Larger than Belgium or Switzerland, the 52800 square kilometre Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which was set up in 1961, is the largest game reserve in the world. Situated right in the centre of Botswana, this reserve is characterised by vast open plains, saltpans and ancient riverbeds. Varying from sand dunes with many species of trees and scrubs in the north, to flat bushveld in the central area, the reserve is more heavily wooded in the south, with mopane forests to the south and east. Rainfall is sparse and sporadic and can vary from 170 to 700 millimetres per year. The people commonly known throughout the world as Bushmen have been resident in and around the area for probably thousands of years. Originally nomadic hunters and gatherers, their lifestyle has gradually changed with the times and they now live in settlements, some of which were situated within the southern half of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Government has, however, encouraged these people to move to areas outside the reserve in order that they may be provided with modern facilities, schools, clinics etc and to integrate them into modern society (this policy has also attracted much controversy and criticism). <b>Seasons:</b> 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 directly after the summer rains. Roads can be temporarily inaccessible. <b>Wildlife:</b> You should see: giraffe, brown hyaena, spotted hyaena, warthog, lion, blue wildebeest, eland, gensbok, kudu, red hartebeest, springbok ostrich, You may see: wild dog, cheetah, leopard, suricate, bat-eared fox, honey badger, jackal, porcupine <b>Precautions</b> 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.