In November 2008 we understand that a new private camp is to open right inside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The new camp will be called Kalahari Plains Camp, and understand that it will be a rustic tented camp situated in an area known as Molapo Pans. Before now, proper exploration of the CKGR has only been possible on a self-sufficient mobile safari.
We have set out some information below provided by the camp owners:
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) offers one of the most remote and unspoilt experiences on the African continent today. Found in the Kalahari Desert biome in the central part of Botswana, this reserve is the largest conservation area in this country and at 52 800km², one of the largest in the world.
We are excited to announce the late 2008 opening of Kalahari Plains Camp, a rustic tented camp situated in a remote part of this productive and diverse protected area. The camp is beautifully situated on a low sandy ridge fringing a typical Kalahari pan.
The landscape and topography consists of flat grasslands and undulating vegetated dunes teeming with a multitude of antelope species and large predators. This area is characterised by vast open grassy plains, seasonal pans, wooded acacia islands, prehistoric scrub-covered dunes and fossil riverbeds.
Guided game drives and walks will unlock the fascinating wildlife treasures found in this wonderful area.
During the summer months, after the much-needed rains, the northern part of the CKGR, where Kalahari Plains is situated, offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Botswana. The abundance of herbivores and their prey is perfectly complemented with lush green landscapes, floral displays and beautiful skies. At this time of year these verdant flatlands are alive with aggregations of gemsbok, springbok and blue wildebeest. As a result of these aggregations on the fossil riverbeds, predator concentrations are also high and sightings of the almost mythical black-maned Kalahari lions are complemented with some of the best cheetah viewing in Africa. Wild dog and leopard are seen on occasion and black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox also occur. Other mammal possibilities include southern giraffe, steenbok, red hartebeest and the charismatic ground squirrels and meerkats (suricates).
After sunset the Kalahari is alive with the sounds of roaring lions, White-faced Scops-Owls and the garrulous calls of barking geckos. The avifauna in the reserve is equally diverse with over 220 species recorded to date. There are significant healthy populations of regionally threatened species like Kori Bustard and Lappet-faced Vulture, but birders will enjoy the opportunity to see a variety of arid-west endemic species such as Burchell's Sandgrouse, Grey-backed Sparrowlark, Kalahari Scrub-Robin and African Wren-Warbler. The vivid colours of birds such as Crimson-breasted Shrike and Violet-eared Waxbill provide a startling contrast to the sometimes stark surroundings.
Prime wildlife viewing areas include places with evocative names such as Deception Valley and Sunday Pan. The former is all that remains of an ancient riverbed which today is an 80km-long gentle valley floor covered with short palatable grasses interspersed with picturesque tree islands. The name 'Deception' is derived from the mirage effect caused by the dry surface of the pan halfway along its length which often appears misleadingly full of water.
We will be updating this page as and when more information becomes available on the new Kalahari Plains Camp, but please call us for more up to date information in the meantime.
