× title-placeholder message-placeholder 🛖 TakeYourBackpack.com find your next backpacking destination covering all countries in the world extensive info per country personal stories and photos learn how to backpack like a pro Skip to main content home advisor destinations Africa Asia Europe North America South America Oceania All countries Where to go? inspiration Photos & stories World cities Famous hikes National parks Best beaches Famous festivals World wonders UNESCO sites All highlights planning search bucketlist Botswana 🇧🇼 Central Kalahari Game Reserve Hike the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana. Check things to see along the trail and best time to go Explore Gaborone International Music and Culture Week Explore Chobe Riverfront Intro | Highlights | Map | Best time to go | Where to stay? | Details | Guide | Botswana | FAQ | What to expect when backpacking in Central Kalahari Game Reserve The Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers a unique blend of rugged beauty and wild adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the usual tourist trails in Botswana. The scenery is a mix of vast, open savannahs and striking red dunes, with the occasional glimpse of wildlife like springboks and maybe even a lion if you’re lucky. The hike can stretch anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on your route, and while it’s not technically difficult, the heat and the remoteness can be challenging for some. Getting to the starting point can be a bit of a hassle, as public transport is limited, so you might need to hitch a ride or arrange a shuttle. Compared to other hikes in Botswana, like the more popular trails in Chobe or the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari feels more raw and untouched, but that also means fewer facilities and a bit more planning. So if you’re ready for a true wilderness experience, this could be your jam, just be prepared for the logistics! Discover everything you want to know in the 📖  Botswana Travel Guide . Best time to go: May – September, November – March Duration: 10 to 14 days Distance: 5 to 20 kilometers Total ascent: 0 meters Get your Botswana Travel Guide 💡 Top Highlights Best things to see along Central Kalahari Game Reserve Botswana Grab your own Travelguide for only Deception Valley — A wide, gently sloping valley that suddenly lights up after rains; predators and grazers concentrate here so a hike along the dry riverbeds or dune edges can deliver long, uninterrupted wildlife views you won’t get in thicker bush. It’s quiet, raw and feels properly remote. Kalahari pans and salt flats — Immense, flat basins that turn into shallow, reflective sheets after rainfall. On foot you get surreal, nearly 360° horizons and dramatic light for photography; when dry they’re a study in textures and navigation, when wet they attract thousands of birds. Black-maned Kalahari lions — These lions are adapted to the harsh, open Kalahari and often use dune tops as lookouts. Seeing their black manes and watching hunting/territorial behavior in such open country is a completely different feel from the forested reserves. Meerkat mobs and other small mammal life — Meerkats and ground squirrels are the Kalahari’s little stars: bold, curious and endlessly entertaining. Short, guided walks near their burrows let you watch cooperative behavior up close — a great balance to big-game watching. San rock art and traditional tracking — Scattered rock shelters with ancient paintings and the chance to walk with San trackers are cultural highlights. Learning to read spoor, edible plants and water signs gives the landscape meaning — you start seeing tracks, not just sand. Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact me. To view the map, please enable javascript Loading the map 🌍 CLICK TO FILTER city town village unique site national park hike festival region 🌤️ When to Go? Best Time to visit Central Kalahari Game Reserve Hiking in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is best tackled during the cooler months, specifically from May to September. During this time, temperatures are much more manageable, hovering around 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the day. Nights can get chilly, dipping to about 5°C (41°F), so a warm sleeping bag is a must if you’re camping. From October to April, it’s a different story. The heat can be brutal, often soaring above 40°C (104°F), which can turn a pleasant hike into a sweaty slog. Plus, that’s also the rainy season, so you might deal with mud and some unpredictable weather. Wildlife spotting is also better in the cooler months since animals are more active and easier to find around waterholes. So, if you want to see some game, timing is everything. Pro tip: Bring a good pair of binoculars. You’ll want to spot wildlife from a distance, especially during those hot midday hours when everything’s taking a siesta. Plus, it’ll save you from getting too close to any curious critters! JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 🛏️ Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Central Kalahari Game Reserve If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option. Best hostels in Botswana Best quality hotels in Botswana 🥾 Get Your Walking Shoes Trail Details of Central Kalahari Game Reserve Total Distance: The Central Kalahari Game Reserve trail spans approximately 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) if you follow the main routes through the park. Estimated Duration: Expect to take around 5 to 7 days to complete the hike, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring the sights along the way. Difficulty Level: This trail is rated as moderate to challenging. The terrain can be rugged, and the heat can be intense, so it’s essential to be prepared and in decent shape. Starting Point: The trail typically begins at the park entrance near the village of Kalahari. Public Transport: … read more 👉 Total Distance: The Central Kalahari Game Reserve trail spans approximately 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) if you follow the main routes through the park. Estimated Duration: Expect to take around 5 to 7 days to complete