Central Kalahari and Surrounds
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve dominates Botswana - at over 56 000 square kilometres, its very size makes it almost unique in terms of protected land.
The actual Kalahari Desert is found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and southern Angola, but in Botswana very little is classic desert - as it is surprisingly well vegetated, and there is a good diversity of wildlife. The Kalahari in Botswana not only includes the massive Central Kalahari Game Reserve, but also Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans National Park; and Kalahari sands form the basin that is the Okavango Delta. The vast salt pans of the Makgadikgadi (some 10 000 square kilometres) are also part of the Kalahari, and area a very real reminder of the extent of an ancient super lake, with clear evidence of a shoreline.
During the summer (November - March) when the seasonal rainfall arrives, the grass bordering the pans turns green and herds of zebra, wildebeest, and other antelope species migrate in large numbers to this food source. The area is also alive with nesting flamingo, pelican, and duck, which also thrive on the algae and minute crustaceans.
To be more accurate the Central Kalahari and surrounds is a 'Thirstland', rather than a Desert, and this vast and unique area is well worth a visit.
The actual Kalahari Desert is found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and southern Angola, but in Botswana very little is classic desert - as it is surprisingly well vegetated, and there is a good diversity of wildlife. The Kalahari in Botswana not only includes the massive Central Kalahari Game Reserve, but also Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans National Park; and Kalahari sands form the basin that is the Okavango Delta. The vast salt pans of the Makgadikgadi (some 10 000 square kilometres) are also part of the Kalahari, and area a very real reminder of the extent of an ancient super lake, with clear evidence of a shoreline.
During the summer (November - March) when the seasonal rainfall arrives, the grass bordering the pans turns green and herds of zebra, wildebeest, and other antelope species migrate in large numbers to this food source. The area is also alive with nesting flamingo, pelican, and duck, which also thrive on the algae and minute crustaceans.
To be more accurate the Central Kalahari and surrounds is a 'Thirstland', rather than a Desert, and this vast and unique area is well worth a visit.
