will lead you around this vast wilderness in search of magnificent black-maned lions, endangered black rhino, elegant cheetahs and so much more.

You will return to your luxury camp in time for a hearty breakfast. Try a mid-morning walk to experience some of the smaller wonders of the Kalahari or enjoy the sumptuous comforts of your lodge and take a cool dip in the pool.

Following a light lunch and a midday rest, you will head back out on the afternoon safari only returning back to camp after dark, giving you a great opportunity to experience some of the nocturnal wonders that call the Kalahari their home.

Enjoy one final glorious morning drive and a leisurely breakfast, before you make you way back to the camp’s private airstrip for your charter flight to Johannesburg in time for your onward travels.

Highlights from The Kalahari Safari in South Africa

Best time to go:.

This is a customized safari with flexible dates, and can be enjoyed all year round.

4 nights/5 days

Accommodation:

Luxury 5-star lodge on exclusive reserve

Start/End point:

O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg

Wildlife highlights:

Lions, Cheetahs, Wild Dogs, Meerkats, Aardvarks, Pangolins, many rare antelopes

Package includes:

All accommodation All meals All scheduled safari activities Drinks (excluding premium brands) All internal flights and transfers Park fees Laundry

A La Carte:

International flights Items of a personal nature Gratuities

FiveZero Tip:

Camera equipment can be rented through FiveZero. For those looking to purchase or bring their own equipment, Kurt Jay Bertels , your photographic safari host, recommends the following equipment for The Kalahari Safari in South Africa:

To see the rarities (aardvark, pangolin, honey badger), it is best to go in winter between June and August!

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STAY 4 NIGHTS, PAY FOR 3 NIGHTS

Tswalu’s guarantee of a private vehicle, guide and tracker provides complete freedom to explore South Africa’s largest private game reserve. Diverse wildlife and the southern Kalahari’s vast landscapes and dramatic beauty await exploration both on and off the vehicle.

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Restoring the Kalahari through sustainable conservation, supported by nature-based tourism

Tswalu offers a true wilderness experience on the southernmost edge of the Kalahari, and privileged access to the largest privately protected area in South Africa. From the landmark Korannaberg mountains to the southern Kalahari’s typical arid savannah and iconic ochre dunes rippling away to the horizon, days on safari are unscripted and unhurried.

With guaranteed access to a private safari vehicle , our guests have the freedom and flexibility to explore the remote reaches of the reserve in their own time and at their own pace. Besides game drives, safari activities  include habituated meerkat encounters, nature walks, tracking, horse riding, stargazing, star-bed experiences, and meeting visiting scientific researchers and resident artists.

Tswalu is first and foremost an ambitious conservation project, sustainably safeguarding vital habitat and the restoring biodiversity. Offering a private and exclusive safari experience for a maximum of 40 guests in one of three luxury safari camps , the ratio of guests to wilderness space is one of the lowest in South Africa. This low footprint, sustainable model of nature-based tourism is vital to supporting the conservation work that is at the heart of Tswalu’s purpose to leave the world better than how it was found.

Choosing Tswalu for your safari not only contributes significantly to our conservation vision but positively impacts our sustainability journey. Tswalu releases an annual impact statement , a tool developed in collaboration with our sustainability partner, The Long Run , to calculate the cost of conservation and the positive contribution to nature and people. By staying with us, guests help conserve 114,000 hectares and impact the lives of 282 residents. In 2021, this equated to a US$ 5.8 million investment in nature and people. In addition, nature-based tourism helped provide essential health care to approximately 1000 people through the Tswalu Health Care Centre, a free community service for anyone living within a 100-kilometre radius of the reserve.

SAFARI CAMPS

Your African adventure begins in one of three luxury safari camps, overlooking the wide, open spaces of the southern Kalahari. Whether you choose the Motse, Tarkuni or Loapi, luxury accommodation and generous South African hospitality set the scene for a deeply private wilderness experience. With the lowest guest footprint in South Africa, at Tswalu there is space to breathe out and reconnect with nature.

SAFARI EXPERIENCES

With wildlife conservation at its core, Tswalu offers privileged access to unique safari experiences in South Africa’s biggest privately protected wildlife reserve. A private safari vehicle, field guide and experienced tracker are guaranteed with every accommodation booking. With this comes the exclusivity to plan deeply immersive days on safari, both on and off the safari vehicle.

WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS

From iconic Kalahari wildlife sightings of black-maned lions, cheetah, black rhino, oryx and wild dog to tracking the elusive, nocturnal creatures, such as pangolin, aardvark and brown hyena, extraordinary and unusual encounters add a thrilling dimension to game drives. Tswalu is also one of the only places in South Africa to experience habituated meerkats up close.

SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION

Tswalu’s sustainable conservation journey to restore the Kalahari is supported by a high-value, low-impact ecotourism model of nature-based tourism with community and culture at its core. Staying in one of our small, luxury safari camps contributes to the sustainability of the entire reserve as well as the Tswalu Foundation, which is dedicated to scientific research.

As South Africa’s biggest wildlife reserve, Tswalu is a bold conservation project supported by a sustainable model of ecotourism. Choosing to stay in one Tswalu’s small, luxury safari camps contributes to our vision to leave the world better than how we found it. As a member of The Long Run, Tswalu is committed to a continuous journey of sustainability guided by the four key benchmarks of conservation, community, culture and commerce.

Tswalu Kalahari is a member of Oppenheimer Generations , a diverse community of commercial ventures and not-for-profit organisations representing the global interests of the Nicky and Jonathan Oppenheimer family.

MOLOPO KALAHARI SAFARIS

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• Kalahari Desert Safari

The ultimate guide to your next Kalahari Desert Safari

Get to know kalahari desert.

From the rolling red dunes of the Kgalagadi transfrontier conservation area, to the sparse grasslands of Botswana’s Central Kalahari, this is an arid wilderness that is rich in in desert-adapted wildlife and unsurpassed scenic beauty.

The Kalahari is home to the regal black-maned lion, secretive leopard and endangered African wild dog. But the desert is also regarded as the best place in Africa to view cheetah in the wild. With its abundant herds of springbok and scattering of steenbok, the Kalahari’s wide-open landscapes provide a perfect hunting ground for Africa’s fastest land mammal.  Visitors who are fortunate enough to spend some time in the company of a Kalahari cheetah stand an excellent chance of watching this amazing speedster in action as it hunts its favoured antelope prey at high speed.

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Destinations: Kalahari

A massive semi-arid desert region spanning across three countries, including South Africa – the largest continuous expanse of sand in the world.

Vast and Magical Desert Expanse of Red Dunes and Rare Wildlife Species

The Kalahari Desert is part of one giant sand basin that stretches from the Orange River in Angola to Namibia in the west, Zimbabwe in the east and into South Africa. The landscape in this largely unexplored territory in the north-western corner of South Africa provides a marked contrast from the south and east of the country. The vegetation in this semi-arid zone is dominant with Acacia trees, thorny shrub and grasses and in this parched ecosystem they can endure droughts of up to ten months with no water supply. Shifting hue with the changing light, this is an area of surprising beauty, with spectacular desert-adapted plant life and trees weighed down with weaver-bird nests.

The Kalahari is home to the famous black-maned Kalahari lions, whose behaviour patterns are specifically adapted for the fierce diurnal swings in temperature. The long straight horns of the gemsbok are typically seen atop a sand dune through a shimmering heat-haze, while raptors soar on thermals, searching for their next prey.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park itself protects the unique ecosystem of the Kalahari through a joint venture that links Botswana and covers an area that represents double that of Kruger National Park. The word ‘Kgalagadi’ actually comes from the Tswana word for ‘waterless place’ and this area has also been inhabited by San Bushmen for over 20,000 years. One of the other key places to stay in the Kalahari region, especially for a purposeful luxury safari is Tswalu, the largest private game reserve in South Africa, offering you the chance to see cheetah, black rhino and pangolins. Further South you will find the true Green Kalahari, boasting the majestic Orange River and Augrabies Falls. This area is especially known for its range of adrenaline and adventure activities.

Tswalu Kalahari, a Luxury Kalahari Safari with a Purpose

Where the Kalahari Desert extends into northern South Africa, safari-goers will find one of Africa’s truly remote locations. Here, the Korannaberg Mountains create a beautiful backdrop, offering shelter for wildlife and unique biodiversity.

