Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert offers vistas of red sand dunes not to b

The Kalahari desert is part of the huge sand basin that reaches from the Orange River up to Angola, in the west to Namibia and in the east to Zimbabwe. The sand masses were created by the erosion of soft stone formations. The wind shaped the sand ridges, which are so typical of the landscape in the Kalahari desert.

Only in recent geological history, 10 to 20,000 years ago, were the dunes stabilised through vegetation, so the the Kalahari Desert should actually be called a dry savannah. Unlike the dunes of the Namib Desert, those of the Kalahari are stable and not wandering.

The dominant vegetation in Kalahari include grasses, thorny shrubs and Acacia trees which can survive long drought periods of more than ten months every year.

The remarkable nests of the weaver birds in the camel thorn trees and in other acacias are a frequent sight in the Kalahari. These inconspicuous little birds, which resemble sparrows, live in huge communal nests with a diameter of up to two metres. At any given time, hundreds of lively little birds are breeding and feeding their youngsters in such a nesting colony.

The Kalahari is an enduring mystery. It’s rugged, sun drenched landscapes and endless horizons evoke memories of a land before time. Shimmering expanses spread to the horizon forever, a boundless sky stretches to infinity and small towns and villages hug the rust red earth. It’s greatest treasure, a people as warm as the awe-inspiring sunsets that explode across this land will seduce you with their disarming lack of pretension. You will come to learn that behind the façade of featureless desert spaces lie treasures of unimaginable splendour, reflecting the full bountry of creation. Out here, time charts a slow passage across an ancient landscape. This is a land of endless beauty, wilderness and unparalleled adventure. The region is sometimes regarded as a forgotten corner of South Africa. And herein lies it’s greatest allure. With it’s age old vistas of weathered rock, it is a region at peace with itself and those who live here. The nature reserves and game farms abound with wildlife, a super abundance of raptors circle high on the desert winds, hiking and 4x4 trails criss-cross vast spaces and, as if in playful invention, Mother Nature throws up paradoxes of environmental wonder. Here you will find more than historic towns and villages, the easygoing charm of the country and a warm welcome. Here you will discover yourself.

One of six regions, the Kalahari, is at the north eastern tip of the magnificent Northern Cape, linking the province to the North West Province. By virtue of the Namakwari Route, the region forms the gateway to an enchanting land of mystery, wonder and scenic splendour for those traveling from Gauteng to Nambia or the Western Cape. The region, situated over 1000 m above sea level on the Ghaap Plateau, forms the southern brim of the great Kalahari Desert. It is, therefore, prone to extreme temperatures. In summer, day temperatures can exceed 40°c. Winter days are sunny with night temperatures often plummeting below zero. The Kalahari is an arid region with an annual rainfall of 200 – 400 mm, mainly borne on humid north and northeast winds between January and April. When traveling, you should wear lightweight cotton clothes with long sleeves and legs for protection against the terrain and the sun. Sturdy shoes or boots and a sun hat are a must. And remember, you’ll need a jacket or jersey to protect you from the cold winter nights.

Namakwari Route

A journey from Gauten to Namibia or the Western Cape through Kuruman will bring you to the gateway to this enigmatic land. The Namakwari Route is the result of good neighbourliness among the regions. The name Namakwari derives from Namaqualand and Kalahari – two of the regions participating in a venture that links Gauteng to the Western Cape – South Africa’s most urbanised areas. The Namakwari Route allows you to experience the warm heart of the beautiful Kalahari towns, the majestic might of the awesome Orange River and the kaleidoscope of Namaqualand’s spring colour.

Primary distances

On the Namakwari Route Cape Town – Springbok 554 km, Springbok – Upington 399 km, Upington – Olifantshoek 166 km, Olifantshoek – Kathu 48 km, Kathu – Kuruman 50 km, Kuruman – Vryburg 140 km, Vryburg – Johannesburg 379 km.

Hunting in the Kalahari

The hunter and the hunted maintain the delicate balance of the fragile ecosystems on which so much depends. Without controlled hunting, overgrazing and species imbalances will destroy all of us. The Northern Cape Hunters Association supports the strict legislation that governs hunting. Without these laws, hunting would not be worthy of it’s name. We would revert to the mass slaughter of the great herds that once covered our country’s great plains. Legislation protects our wildlife while allowing hunters the freedom to enjoy a sport that brings them ever closer to the natural order. Throughout the Kalahari, countless game lodges and farms – mostly in the northern areas along the Botswana border, offer accommodation from basic bush tent to opulent, fly in, superbly equipped lodges. Many establishments offer guides and trackers, skinning, cutting, cooling and taxidermy services. You will also find the camaraderie you need to unwind. Whether you’re trophy hunting, scouting venison for the pot or in search of biltong (a traditional dried and spiced meat), you will find the game to suit your talent and your taste. Bird hunting with exceptionally good guinea fowl and francolin hunting is very much in the offing. If you have a flair for falconry, you will find fantastic opportunities to exercise your talent. And if you merely wish to enjoy some game watching or indulge in bird watching, the game farms of the region will go out of their way to meet your needs.

Cities / Towns

Beeshoek, Black Rock, Danielskuil, Deben, Hotazel, Kathu, Kuruman, Olifantshoek, Postmansburg, Van Zylsrus.

Accommodation in and around Kalahari