Central Kalahari Game Reserve Campsites

Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the second largest game reserve in the world. Larger than Denmark or Switzerland, and bigger than Lesotho and Swaziland combined, the 52,800 km is situated right in the centre of Botswana, this reserve is characterised by saltpans and ancient riverbeds. Varying from sand dunes with many species of trees and shrubs 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 mm per year.

After the summer rains arrive in the northern section of CKGR, from Deception Valley to Piper Pans, the vast plains burst with sweet grasses and it becomes one of the prime game-viewing areas in Botswana. The clear blue sky fills with gigantic clouds and the stage is set for an amazing transformation. Into the scene enters thousands of gemsbok, springbok and wildebeest, with plentiful lion, cheetah and jackal in attendance.

What to Bring Along: When visiting CKGR, fuel and water are the main concerns. Take note that there is no support system patrolling the roads on a regular basis. Some of the roads don’t see a vehicle for more than three months at times, so if one wishes to cross Kalahari, one must make absolutely sure that one is well equipped.

Fuel – It is essential to calculate the kilometers beforehand and work out the estimated fuel consumption. Be sure to be very consecutive in doing this. Provide for extra fuel for game drive.

Water – One also has to be very consecutive and allow only +/- 5liters of water p/p per/day. It is amazing how little water it takes to have a “bath” if you must. The secret being to soap yourself first and then rinse yourself by using your washing rag. Due to the grass seeds one can have radiator problems and therefore always take extra water for such mishap.

Food and drinks – There are no shops except in Xade, but this shop is very small and may be closed when you get there, therefore take enough provisions for your entire stay. The shops in Rakops are very basic, but there is a reliable bottle store and bar.

Tools, spare parts and jack – It is essential to take, thick, twisted wire or any other tool with a hook on the end to remove grass seeds from underneath the vehicle. A high lift jack is preferable because a small jack is difficult to use in thick sand. Also take a wooden block which to put the jack. At least two layers of gauze must be put in the front of the vehicle to keep the grass seeds out. Make sure that the seeds cannot get into the radiator from the side’s .Take as many spare parts as possible.

Accommodation

• Deception has 6 Campsites – CKDEC01, CKDEC02, CKDEC03, CKDEC04, CKDEC05 & CKDEC06
• Passarge Pan has 3 Campsites – CKPAS01, CKPAS02 & CKPAS03
• Sunday pan has 4 Campsites – CKSUN01, CKSUN02, CKSUN03 & CKSUN04 
• Lekhubu Pan (Just 1 wilderness campsite, have no facilities). CKWIL07
• Letiahau  (Just 1 wilderness campsite, have no facilities). CKWIL06
• Pipper Pan has 2 Campsites – CKP01 & CKP02
• Motopi has 3 Campsites – CKMOT-01, CKMOT02 & CKMOT03 
• San Pan & Phokoje Campsites – CKT2 & CKT3
• Kori has 4 Campsites – CKKOR01, CKKOR02, CKKOR03 & CKKOR04
• Bape has 1 Campsite
• Xaxa has 2 Campsites
• Xade has 5 Campsites

Rates

Rates are available on request.

Activities

Other campsites in the area