The key luxury safari destination here is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, Tswalu, with nearly a quarter-million acres of protected land. In Setswana, Tswalu means a ‘new beginning’ and they are aiming to deliver exactly that: a fresh era of hope for the people and wildlife of one of South Africa’s last great wilderness areas. Tswalu represents an opportunity to explore not just a landscape, but a new model of conservation. Tshwalu offers one of the most unique and diverse selections of wildlife in all of Africa, 80 mammal and 240 bird species, making a typical safari here not so typical at all.

Large mammals such as the black-maned Kalahari lion, desert-adapted black rhino and Hartmann’s mountain zebra are resident to the area. Tswalu is unquestionably one of the best places in southern Africa to see cheetah in the wild. The vast open spaces and antelope herds of the Kalahari readily lend themselves to high-speed pursuits. Brown hyena are fairly common, and wild dog are occasionally seen. The small mammals of this area are a special drawcard, particularly the chance to see such rarities as aardvark and pangolin, with on-site research focused on this endangered species. Small predators and carnivores abound, from silver and bat-eared foxes, African wild cat, and aardwolf to the charming meerkats, of which there are now two habituated colonies.

Incredible safari experiences at Tshwalu include morning, afternoon and night game drives, guided nature walks and hikes, horseback riding, helicopter safaris, stargazing, meerkat safaris and a Malori sleep-out experience under the night sky. You can also spend time with one of the Tshwalu wildlife researchers to see cutting-edge conservation at work.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Home of Black-maned lions, Oryx and Birds of Prey

Where the red dunes and scrub fade into infinity and herds of gemsbok, springbok, eland and blue wildebeest follow the seasons, where imposing camel thorn trees provide shade for huge black-maned lions and vantage points for leopard and many raptors… this is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park comprises an area of over 3,6 million hectares straddling the borders of South Africa and Botswana and is one of very few conservation areas of this magnitude left in the world. In this off-the-beaten track destination, red sand dunes, sparse vegetation and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob easily show antelope and predator species off and provide excellent photographic opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset.

The Kgalagadi is not a Big Five destination but offers high-end mammal viewing. It is especially renowned for predator watching (lion, leopard, cheetah and hyaena) and for the seasonal movement of large herbivores such as blue wildebeest, springbok, eland and red hartebeest. Ground squirrel and suricate (Meerkat) are two more of the parks more prominent species. Honey Badger, pangolin (Scaly Anteater) and bat-eared fox are some of the park specials to search for, especially at night.

The Kgalagadi could be considered a haven for birders especially for birds of prey. A variety of raptors may be seen, the commonest being Tawny and Black Chested Snake Eagle, Bateleur, White-backed and Lappet faced Vulture, as well as smaller species such as Pale Chanting Goshawk, Gabar Goshawk, Pygmy Falcon and Greater Kestrel. The Nossob Riverbed is rated as one of the best places in South Africa to view raptors, particularly during the summer months when large numbers of migratory eagles, kites and falcons move through the park.

The Southern Green Kalahari – The Shimmering Orange River and Mighty Augrabies Falls

The Green Kalahari is a world full of wonders and contrasts. Here is where the lush green vineyards stand proud in the valley bearing magical fruits not far from where the shimmering Orange River thunders into a deep granite gorge to create the mighty Augrabies Falls. The Green Kalahari boasts the best of both worlds: unspoiled semi-desert against the lush vineyards that fill the fertile valleys of the Orange River. This massive body of water makes its way through this harsh and dry landscape bringing life to the region and an oasis to locals and animals alike.

The Augrabies Falls National Park offers an ancient landscape that will take you back in time to the world of the first hunter-gatherers. The National Park covers an area of 820 km² and stretches along the Orange River. The waterfall itself is about 60 metres high and is awe-inspiring when the river is in flood. The gorge below the falls, averages about 240 m deep and runs for 18 kilometres. The original Khoikhoi people named the waterfall Ankoerebis, meaning the “place of big noises”.

The animals in Augrabies Falls National Park can survive in extreme high and low temperatures. Smaller animals, like mongooses and rock dassies make use of whatever shade is available as well as burrows, rock crevices and fallen trees. An interesting mammal found in Augrabies is the cape clawless otter, indicating that the river ecosystem is relatively healthy. The giraffes found in Augrabies are lighter in colour than those found in the regions of the east, as a counter measure for the extreme heat. One of the most often seen antelope is the klipspringer, which are often seen in pairs. Other antelope found in the park are steenbok, springbok, gemsbok, kudu and eland. Predators include leopard, black backed jackals, caracal, the bat-eared fox, and the African wild cat.

A uniquely endemic plant species is the enigmatic Quiver tree or Kokerboom (Aloe dichotoma). Traditionally, the Khoisan hunters made their quivers from this tree which dates back thousands of years and which produces vivid yellow flowers in May and June.

Activities in the area include camel rides, thrilling white water rafting on the Orange River, parasailing on the many pans in the region, as well as a spectacular afternoon micro light glides above the undulating red dunes and jagged mountains of Riemvasmaak and the Mier Kalahari with its 35 to 40 meters high sand dunes. There is plenty to see and do here and something for all different tastes. For the less adventurous traveller there is an abundance of hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, bird watching, game drives in the national and many exquisite private game reserves, camping and fly-in safaris.

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Tswalu Kalahari

South Africa’s largest private game reserve, Tswalu Kalahari is inhabited by over 80 mammal species including meerkat and desert rhino.

South Africa’s largest private game reserve, Tswalu Kalahari encompasses around 272,000 acres of dramatic mountains, rolling dunes and scrubby grasslands, inhabited by over 80 mammal and 240 bird species. Opportunities abound to observe rare animals such as roan and sable antelope as well as meerkats, desert rhino and magnificent black-maned Kalahari lions. Just 10 vehicles enjoy access to this terrain ensuring that safaris here are exclusive and personal experiences. Another major bonus is that this region is malaria-free, so families with young children can enjoy a stress-free holiday.

Guests at Tswalu Kalahari can choose from two accommodation options. The Motse comprises of 9 secluded “legae” or “little houses” in the Tswana language. Each of these are fashioned from sand, stone and thatch, featuring open fireplaces, personal sundecks, indoor and outdoor showers, with three units designed specifically for families. The Tarkuni offers 5 luxury suites, a peaceful pool and traditional ‘boma’. With  its own team of staff including a chef, private vehicle, guide and tracker, this homestead can be booked for exclusive use.

Aside from productive game drives across the enchanting landscape, guests at Tswalu Kalahari can take part in guided walks, safaris on horseback, ancient rock art excursions and sleepouts at “Malori”. Meaning “dreamer” in Tswana, this raised platform is built to resemble a weaver’s nest with a small thatch overhang, providing the option of shelter should you tire of sleeping beneath a blanket of stars. Romantic candlelit dinners can also be arranged here, with sundowners drinks and canapes to savour as the sun sinks beneath the horizon.   

Tswalu Kalahari also offers one of Southern Africa’s most exclusive interactions – a chance for guests to view meerkats. The reserve has two colonies of habituated meerkats that have grown accustomed to humans, allowing guests to approach for close observations. The region is also home to other unsual carnivores such as bat eared fox, aardwolf, brown hyena and small spotted genet.

How to get to Tswalu Kalahari

Tswalu Kalahari is located close to the border between South Africa and Botswana. It can be reached by daily scheduled service from either Cape Town or Johannesburg’s international airports. Flight times are 90 minutes and 2 hours respectively.

Activities at Tswalu Kalahari

• Game drives
• Guided walks
• Horseback safaris
• Meerkat encounters
• Private dining

*Some activities are available at extra cost.

Tswalu Kalahari Highlights

• South Africa’s largest private reserve
• Home to a wealth of wildlife from black-maned Kalahari lions to meerkats
• Malaria-free so ideal for families with young children
• A wide array of activities including walks and sleepouts
• Easily reached by daily scheduled flights

Find out more about our tailor made African safaris. Get in touch with one of our Destination Specialists.

Subscribe below to keep up to date, find out more about our tailor made african safaris, accommodation in malaria free game reserves..

Below are some of our preferred tented camps and lodges in malaria free game reserves. Please contact us to tailor accommodation options to suit the style of your trip and your budget.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Malaria-free Kwandwe Private Game Reserve on South Africa’s Eastern Cape offers five safari lodges, each designed to showcase the remote beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge

A secluded retreat within the exclusive 185,000 acre Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge offers guests two accommodation options.

Madikwe River Lodge

Family-friendly Madikwe River Lodge is a relaxed, comfortable safari lodge set in South Africa's wonderful, malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve which is home to all of the iconic "Big 5" and much more.

Shamwari Game Reserve

On South Africa’s pristine Eastern Cape, Shamwari Game Reserve is an excellent safari destination being malaria-free and home to fantastic wildlife including all of the legendary "Big 5".

Tau Game Lodge

Located on the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Tau Game Lodge offers an authentic safari experience in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Tuningi Safari Lodge

On the vast Madikwe Game Reserve is the luxurious Tuningi Safari Lodge as well as family-friendly Little Tuningi, a self-contained private villa.

South Africa Itineraries

The following tours are private, independent and can be easily customised to suit your personal travelling requirements. Please contact us to begin designing your personalised South Africa experience.

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Tswalu Kalahari

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Tswalu offers a true wilderness experience on the southernmost edge of the Kalahari

• South Africa's largest privately protected game reserve with over 110 000 hectares of traversing land
• Guaranteed access to a private safari vehicle
• Guests have the freedom and flexibility to explore the remote reaches of the reserve in their own time and at their own pace

You should know

• Children of all ages are welcome at Tswalu Kalahari
• Tswalu is located in a malaria-free area
• There are child-friendly swimming pools at both camps
• Children under 12 stay absolutely free with their parents in a suite at The Motse (maximum two)
• Three specially designed family suites easily accommodate larger families with younger children

Tswalu Kalahari is known as South Africa's largest private game reserve with over 110 000 hectares of traversing land. Tswalu offers extraordinary privacy in which to explore a rare and vast wilderness and is the perfect combination with other South African destinations like Cape Town and the Kruger National Park . Safari.com boasts an incredible tour that combines these three destinations perfectly - 11 Day Cape Town, Tswalu & Kruger

Tswalu Motse - The Motse is a luxury camp with 9 private guest legae (Tswala for ‘home’) set at the foot of the Korannaberg Mountains with sweeping views of the Kalahari. Three of the legae have been designed specifically for families, with 2 separate bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, connecting to a luxurious separate living room.

The main house features elevated decks, elegant lounges, an infinity pool, a secluded spa, mezzanine library, satellite TV and an endless view over the savannahs.

Tswalu Tarkuni - Set amid two rolling mountain ranges, Tarkuni is an oasis of serenity with beguiling views on every side. The private homestead offers five luxurious en-suite bedrooms for the exclusive use of a multigenerational family of a party of friends, each with its own private deck and star bed and boasts a vast open-plan lounge and dining room, an intimate mezzanine library, and a spa therapy suite. A covered deck leads to a private tsala and swimming pool.

The homestead has its own dedicated team including a host and private chef to ensure meticulous and completely personal service. A private vehicle, personal field guide, and tracker complete this bespoke safari experience.

Tswalu Loapi - Suspended between earth and sky, Loapi evokes the carefree, nomadic spirit of camping and a return to a true wildernessexperience. Resting lightly on the land are six tented safari homes (four x 1 bedroom and two x 2 bedrooms), each a private,contemporary micro camp inviting deep engagement with the southern Kalahari in all its unfettered, changeable beauty.

Tswalu Kalahari is home to the magnificent black-maned lions, critically endangered desert black rhino, elusive pangolin and aardvark, over 77 species of mammals, approximately 240 species of birds and an abundance of insect life. There are more species of butterfly to be found at Tswalu than in the entire British Isles.

Activities offered at Tswalu include open-vehicle game drives tailored to your interests, guided bush walks, horseback riding, and the option of a unique sleep-out experience in the bush.

Tswala Kalahari is ideal for solo explorers, couples and families looking for a private and unique safari getaway.

Price includes

• All meals including boma dinners to bush picnics, All beverages and full selection from an award-winning wine-list
• Activities at Tswalu Kalahari include Walking Safaris, Horse-back rides, Private game viewing vehicle with a dedicated guide and tracker, Night drives, Habituated meerkats experience

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Sara Van Coillie has been extremely…

Sara Van Coillie has been extremely helpful in making our Namibia trip fantastic! We have emails up on emails of Sara answering all my (many) questions months and months before our trip. I've had last minute questions and requests right before and during our trip and she always responds with record time and helps us out. I feel all of our needs have been met and I couldn't be happier with Sara as our travel representative! Highly recommend her! :)

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• Destinations

The Kalahari

Botswana & namibia.

Explore the valleys of the Kalahari

The expansive scrublands of the semi-arid  Kalahari Desert  extend some 900,000km² across  Namibia ,  South Africa , and a large portion of Botswana. It forms part of the larger Kalahari Basin that - including the desert - also supports various wetlands such as the Makgadikgadi Pans and Okavango Delta of  Botswana .

Although the Kalahari Desert cannot be correctly classified as a desert because of the amount of rainfall it receives annually (somewhere between 12-25 centimetres), the parched earth greedily absorbs any moisture that remains after the wet season. The desert’s rust-coloured valleys of sand dunes, peppered with scrubland in some parts, are considered the largest continuous expanse of sand on the globe. The endemic fauna and flora have learnt over aeons of acclimatisation to survive in this sun-baked wilderness.

The indigenous San bushmen have called the Kalahari home for 20,000 years and although many have begun to live sedentary lifestyles in towns, some can still be found living on the fringes of the desert. Visitors can experience the true essence of the Kalahari landscape by visiting the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The wider Kalahari Basin in Botswana includes the abundantly fertile Okavango River Delta and other verdant landscapes further north such as the Chobe National Park and Moremi Wildlife Reserve.

Facts and Information

Travel to the Kalahari  is a uniquely rewarding experience. The Kalahari is a series of diverse and changing landscapes that are not confined to one country but span  Botswana ,  South Africa  and  Namibia . In Namibia, the Kalahari occupies the south and east and is often combined with a visit to the Fish River Canyon, the scond largest canyon in the world. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (in South Africa and Botswana) has a great collection of protected wildlife as does the massive Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana. Discover your perfect accommodation for your Kalahari adventure.

Although we have treated them as a separate destination, the vast  Makgadikgadi Pans , the largest in the world, are actually part of the Kalahari region - marvel at the flamingoes and huge migrating herds of wild animals crossing the wide open spaces! There are also a number of other pans in the region (e.g. Nxai Pan) which are filled with water during the summer rains and attract an array of animals.

Climate and Landscapes

Most of the Kalahari is not a true desert as it receives an average rainfall of between 75-250mm per year, greater than the minimum requirements for a desert. It can be exceptionally hot in the summer with temperatures reaching 40°C though the seasonal rains do alleviate the heat and attract animals to the pans and waterholes. During Spring, flowers and plants bloom transforming the usually barren landscape into an oasis of colour and life. The winter is pretty dry and while daytime temperatures are more bearable, it can get quite chilly at night.

With a variety of habitats including moist broad-leafed woodland, dry savannah thornveld, and semi-arid duneveld, the Kalahari supports an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna in one of the most sparsely populated places in the inhabited world. Private game farms the size of small countries have high concentrations of wildlife and birdlife, offering a unique and exclusive viewing experience.

Getting There

The Kalahari is a massive region, spanning 900,000 km² and 3 separate countries. So getting here really depends whether you want to experience the Kalahari in South Africa, Namibia or Botswana.

Botswana, South Africa or Namibia?

Most visitors to the Kalahari tend to visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, an absolutely enormous reserve in the centre of the country, or the vast Makgadikgadi Pans slightly further north. The closest town is Maun, with regular flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and other destinations in Botswana. Most travellers will then take a private charter flight into the camp of their choice, since Maun is still quite a distance from the reserve and Makgadikgadi.

South Africa:

Travellers can head to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park which also spills over into Botswana. To get here, take an internal flight with South African Airlink to Upington from either Cape Town or Johannesburg. The Twee Rivieren Entrance Gate is approximately 250 km north of Upington and you will have to drive there.

