Explore the mysterious and compelling Kalahari Desert and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The desert area is home to the greatest species diversity in the world and host to Southern Africa's last great zebra & wildebeest migration.
Below are a few tour options and suggestions for a safari to the Kalahari. Need some advice? Our friendly safari experts are on standby to tailor a tour that suits your every need and will assist you with each step of your journey.
Traveller tip: During the rainy season, the two largest pans – Sowa to the east and Ntwetwe to the west – flood, during this time flamingo numbers can run into the tens – and sometimes – hundreds of thousands, and the spectacle can be completely overwhelming.
The best time to view game is during the drier winter months, during which, a high concentration of game gather around diminishing water holes. Winter is characterized by dry weather, endless blue skies, warm days and freezing nights.
September - October
The days begin to heat up from September to October, while the weather remains dry and the nights cold. These conditions are great for game-viewing.
December - January
Landscapes are transformed during the rainy season of December to early January. The Kalahari Awakens with new life (many antelope give birth during this time) and the emergence of greenery from the mid-summer rains, making this a truly astonishing time to visit (if you can stand a little rainfall).
An accessible park, that unlike the vast salt pans of the South, is a smaller area made up of a mixture of both salt pans and grasslands. In spite of being the smallest of all three parks in the Kalahari, it is home to a high concentration of diverse wildlife. Sightings of elephant, giraffe and jackals are pretty much guaranteed.
Must see: Baine’s Baobabs; a bundle of ancient baobabs jutting out of a salt pan island.
Being the giant of all three conservation areas; The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a predator’s paradise owing to the abundance of wildlife that congregate around various waterholes.
Must see: Deception Valley where the luscious grasses attract a bounty of herbivores and their accompanying mammalian predators.
The largest salt pans on earth situated in North-East Botswana; the Makgadikgadi Pans are a rare and beautiful sight for any adventurer. Infinite horizons of blue sky and bare earth make for an other-worldly experience. The Park itself also contains grasslands that offer ample grazing to an abundance of wildlife.
Must see: Kubu Island - an island of granite - considered a sacred site by the indigenous people in the area, arguably one of the most incredible places on earth.
May 7, 2024
Very helpful even with ever changing trip!
Anja was very helpful in getting our tour booked for our group. With date changes, time changes, even up to the last minute flight changes, she was on top of things! We will use Safari.com in the future for our Kenya safari trips.
May 7, 2024
Wonderful experience with Safari.com
Wonderful experience with Safari.com. My Safari Agent, Dolan, has 20+ years of experience in booking a memorable safari. He guided me in picking the right lodging and safari within my budget. He offered several options and answered all my questions. His response time was fast, regardless of the international time difference, and we were able to make quick decisions. Highly recommend.
May 7, 2024
Dorothy was very helpful and courteous
Dorothy was very helpful and courteous. Very patient and kept me at ease. One thig did not work she offered something else. Amazing problem solving skills , communication and something I do not see a lot of today.. Great customer service!!!
May 6, 2024
Excellent service
I have been extremely impressed with the communication with John Pascal. He has taken care of my trip and I look forward to my visit. He has reduced my stress!
May 6, 2024
I would like to thank all the staff at…
I would like to thank all the staff at Safari.com. I have just returned from a fabulous trip to South Africa organised with their help. Very helpful, efficient and kind people.
May 5, 2024
Shann was very responsive
Shann was very responsive, provided multiple options, and was flexible to our changing needs and desires. Our travel selection was somewhat last minute and Shann was able to accommodate with many price points and reserves that were lower malaria risks.
May 3, 2024
Exceptional Planning and Service by Shann & Safari.com
I had an exceptional experience working with Shann as my travel advisor for planning my upcoming trip to Kruger, Botswana, and Victoria Falls. She was incredibly attentive and accommodating, seamlessly tailoring the trip to fit our budget and preferences. Shann’s meticulous attention to detail in the planning process has given us complete confidence that our trip will be smooth and memorable. She is always prompt in her responses and available to answer any questions we might have. I highly recommend her and safari.com
May 3, 2024
Leigh-Ann was amazing.
Leigh-Ann was amazing. She worked incredibly hard to provide us with our complex safari in Botswana and our travel and accommodation in South Africa. Leigh-Ann was always very helpful and encouraging which must have been very difficult for her as we were within a very tight time schedule to arrange our holiday. She was very thoughtful and even included a list of the things we would need to take. I am so happy with the final outcome and I am very thankful to Leigh-Ann and the other Safari.com team members who worked so hard to make our dream safari a reality.
May 2, 2024
Super!!!
Shann is great. From the first moment we got in touch. Very friendly, helpfull, patience and always available. We have a very good feeling. Looking forward to everything she arranged. Not only the safari, but also the rest of the holiday. I am sure it will be unforgettable. Thank you sooo much.
