The Kalahari Desert extends 900,000 square kilometers, covering much of Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa. The Okavango river flows into a delta in the northwest, forming marshes that are rich in wildlife.

The Kalahari Desert has a number of game reserves - the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (the world's second largest protected area), Khutse Game Reserve and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Animals in the region include elephants, lions, giraffes, brown hyenas, jackals, meerkats, warthogs and several species of antelope and many species of birds and reptiles.

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Khutse Game Reserve are both located in Botswana. Most of the wildlife concentration is found in the Northern half of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Khutse Game Reserve is the southern extension of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. It was opened in 1971 and is an ideal spot to experience true wilderness away from the busier parks of Northern Botswane.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park straddles the border between South Africa and Botswana and comprise two adjoining national parks: Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. The total area is about 38,000 square kilometers (15,000 sq mi) of which about one quarter is located in South Africa. Red sand dunes, sparse vegetation and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob show antelope and predator species off at a premium, and provide excellent photographic opportunities. There are more than 200 species of birds in the park and Kgalagadi is considered a haven for bird watchers, especially for those interested in birds of prey.

Access to Kgalagadi can be gained through five gates in three different countries (South Africa, Botswana and Namibia). The South African access is through the Twee Rivieren Gate (immigration control gate). Passports are not required for entry, unless departure is planned through a different gate into one of the other countries. Note, that tourists are required to stay over for two nights in one ore more of the overnight facilities of the Kgalagadi if the intention is to travel from one country to another.

In South Africa, Kgalagadi has six different camps of varying size, facilities and costs. Three of these, Twee Rivieren, Mata Mata, and Nossob, are traditional rest camps with basic shopping facilities and fuel. The three others are wilderness camps, with no fences, and invites the Kalahari right into your room. In Botswana, camping is available at Polentswa, Rooiputs, Two Rivers and in Mabuasehube. A 4x4 vehicle is necesarry to access the Botswana side of the Park, and all routes within Botswana are to be travelled by no less than two vehicles.    

Hotels in Cape Town

South African Cities	Tourist Attractions	Game Parks	Activities	South Africa Travel	Safari Lodges
Johannesburg	Kruger National Park	Kruger National Park	Photo Safaris	International Flight
Cape Town	Table Mountain	Kalahari Desert	Golf	Domestic Flight
Durban	Cape Point	Hluhluwe-Umfolozi	Beach Holiday	Car Rental
Port Elizabeth	Wine Routes	Addo Elephant Park	Diving	Train
Pretoria	Garden Route	Marakele Park	Surfing	Bus
Bloemfontein	Cape Whale Route	Pilanesberg Park	Hunting Safaris	Cruises
Pietermaritzburg	Blyde River Canyon	iSimangaliso Wetland	Fishing	Links
Rustenburg	Drakensberg Range	Shamwari Game Reserve	Wine Tasting
East London	Durban Beachfront	Sabi Sands	Hiking
Pietersburg	Soweto	Other Game reserves	Sailing