Things To Do In Central Kalahari

10 Premier Central Kalahari Activities

Let’s offer you a brief window of opportunity into what sort of fun-filled activities you can do in Central Kalahari. Looking up into the starry skyline and witnessing countless stars, scenic flights over the reserves’ distinct ecosystems, and learning what the culture of the San Bushmen is all about! One thing we can say with certainty is that there is no deficit as to what you can experience in the vast expanse of the Kalahari.

Therefore, with that in mind, here’s a list of Things to do in Central Kalahari that will flat-out set the standard on the highest level for visitors on Botswana Safari Tours.

Guided Game Drives – Step into the heart of the Kalahari!

A Central Kalahari Safari sets the stage for you to explore the vast wilderness and ecosystem of the reserve. Accompanied by experienced guides, you can witness the incredible diversity of wildlife that calls the Kalahari home, from black-maned lions and cheetahs to zebras and giraffes.

• Guided game drives offer a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat, providing a truly cherished experience.
• The drives are also an opportunity to learn about the Kalahari's ecosystem, the animals' interdependence, and the challenges of survival in this harsh environment.

Walking Safaris – Traverse the deserted land on foot!

Walking safaris in Central Kalahari offers a unique and intimate experience of this vast wilderness, providing visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of the bush.

• As you set out on foot, led by experienced and knowledgeable guides, you become part of the landscape, moving at the pace of the wildlife and discovering the Kalahari's secrets.
• Walking safaris are also a great way to learn about the Kalahari's ecology, geology, and cultural heritage.
• The guides are knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna and can provide insights into the traditional knowledge and practices of the San Bushmen, who have lived in the Kalahari for thousands of years.

A preview of the experience – As you walk through the Kalahari, you’ll experience the full sensory richness of the bush. The smell of the grasses, the sounds of birds and animals, and the feel of the sun on the skin all contribute to evoking a deeper appreciation of this unique environment.

Tour of the Deception Valley – Only deceptive in the name!

The Deception Valley Tour is one of the primary Things to do in Central Kalahari. Led by knowledgeable and experienced guides, this tour offers a unique and intimate insight into the history, ecology, and culture of the Kalahari.

• The tour begins with a drive through the breathtaking landscapes of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, with its endless horizons, rolling dunes, and vast savannahs.
• As you approach Deception Valley, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with towering dunes, rocky outcrops, and the sparkling waters of the Boteti River in the distance.
• As visitors explore the valley, they may encounter a wide range of wildlife, including herds of springbok, wildebeest, and oryx, as well as predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

As the tour winds down, visitors can enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch or sundowner, with stunning views of the Kalahari stretching out in all directions.

Birdwatching – Colorful spectacle of Kalahari’s feathered creatures!

Central Kalahari is a picture-perfect destination for twitchers! We advise that you visit the reserve in the wet season (from November to April) for the perfect birdwatching experience.

• One of the best places to go birdwatching in Central Kalahari is at the Deception Valley Camp.
• The camp is situated in the heart of the reserve and offers visitors the opportunity to explore the surrounding wilderness on foot or by vehicle.
• The camp also offers guided birdwatching tours, led by experienced and knowledgeable guides who are passionate about the region's birdlife.

Falcon’s Savvy Suggestions - A good pair of binoculars is essential for spotting and identifying different bird species. It's also recommended to bring a bird guidebook or app to help with identification. Furthermore, you should wear comfortable and sturdy clothing and footwear suitable for the rugged terrain.

Stargazing – Space out in the remote wilderness!

Central Kalahari Safaris happen in one of the most remote and isolated regions of Southern Africa, making it an ideal choice for stargazing. The reserve's pristine skies offer a crystal-clear view of the stars, planets, and galaxies that make up our universe.

• Some of the most notable stars you can see at night include the Southern Cross, Orion's Belt, and the Milky Way.
• The reserve's remote location and lack of light pollution allow visitors to observe the stars in all their glory, including shooting stars and meteor showers.

Pro Tip - A good pair of binoculars or a telescope can enhance the stargazing experience, allowing you to observe stars up close. Also consider bringing warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at night.

Cultural Excursions – Where fun collides with learning experiences!

Cultural excursions are one of the major takeaways of Things to Do in Central Kalahari. These tours offer a rare opportunity to understand one of the most unique and oldest cultures in Southern Africa – the San Bushmen.

• The San Bushmen are a hunter-gatherer people who have lived in the Kalahari region for over 20,000 years, making them one of the oldest indigenous groups in the world.
• Their deep connection to the land and their ancient traditions and practices make them a fascinating culture to explore.

On cultural excursions, you’ll come to learn about the lifestyles and unique language (clicking sounds) of these indigenous people and fully soak yourself in enriching experiences.

Tour of the Piper Pan – Admire the Fusion of elaborate ecosystems!

Piper Pan is one of the most picturesque locations in Central Kalahari Tours here offers the chance to explore the splendid surroundings and spot the diverse wildlife.

• The tour begins with a scenic drive through the reserve, with knowledgeable guides pointing out the different animals and birds that call the region home.
• Once at Piper Pan, you can explore the region on foot, with guided walks led by experienced guides.
• The region is characterized by its stunning dunes and expansive grasslands, providing visitors with incredible views of the surrounding landscapes.

Plus, you’ll also be able to learn the traditional uses of the plants found in the region, with guides providing insights into the San Bushmen's hunting and gathering practices.

Seeing Chapman’s Baobab – One that gives life to the arid landscape!

Visitors on a Central Kalahari Safari should make a point to see Chapman's Baobab, as it is a true wonder of nature.

• The tree's massive size and distinctive shape make it a sight to behold, with its twisted trunk and branches creating a striking shadow against the surrounding landscapes.
• The tree also provides important habitat for a variety of animals and birds, making it an important part of the region's ecosystem.

Seeing Chapman's Baobab is a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and resilience of nature and to appreciate the rich cultural and natural heritage of Central Kalahari.

Falcon’s Insight – Even though Chapman’s baobab fell in 2016, the tree hasn’t decomposed and still shows some signs of life.

Visiting the Sunday Pan – The largest pan in the reserve!

Seeing the Sunday Pan in Central Kalahari is an incredible experience, especially for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This large salt pan is an important gathering place for wildlife, especially during the dry season when water sources become scarce.

• On a Botswana Safari here, you can witness a variety of animals, including herds of antelopes, wildebeests, and zebras, as they congregate around the pan to drink and feed.
• The panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes from the Sunday Pan are also breathtaking, making it a popular spot for photography and birdwatching.

Overall, seeing the Sunday Pan is an unforgettable experience that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the fascinating wildlife and landscapes of Central Kalahari.

Scenic Flights – Spellbindedly Splendid aerial views of the Kalahari!

Scenic Helicopter flights are the best way to relish the natural beauty and wildlife of the reserve from a different perspective. You can choose from a variety of flights, ranging from short 30-minute flights to longer and more comprehensive tours that last several hours.

• During the flights, passengers can admire the breathtaking landscapes of the Kalahari, including expansive grasslands, towering dunes, and picturesque salt pans.
• The flights also offer unique views of birdlife, with the chance to see large flocks of flamingos or the rare sightings of the black-chested snake eagle.

Soaring above the desert and bushlands of Central Kalahari is guaranteed to be a hypnotizing experience.

High-spirited activities in the remote, beating heart of Botswana!

To wrap things up, we don’t want you to ponder over what activities you should take part in during your Safari In Central Kalahari too much! This is why we have gone over the definitive Things to Do in Central Kalahari above. Thus, let the fun-soaked possibilities wash over you and participate in the safari activities in the untrodden surroundings of the Kalahari.