the hike, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring the sights along the way. Difficulty Level: This trail is rated as moderate to challenging. The terrain can be rugged, and the heat can be intense, so it’s essential to be prepared and in decent shape. Starting Point: The trail typically begins at the park entrance near the village of Kalahari. Public Transport: You can catch a bus from Gaborone to Maun, then transfer to a local taxi or shuttle that goes to the park entrance. It’s a bit of a journey, so plan for a full day of travel. Major Landmarks Along the Route: Deception Valley: A stunning area known for its unique landscape and wildlife sightings. Passarge Valley: A beautiful spot with dramatic scenery, perfect for taking a break and snapping some photos. Wildlife Waterholes: Several waterholes are scattered throughout the park, great for wildlife viewing. Type of Terrain and Scenery: The trail features a mix of sandy tracks, rocky outcrops, and open grasslands. You’ll encounter vast, flat plains interspersed with occasional tree clusters. The scenery is breathtaking, especially at sunrise and sunset. Typical Vegetation and Wildlife: Vegetation: Expect to see acacia trees, camelthorn, and various grasses. The flora is adapted to the arid conditions, making it unique. Wildlife: Keep an eye out for gemsbok, springbok, and even the elusive cheetah. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting various species, including raptors and migratory birds. This hike isn’t just about the distance; it’s about soaking in the vastness of one of Africa’s most remote regions. Make sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and a good map, and enjoy the adventure! ⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that’s off, I’d love to hear from you,so I can update it for fellow travelers. ✈️ Get your own digital guidebook Botswana Travel Guide Discover the best Botswana has to offer — handpicked hikes, must-see cities, hidden gems, local festivals, and more. All in one handy downloadable pdf Botswana 115 pages full of highlights ✅ Why visit & When to go ✅ 47 must-see highlights ✅ 21-day country itinerary ✅ Top hikes & National parks ▼ More inside ✅ Best areas to stay ✅ History of country & cities ✅ Essential phrases & customs ✅ Key festivals & Events ✅ Money, food & transport Get your Guide Now Start planning today! Pick your country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil British Virgin Islands Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Cook Islands Costa Rica Côte d’Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Republic of the Congo Réunion Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Barthélemy Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino São Tomé and Príncipe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Türkiye (Turkey) Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States United States Virgin Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City State Venezuela Vietnam Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Sign me up for the newsletter I agree to the Terms email BUY NOW 100% secure payment via Stripe. The Travel guide is directly downloadable after your purchase. Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic, amazing amount of information! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My goodness this is amazing, it‘s what I‘ve been looking for hats off too you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very complete and informative. It‘s still missing places, but I gotta to commend you ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is truly amazing, thank you, can‘t wait to explore it with my kids! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Awesome resource, thank you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is amazing! Can’t wait to explore the ones I haven’t seen ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I love this! Well done, great idea. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thanks for taking the time to make this gem! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This might be the best website I’ve ever seen. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it‘s incredibly valuable. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10 very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As someone who’s only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you very much! I‘m going to visit my dad, it‘s going to be very useful! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is really cool! We’ll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is so cool. I’ll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is very impressive! Good work. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done! Explore Botswana Central Kalahari Game Reserve isn’t the only highlight in Botswana. Explore all what Botswana has to offer. 🌆 Cities        Compare the top best cities : Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye, see all 🏡 Towns        Compare the top best towns : Kasane, Maun, Shakawe , see all 🌽 Villages        Compare the top best villages : Mokoro, see all ⭐️ Unique sites        Compare the top best wonders : Savuti Channel, see all 🏞️ National parks        Compare the top best parks : Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe , see all 🚶‍♀️ Hikes        Compare the top best hikes : Chobe Riverfront, Moremi Gorge Trail, Khama Rhino Sanctuary Walking Trails, see all 🎎 Festivals        Compare the top best festivals : Gaborone International Music and Culture Week, Maun International Arts, Maitisong, see all 🏝️ Regions        Compare the top best regions : Kalahari Desert, see all Explore Botswana ✈️ Ready to Go? Central Kalahari Game Reserve FAQ Get your own 2025 guide book for Botswana The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure. Botswana Grab your own Travelguide for only How do I find the best and cheapest places to stay in Central Kalahari Game Reserve? Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus. Best hostels in Botswana Best quality hotels in Botswana What should I pack for a backpacking trip to Botswana? Botswana’s got a wild mix of climates, so pack smart! Days can get scorching—think 30°C and above—especially in the Kalahari Desert, while nights in the Okavango Delta can be surprisingly chilly. Lightweight, breathable clothes are your best friend, but toss in a warm layer or two for those evening safaris. If you’re heading to rural areas or visiting villages, modest clothing is appreciated; think longer skirts for women and sleeves for both genders. Rainy season hits between November and March, so a compact rain jacket will save you from surprise showers. Keep it light, keep it versatile! Apart from this country specific advice, I have also crafted a general packing list that should help on any trip. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere. Money & Documents Passport, visa (originals + some photo copies) Passport photographs Credit and debit cards (on world profile) Cash (US$ or €) Money belt Vaccination proofs Clothing Light, quick-dry clothing No jeans, too heavy Ultralight rain/wind jacket Thermo underwear Quick-dry towel Sunglasses Electronics Mobile phone + charger Power bank Travel adapter Local sim card (buy it on arrival) Health Toothbrush Deo Sunscreen, lips sunburn Anti-diarrhea Paracetamol Vitamin C Blister plasters Iodine (for desinfecting wounds) Anti-mosquito (DEET) Bit of emergency toilet paper Nail scissors Others Small number lock Waterproof packing cubes (for dirty clothes) Deck of cards(!) Ear plugs Travel pillow Spare glasses/contacts Kobo reader Moneybelt “Best way to carry your important documents” Light Backpack “Handy, lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who travel light” Large Backpack “Waterproof large lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who want to bring a lot” Outlander daypack “Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack, available in many colours” Carry on Backpack 40L “Whenever you can, travel with just carry-on luggage, saves costs and makes traveling much easier” Quick dry pant “Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling” Light rain jacket “Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry” Thermo underwear “Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets” Quick dry towel “Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling” Travel adapter “Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs” Number lock “No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories” Packing cubes “Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest” Travel pillow “Light and great for flights and long bus journeys” Lightweight, small mosquito net “Easy to carry, great for those nights where mosquitos are all around you” Kobo Reader “For reading 1.000s of books while carrying only one” Power bank “Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more” DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging Camera “The camera for quick videos while traveling” Waterproof action camera “Great action camera for outdoor active enthousiasts” Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D Compact Camera “When you need a large optical zoom (e.g. for safaris), look no further. The Lumix has a massive 20-1200mm zoom lens” Go Pro “The absolute champion in action videos” Ultra light tent “With only 1.08kg (2.38 pounds) this one is just the best you can get.” Ultra light sleeping airbed “Ultra light, still very comfortable and isolating!” Vitamin C “Vitamin C pills to compensate for less balanced food” Blister Plasters “Blister plasters for those long hikes” Iodine “Iodine for self desinfecting small open wounds” Mosquito repellant “Let‘s give those mosquito‘s no chance with 98% DEET” Got more questions? See the FAQ for all questions and answers for backpacking in Botswana. I 💚 feedback Final Thoughts If you make it to the Central Kalahari, be ready for a wild mix of solitude and stunning sunsets. The quiet here is almost palpable, and you’ll find yourself lost in the vastness. The best surprise? Spotting a cheetah in the early morning light—it’ll take your breath away. Just a heads up: the heat can be relentless, so pack plenty of water and sunscreen. Trust me, you’ll need it! 🫱 Share this page 🙋‍♂️ Give feedback last page update: 21 November 2025 Take  Your  Backpack Home Advisor Destinations Inspiration Planning Search To sign up for the nesletter, please enable javascript STAY UP TO DATE Sign up for the newsletter Africa Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Côte d’Ivoire Dem. Rep. of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Republic of the Congo Réunion Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Western Sahara Zambia Zimbabwe Asia Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Türkiye (Turkey) Turkmenistan United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Europe Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia & Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czechia (Czech Republic) Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Guernsey Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Jersey Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Türkiye (Turkey) Ukraine United Kingdom Vatican City State North  America Antigua and Barbuda Aruba Bahamas Barbados Belize British Virgin Islands Canada Cayman Islands Costa Rica Cuba Dominica Dominican Republic El Salvador Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guatemala Haiti Honduras Jamaica Martinique Mexico Nicaragua Panama Puerto Rico Saint Barthélemy Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Sint Maarten Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Islands United States United States Virgin Islands Oceania American Samoa Australia Cook Islands East Timor Fiji French Polynesia Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Nauru New Caledonia New Zealand Palau Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Timor-Leste Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu South  America Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Curaçao Ecuador Falkland Islands French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies | About me To use these links, please enable javascript © takeyourbackpack.com | Contact To contact me enable javascript