Central Kalahari National Park

Safaris in South Africa are, without question, one of the most breathtaking experiences available to nature lovers around the world. Not far from the famed Kruger Park, however, in neighbouring Botswana, lies the second largest game reserve in the world. The Central Kalahari National Park was established in 1961, and at 52 800 square kilometres, this beautiful reserve is larger than Lesotho and Swaziland combined. Situated in the centre of Botswana, the reserve is famous for its vast open plains, massive saltpans and ancient riverbeds, making for unforgettable Botswana safaris featuring some of the finest game viewing in the country.
 

During the period between December and April, game congregates in the pans and the valley, making this the ideal time for viewing. A huge range of fauna and flora are on display, including giraffe, brown hyena, warthog, wild dog, cheetah, leopard, lion, blue wildebeest, eland, gemsbok, kudu, red hartebeest and springbok. The park’s resident bird species are rich and diverse and avid birdwatchers can potentially add the sociable weaver, secretary bird, martial eagle, giant eagle owl and kites to their sightings.

The indigenous tribes of the Central Kalahari region are often referred to as Bushmen, but are actually Basarwa or San people. These tribes have been living in the area for thousands of years, and were originally hunter-gatherers. Over time, however, their lifestyle has gradually changed and, as the area developed, they began living in settlements within the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Other interesting characters who have called this popular Botswana national park home include authors Mark and Delia Owens, who spent many years in the Deception Valley area of the park, undertaking research on the brown hyena. The Owens' book, Cry of the Kalahari, drew attention to this previously desolate area and today, many people refer to the Central Kalahari simply as Deception.

The name "Deception" comes from the dry surface of saltpans, which sometimes convincingly appear to be full of water, until one gets right to their edges. Deception Valley is all that remains of a sprawling riverbed that has long since dried up; now covered with short grass and the occasional island of bushy trees. The low canopies of these tree grove islands provide shelter for game during the heat of the day, offering excellent wildlife sighting opportunities. For a unique experience, that is a little further off the beaten track than other better known safaris in South Africa, be sure to experience the magic and mystery of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.