Explore the Wild: Discover the Beauty of the Botswana
Situated on an immense pan, Wilderness Kalahari Plains lies in a remote corner of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) – at 52 000 square kilometres (20 077 square miles), larger than Belgium. A place famed for vast herds of antelope followed by abundant predators – including the legendary black-maned Kalahari lions. and feisty honey badgers. Located in the Kalahari Desert in central Botswana, this reserve is the largest conservation area in the country, and one of the largest in the world. It offers some of the best summer wildlife viewing in Africa. Game drives unlock wildlife treasures, while respectful San cultural experiences provide insights into their unique customs and traditions.
Healthy wildlife populations are present in the area all year round, however, with the advent of the summer rains, the desert comes to life. A plethora of plains game such as springbok, and gemsbok converge in their hundreds to graze, followed by lions, one of the highest concentrations of cheetahs in Southern Africa, and leopards. In winter, the Kalahari is a typical desert. General game is still easily seen, from the carnivores to wildebeest, red hartebeest, and steenbok; as well as smaller predators such as black-backed jackals, Cape foxes, honey badgers, and myriad mongoose species. Some 220 bird species have been recorded.
Eight en-suite canvas tents (including one family unit) each include a sleep-out rooftop platform from which to enjoy the endless horizons, and beautiful night skies. The camp, including its main area with pool and deck, takes in the sweeping, spacious views across the Kalahari. Solar power provides all the electricity and hot water in camp, with innovative insulated canvas walls and roofs keeping the temperatures inside comfortable. Healthy wildlife populations are present year round, many seen from vantage points in camp.
Wilderness Kalahari Plains is deeply committed to conservation efforts in the region, actively engaging in various initiatives to protect and preserve the unique wildlife and ecosystems of the Kalahari Plains. The camp actively supports research projects focused on African wild dogs, contributing valuable data to enhance our understanding of their behavior and conservation needs.
Additionally, Wilderness Kalahari Plains collaborates closely with local communities, fostering strong partnerships to promote sustainable livelihoods and create opportunities for education and empowerment. Through these collaborative efforts, the camp strives to ensure the long-term conservation of the Kalahari Plains and its remarkable biodiversity.
Twice daily game drives or full-day excursions take place in open 4×4 vehicles, and are directed towards the seasonal movements of the wildlife. The Central Kalahari is a vast expanse of scrub-covered fossil dunes between ancient river valleys. During the rains (November to April), the desert comes to life, with huge herds of plains game followed by predators large and small, resulting in some of the best summer wildlife viewing in Botswana. Sightings are good around Kalahari Plains itself, especially springbok, giraffes, gemsbok, red hartebeest and steenbok, as well as predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, brown hyaenas and caracal for the lucky. Small predators range from blackbacked jackals, meerkat (suricates), Cape foxes, honey badger and a dozen mongoose species.
* With the camp being in a National Park, we adhere to the regulations of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks restricting off-road driving and night driving.
