The Kalahari
& The Waterberg
Kalahari Desert
A Unique Oasis of Life
The Kalahari is a unique destination, rich in wildlife and culture, and less visited compared to Namibia’s more popular spots. This vast desert spans three countries: most of Botswana, the northern part of South Africa’s Northern Cape, and the eastern third of Namibia.
Despite being called a desert, the Kalahari receives more rainfall than most deserts. In summer, temperatures range from 35°C to 45°C, and rainfall often turns the sandy dunes green. Winter temperatures are more extreme, reaching up to 25°C during the day but dropping below 0°C at night. These conditions support a surprising variety of plants, animals, and even people. Among its inhabitants are the San, or Bushmen, who continue to live off the land using ancient survival techniques passed down through generations.
Wildlife & Flora of the Kalahari
The Kalahari’s natural beauty is truly breathtaking. Its sweeping sand dunes, much like those in the neighbouring Namib Desert, create a dreamlike landscape that changes with the shifting sunlight. This vast semi-arid region may be harsh and dry, but it supports a variety of wildlife perfectly adapted to the conditions.
Keep an eye out for antelope species such as kudu, oryx, and eland, along with springboks and ostriches. While predators like cheetahs, lions, and black-backed jackals are also present, they are more elusive and harder to spot. Game drives and walking tours provide the best opportunities to explore this diverse and fascinating environment.
Kalahari Cultures
The San Bushmen are an integral part of what makes the Kalahari so extraordinary. These remarkable people have lived in the region for tens of thousands of years, thriving in harmony with the harsh desert environment. Known as the Basarwa or Basawara, they are celebrated for their exceptional survival skills, deep knowledge of the desert, and profound spiritual connection with nature. Guided Bushman walks and cultural visits offer travellers a unique opportunity to learn about their way of life.
The Kalahari captures the essence of Africa, offering a travel experience like no other. From the animals that have adapted to these red, sandy plains to the San people who have thrived here for millennia, it provides visitors with an authentic and unforgettable cultural encounter in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
The Waterberg Plateau: A Natural Marvel
The Waterberg Plateau is situated in the heart of Namibia and rises 420 metres above the surrounding landscape, offering stunning panoramic views of the Kalahari Desert. Spanning over 41,000 hectares, the Waterberg National Park includes this awe-inspiring plateau.
The plateau’s name, meaning “water mountain,” comes from the natural springs that flow from its rocks. These springs bring lush, green vegetation to the region, creating a haven for a variety of wildlife species that thrive in this unique ecosystem.
Exploring the Waterberg Plateau
Beyond the plateau’s striking beauty and lush green landscape, its high rock walls provide a natural fort, making it an ideal sanctuary for Namibia’s endangered species. Thanks to a highly successful reintroduction programme and the elimination of poaching, the park now supports leopards, cheetahs, antelope, white and black rhinos, and numerous birds of prey.
For adventurous travellers, the park offers nine unguided trails at the base of the plateau and three guided trails leading to its summit. Conveniently located 300 kilometres north of Windhoek and en route to Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau National Park is an ideal stopover for anyone exploring Namibia.