The Kalahari is located in the south and east of the country and is usually combined with a trip to the majestic Fish River Canyon. Getting here is not easy, a long drive from either South Africa or Windhoek. As such most travellers head to Botswana to experience the Kalahari since it is the most viable option.

NB: The Kalahari is an ideal travel destination to combine with a Botswana Safari in the  Chobe National Park  or the Okavango Delta. We can organise everything from your trip, lodge and flights.

Why not  Contact Us  to plan your tailor-made trip?

The Kalahari Highlights

• The Kalahari Desert extends some 900,000km² across Namibia, South Africa, and most of Botswana.
• It forms part of the much wider Kalahari Basin which is home to a variety of thriving wetlands
• The Kalahari Desert has the largest continuous expanse of sand in the world 
• Visitors can experience the arid beauty of the Kalahari from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• Vast savannah lands that are home to an abundance of flora and fauna
• Probably the most untouched of wilderness areas, this is Africa in all its glory
• Excellently explored as a self-drive destination 
• San-Bushman interaction will be a highlight of a trip to the Kalahari
• Accommodation options scattered throughout the land are usually in the form of game farms, ranches or lodges
• Discover timeless sunsets and night skies drenched in starlight 

Best time to go The Kalahari

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10 Interesting Kalahari Desert Facts

Harriet is a zoologist with more than 20 years’ experience. She has the privilege of working with the world’s top wildlife photographers and photo-guides.

The Kalahari Desert is a large semi-arid sandy savannah in southern Africa. One of the most interesting Kalahari Desert facts is that it is not a desert in the strictest sense of the word, as it receives too much rainfall . However any rain filters rapidly through the vast expanses of sand, leaving nothing on the surface, turning the Kalahari into the ‘thirstland’. The name ‘Kalahari’ is derived from the Tswana word Kgala, meaning ‘the great thirst’, or Kgalagadi, meaning ‘a waterless place’.

The Kalahari is home to a number of game reserves. These include Central Kalahari and adjacent Khutse Game Reserves in Botswana. In the Kalahari’s north, there are the Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pan National Parks. It also includes the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park which combined South Africa’s Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Botswana’s Gemsbok National Park to create Africa’s first Peace Park in 2000.

67 Kalahari Safaris

1. Is the Kalahari Desert Hot or Cold?

The temperatures in the Kalahari Desert are extreme, with summers being very hot while winter temperatures can go below zero degrees Celsius at night. This is a result of the Kalahari’s relatively high altitude and predominantly clear, dry air.

2. What Is the Temperature Range in the Kalahari?

In summer, temperatures can reach 45 °C (115 °F ); on winter nights, lows can drop to –15°C (7°F).

3. How Large Is the Kalahari Desert?

The Kalahari Desert covers approximately 900,000km² (350,000mi²). It is a gently undulating, sand-covered plain, much of which is covered with grasslands or denser vegetation. All of it is 900m or more above sea level.

4. Why Is the Kalahari a Desert?

One of the most surprising Kalahari Desert facts is that it is not a desert in the strictest sense of the word. It is a semi-desert. The driest areas receive 110–200mm (4.3–7.9in) of rain per year and the wettest can receive more than 500mm (20in) in very wet years.

Traditionally, an area is classified as a desert if it receives less than 250mm (10in) of rain annually. A more accurate definition of a desert is a region in which ‘the evaporation rate is twice as great as the precipitation’. This is true for the southwestern half of the Kalahari. The northeastern portion, however, receives much more rainfall and, climatically, cannot qualify as a desert; and yet, it is totally lacking in surface water. This is because rain drains instantly through the deep sands here, leaving the substrate completely devoid of moisture.

5. What Countries Make Up the Kalahari?

The Kalahari Desert covers much of Botswana, the eastern third of Namibia and the northernmost part of the Northern Cape Province in South Africa.

6. What Wildlife Can Be Found in the Kalahari?

The wildlife found in the Kalahari Desert must be able to survive the arid conditions. The wetter north has a richer and greater variety of wildlife than the dryer south.

Arid-adapted game includes springbok, gemsbok (oryx), wildebeest, kudu, steenbok and duiker. The Kalahari is home to desert specialties such as meerkat, bat-eared foxes, cape fox and brown hyena. Perhaps unexpectedly, all three African big cats can be found here – cheetah, leopard and the famous black-maned Kalahari lions.

Birdlife includes the secretary bird, Kori bustard, ostrich and a variety of birds of prey, including the martial eagle, giant eagle owl, falcons, goshawks, kestrels and kites. The landscape is dotted with huge nests of sociable weavers, built precariously on trees and telegraph poles.

Many reptiles also live in the Kalahari, including Cape cobras, puff adders, and numerous lizard species. Remarkably some amphibians are also able to survive here, including the bushveld rain frog and the tremolo sand frog. It is incredible to hear the frog chorus commence as soon as the rains arrive.

7. What Kinds of Plants Are in the Kalahari?

The dryer southwestern Kalahari Desert has few trees or large bushes – just scattered drought-tolerant shrubs and grass tussocks. Hoodia cactus grows here, used for thousands of years by the San people to ease hunger and thirst. Other edible plants found here include tsamma melons and gemsbok cucumbers – used by both animals and humans.

The central Kalahari, with more rain, has scattered trees (several species of acacia) and more shrubs and grasses. In the wetter north and east, there are woodlands mainly made up of camelthorn acacias. Endemic to the Kalahari, the camelthorn is a crucial part of the desert ecosystem, producing nutrients that encourage other plants to grow around its base and providing shade for animals. Other trees that grow in this area include shepherd’s tree, blackthorn and silver cluster-leaf.

8. What Type of Desert Is the Kalahari?

The Kalahari Desert is a large semi-arid sandy savannah. Even where the Kalahari ‘desert’ is dry enough to qualify as a desert in the sense of having low precipitation, it is not strictly speaking a desert because the ground cover is too dense.

9. How Is the Kalahari Related to African Deserts?

The Kalahari is the southernmost ‘desert’ in Africa. It is the sixth biggest ‘desert’ by area on Earth and the second biggest in Africa after the Sahara. In the southwest, it merges with the Namib, the coastal desert of Namibia.

10. Where Is the Kalahari Desert?

The Kalahari Desert is in southern Africa, covering much of Botswana, as well as parts of Namibia and South Africa.

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Kalahari Oryx Private Game Reserve

A diamond in the rough. this rare south african gem stretches over 212 000 acres in the northern cape province, making it the largest privately owned hunting concession in the country..

The reserve forms part of the Kalahari Desert (meaning “large thirst” in Tswana) which is a huge red sand basin that reaches from the Orange River up to Angola in the north, in the west to Namibia and in the east to Botswana. However, in contrast to this arid landscape, Kalahari Oryx is a hidden oasis for the most discerning hunter.

The 5-star private lodge boasts with four en-suite rooms overlooking the beautiful landscape. Traditional three course meals prepared by our chef are served in the dining/lounge area that leads onto a walkway to the decked swimming pool. Special desert sundowners in the dunes are a great specialty offered by our friendly staff.

Four of the Big Five can be found roaming this landscape and apart from other plains game such as kudu, springbuck, oryx, eland etc. one can also find sable, roan and nyala. Being malaria free, having our own asphalt airstrip and being only 1,5 hour’s flight from Johannesburg makes Kalahari Oryx one of the most exclusive hunting destinations in South Africa.

Kalahari Oryx Facts

• Size 212,000 acres
• Terrain Kalahari desert with red sand dunes and semi-mountainous areas.
• Accessibility 80 miles from Upington Airport (UTN)
• Own asphalt airstrip
• Accommodation Permanent luxury lodge, en-suite rooms, aircon, Internet, TV, pool and all guest amenities.
• It is a malaria FREE Area

Kalahari Oryx Gallery

• Big Game Hunting
• Plains Game Hunting
• Trophy Gallery
• Testimonials
• Preferred Suppliers
• Botswana Hunting Guide
• Mozambique Hunting Guide
• Namibia Hunting Guide
• South Africa Hunting Guide
• Uganda Hunting Guide
• Zimbabwe Hunting Guide
• Kalahari and Northern Camp
• Kambako Camp
• Litule Camp
• Pemba Beach Lodge
• Burg Gusinde
• Waldeck Reserve
• South Africa
• Kalahari Oryx Private Nature Reserve
• Rietvaley Game Ranch
• Nyati Reserve
• Kafu River Basin
• Karamoja-North
• Ngamo Sikumi
• Tsholotsho South

900,000 sq. km (350,000 sq. mi)

40 to 60 million years ago

The place without water

The Kalahari derives its name from the Tswana word “Kgalagadi” which means “the place without water”. But despite the arid conditions, the Kalahari in Namibia is home to a variety of animals and plants who survive in this harsh and stunningly beautiful region.

