Question 1

Which 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 countless birds of prey. Do not expect enormous concentrations of animals like those in Chobe. It is precisely the searching, driving across the vast plains and the tranquillity that make a safari here so special.

Question 2

What are your favourite camps in the Central Kalahari?

Accepted Answer

In the sample journey  Desert Journey  we have included  Piper Pan  and  Passarge Pan because we consider these two very beautiful pans. But Sunday Pan and Leopard Pan are beautiful too. Depending on which entrance you use to enter the Kalahari and where you travel on to afterwards, we look at campsites that make sense along the route. The average speed in the Kalahari is around 20 kilometres per hour, so you cannot simply drive from one pan to another.

Question 3

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 4

Can I visit the Central Kalahari in 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 filling stations. In addition, a car uses considerably more fuel in deep sand than on asphalt or gravel roads. As a result, the actual range may also be significantly lower than you expect beforehand. In addition, a larger 4x4, such as a  Toyota Land Cruiser , offers more comfort, stability and loading 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 duration of the trip and your travel style to determine which vehicle best suits your plans.

Question 5

Do you have mobile reception 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 travel to remote areas more often or are going on a longer self-drive, 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 would be happy to discuss which means of communication best suit your trip.

Namibia, Kgalagadi and Central Kalahari