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At a glance

  • Vast and remote, the Central Kalahari dominates the centre of Botswana and is one of the largest protected areas in Africa
  • Home to the famous Kalahari black-maned lions and some of the best cheetah viewing in Africa
  • Walk with the San Bushmen and learn how they survive in this extreme environment
  • The waterless oasis known as Deception Valley is best experienced from the air

Overview

Spanning over 50,000 square kilometres, this almost limitless space creates a scene of remote and mysterious beauty, making it not only the second-largest wildlife reserve in the world but one of picturesque appeal. Though seemingly inhospitable, the Central Kalahari offers surprisingly diverse game viewing and is home to a great variety of flora. Following summer downpours, the harsh landscape transforms into a grass-covered landscape ripe for the migration of springbok, zebra and wildebeest, not to mention predators like the famous Kalahari black-maned lion, cheetah, jackal, leopard and brown hyena.

When to visit

  • January
    19ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    32ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    75mm
    Average Rainfall
    January is in the peak of the green season, with hot sunny spells punctuated by spectacular afternoon thunderstorms, providing welcome relief from the summer heat. Rain transforms everything; the open plains are covered in wildflowers and grasses, attracting large herds of grazers such as gemsbok, springbok and wildebeest, plus the predators that follow them.
  • February
    19ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    32ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    73mm
    Average Rainfall
    February continues into the peak of the green season with hot, humid days punctuated by spectacular thunderstorms. Birding is excellent at this time of year with many migrants still around. You may still see some animals giving birth, plus the predators that surround them in search of an easy meal. February is excellent for photography with dramatic skies and vibrant landscapes bursting with colour. The Central Kalahari starts to come to life with the flourishing grasslands attracting a variety of game.
  • March
    31ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    17ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    72mm
    Average Rainfall
    March sees temperatures start to cool down, although days are still hot. The rains also start to ease off, however afternoon thunderstorms are still to be expected. March remains an excellent month for landscape photography with dramatic skies and clear air. Bird watching is good with many migrants in their breeding plumage. The Central Kalahari is green and full of life making it a magical time to visit.
  • April
    31ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    15ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    25mm
    Average Rainfall
    April is a transitional month between summer and the start of winter. Days continue to be hot and sunny, however evenings start to get cooler. Rainfall has almost ceased across the country, although there may still be a few scattered showers. As the temperatures can vary significantly between the day and night, layers are recommended. April is the best time to visit the Central Kalahari, with cooler weather, lush landscapes and prolific game.
  • May
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    3mm
    Average Rainfall
    May signals the start of the dry season and there is almost no rainfall throughout the month. Daytime temperatures are still pleasantly warm and sunny, however evenings and early mornings can be cold, so layers and a jacket are recommended. In the Central Kalahari, food becomes more scarce with the lack of rain so wildlife tends to spread out more. This can make game viewing more difficult but generally there's still plenty to see.
  • June
    25ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    6ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    1mm
    Average Rainfall
    The dry season is in full swing and there is almost no rainfall throughout the month. Daytime temperatures are still pleasantly warm and sunny, however evenings and early mornings are very cold so layers and a jacket are recommended. With no water on their surface, this is the perfect time to whizz across the pans on quad bikes and sleep out beneath the stars. In the Central Kalahari, food becomes more scarce with the lack of rain so wildlife tends to spread out more. This can make game viewing more difficult but generally there's still plenty to see.
  • July
    25ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    6ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    0mm
    Average Rainfall
    July is Botswana’s coldest month, Days are warm and sunny but early mornings and evenings are very chilly and temperatures can drop to freezing. Plenty of layers and jackets are recommended. July is also the driest month in Botswana with no rainfall. The soft light at this time combined with dust from the dry landscape makes for some dramatic photography. Game viewing in the Central Kalahari is still good although not at its best.
  • August
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    8ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    0mm
    Average Rainfall
    August remains extremely dry with clear blue skies, temperatures on the rise and warm days, though evenings and early mornings can still be chilly. Game viewing in the Central Kalahari is still good although not at its best as the animals have dispersed in search of food.
  • September
    33ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    13ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    1mm
    Average Rainfall
    The climate starts to change, signaling the end of winter. For the most part, the country is dry and temperatures start to rise quite rapidly with hot dry days and warmer evenings, even in the Kalahari. Game viewing is still good although not at its best as the animals have dispersed in search of food.
  • October
    35ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    18ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    13mm
    Average Rainfall
    October is the hottest month in Botswana with daytime temperatures often reaching 40°C and balmy evenings. Game viewing in the Central Kalahari is still good although not at its best as the animals have dispersed in search of food.
  • November
    34ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    19ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    49mm
    Average Rainfall
    November sees Botswana emerging from the dry season, with soaring thunderclouds and more migrant bird species returning once the rains start. Rain transforms everything; the open plains are covered in wildflowers and grasses, attracting large herds of grazers such as gemsbok, springbok and wildebeest, plus the predators that follow them.
  • December
    33ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    19ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    71mm
    Average Rainfall
    December is the start of the green season. The rains become more regular, with thunderstorms every few days, cooling down the hot daytime temperatures. Grazing is plentiful on the plains and predators take advantage of the newborn wildebeest and young antelope. Sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah are quite likely. The migrant birds have all arrived and the birding is excellent.

Accommodation

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