About
The Kalahari Plains lie in Botswana, in southern Africa, and offer a visit that feels very far from the everyday. Here the land opens into vast grasslands that run out to the horizon, with little to interrupt the view in any direction. It is a landscape that rewards slow travel and a willingness to simply look.
What to expect
The Plains are a destination for those who want space and quiet. The sky is the particular draw. With minimal light pollution, the night sky is open and deep, and the stargazing here is among the reasons people come. Bring a warm layer for the evenings, since the desert air cools quickly once the sun has gone.
- Wide, uninterrupted views of open grassland
- Stargazing with very little artificial light
- A chance to see desert-adapted wildlife
Wildlife of the desert
The Plains are home to species that have adapted to dry conditions. Among them are the brown hyena and the aardvark, both more often sensed than seen, so patience and a quiet approach give the best chance of a sighting. Visitors who take time to watch the landscape tend to notice the subtle signs of life that a quick passage would miss.
Planning your visit
Because the Plains are so open and remote, it helps to plan ahead and to travel with people who know the terrain. Think about the seasons, the distances between points of interest, and what you will need to carry with you. A visit here suits travellers who value wide horizons, dark skies and the unhurried rhythm of a desert landscape.
