Luxury Kalahari
Tours made for you
See the Big Five
Spot all the Big Five, including endangered black rhinos
20,000 years of history
The San people have the skills to survive in the harshest of environments
Unique desert wildlife
See desert specialist animals such as meerkats and bat-eared foxes
Spectacular scenery
The Kalahari is renowned for its striking sunsets
Fiery skies, Kalahari lions and black rhinos - a distinct safari
The Kalahari, at 350,000m², spreads itself over most of Botswana, the east of Namibia and the north of South Africa. Derived from the Tswana word Kgala, meaning ‘the great thirst’, its name suggests a place of desolation and drought that belies the region’s true nature. While its harsh landscapes might seem bleak at first, this semi-arid sandy savannah supports a spectrum of animal and plant life, and is in fact not a desert in the truest sense.
Look past the unforgiving exterior and you’ll find a well-adapted eco-system teeming with wildlife. Annual rains produce blooming plains and grazing flora that attracts herds of herbivores which are followed by the big predators. Leopards, cheetahs, black-maned lions, elephants and wild dogs are plentiful, as are desert-adapted species such as meerkats and bat-eared foxes.
In fact, the Kalahari is home to the oldest continuous residents of southern Africa, the San people; a collection of nomadic hunters who have inhabited the desert for over 20,000 years. Their fascinating way of life and intimate knowledge of the intricacies of their environment is a testament to their enduring survival in this harsh climate.
Of course, spanning such a vast area, the Kalahari experiences a variety of terrains. Head to the expansive Tswalu Private Game Reserve where the ‘green’ Kalahari grasslands are home to myriad mammal species and bird varieties. Head out on a private game drive for a chance at some extraordinary sightings, before watching the remarkable sunset turn the desert red.
Highlights
Go on a private and undisturbed game drive in Tswalu Private Game Reserve, where you’ll be the only guests on the whole reserve
Spot the rarest of The Big Five – the critically endangered black rhino
Learn about the San bush people, the oldest continuous residents of southern Africa, who have lived in the Kalahari for over 20,000 years
Emily Wallington
Travel Designer
This vast, semi-arid savannah spans three countries and is home to a fascinating eco-system of plants and animals that can withstand living in the often extreme conditions. It's thrilling to see this seemingly desolate landscape alive with wildlife, and the captivating sunsets that bathe the sand dunes in a deep red glow are simply unmissable.
Emily Wallington
Travel Designer
Trip inspiration
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Luxury accommodation in the Kalahari
Discover more of Southern Africa
The Kruger
A world famous national park, and for good reason. Founded in 1898, it’s one of the oldest and largest wildlife reserves in the world, filled with abundant wildlife. The big five reside here in large numbers, while the park is home to many luxurious lodges for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.
Discover more
Okavango Delta
Botswana’s Okavango Delta has a well-deserved reputation as one of the world’s best wildlife habitats. During the dry season, its vast plains are flooded by the Okavango River, transforming it into an irresistible attraction for animals in search of water. Board a traditional mokoro to get up close and personal with its intriguing ecosystem.
Discover more
Sossusvlei
With some of the most surreal landscapes on the planet, Sossusvlei is known for its rust-coloured ridges of sand and mosaics of cracked clay soil. It is located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park and is one of the oldest and driest ecosystems on the planet. Visit during the months of October to April to see the desert transform with bright desert flowers blanketing the dunes.
Discover moreMeet your Africa team
When to visit
The best time to go on safari in South Africa is during the dry season from May to October. These cooler months bring an average temperature of 16°C (60.8°F). Dry weather conditions, shorter grass and fewer watering holes mean better visibility for wildlife viewing.
If visiting the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the rainy months of December to April transform the area into a green oasis, perfect for spotting elephants and migrating zebra.
Best time for safari
May–October
Green season
December–January
Plan your trip to
The Kalahari
Whatever you want from your adventure in The Kalahari, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Jacada provided impeccable customer service for our trip to Namibia for our ten year anniversary. Our amazing trip designer Jacob Maahs was super brilliant in the itinerary he created for us, and he pulled it off at the very last minute (we are bad planners). He was a true pleasure to work with and I would trust him with any…
Jacada planned us an incredible bucket list trip to Africa. Our travel designers really took time to get to know us, our travel preferences, and what we were looking for, which was so important since it was our first time to Africa and first time booking a trip through a travel company. We didn't know where to start between Southern…
We have just returned from a wonderful holiday...the absolute best! Starting at the Victoria Falls, viewing from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides and topped it off with a view from above (helicopter).....was stunning! We then went onto Botswana staying at both Selinda and Mombo Camps....both camps were outstanding! Accomodation, food, game drives, guides and the 'team' on the ground…
Jacada is beyond incredible and we look forward to planning future adventures with them. Our experience was flawless from beginning to end. Iain listened to our dream trip ideas and came up with a bucket list itinerary to Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. James took over and guided us with his amazing care til departure. Such peace during our travels…
Safaris, safaris, safaris..All the guides, campsite staff , hotel workers at the One and Only, restaurants in Capetown incredible! Everyone so nice. Tor at Jacada planned the perfect trip and Angela was extremely helpful with making sure we had everything together for the trip. Would return to Botswana and Zimbabwe tomorrow if could afford it. A photographer's dream.
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.
