The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the ultimate in 'remote' safari destinations. It covers over 50,000km², most of which is inaccessible. It was, until very recently, closed to the public, although there have always been small groups of Bushmen living in the reserve. The best-known account of the area was the haunting book, Cry of the Kalahari, written by American biologists Mark and Delia Owens about their research in Deception Valley. Even now, this region is seen by only a handful of visitors every year.

The Central Kalahari is probably at its most enticing when travel there is most difficult: in the first few months of the year. At this time, the beautiful inter-dune valleys become lush with vegetation, attracting thousands of springbok and gemsbok. You'll also find good numbers of ostrich and giraffe, herds of wildebeest, excellent cheetah and the Kalahari's famous black-maned lions.

Leopard and brown hyena are common residents, too, though rarely seen. The best ways to visit this area are on a long mobile safari; a short mobile safari from Meno a Kwena Tented Camp, or a whole-day safari from Deception Valley Lodge.


^ Top of page