Adapt or die. That's what the desert demands of its inhabitants, and in the case of Botswana's Central Kalahari Game Reserve, those adaptations have proven spectacular! This vast, arid landscape is home to some of the most unique, desert-adapted species in Africa, from the beautiful black-maned Kalahari lions to the region's human inhabitants and Africa's First People - the San.

The Central Kalahari is immense, stretching for more than 52,000 square kilometres across the centre of the country. This makes it Botswana's biggest reserve and one of the largest in Africa and the world. It's a magnificent expanse where the word remote takes on new meaning, offering exclusive safari experiences and wildlife sightings.

From Deception Valley and the Sunday and Leopard pans to Passage Valley and Piper's Pan, this region of Botswana is filled with incredible destinations that are not to be missed and absolutely should be included in your Botswana safari itinerary or tour. In spite of being a "desert" this area is filled with life, most of it unusual and fascinating.

From the beautiful gemsbok which is able to thermoregulate in temperatures that would literally boil the brains of lesser mammals and the springbok which is perfectly at home in this parched land to the graceful cheetah, the world's fastest land mammal, the central kalahari is home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Wildebeest, hartebeest, eland, giraffe and kudu are also regularly seen.

Explore the Kalahari ecosystems with a San guide, learning about the medicinal properties of desert-dwelling plants and how to survive in this harsh environment. Discover the ancient history and traditions of these amazing people from whom we are all descended and understand what it is like to live in perfect harmony with nature.

At night the skies are the colour of black velvet and filled with billions of stars that seem close enough to touch. Stargazing is an absolute must and your guides will share the secrets of the cosmos with you, pointing out important constellations and planets.

There really is no place like the Central Kalahari!