The Kalahari is a vast semi\u2011arid region in southern Africa, covering almost one million km\u00b2. It occupies much of Botswana<\/a>, the eastern strip of Namibia<\/a> and the northern part of South Africa<\/a>. Its name derives from the Tswana word kgala<\/em>, \u201cgreat thirst,\u201d or from kgalagadi<\/em>, \u201cplace without water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Kalahari Desert doesn\u2019t fit the traditional definition of a desert, but rather a sandy savanna<\/strong> intersected by many diverse landscapes and habitats. It also includes the salt pans of Etosha National Park in Namibia and the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana. We can describe it as a living desert<\/strong> that, in areas where the rust-red dunes<\/strong> alternate with golden grasslands<\/strong> and acacia woodlands<\/strong>, hosts a rich and diverse fauna: numerous species of antelope such as oryx<\/strong> and springbok<\/strong>, as well as hyenas<\/strong>, lions<\/strong>, ostriches<\/strong>, and many other bird species. Furthermore, it offers the chance to observe some smaller creatures: meerkats<\/strong>, porcupines<\/strong>, honey badgers<\/strong>, and \u2013 with a bit of luck \u2013 pangolins<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Kalahari Desert, there are still groups of San<\/strong>, also known as bushmen<\/strong>, the oldest population in southern Africa, who have lived in this area for over 30,000 years. Studies highlight their close genetic connection to Homo sapiens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Would you like to include the Kalahari Desert in your trip? Discover our organized itineraries below, or request a tailor-made program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n