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Antelope seen on safari, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana

Luxury Kalahari
Tours made for you

Discover the best of the Kalahari on an unforgettable journey designed by safari experts
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See the Big Five

Spot all the Big Five, including endangered black rhinos

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20,000 years of history

The San people have the skills to survive in the harshest of environments

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Unique desert wildlife

See desert specialist animals such as meerkats and bat-eared foxes

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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

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.

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Tor Saner

Senior Travel Designer

Why book with Jacada?

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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.

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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.

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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

There are many incredible places to stay in the Kalahari. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want form your Kalahari tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Discover more of Southern Africa

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Best time for safari

May–October

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Green season

December–January

When is the Best Time to Visit South Africa?

When is the Best Time to Visit South Africa?

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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.

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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.

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