The Central Kalahari Game Reserve covers 52,800 square kilometres and is the second largest in the world. It is situated right in the centre of Botswana and is characterised by vast open plains, salt pans and ancient riverbeds. The Kalahari is not truly a desert as some parts are well vegetated. There are a wide variety of habitats and grasslands that stretch forever, including tree savannah, sparse scrubland, mature forests, sand dunes and tall grasses tolerant to sandy soil, as well as a surprising number of lilies.


The south is the driest and most susceptible to drought while in the north rains can occur between November and March. This green season sees a large migration of wildebeest and zebra and is a good time to visit the area. Game viewing includes giraffe, brown hyena, warthog, wild dog, cheetah, leopard, lion, blue wildebeest, eland, gemsbok, kudu, red hartebeest and springbok.