Things to do

• Where to stay
• Where To Go

Home to the San/Bushmen, wildlife, and breath-taking landscapes

The Kalahari Desert in Namibia is often overlooked by travellers in favour of the Namib Desert. A Kalahari Desert holiday, however, offers travellers something completely unique. Stunning landscapes of red sand dunes, which can turn green during the summer months, fascinating plant life and wildlife and an insight into the lives of the San/Bushmen awaits those who choose to journey into the Kalahari.

Nothing typifies a Kalahari Desert holiday in Namibia quite like its famous red sand dunes. The only thing which maybe comes close to being as well-known from Namibia’s Kalahari, is the Kalahari salt which you can buy at exclusive food outlets. Much like the salt, the red sand dunes in the Kalahari are special because of the minerals which they contain. Particularly iron oxide (in the sand – not the salt). The desert sand has literally rusted. The result is the beautiful red dunes which you can see in the southern Kalahari in particular.

You can explore the Kalahari desert for example on this self-drive tour and this guided tour .

The Kalahari is one of the ancestral homes of the San/Bushmen, who have lived here for approximately 20,000 years. Traditionally, the San lived a nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle in small cluster groups, stretching across Southern Africa. As other tribes from Africa and as Europeans increasingly moved into the region, the San/Bushmen all over were evermore forced into the Kalahari. Many now live a more sedentary lifestyle and rely less on their traditional hunter-gatherer techniques to survive. However, through tourism in the region and the subsequent San/Bushman experiences which can be booked at various accommodations and cultural living museums, much of this ancient knowledge of the land, its plants, and its animals, is still being preserved. You can gain an insight into these fascinating and remarkable people and learn not only about their customs and traditions, but also about their lives in the modern, contemporary world when travelling through the Kalahari.

One of the main attractions for a Kalahari safari is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park . The park is actually located in both South Africa and in Botswana, allowing the animals (and you) to travel freely between the two countries. It was in fact, the first park of its kind in Africa and is referred to as a peace park. Even though the park is not located in Namibia, there is a park entrance on the South African and Namibian border. To access the park, you do not even need to get a visa for South Africa, provided you also exit through the same Namibian gate again. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park covers around 38,000 km 2 and can provide visitors with unique wildlife sightings in an untamed wilderness. One of the main highlights for wildlife enthusiasts is sighting the famous Kalahari lions. With their distinctive black manes, they really do make a striking appearance. You will not be able to spot the Big 5 here, but there is other wildlife which can keep you fascinated. The park is renowned for its predator sightings, including cheetah, hyena and leopard, as well as various antelope species including springbok, oryx, eland and kudu. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is also known for providing excellent raptor sightings and with a little luck you could spot specimens such as the bateleur, lappet faced vulture and the imposing martial eagle.

The Kalahari region in Namibia offers several accommodation options, including campsites, lodges, and guest farms. There pretty much is something for everyone’s taste. When camping at a remote campsite in the Kalahari, you can truly appreciate the serenity of your surroundings. There are no distractions from your normal everyday life around you. Just the silence of the wilderness and the beautiful landscapes. In the evenings, you can sit around a crackling campfire and be truly amazed at the countless stars above you. If you are more the lodge accommodation type of traveller, then a stay at a Namibian guest farm will be perfect for you. You will be greeted with the warmest hospitality, as most guest farms are still owner run. These farms often cover an enormous area and many are home to a diverse and exciting variety of wildlife. The guest farms are sometimes more like small game reserves of their own in fact. Almost all guest farms will offer you an assortment of activities, which means, you can often stay a couple of nights in the Kalahari and really get to know it and its many marvels.

The Kalahari is raw, authentic, and always worth a visit. No matter which time of year you choose to explore it, or how many times you have visited it before, a Kalahari safari in Namibia can always provide you with wildlife sightings which will stay with you forever. It gives you moments, where you find yourself serenely staring over the beautiful landscapes in complete and perfect silence – just soaking it all in.

The Kalahari is not actually a desert

You can be forgiven for believing that the Kalahari is a desert. But in fact, the Kalahari receives too much annual rainfall to really be classified as a desert.

Tremendous sociable weaver nests

You can witness the biggest bird nests in the world. Sociable weaver nests are built above the ground, can house over 500 birds at a time and weigh up to a ton.

Home of the Devil’s Claw

You can have a closer look at the devil’s claw plant which grows in the Kalahari. Named after its oddly shaped fruit, the plant is said to have various medicinal uses.

During the summer months, the famous red sand dunes of the Kalahari turn green, dotted with leafy bushes and shrubs.

For more than 20,000 years, the Kalahari has been the ancestral home of the San/Bushmen.

On scenic drives you can enjoy the sunset and a cold drink in the middle of the Kalahari’s stunning scenery.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a great off-the-beaten-track wildlife destination for experienced safari-goers.

Best time to go to the Kalahari in Namibia

The Kalahari experiences an almost desert climate with very little rain and extremes in temperatures. The summers can be glowingly hot, and the night-time temperatures can drop below freezing in the winter. Summer coincides with the green season, when isolated thundershowers can occur (October to April) and the landscapes can transform into a sea of green provided enough rain has fallen. Wildlife viewing on a Kalahari safari tour can be rewarding during both seasons, but for birding, the green season is best.

Dry conditions and mild temperatures but cold nights

Green Season

Very hot temperatures but beautiful green scenery

Explore the red sand dunes of the Kalahari

One of the most iconic features of the Kalahari is undoubtably its red sand dunes which you can explore on many different activities. On a Kalahari Desert holiday, you can discover the different animals and plants which inhabit the region, or you can simply enjoy the beauty of the landscapes in serene silence. You can also learn more about the San/Bushmen and their ancient survival techniques. The Kalahari is perfect for explorers who wish to journey off the beaten path and discover this unique semi-desert.

If you want to take a break from the rest of the world, the Kalahari is a wonderful place to go. You can truly switch off, immerse yourself in your natural surroundings and find peace and solitude.

Experience the Kalahari

Fascinating Namibia

Places Windhoek, Kalahari, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Erongo Mountains, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau

from 60,500 NAD person sharing a double room

Magnificent Namibia

Places Windhoek, Kalahari, Keetmanshoop, Fish River Canyon, Luderitz, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Erongo Mountains, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau

from 88,000 NAD person sharing a double room

The Best of Namibia

Places Windhoek, Kalahari, Fish River Canyon, Luderitz, Tiras Mountains, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Ugab Valley, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau

from 46,000 NAD person sharing a double room

Sunset & sunrise scenic drives

The red dunes of the Kalahari are particularly enchanting in the warm glow of the rising sun or with a sundowner drink in hand during the late afternoon.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Although located on the South African and Botswana side of the border, the park is easily accessible from Namibia due to it being a transfrontier park.

Quiver Tree Forest

The quiver tree got its name from the fact that the San/Bushmen previously used its hollowed-out branches as quivers for their arrows.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes and visit the first transfrontier park in Africa

The many accommodations in the Kalahari offer a variety of activities but one thing they almost all share is offering spectacular sunrise or sunset scenic drives for you to enjoy. Wildlife enthusiast should not miss the chance to visit the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park when they are in the Kalahari.

• Go on a sunrise or sunset scenic drive
• Explore the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
• Visit the Quiver Tree Forest

Namibia is home to the largest cheetah population in the world and while many of the cheetahs in the Kalahari are free roaming, they can also be seen at various conservation sites.

The Kalahari is one of the best locations to see meerkats, as these highly social creatures have special adaptions to survive the extreme temperatures.

The Ostrich is largest bird in the world and their enormous eggs have several ingenious uses to the local San/Bushmen people.

Camel Thorn Tree

The seed pods and foliage of the camel thorn tree play an important part in the ecosystem of the Kalahari and the trees provide some much-needed shade for the animals.

