Kalahari Desert Botswana Safari (Camping) – 7-Day Authentic Adventure
Embark on a truly wild Kalahari Desert Botswana Safari and experience one of Africa’s most untouched wilderness regions. This immersive camping safari takes you deep into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, where you’ll sleep under the stars, walk with Kalahari Bushmen, and explore the striking Makgadikgadi Pans of Botswana. Starting and ending in Maun, this guided safari offers an incredible blend of cultural encounters, remote bush camping, and scenic game drives at excellent value.
Quick Overview
- 2 nights camping in a private Kalahari Desert Game Reserve
- 3 nights wild camping in Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- Cultural walk with Kalahari Bushmen (San people)
- 1 night in a comfortable lodge near the Makgadikgadi Pans
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1–2: Maun to Private Kalahari Desert Game Reserve – Camping
Your Kalahari Desert Botswana Safari begins at 07h30 when your guide collects you from your lodge in Maun. Head south to a private game reserve bordering the Central Kalahari. After setting up camp, enjoy a briefing about the days ahead. On Day 2, enjoy game drives and a guided nature walk with the San people. Learn about their deep connection with nature, bush survival skills, and culture while exploring the desert ecosystem on foot. Look out for desert-adapted wildlife like oryx, cheetah, and lions during your stay.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner (Day 1); Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Day 2)
Travel: 120km (approx. 4 hours)
Activities: Game drives, cultural walk, bush camping
Days 3–5: Central Kalahari Game Reserve – Wild Camping
Journey deeper into the heart of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve—Botswana’s largest and most remote protected area. Spend three nights in complete isolation, camping at private sites with minimal facilities. Encounter vast desert plains, dry riverbeds, and elusive wildlife including eland, jackals, hyenas, and big cats. This leg of the safari offers true wilderness and digital detox, with raw, rugged landscapes and exceptional game viewing away from the crowds.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Daily)
Travel: 80km (approx. 3–4 hours including game drive)
Activities: Game drives, wild camping in private campsites
Day 6: Central Kalahari to Makgadikgadi Pans – Lodge Stay
After breakfast, take a slow game-viewing drive out of the Kalahari and head north to Khumaga village. Spend the night in a comfortable lodge near the Boteti River, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. In the afternoon, explore the open salt pans on a game drive and admire the stark beauty of this arid landscape, keeping an eye out for zebra, springbok, and elephant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel: Approx. 4–5 hours including game drive
Activities: Game drive in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Day 7: Return to Maun – Safari Ends
Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the Boteti River before traveling back to Maun. Your Kalahari Desert Botswana Safari ends with a drop-off at the airport or your post-tour accommodation in Maun.
Meals: Breakfast
Travel: 180km (approx. 2.5 hours)
About Central Kalahari Game Reserve
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve spans 52,800 km² of semi-arid wilderness, making it one of Africa’s largest and most isolated game parks. The region supports a surprising variety of wildlife, including cheetahs, wild dogs, lions, giraffes, jackals, and numerous antelope species. Landscapes range from acacia woodlands and grasslands to vast salt pans and dry riverbeds—perfect for adventurous travelers seeking raw, untamed Africa.
Safari Details
Transport
This camping safari uses custom 4×4 game-viewing vehicles with open sides and roof hatches for the best wildlife viewing. A specially designed support trailer carries all camping gear and a mobile kitchen.
Accommodation
You will sleep in dome tents (2.1m x 2.1m x 1.75m) with mosquito netting and 5cm foam mattresses. Facilities at remote camps include canvas bush toilets and bucket showers. Power points (220V, 2-pin) are available in vehicles for charging devices.
Child Policy
The minimum age is 12 years. Exceptions may be made during low season (Nov–June) or for experienced young travelers. Note that wild campsites are unfenced, and wildlife may pass through. Children must be able to follow safety instructions at all times.
Important Notes
- This safari begins at 07h30 on Day 1. Pre-safari accommodation in Maun is required.
- Please purchase drinks for the trip the day before departure.
- Contact us for help with travel logistics and lodging in Maun.