The South African Kalahari occupies the country’s arid north-west, where red sand, sparse grassland and long dune lines create a safari landscape quite unlike the greener reserves further east. Space, light and silence are fundamental to the experience.
Wildlife of the dry country
Oryx, springbok, wildebeest and other desert-adapted animals move through the open terrain, alongside predators that can include lion, cheetah and smaller carnivores. The relative lack of dense vegetation can create wonderfully graphic wildlife encounters against red earth and pale grass.
More than game viewing
Clear air and minimal artificial light make the Kalahari exceptional for stargazing. Guided walks, tracking and time spent understanding desert ecology can be as memorable as vehicle-based safari.
Why include the Kalahari?
For travellers who have already experienced classic bushveld safari, the Kalahari provides genuine contrast. It can also combine effectively with Cape Town or other South African reserves to create a journey through dramatically different environments.
