Question 1

What animals can you expect to see in the Central Kalahari?

Accepted Answer

The Central Kalahari is known for its  black Kalahari lions , but you can also find cheetahs, brown hyenas, leopards, giraffes, gemsbok, springbok, wildebeest, jackals and numerous birds of prey. Do not expect huge concentrations of animals like in Chobe. It is precisely the searching, driving across the vast plains and the tranquillity that make a safari here so special.

Question 2

Is the Central Kalahari difficult to reach?

Accepted Answer

Yes. That is precisely what makes this destination so special. The distances are vast, facilities are scarce and you drive for long days on sandy roads. Good planning, sufficient fuel and the right vehicle are essential. During a  Travel Consult  we discuss in detail how to prepare for this.

Question 3

Do you have mobile phone coverage in the Central Kalahari?

Accepted Answer

No, in large parts of the Central Kalahari there is  no mobile reception . That is part of the charm of this remote area, but it also requires good preparation. We therefore always recommend taking some form of satellite communication with you. These days, the latest  iPhones  have satellite functionality for emergencies. If you often travel to remote areas or are going on a longer self-drive trip, a  Starlink Mini  an excellent solution. This allows you to send messages, navigate and, if necessary, contact the emergency services or us in many parts of the Kalahari. During a Travel Consult, we are happy to discuss which means of communication best suit your trip.

Question 4

Can I visit the Central Kalahari with a Suzuki Jimny?

Accepted Answer

Technically, it is possible, but  we do not recommend it  and therefore do not include the Suzuki Jimny in our trips to the Central Kalahari.  The main reason is the   limited range . Distances in the Central Kalahari are vast and there are no petrol stations. In addition, a car uses considerably more fuel in deep sand than on tarmac or gravel roads. As a result, the actual range may be significantly lower than you expect in advance. A larger 4x4, such as a  Toyota Land Cruiser , also offers more comfort, stability and load space for extra fuel, water and camping equipment. This makes a big difference when staying in a remote area for several days.  For our   Namibia & Botswana Desert Journey   we recommend a Land Cruiser. Depending on the length of the trip, a Toyota Hilux is also an option. During a  Travel Consult  we always consider the route, the length of the trip and your travel style to determine which vehicle best suits your plans.

Question 5

Is a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta worth it?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. In fact, if we had to choose one activity that gives you a completely different perspective on Botswana, it would be a  flight over the Okavango Delta . It is only from the air that you can truly see how vast the area really is. Winding waterways, thousands of tiny islands, herds of elephants and hippos that are barely visible from the ground make this one of the most impressive flights you can take in Africa.

Question 6

Is a guided game drive in Tuli worthwhile?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Precisely because you are not allowed to drive through most reserves yourself, having a guide gives you a very different experience. The guides know the area and often know exactly where the animals are. You also learn a great deal about the landscape and wildlife.

Question 7

How long do you recommend staying in the Tuli Block?

Accepted Answer

For most travellers,  one or two nights  enough. One night makes a lovely stopover; with two nights, you have more time for game drives and to really experience the area.

Question 8

Is Johannesburg safe to visit?

Accepted Answer

Johannesburg has a reputation when it comes to safety, but with the right common sense, the city is very easy to visit. The neighbourhoods you spend time in are particularly important. You can explore some areas quite comfortably on your own during the day, while it is better to avoid others. We recommend always getting around by Uber (it works brilliantly and safely in the city) and taking a local guide if you want to get to know different parts of the city. A guide knows the city inside out and ensures you can enjoy all that Johannesburg has to offer without a worry.

Question 9

What should you absolutely do when you are in Johannesburg?

Accepted Answer

From impressive historical monuments to hidden jazz cafés and trendy markets: Johannesburg is bursting with unique experiences. With so much to choose from, and because we love showing you the city’s true gems, we have written an extensive inspirational article about it here.  Read our complete article here, with all our insider tips for Johannesburg .

Question 10

Which animals can I expect to see in the Tuli Block?

Accepted Answer

You may encounter, among others,  elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and various antelope species You may also be lucky enough to see  wild dogs and brown hyenas . The area is also known for the successful reintroduction of rhinos.

Botswana Self-drive Expedition from Johannesburg