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Antelope seen on safari, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana

Luxury Kalahari Tours made for you

Discover the best of the Kalahari on an unforgettable journey designed by safari experts

Fiery skies, Kalahari lions and black rhinos – a distinct safari

The Kalahari, at 350,000m², spreads itself over most of Botswana, the east of Namibia and the north of South Africa. Derived from the Tswana word Kgala, meaning ‘the great thirst’, its name suggests a place of desolation and drought that belies the region’s true nature. While its harsh landscapes might seem bleak at first, this semi-arid sandy savannah supports a spectrum of animal and plant life, and is in fact not a desert in the truest sense.

Look past the unforgiving exterior and you’ll find a well-adapted eco-system teeming with wildlife. Annual rains produce blooming plains and grazing flora that attracts herds of herbivores which are followed by the big predators. Leopards, cheetahs, black-maned lions, elephants and wild dogs are plentiful, as are desert-adapted species such as meerkats and bat-eared foxes.

In fact, the Kalahari is home to the oldest continuous residents of southern Africa, the San people; a collection of nomadic hunters who have inhabited the desert for over 20,000 years. Their fascinating way of life and intimate knowledge of the intricacies of their environment is a testament to their enduring survival in this harsh climate.

Of course, spanning such a vast area, the Kalahari experiences a variety of terrains. Head to the expansive Tswalu Private Game Reserve where the ‘green’ Kalahari grasslands are home to myriad mammal species and bird varieties. Head out on a private game drive on a Kalahari safari for a chance at some extraordinary sightings, before watching the remarkable sunset turn the desert red.

  • Black rhinos in the Kalahari desert
  • An oryx in the grass, Kalahari desert
  • A springbok in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve
  • A cheetah sitting on a sand dune in the Kalahari desert
  • San bushmen in the Kalahari desert
  • Meerkats in the Kalahari desert
  • A herd of Kudus in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve
  • An elephant reflected in the water

From our experts

Experiences picked by our Kalahari safari specialists

Explore Tswalu Private Game Reserve

Go on a private and undisturbed game drive in Tswalu Private Game Reserve, where you’ll be the only guests on the whole reserve.

Track the critically endangered black rhino

Spot the rarest of the Big Five – the critically endangered black rhino on an immersive Kalahari safari.

Learn about the San people

The San are the oldest continuous residents of southern Africa, and have lived in the Kalahari for over 20,000 years.

A word from one of our experts

This vast, semi-arid savannah spans three countries and is home to a fascinating eco-system of plants and animals that can withstand living in the often extreme conditions. It's thrilling to see this seemingly desolate landscape alive with wildlife, and the captivating sunsets that bathe the sand dunes in a deep red glow are simply unmissable.

Tor Saner Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in the Kalahari

There are many incredible places to stay in the Kalahari. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Why book with Jacada?

  • Safari expertise

    Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.

  • Unforgettable guides

    We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.

  • Positive impact

    By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.

Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our Kalahari example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want form your Kalahari tour, our team of safari experts are ready to help.

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Meet your Africa team

When to visit

The best time to go on safari in South Africa is during the dry season from May to October. These cooler months bring an average temperature of 16°C (60.8°F). Dry weather conditions, shorter grass and fewer watering holes mean better visibility for wildlife viewing. If visiting the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the rainy months of December to April transform the area into a green oasis, perfect for spotting elephants and migrating zebra.

Best time for safari

May–October

Green season

December–January

When Is the Best Time to Visit South Africa?

Southern Africa travel guides

Plan your trip to The Kalahari

Whatever you want from your adventure in The Kalahari, our team of safari experts are ready to help.

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Don't take our word for it

“We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada…”

We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…

Amy Schulz Trustpilot ★★★★★

“heavenly honeymoon”

My wife and I used Jacada to plan our honeymoon to French Polynesia. Working with the Jacada team was fantastic and effortless. Every question was quickly answered. Every hiccup was quickly addressed. We felt like we were in the hands of experts who are equally passionate about travel, and who were committed to helping us have the trip of a…

MJ Trustpilot ★★★★★

“Jacada Travel has been outstanding”

We enjoy traveling and we have used Jacada Travel for some wonderful trips over several years. We have never been disappointed. In 2024 we took a Safari in Botswana Africa and walked with the gorillas in Rwanda planned by Jacada and the itinerary was amazing. In 2025 we had planned a trip to Antartica ( with another company ) but…

Lisa Schrage Trustpilot ★★★★★

“Communication and organization were…”

Communication and organization were excellent. The Jacada team was helpful and genuinely interested in our experience. The guides were personable, knowledgeable, and clearly enjoy their work. Vehicles were spotless, timely, and coordinators managed our every need brilliantly. I will recommend Jacada to friends and family. The only way to travel!

Andrew Woodcock Trustpilot ★★★★★

“Iceland 8 Days”

We had a wonderful trip planned through Jacada. We enjoyed the venues and the excursions. This is a beautiful place we'd recommend to anyone who wants to go on a new adventure.

The Reynolds Trustpilot ★★★★★

Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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