3-Day Central Kalahari Game Reserve Safari with Wilderness Camping

3 Days Round trip from Maun Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Travel by 4x4 and camp in the wilderness of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve
  • 02 Look for lions, zebras, giraffes, oryx, and abundant birdlife in their natural habitat
  • 03 Explore open plains and ancient riverbeds on guided game drives
  • 04 Enjoy nights under the stars with freshly prepared campfire meals
  • 05 Small-group experience with a maximum of 6 people per vehicle

Explore Botswana's Central Kalahari Game Reserve on a guided mobile safari by 4x4, camping deep in the wilderness. Spend your nights in dome tents under the stars, enjoy freshly prepared meals by the campfire, and head out on game drives across open plains and ancient riverbeds. Along the way, you may spot lions, zebras, giraffes, oryx, springbok, wildebeest, cheetahs, and a variety of birdlife. This is a rewarding way to experience the African wilderness while learning about its wildlife and natural environment.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Maun, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Journey into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

  • Start: Maun

  • Transfer: You will be collected from the airport.

  • Journey: The tour starts in Maun, where you will begin your journey into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

  • Accommodation: Budget camping (inside Central Kalahari GR)

  • Briefing: After arriving at the campsite, you will settle in and receive a safety briefing.

  • Activity: A game drive follows, offering a chance to see wildlife such as oryx, springbok, and lions in their natural habitat.

  • Meals & Drinks: Lunch and dinner (breakfast not included); non-alcoholic drinks

  • Evening: The day ends with a freshly prepared dinner around the campfire and a peaceful overnight stay in dome tents under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

  • Main Destination: Central Kalahari Game Reserve

  • Best Time To Visit: December to March (best in Deception Valley)

  • High Season: July to October (it rarely gets crowded)

  • Best Weather: May to August (dry and less hot)

2
Day 02

Game Drives Across the Kalahari Plains

  • Activity: After breakfast, you will head out for a morning game drive across open plains and ancient riverbeds.

  • Wildlife: Look out for wildlife such as giraffes, wildebeest, cheetahs, and large herds of springbok and gemsbok.

  • Meals: You will return to camp for lunch and a short rest.

  • Activity: In the late afternoon, you will enjoy another game drive or a guided nature walk, learning about the plants, tracks, and survival skills of the Kalahari.

  • Evening: In the evening, you will relax by the campfire, enjoy dinner, and share stories under the stars.

  • Main Destination: Central Kalahari Game Reserve

  • Accommodation: Budget camping (inside Central Kalahari GR)

  • Meals & Drinks: All meals included; non-alcoholic drinks and spirits/liquor (beer and wine not included)

3
Day 03

Final Game Drive and Return to Maun

  • Meals: You will begin the day with a light breakfast.

  • Activity: Enjoy a final early morning game drive, offering one last chance to spot wildlife and take in the peaceful Kalahari landscapes.

  • Journey: You will return to camp to pack up and begin the journey back to Maun.

  • Arrival: You will arrive in Maun by late afternoon, marking the end of your safari adventure.

  • Main Destination: Maun (City)

  • Accommodation: No accommodation (end of tour)

  • Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (lunch and dinner not included); non-alcoholic drinks

  • End of tour: You will be dropped off at the airport.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Maun 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Park fees (for non-residents)

  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)

  • All accommodation (unless listed as upgrade)

  • Camping equipment

  • A professional driver/guide

  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)

  • All taxes/VAT

  • Roundtrip airport transfer

  • Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)

  • Drinks (as specified in the day-by-day section)

  • Sleeping bag

  • Bath towels

What's Not Included

  • International flights (from/to home)

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

  • Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day)

  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

  • Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

  • Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)

What to bring

Pack lightweight, breathable layers in neutral tones (khaki, beige, olive) and prepare for dramatic temperature swings between day and night. [1, 2, 3]

Essential Clothing

  • Lightweight layers: Short and long-sleeve breathable shirts to protect from the intense sun.

  • Warm fleece or jacket: Crucial for freezing early morning game drives and desert nights.

  • Long trousers: Protects legs from thorny bushveld during walks and insects at night.

  • Neutral colors: Avoid white (gets dusty), black/dark blue (attracts biting tsetse flies), and camouflage (illegal for civilians in some areas).

  • Wide-brimmed hat: Must have a chin strap to prevent it from blowing off in open safari vehicles.

  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes: Essential for walking safaris; ankles should be protected from thorns.

  • High-SPF sunscreen & lip balm: The desert sun is exceptionally harsh; UV rays reflect off the white salt pans.

  • Insect repellent: Bring a formula containing DEET or Picaridin.

  • Dust protection: A bandana, buff, or lightweight scarf to cover your face on dusty roads.

  • Eye drops & moisturizer: The dry Kalahari air can heavily dehydrate your eyes and skin.

  • Personal medication: Bring a full supply, as remote desert camps do not have pharmacies nearby

  • Binoculars: A dedicated pair (ideally 8x42 or 10x42) is vital for spotting distant desert predators.

  • