Kalahari Travel Guide

Discover the top things to do, places to visit, best time to travel, and where to stay and eat in Kalahari, Botswana with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Kalahari

Welcome to Kalahari, one of Botswana’s most fascinating tourist destinations. Located in Southern Africa, Kalahari is a vast semi-desert that covers over 900,000 square kilometres. It’s home to diverse wildlife, including the Kalahari lion, meerkats, and other desert creatures, along with a deep cultural heritage.

This comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need to explore Kalahari, from the most enchanting natural attractions to culturally important landmarks and the best places to stay, eat, and shop. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or just looking for an unforgettable adventure, Kalahari provides a unique and exciting experience.

List of Places to Visit in Kalahari

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Khama Rhino Sanctuary: A wildlife sanctuary for the endangered white rhinoceros, with camping facilities and guided tours.
  • Tsodilo Hills: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 4,500 rock paintings, dating back over 20,000 years.
  • Gaborone Game Reserve: A small game reserve offering impressive wildlife sightings such as zebra, giraffe, and a variety of birdlife.

Natural Attractions of Kalahari: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Central Kalahari Game Reserve: Considered one of the largest game reserves in Africa, this reserve is home to many species of wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Camping is available in designated campsites.
  • Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: Located in the north-east region of Botswana, this park offers incredible views of the expansive salt pans and is home to a variety of wildlife, such as meerkats and other small animals.
  • Gcwihaba Caves: Located in the northern region of the Kalahari, the Gcwihaba Caves are a fascinating natural wonder consisting of large caverns and underground lakes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kalahari

Kalahari offers several breathtaking hiking and biking routes for outdoor enthusiasts. These routes provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the diverse landscape of Kalahari and take in the region’s natural beauty.

  • Kalahari Trails: Located on the Tswalu Nature Reserve, this 12.4 km trail is perfect for those looking for a challenging hike or bike ride.
  • Dqae Qare San Lodge Trails: Located close to Kang in the southern Kalahari, these trails cater to hikers of all skill levels.
  • Khutse Game Reserve: Located in the Kalahari Desert, this reserve offers several hiking and biking routes, including the 4X4 route, which is the most challenging but provides visitors with breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters.

Best Things to Do in Kalahari: Activities and Tours

Kalahari offers a wide range of activities, experiences, and tours for visitors of all ages, interests, and budgets. Here are some of the top things to do in Kalahari:

  • Game Drives: Get up close and personal with the region’s wildlife during a game drive through Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
  • Bird Watching: Bird watchers will love the variety of birdlife in Kalahari, with over 200 species of birds for visitors to spot.
  • Quad Biking: Discover the natural beauty of Kalahari on a thrilling quad bike ride.
  • San Tribe Tour: Learn about the culture and way of life of the indigenous San people, who have lived in the Kalahari for over 30,000 years.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kalahari

Day 1: Visit Khama Rhino Sanctuary and book a camping site.

Day 2: Take a morning game drive through the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and camp at Deception Valley.

Day 3: Drive to the Makgadikgadi Pans and enjoy a walking safari or do some quad biking.

Day 4: Take a day trip to Tsodilo Hills to see the rock paintings, and return to the game reserve to camp.

Day 5: Visit the Gcwihaba Caves for a cave exploration and spend the night in Ghanzi town.

Day 6: Visit the San tribe and learn about their way of life on a guided tour.

Day 7: Explore Gaborone Game Reserve and end your trip with a traditional Botswanan meal.

Food and Drink Scene of Kalahari

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seswaa: A traditional meat dish made by boiling beef or goat with salt and serving it with pap (a type of porridge).
  • Morogo: A traditional spinach stew served with pap.
  • Vetkoek: A type of fried dough served with curry or mince.

Local Beverages

  • Chibuku: A locally brewed drink made from sorghum that’s popular in Botswana.
  • Stoney Ginger Beer: A popular soft drink that’s a staple in Botswana’s food culture.

Where to Stay in Kalahari: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kalahari provides a range of accommodations to fit every budget and preference, including lodges, camping sites, and guesthouses.

  • Tau Pan Camp: Located in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, this lodge offers luxury safari tents and excellent wildlife sightings.
  • Kang Ultra Stop: Located in Kang, this hostel offers budget-friendly accommodations with free Wi-Fi and outdoor swimming pool.
  • Thuru Lodge: Located in the Ghanzi area, Thuru Lodge offers a unique eco-friendly accommodation experience.

What to Buy in Kalahari: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kalahari offers a variety of souvenirs and local products for visitors to take home, including:

  • Crafts: Handmade crafts such as baskets, pottery, and wood carvings are popular souvenirs.
  • Pula: Botswana’s currency is called Pula, and you can bring home some to remember your trip.
  • Wildlife Photography: A range of photographic prints and books featuring the unique wildlife of Kalahari.

Local Culture and Customs of Kalahari

When visiting Kalahari, it’s important to respect the local culture and customs. The San, the indigenous people of the Kalahari, have a rich culture and history. Visitors should dress modestly and ask for permission before taking pictures of them or their homes.

Best Time to Visit Kalahari

The best time to visit Kalahari is during the winter months from May to October. The weather is cooler, and wildlife sightings are more abundant.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kalahari

Do:

  • Dress in neutral colours to blend with the natural surroundings.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Take necessary precautions if hiking or biking in the area.

Don’t:

  • Wear bright colours as they may scare away wildlife.
  • Visit without preparing for the harsh desert environment.
  • Approach or feed any wild animals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kalahari

Kalahari is a generally safe destination for visitors; however, it’s important to take necessary precautions when exploring the desert. Visitors should beware of snakes and scorpions and keep a safe distance from wild animals.

Health in Kalahari

Visitors to Kalahari should take care of their health by drinking enough water to avoid dehydration and using sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid sunburn. It’s recommended that travellers get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B and Yellow Fever before visiting Kalahari.

Getting to Kalahari: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kalahari is accessible by air, road, and rail.

Airports Near Kalahari

  • Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, located in Gaborone, is the closest airport to Kalahari.
  • Maun Airport is the second option, approximately a four-hour drive from Kalahari.

Bus Stations Near Kalahari

  • Gaborone Bus Terminal is the main bus station to Kalahari.
  • Kang Bus Station is the closest bus station to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

Other Options

Visitors can also opt for organised tours and safaris, which transport them to and from the attractions in Kalahari.

How to Get Around in Kalahari

When visiting Kalahari, visitors can rent a car or join organised tours to get around.

Where to Go Next from Kalahari: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Maun: Known as the gateway to the Okavango Delta, Maun is a hub for safari excursions and cultural experiences.
  • Victoria Falls: One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is an iconic and breathtaking destination that’s only a short flight from Kalahari.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an unforgettable adventure, Kalahari in Botswana is the place to be. With its natural beauty, distinct cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities, Kalahari offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. Use our comprehensive travel guide and itinerary to get the most out of your trip to this beautiful semi-desert region.



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