The eland is one of the most important spiritual animals to the San/Bushmen people and many of their folklores and rituals involve the eland.

WILDLIFE & PLANT LIFE IN NAMIBIA'S KALAHARI

Life in the desert.

The Kalahari is dominated by arid landscapes and yet, there are many animals and plants which have adapted to the environment and call the region home. Cheetah, leopard, and the famous Kalahari lion are the most well-known predators here, but several antelope species including oryx and kudu can also be found. The Kalahari is also rich in reptile life and together with over 300 different bird species the Kalahari forms an important ecosystem.

Where to stay in Namibia's Kalahari

Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch

Gondwana Kalahari Anib Lodge

Eningu Clayhouse Lodge

The Kalahari is enormous and covers large parts of Botswana as well as parts of Namibia and South Africa. The greater Kalahari Basin stretches even as far as into parts of Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The area in Namibia most associated with the Kalahari is in the southeast of the country. Bordering Namibia and South Africa is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which you do not even require a visa to visit provided you enter and exit on the Namibian side.

• Kalahari   
• Windhoek 300 km | 4-5 hours’ drive
• Swakopmund 640 km | 7-8 hours’ drive
• Sossusvlei 300 km | 4-5 hours’ drive
• Luderitz 540 km | 7 hours’ drive
• Fish River Canyon 440 km | 5-6 hours’ drive
• Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo) 710 km | 9-10 hours’ drive

Experience Namibia with us

Speak to one of our local advisors, let's start planning your trip.

We will get back to you within 2 working days.

Tel: +26 (0)46 257 1769 - Whatsapp: +264 (0)81 148 5100 Email: [email protected] Like us on Facebook     Trip Advisor     References Blog

Kalahari Safari - Prestige Trophy Hunting Lodge & Spa in Namibia, Africa

Trophy hunting lodge & accommodation in namibia.

The prestige trophy hunting lodge of Kalahari Safari welcomes you to the country of Namibia - an unexplored land of diverse landscapes and an incredible variety of wildlife with superb game and wildlife hunting. Hunting Africa is a life long dream for many hunters and Kalahari Safari offers the opportunity to experience that special Namibia hunting trip.

Kalahari Safari is a family run safari operation, situated on 45 000 acres of privately owned land in the Kalahari, only two hours drive from Windhoek International Airport - a true camel-thorn tree and yellow oak savannah.

We invite you to experience the unforgettable adventure of an authentic trophy hunting safari in the Kalahari. We are proud to offer exclusive, professional and personalized hunting trips to the discerning hunter and his family.

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View & Buy our Kalahari Cookbook

A Brief Introduction

Travel with Purpose

Kalahari Conservation Safari – Make a meaningful and positive impact by joining this authentic wildlife conservation experience

Sustainable Tourism

A project that marries sustainable conservation efforts with the awe-inspiring beauty of Africa’s wildlife

The ultimate experience

Experience the incredible wildlife research adventure that this Kalahari conservation safari has to offer in one of Africa’s last remaining true wildernesses

A True- Eco-Safari

An unparalleled Kalahari Conservation Safari and Wildlife Research Experience

Conservation Adventure

Enjoy a safari whilst contributing to Wildlife Research in this unique Kalahari Conservation Safari

Explore The Kalahari

Encounter this vast and majestic wilderness like never before

Kalahari Safari

View the naturally occurring Kalahari species at their finest!

Exclusive Kalahari Conservation Safari

They’ve shared our content…

Conservation Experience

Exclusive kalahari conservation safari: make a real impact.

Discover a uniquely hands-on wildlife conservation experience in South Africa’s vast Kalahari Desert. Immerse yourself in Khamab Kalahari Reserve, a 240,000-acre Big-5, malaria-free, private game reserve. Participate in hands-on wildlife research within South Africa’s vast Kalahari Desert. Track iconic predators like African wild dogs and directly contribute to vital conservation efforts in this remote and pristine wilderness. Monitor other endangered species like pangolins and cheetahs. Assist with camera trap surveys, participate in crucial game counts, and contribute to critical anti-poaching efforts. Break free from crowded tourist circuits and rigid schedules.  Make a true contribution to wildlife research on this once-in-a-lifetime conservation safari.

Kalahari Conservation Safari and Research Expedition – African Wild Dogs, Cheetahs, Pangolins & More

Dive deeper than a typical wildlife safari and become a partner in critical conservation research on South Africa’s largest private big-5 reserve, Khamab Kalahari Reserve . Your experience goes beyond viewing threatened species like African wild dogs, cheetahs, and pangolins. Get involved in the hands-on research projects essential to their survival. Conduct game counts, monitor camera traps, and even play a role in anti-poaching efforts. This is the Kalahari as few experience it – remote, untamed, and where your efforts truly make an impact in this unique African ecosystem. A true Kalahari Conservation Safari for wildlife research!

Predator Research

Based on the ecological needs of the reserve, we are participating in continuous monitoring of predator populations…

Pangolin Monitoring

Join us on the front lines of pangolin conservation in the Kalahari. While best known for its iconic large carnivores …

Camera Traps

Placing and monitoring camera traps to conduct scientific research and animal identification (e.g. a wild dog’s unique …

Game Counts

Conduct regular game surveys to monitor the distribution and sex and age ratios in all the reserve’s wildlife…

Vegetation Surveys

The reserve’s ecologist has set a programme in motion to monitor changes in fauna and flora. Over sixty sites…

Anti Poaching

Due to the ongoing poaching crisis plaguing South Africa, we offer guests the chance to contribute to the anti-poa…

Your Kalahari Conservation Safari Basecamp: Comfort in the Heart of Wilderness

Experience a uniquely comfortable base for your Kalahari conservation adventure in our exclusive tented lodge. Situated within Khamab Kalahari Reserve , South Africa’s largest private big-5 game reserve, our camp offers just five two-sleeper tents with en-suite bathrooms. Discover unrivaled wildlife sightings right from camp and marvel at the Bortle 1 dark skies during unforgettable nights by the bonfire boma. We provide essentials like electricity, hot water, Wi-Fi, and purified drinking water. With catering options available, let us tailor your Kalahari conservation experience to your needs.

Cheetah Monitoring

Lion Monitoring

Working with wildlife founders – edyta and gary.

We founded Working with Wildlife in 2016 because we believe that Africa’s wildlife doesn’t need more passive observers – it needs advocates and ambassadors. We believe that tourism needs to take a more active stance in wildlife conservation, and that the best way to make someone care is to let them be a part of the solution.

With our conservation safari, you won’t just see wild animals from afar; you’ll be part of their story. You’ll track endangered species, gather crucial data, and witness firsthand the challenges they face. This isn’t armchair conservation; it’s getting your hands dirty in the Kalahari sand for a cause. The traditional safari ideal – of pristine wilderness, untouched by reality – is a dangerous illusion.

We’re not interested in selling you a fantasy. We want to show you the truth, the beauty and the struggle, because that’s what ignites change. Our conservation safari isn’t just a once-in-a-lifetime experience; it’s a catalyst. We want you to leave not just with incredible photos, but with a burning desire to make a meaningful difference for Africa’s incredible and unique wildlife.

What People Are Saying About Our Conservation Safari

Our guests are our top priority, and we’re dedicated to providing the best possible conservation safari imaginable. Here’s what a few of our past guests have to say about us.

