About Gham Dhao Lodge

January marks the peak of the rainy season, transforming the arid terrain into a lush paradise with green grasslands and seasonal waterholes. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, bringing dramatic cloud formations and brief but intense downpours. Game viewing is spectacular, particularly in Deception Valley, where large herds of springbok, gemsbok, and wildebeest congregate, drawn by the nutrient-rich grasses.

Predators, including the famous black-maned Kalahari lions, thrive during this time, taking advantage of the abundance of newborn prey. Birdlife flourishes, with migratory species in full breeding plumage, filling the skies with vibrant colours and melodious calls. The combination of dramatic weather, abundant wildlife, and verdant landscapes makes this one of the most photogenic months in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

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February continues the lush and green conditions, maintaining high concentrations of wildlife in the valleys. The abundance of food ensures that young animals, born in previous months, are still numerous, offering excellent predator-prey interactions as they become stronger but remain vulnerable. Birdwatching is at its best, with large numbers of waders, raptors, and colourful bee-eaters making the most of the insect-rich environment.

Relatively warm evenings make night drives comfortable, allowing guests to witness nocturnal species like brown hyenas and bat-eared foxes. Although thunderstorms still occur, they are typically brief and followed by stunning sunsets, bathing the plains in golden light.

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March marks a transitional phase, as rains gradually decrease and the landscape begins to shift. The thick grass remains green, but visibility starts to improve as the vegetation thins slightly. Animal concentrations remain high in the valleys, with predators still capitalising on the abundance of prey. The last of the migratory birds prepare to depart, making this an excellent time for bird enthusiasts to catch their final glimpses of species like European rollers and yellow-billed kites.

As the air dries, dust and golden light enhance photographic opportunities, making it an ideal time for landscape photography. With fewer visitors compared to peak months, this is also a great time to enjoy a more exclusive experience.

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Perhaps one of the best months to visit the Central Kalahari, April signals the end of the rainy season, yet the landscape remains vibrant. Seasonal water sources start to shrink, encouraging wildlife to remain near the valleys where grazing is still good. Morning and evening temperatures cool, making game drives more comfortable.

As the grasses begin to die back, visibility improves, making it easier to spot wildlife. Predators continue to linger in the valleys, as prey remains concentrated, providing excellent game-viewing opportunities. The clearer skies and crisp air make this a fantastic month for both wildlife and landscape photography.

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May is a lovely month – usually with clear skies after the end of the rainy season. While the grass still holds some green hues, the land starts to take on its classic semi-arid Kalahari tones. Many herbivores begin to disperse into the surrounding vegetated dunes, though some remain in the valleys, followed closely by lions and cheetahs. The drying waterholes force game to move more, requiring greater tracking skills.

Early mornings and evenings are chilly, but daytime temperatures remain pleasant. As tourism increases, availability in lodges begins to decline, making early bookings essential.

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In June, the dry season continues in earnest, bringing cool, crisp days and cold nights, sometimes dropping below freezing. As vegetation thins, spotting wildlife becomes easier, though animals are more spread out. Tracking skills become crucial for good sightings.

The lack of humidity means clear, stunning skies, both during the day and at night, making stargazing exceptional. With almost no cloud cover, the Milky Way is visible in all its glory, making Central Kalahari Game Reserve one of the best locations in Africa for astronomical photography.

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July is one of the coldest months in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve with dry air, chilly mornings, and freezing nights. Despite the cold, the clear, blue skies and bright sunlight make for perfect game drives. With vegetation at its sparse stage, wildlife visibility is excellent, though animals remain dispersed across the reserve. Tracking is key, with patient efforts rewarded by sightings of lions, cheetahs, and elusive brown hyenas.

The lack of light pollution makes CKGR one of the world’s best stargazing destinations, offering phenomenal views of planets, deep-space objects, and constellations.

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August remains dry and crisp, with temperatures slowly beginning to rise during the day, though nights remain cold. Occasional dust storms sweep across the Kalahari, adding an atmospheric drama to the landscape. With thin vegetation, game spotting is at its easiest, and smaller species, like honey badgers, aardwolves, and black-backed jackals, become more visible.

The cool, dry air enhances photographic clarity, creating sharp, vibrant imagery. As the Southern Hemisphere’s constellations reach their most visible stage, August is a prime month for astrophotography.

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As temperatures begin to rise, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve transitions toward the hottest time of the year. The remaining water sources shrink, concentrating wildlife near pans and occasional artificial waterholes. Dust in the air intensifies Kalahari’s legendary sunsets, turning the sky into a fiery display of oranges, pinks, and deep reds.

Wildlife tracking requires more effort, as herds remain widely dispersed, but big cat sightings remain rewarding. With the increased heat, many animals seek shade midday, making early morning and late afternoon game drives the most productive.

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October is the hottest month in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, with daytime temperatures exceeding 40°C/104°F. The brutal heat forces animals into the shade, making early morning and late evening the best times for game drives. Big cats and scavengers patrol the remaining waterholes, creating dramatic predator-prey encounters.

Despite the harsh conditions, October’s dry, cracked landscapes offer striking photographic opportunities, with lone acacia trees and heatwaves shimmering on the horizon. Dust storms are frequent, adding an element of raw wilderness to the experience.

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November signals the beginning of the rains, breaking the intense heat and triggering an instant transformation of the landscape. The first thunderstorms arrive, refreshing the dry terrain and encouraging new grass growth, which in turn attracts the first herds of springbok, gemsbok and a scattering of wildebeest back to the valleys.

The return of migratory birds marks the start of the green season, with waders, raptors, and bee-eaters flocking to the area. Lightning storms create spectacular nightscapes, offering dramatic photographic opportunities.

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December fully ushers in the green season, bringing regular rain showers and cooler temperatures. The plains burst into life, with newborn springbok and gemsbok appearing in particularly large numbers, attracting lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

Birdwatchers will find December particularly rewarding, with the highest density of migratory species present. The fresh green scenery, reflective waterholes, and contrasting storm clouds create a stunning backdrop for photography. Fewer tourists during this period make it a more exclusive safari experience, with lower rates in many lodges.

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