Kalahari

The Kalahari Desert, because of its high average rainfall, is not a true desert but a semi-arid zone. The seemingly endless expanse is 900,000 square kilometers and covers 70% of Botswana, the eastern part of Namibia and the northernmost part of the Northern Cape province of South Africa. In western Namibia, the Kalahari borders the sandy Namib Desert. The term Kalahari is derived from the local word for "the thirsty land. The landscape consists of red sand dunes, salt pans, grasslands, river beds, fossil dunes and bushy acacias. The views of this immense plain, the deep red and yellow colors and the beautiful pitch-black starry sky will stay with you for a long time. Extreme temperature variations occur in the Kalahari region. Whereas in summer the temperature is between 35 and 45 degrees, in winter it can be 25 degrees during the day and cool to below freezing at night. Despite the harsh conditions, a wide variety of animals can also be found in the Kalahari. Especially during the rainy season from November to March, when rainfall turns the hard, sun-baked earth into lush grasslands. You will find lions, the brown hyena, several species of antelope and special species such as the aardwolf, the big-eared fox and honey badgers, among others, in the Kalahari. Besides being an excellent place to see wildlife, the Kalahari is also home to the San bushmen.

Highlights of the Kalahari Desert

Wildlife.

Because of the high average rainfall it receives, the Kalahari has a lot of vegetation. These trees and shrubs, in turn, attract many wild animals. From desert animals such as aardvarks, vipers, scorpions and hyenas to African classics such as the elephant, cheetah and giraffe; they are all found in the Kalahari. Enjoy the funny meerkats or be amazed at the speed and jumping skills of chamois and springbok. You can also find hartebeest, ostriches and a wide range of birds in the Kalahari. So keep your binoculars and camera at the ready!

Starry Sky

The Kalahari has virtually no light pollution. After a day full of impressions, a beautiful sunset with "sundowner" and a delicious meal, you can end the day in peace. Admire the beautiful starry sky of the Kalahari far away from civilization.

Acacia Trees

These beautiful trees, surrounded by the savannah and with a blue sky in the background, give the Kalahari its characteristic image. You might find a giraffe under the tree munching on the leaves. Or a weaver bird busy building its large nest in the tree. The shade of the tree is a wonderful cool place for a picnic.

San bushmen

The Kalahari is home to the San Bushmen. The San are the original inhabitants of all of southern Africa and their existence in the region dates back at least 20,000 years. The San are world famous for their rock paintings and survival techniques in the dry wilderness of the Kalahari. It is possible to be guided by the San on a hike through the Kalahari to learn more about their culture and way of life. You can also stay at one of the San-run lodges.