I had the privilege of spending time with Edyta and Gary at “Working with Wildlife” in the heart of the Kalahari Desert within the !Khamab Reserve. It was an experience that transcended mere tourism. This camp is not your typical safari lodge. It’s a place where conservation takes center stage and where the team is committed to preserving the delicate balance of this unique African ecosystem. The hosts are nothing short of extraordinary. Their passion for wildlife and conservation is contagious. They made us feel at home and (almost) like family. “Working with Wildlife” is a gateway to understanding, respect, and experience wilderness in a remote and extraordinary reserve. If you’re seeking an authentic safari experience that leaves a positive footprint, look no further !!! I would particularity recommend this camp for families with kids as the ability to participate in conservation efforts makes the experience a lot more interesting and rewarding. – Alban Gerbet

Wow, Working With Wildlife makes dreams come true! What a magical place in the middle of nowhere. Gary and Edyta made a beautiful camp in the Kalahari where you feel welcome from the first minute you arrive. The tents have everything you need, and more. The food that Edyta creates is delicious (and more than you need ;-)). And the knowledge that Gary shares is more than you ever can remember. We had game drives where we followed 3 beautiful male lions and ended up with a female lion with her 4 curious cubs around the game viewer. We had lunch while 4 cheetah’s were on the hunt for their lunch just in front of us. The highlight of our 1 week stay in the camp was the release of a big elephant bull who was relocated from another reserve. This is something I will always remember. It was so special. If you ever wanna be close to nature in a big 5 reserve, want to help with nature conservation and learn a lot: don’t hesitate and book your stay at Working with Wildlife. You won’t regret it. – Helga Leenstra

A truly unforgettable experience that leaves you planning your return! It truly warms my heart to know that there is a vast space in the Kalahari that is relatively untouched by humans and where a handful of truly amazing people take such care to keep it that way. I had the most amazing adventure when I got to finally get a taste of what my friends had tried to explain the year before, but until you are there and get to see the vast beauty surrounding you, you don’t really understand. The true wonder of this magical place is that it is not full of lodges and vehicles in radio contact with each other racing from one sighting to the next and jockeying for position. This is a place that focuses on the balance of nature and allows you to search and see animals in their natural habitat. Gary and Edyta are such wonderful hosts that you feel like you are in your home away from home. They are soo passionate about wildlife and this project. Their knowledge and experience and willingness to share this with others make this a place not to miss! – Monique Kemp

Working with Wildlife News

Gemsbuck: The Icon of the Desert

Recent posts, elephant trunk: the amazing conservation tool & survival key.

White Rhino vs Black Rhino: How to Tell Them Apart & Help Protect Them

Pangolin vs Armadillo: The Mysteries of Armored Mammals

Reserve Now for the April 2025 Opening

Have you been dreaming of Africa Hunting? Well its time to make that a reality, Kalahari Safaris offers you the best choice to experience a true African Hunting Safari in Botswana, Africa.

At Kalahari Safaris we offer a customized luxury African hunting experience. We also offer Photographic adventure opportunities on our private properties, situated on thousands of acres of remote and unspoiled wild-land for you to bask in during your stay. We directly border the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. This massive natural park is over 20,000 thousand square miles in size and one of the largest game reserves on the planet. Our area holds some of the purest genetic quality available anywhere today as it relates to trophy and animal quality. This is why people keep choosing to experience a Hunting or Photographic Safari with Kalahari Safaris in Botswana, Africa.

Our location in the center of the Kalahari means our area is an open brush land with large savannahs. This allows you to see large herds of game such as Wildebeest, Gemsbuck, Impala and Springbok – just to name a few. We offer African Plains Game Safaris and African Dangerous Game Safaris with opportunities in, pursuing the elusive honey badger all the way to the famous Botswana Elephant, from luxury camps to remote old style east African tented camps with packages offered at all levels.

For those who enjoy great meals, Kalahari Safaris Botswana is a culinary delight that promises not to disappoint. Our lodge places a paramount emphasis on every meal, curated by the finest chefs in Botswana. From international delicacies to local flavors, our menu boasts a top-tier selection that includes specialties like the iconic and delectable Kalahari acacia wood-fired pizza. 

For our African Photographic Safari clients this adventure blends photography and relaxation together. From meals prepared by brilliant chefs, to full luxury camp accommodations including massage and spa services. In addition we have high-tower game viewing blinds, which set you up for the best opportunity at seeing some of Botswana’s, and Africa’s, nature at its best. we guarantee you will not be disappointed.

To get to us, you will fly into Maun, Botswana. You will most likely be arriving from Johannesburg, South Africa. Our team will meet you at the airport and then drive to our lodge which is only 1.5 hours from the Maun Airport. This way you have a simple itinerary and an exciting start to your Africa Hunting Safari Adventure in Botswana!

Adventures With Kalahari Safaris Botswana

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Kalahari Safaris Botswana – your ultimate destination for Hunting, Photographic Safaris, Family Safaris, Plains Game Safaris, Dangerous Game Safaris, or a General Vacation Getaway. Whether you’re a first-time explorer of the African Safari or a seasoned enthusiast, our intimate and secluded luxury camps await, ready to ensure an exceptional stay for you and your family. Nestled in the heart of nature, our brand-new lodge and guest houses offer breathtaking views of wildlife right from the camp areas.

Our property borders the Central Kalahari Game Reserve which is over 20,000 square miles in size, since its establishment in 1961. The open savannahs hold thousands of animals, including Elephant, Giraffe, Lion, Leopard, Wild dog, Cheetah, Hyena, Big Kudu, Eland, Gemsbuck, Wildebeest, Duiker, Steenbok and many other species of African wildlife. With the park being a no-hunting zone, it hosts some of the purest genes in trophy-quality game animals.

In the heart of the Kalahari, our region is home to the largest population of the San Bushmen, one of Africa’s oldest surviving cultures. Partnering with these indigenous hunter-gatherers, our African Hunting Safaris and Photographic Safaris include skilled Bushman trackers, offering an unparalleled experience in game tracking. As you explore, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the San Bushmen, and don’t miss the chance to witness their famous trance dance – a spiritual ritual of healing led by the Shaman.

At Kalahari Safaris, we go beyond safaris. Experience the thrill of a San Bushman Dance during your stay, a unique and mesmerizing event. Engage in this communal activity around a fire, as the Shaman and fellow tribesmen perform the trance dance, surrounded by the clapping and rhythmic beats of women and children on the outer circle. It’s a night of unparalleled energy that everyone should witness.

Our African Hunting Safaris and Photographic Safaris are not just extraordinary but also reasonably priced and affordable. For inquiries about lodge availability and to make your adventure a reality, contact Kalahari Safaris Botswawa  today.

Our Areas & Camps

Our areas expand all across Botswana, although our headquarters and base camp borders the Central Kalahari Game Reserve – this is where most of our clients will stay. Depending on the species and activities you decide to participate in, such as Cape Buffalo or Elephant hunting – or our River Tours & Tiger Fishing we would be using other camps. Each one of these areas being luxurious and enjoyable places to experience.

All of our camps have the most comfortable beds and linens with daily laundry service which means you do not need to overpack when it comes to clothes. Everyday you spend in one of our areas is a dream-like experience. As our areas are remote and beautiful, teaming with wildlife, food and drinks that can not be duplicated anywhere in the world. Our acacia wood fires and sunsets are to die for, not to mention the sounds of the African Doves cooing all day long. All of these different sights, smells and adrenaline-pumped adventures are sure to give you the experience of a lifetime! 

Once you book your first African Safari with Kalahari Safaris Botswana, you will be compelled to come back year after year.

Latest News & Blogs

Wildlife photography tips on safari.

Embarking on a Safari adventure can be an extremely exhilarating and meaningful experience. Going on Safari with places like Kalahari Safaris Botswana, offers the avid photographer an expansive canvas of impressive landscapes, wildlife and nature. It gives you the opportunity to view magnificent animals like Leopards, Lions and Elephants in

Tips for a Successful Safari with Kids

Embarking on a Safari adventure with the little ones can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, it could prove to be a disaster with inadequate planning and knowledge about where you are going beforehand. It is essential to plan carefully to ensure your, as well as their safety and

Seasonal Highlights in African Safari Regions

Embarking on an African Safari is an unforgettable experience and it is best to ensure that you are informed about the best time and season to visit each of the regions. Each region has its own diverse and unique tapestry which evolves and changes with each season, offering new and

Night Safari Adventures

Night Safaris have historically been overlooked by many safari camps and lodges, however, in recent years this spectacle has grown immensely in popularity. Going on African Safaris during the day offers a great experience, allowing you to see the commonly sought-after animals you often hear about from travelers. However, a

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Sustainable safaris: South Africa's ecology-minded luxury lodges

With safaris in Africa, for a long time now the goal has been to hunt big game. And safari mass-tourism, where dozens of vehicles chase a leopard is increasingly frowned upon. Travel operators are now instead leaning toward another trend - "gentle tourism."

Those who wish to experience wild animals close up also no longer want to do it in a way that harms the creatures. Even better is when safari companies share a portion of their revenues in nature conservation efforts.

