THE GREEN KALAHARI IN SOUTH AFRICA MAKES UP THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE KALAHARI DESERT—THE WORLD’S LARGEST CONTINUOUS STRETCH OF SAND THAT COVERS MUCH OF BOTSWANA AND PARTS OF NAMIBIA. IT IS A COMPLEMENTARY SAFARI DESTINATION, RATHER THAN AN ALTERNATIVE, SINCE SPECIAL SPECIES THAT ARE RARE OR ABSENT IN MOST OTHER PARKS AND RESERVES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA THRIVE HERE—AARDVARK, BLACK RHINO, ELAND, MEERKATS, ORYX, ROAN, SABLE AND THE PRECIOUS PANGOLIN.
Predators that prowl this semi-arid savanna and its grasslands include cheetah, hyena, leopard, Kalahari lion and wild dog. The diversity and concentration of wildlife supported by the range of habitats continue to surprise and touch visitors.
Experiencing the true wilderness in this part of the world brings a whole new perspective with photographic and horseback safaris, bushwalks, birdwatching and opportunities to behold celestial bodies from the comfort of romantic “star beds”. Before or after visiting a local community one can also go to view some of the oldest San Bushmen carvings on the planet, believed to possibly be up to 380 000 years old.
Tswalu Kalahari—South Africa’s largest Private Game Reserve and one of the world’s top malaria-free eco reserves—supports roughly 80 species of mammal and 240 bird species. Sumptuous suites beckon at their exclusive luxury lodge that is also famed for arranging close encounters with friendly meerkat colonies. An intimate, private and personalised getaway is guaranteed as a mere 30 guests can be accommodated within its 100 000 hectares just south of Botswana. The degree of flexibility is rare at this lodge owned by the Oppenheimer family, steered by the highly dedicated Nicky Oppenheimer, former de Beers doyen.
Different seasons promise different experiences so choosing a time to visit depends on what you hope to see. Between the cooler months of May and October it is easier to spot rarer, smaller species. In the hotter months, November to March, migrant birds return and many of the animals calve. The greenest months are April and May, a period defined by mild days, cool evenings and rutting antelope.
Another top-end private game reserve can be found between the barren Green Kalahari and mighty Orange River, namely Tutwa Desert Lodge; a serene oasis where adventures abound.
THE GREEN KALAHARI IN SOUTH AFRICA MAKES UP THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE KALAHARI DESERT—THE WORLD’S LARGEST CONTINUOUS STRETCH OF SAND THAT COVERS MUCH OF BOTSWANA AND PARTS OF NAMIBIA. IT IS A COMPLEMENTARY SAFARI DESTINATION, RATHER THAN AN ALTERNATIVE, SINCE SPECIAL SPECIES THAT ARE RARE OR ABSENT IN MOST OTHER PARKS AND RESERVES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA THRIVE HERE—AARDVARK, BLACK RHINO, ELAND, MEERKATS, ORYX, ROAN, SABLE AND THE PRECIOUS PANGOLIN.
Predators that prowl this semi-arid savanna and its grasslands include cheetah, hyena, leopard, Kalahari lion and wild dog. The diversity and concentration of wildlife supported by the range of habitats continue to surprise and touch visitors.
Experiencing the true wilderness in this part of the world brings a whole new perspective with photographic and horseback safaris, bushwalks, birdwatching and opportunities to behold celestial bodies from the comfort of romantic “star beds”. Before or after visiting a local community one can also go to view some of the oldest San Bushmen carvings on the planet, believed to possibly be up to 380 000 years old.
Tswalu Kalahari—South Africa’s largest Private Game Reserve and one of the world’s top malaria-free eco reserves—supports roughly 80 species of mammal and 240 bird species. Sumptuous suites beckon at their exclusive luxury lodge that is also famed for arranging close encounters with friendly meerkat colonies. An intimate, private and personalised getaway is guaranteed as a mere 30 guests can be accommodated within its 100 000 hectares just south of Botswana. The degree of flexibility is rare at this lodge owned by the Oppenheimer family, steered by the highly dedicated Nicky Oppenheimer, former de Beers doyen.
Different seasons promise different experiences so choosing a time to visit depends on what you hope to see. Between the cooler months of May and October it is easier to spot rarer, smaller species. In the hotter months, November to March, migrant birds return and many of the animals calve. The greenest months are April and May, a period defined by mild days, cool evenings and rutting antelope.
Another top-end private game reserve can be found between the barren Green Kalahari and mighty Orange River, namely Tutwa Desert Lodge; a serene oasis where adventures abound.
