The Kalahari is an epic wilderness draped across Southern Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Amidst this desert, you will find abundant lion prides, migrating zebra, iconic oases, shimmering salt pans, and the Okavango Delta, for this is no ordinary desert. It's a clash of nature's forces, a complex cycle of life that baffles scientists and safari-goers alike. The Kalahari is an icon of our world, a fable of mystique that offers some of Africa's finest and most intimate safari experiences.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Khutse Game Reserve – Inspiring Game Drives
Khutse Game Reserve captures the Kalahari mystique in a compact area in the south of the desert. Ecosystems collide here, the savannah rolling into the desert with the oasis provided by permanent waterholes. It's an easy safari experience, so much to see in a short game drive, making it ideal after your long international flight. A light aircraft transfers you from Gaberone International Airport, and an elegant lodge awaits for a few hours of tranquility in the Kalahari. Rest, relax, and watch the wildlife slowly wander by, then take a private afternoon game drive. Looping across the game reserve, take in dozens of mammals, including the famed giants that dominate the desert plains. The emphasis here is on an introduction, a chance to get a feel for the Kalahari, and the big game that roams the wilderness.
What's Included:
Day 2 - 3
Central Kalahari Game Reserve – Lost in the Epic Scale of the Kalahari Wilderness
Day 4
Central Kalahari Game Reserve – People of the Kalahari
Day 5
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park – The World's Largest Salt Pan
Day 6
Nxai Pan National Park – Big Game Amidst the Baobabs
Day 7 - 8
Moremi Game Reserve – Exploring the Evocative Okavango Delta
Day 9 - 10
Selinda Game Reserve – The Abundant Northern Periphery of the Kalahari
Day 11
Maun – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Traverse the realms of the mighty Kalahari, exploring six game reserves and national parks in 11 days
- Game drive across the phenomenal scale of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, a symbol of the desert's inspiring battle between predators and prey
- Be baffled by the enormity of the Makgadikgadi, the largest salt pan in the world, a shimmering expanse of white that's larger than Switzerland
- Find ungulate herds and hungry predators on the Nxai Pan, mammals wandering across the whiteness and past the baobab trees
- Start the adventure in the Khutse Game Reserve, a relaxed luxury introduction to the big game action
- Explore the waterways of the greatest desert oasis, traditional canoe safaris taking you through the Okavango Delta
- Discover the wildlife abundance of Moremi, a lush game reserve in the heart of the Okavango that challenges definitions of the desert
- Complete the safari in the northern periphery of the Kalahari, lounging beside rivers filled with antics of hippos and elephants
Starting Price
$12,700 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.93 stars based on 451 reviews.
Our trip was amazing and Zicasso's travel company and our agent could not have been more helpful in planning the trip and making sure it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. She listened to our desires and planned a trip that met all our requirements. She was very patient in making little modifications until we were completely satisfied.
When we encountered some delays during the trip, she was very responsive in helping notify people on the ground and rescheduling our activities so we didn't miss a thing.
She was very knowledgeable about Southern Africa and selected exceptional lodging facilities for us. The accommodations were not only beautiful, but the staff were extremely professional, friendly, and attentive.
I would highly recommend this travel company if planning an African adventure!
Reviewed By David B.
What an incredible experience! Everything was so well organized by Zicasso's tour company, from the moment we stepped off the plane in Johannesburg to the time we got back on to head home in Entebbe. We were treated so well by all the support staff hired to help our trip move along seamlessly. All of our experiences were phenomenal and even more amazing than hoped for. We had excellent in-country assistance, lodge staff and other guides, wonderful accommodations, amazing safaris, and delicious food.
Reviewed By Anne S.
Zicasso's travel agent was a blessing. Her organizational skills were excellent. The trip plan app was used daily during our trip. What a wonderful tool. Our agent had all the pertinent information in the app and at our fingertips. The trip exceeded our expectations. I would definitely recommend using our travel agent and Zicasso to all my friends.
Reviewed By Tom O.
First, the booking experience with Zicasso's trip coordinator was seamless. She was always very attentive, responsive, and prompt with her replies. She listened to our wants and delivered beyond our expectations. Even our guides commented that she chose well for us. I would highly recommend booking with her.
Our itinerary in South Africa was pure perfection. Everything from the accommodations to the timing was perfect. We cannot say enough great things about the safari in Sabi Sands and the lodge. The lodge in Franschhoek was exceptional and the one in Gansbaai was the ideal ending to our trip.
This was truly a trip of a lifetime for our family. I’m not sure how we will ever top this experience. Thank you to Zicasso for connecting us with our agent.
Reviewed By Idalia F.
Zicasso's travel designer was a pleasure to work with. She went out of her way to help us understand our options and worked with us through multiple versions before landing on the itinerary we ultimately chose. Her insight and suggestions were very helpful during planning and proved effective in execution.
Reviewed By Alex M.
Zicasso's travel agent couldn’t have planned our trip better. He really listened to what we were most interested in and planned it accordingly. He used his personal knowledge of the lodges and areas to ensure we got the experience we were looking for. He also made arrangements to make the logistics of travel go incredibly smoothly.
Reviewed By Eric R.