Kalahari, which comes from the Tswana word "kgalagadi", means "the great thirst" - an apt term for this sandy expanse stretching from northern South Africa, to Namibia, Angola and to the DRC. The Kalahari is not a true desert - the dry riverbeds, salt pans and plains are well vegetated. Rainfall is erratic, and no permanent surface water exists, which has resulted in some fascinating adaptations in the fauna and flora to extreme and unpredictable conditions. Due to its remoteness, harsh climate and until recently, inaccessibility, the Kalahari has remained in pristine condition. 

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is larger in size than Switzerland, and is home to the second largest group of indigenous hunter-gatherers in Africa - the bushmen or San, who are second only in number to the pygmies in equatorial Africa. The north of the Kalahari Game Reserve is home to trees and shrubs, while the central part consists of bushveld and the South is heavily wooded with mopane trees. With the summer rains, thousands of gemsbok, eland, springbok and wildebeest find their way to the sprouting, sweet grasses from Deception Valley to Piper Pans. Deception Valley became famous with the publication of "Cry of the Kalahari" by Mark and Delia Owens.The endless vista forms a staggering backdrop to the migration (around March), and cloud formations will entice even the most experienced of photographers. 

Seasons: Summer (Oct-Mar) temperatures are scorching. Winter (May-Aug) days are hot (mid 30's) with night-time temperatures at sub-zero. March to October are the best times to go. The mass migration is best enjoyed after the summer rains. 

Wildlife: You should see: lion, hyaena, giraffe, warthog, wildebeest, kudu, hartebeest, springbok, gemsbok, eland, jackal, meerkat, crocodile and hippo. You may see: leopard, wild dog, cheetah, buffalo, elephant, springbok, wildebeest and zebra. 

Precautions: Malaria area - minimize mosquito bites by wearing light, long sleeved clothing and using effective insect repellents (containing Diethyltoluamide DEET) on exposed skin. Sleep under treated mosquito netting or ensure that the doors and windows of your accommodation are screened against mosquitoes. Having a fan or air-conditioner on at night will further suppress mosquito activity. Currently, the three effective anti-malaria tablets are Mefloquine (Lariam or Mefliam), Doxycycline and Malarone (Malanil). It is still possible to contract malaria while on malaria prophylaxis. Note that Lariam may present serious side-effects - please test before you depart.