Does the money I'm spending only making a profit for the operator? Or is some of it going toward protecting nature? Above all it is the younger generation among safari guests who when they book a tour post are asking such questions and are choosing a travel company according to ecological criteria, reports Julie Cheetham, business manager of Weeva, a platform that supports tourism operators in the area of sustainability.

South Africa's eco-safari push

Cheetham says that South Africa is at the vanguard of eco-safaris. It is above all in the safari segment that she has seen a great amount of reevaluation. Many safari companies are investing in environmental projects, are joining in the battle against poaching and seeking a balance in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

From the outset, eco-safaris begin by offering the most sustainable lodgings possible. Instead of colonial-style buildings of cement and bricks, the focus now is on more environmentally-friendly lodges built from locally sourced materials, Cheetham points out.

One such venue is the new "Tswalu Loapi Camp" in Kalahari in northern South Africa. It consists chiefly of domestic wood and canvas, stands atop stilts, and has elevated walkways. These provide small animals and reptiles shade.

Listing further efforts, the camp is powered by solar panels and rainwater is collected for showers. There are neither plastic bottles nor trash bags, little to no plastic can be seen here. In the restaurant the menu offers seasonal cuisine with, as much as possible, local ingredients from local suppliers.

The safari operator Singita, which runs lodging in the world-famous Kruger National Park, has undertaken similar measures.

More carbon being compensated than emitted

Many eco-safari companies in the meantime are calculating the energy and water consumption of each individual guest - and, to compensate, providing investments in climate protection projects. What remains on the energy consumption side of the ledger are the long distances travelled. But guests are provided an additional chance to compensate for the greenhouse gases caused by their flights.

The effects of this new sustainability are making people sit up and take notice. Tswalu, a 114,000-hectare reservation, has developed into a carbon-positive protection zone. Carbon compensation now outpaces emissions.

The reservation absorbs 13.5 tons of carbon annually, reports Prince Ngomane, who is in charge of sustainability at the Tswalu Foundation. "We only need about a quarter of this. The rest is made available as a carbon credits," he says.

And so it has come about that other eco-operators such as Singita are promising guests a CO2-neutral stay. Or they document in great detail the aspects of a stay according to sustainability criteria. Cheethem mentions as an example that at some eco-lodges, the menus even list the carbon footprint of individual dishes.

Quietly touring the savannah in an electric car

Even in the savannah electro-mobility is a topic being advanced. In the solar-powered luxury lodge "Cheetah Plains" in Kruger Park, they use electric all-terrain vehicles whose batteries are recharged by solar energy. Numerous other lodges are also experimenting with battery-powered off-road vehicles. But this is not without its problems. Safaris usually cover long distances which are too much for many batteries.

So far, recharging stations in the middle of the savannah are scarcely an option, Weeva director Cheetham notes. Another problem is that dust and sand also are a challenge for electric motors. The Tswalu reservation has therefore invested in four smaller conventional safari vans which consume less fuel than normal-sized ones.

There are other safari mobility options - for example touring on foot, saddling up a horse or hopping on a bicycle. Cheetham says all these are increasingly in demand. But instead of being seated safely inside a vehicle, guests have to depend all the more on the expertise of an experienced ranger, one who just in case carries a loaded rifle along.

100% of the profits for nature preservation

For decades, profit was the top aim of the safari tourism industry. Operators made use of nature without any regard of the long-range effects. By contrast, Tswalu today is regarded as a model example for ecological safaris. In 2021 the reservation's owners devoted 86% of their total investments in nature preservation, rehabilitation of natural habitats and the battle against poaching.

"Lepogo Lodge" in Limpopo Province is taking it a step further. This is a non-profit company that returns 100% of its profits to conservation. Named after the Sotho word for "cheetah," the lodge is focusing on the reintroduction and preservation of cheetahs.

Singita sustainability coordinator Dr. Andrea Ferry sums it up: "Since the safari is essentially a natural product, it makes perfect sense for us to be pioneers in conservation."

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Sustainable safaris: South Africa's ecology-minded luxury lodges

W ith safaris in Africa, for a long time now the goal has been to hunt big game. And safari mass-tourism, where dozens of vehicles chase a leopard is increasingly frowned upon. Travel operators are now instead leaning toward another trend - "gentle tourism."

Those who wish to experience wild animals close up also no longer want to do it in a way that harms the creatures. Even better is when safari companies share a portion of their revenues in nature conservation efforts.

Does the money I'm spending only making a profit for the operator? Or is some of it going toward protecting nature? Above all it is the younger generation among safari guests who when they book a tour post are asking such questions and are choosing a travel company according to ecological criteria, reports Julie Cheetham, business manager of Weeva, a platform that supports tourism operators in the area of sustainability.

South Africa's eco-safari push

Cheetham says that South Africa is at the vanguard of eco-safaris. It is above all in the safari segment that she has seen a great amount of reevaluation. Many safari companies are investing in environmental projects, are joining in the battle against poaching and seeking a balance in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. 

From the outset, eco-safaris begin by offering the most sustainable lodgings possible. Instead of colonial-style buildings of cement and bricks, the focus now is on more environmentally-friendly lodges built from locally sourced materials, Cheetham points out.

One such venue is the new "Tswalu Loapi Camp" in Kalahari in northern South Africa. It consists chiefly of domestic wood and canvas, stands atop stilts, and has elevated walkways. These provide small animals and reptiles shade.

Listing further efforts, the camp is powered by solar panels and rainwater is collected for showers. There are neither plastic bottles nor trash bags, little to no plastic can be seen here. In the restaurant the menu offers seasonal cuisine with, as much as possible, local ingredients from local suppliers.

The safari operator Singita, which runs lodging in the world-famous Kruger National Park, has undertaken similar measures.   

More carbon being compensated than emitted

Many eco-safari companies in the meantime are calculating the energy and water consumption of each individual guest - and, to compensate, providing investments in climate protection projects. What remains on the energy consumption side of the ledger are the long distances travelled. But guests are provided an additional chance to compensate for the greenhouse gases caused by their flights.

The effects of this new sustainability are making people sit up and take notice. Tswalu, a 114,000-hectare reservation, has developed into a carbon-positive protection zone. Carbon compensation now outpaces emissions.

The reservation absorbs 13.5 tons of carbon annually, reports Prince Ngomane, who is in charge of sustainability at the Tswalu Foundation. "We only need about a quarter of this. The rest is made available as a carbon credits," he says.

And so it has come about that other eco-operators such as Singita are promising guests a CO2-neutral stay. Or they document in great detail the aspects of a stay according to sustainability criteria. Cheethem mentions as an example that at some eco-lodges, the menus even list the carbon footprint of individual dishes.

Quietly touring the savannah in an electric car

Even in the savannah electro-mobility is a topic being advanced. In the solar-powered luxury lodge "Cheetah Plains" in Kruger Park, they use electric all-terrain vehicles whose batteries are recharged by solar energy. Numerous other lodges are also experimenting with battery-powered off-road vehicles. But this is not without its problems. Safaris usually cover long distances which are too much for many batteries.

So far, recharging stations in the middle of the savannah are scarcely an option, Weeva director Cheetham notes. Another problem is that dust and sand also are a challenge for electric motors. The Tswalu reservation has therefore invested in four smaller conventional safari vans which consume less fuel than normal-sized ones.

There are other safari mobility options - for example touring on foot, saddling up a horse or hopping on a bicycle. Cheetham says all these are increasingly in demand. But instead of being seated safely inside a vehicle, guests have to depend all the more on the expertise of an experienced ranger, one who just in case carries a loaded rifle along.

100% of the profits for nature preservation

For decades, profit was the top aim of the safari tourism industry. Operators made use of nature without any regard of the long-range effects. By contrast, Tswalu today is regarded as a model example for ecological safaris. In 2021 the reservation's owners devoted 86% of their total investments in nature preservation, rehabilitation of natural habitats and the battle against poaching.

"Lepogo Lodge" in Limpopo Province is taking it a step further. This is a non-profit company that returns 100% of its profits to conservation. Named after the Sotho word for "cheetah," the lodge is focusing on the reintroduction and preservation of cheetahs.

Singita sustainability coordinator Dr. Andrea Ferry sums it up: "Since the safari is essentially a natural product, it makes perfect sense for us to be pioneers in conservation."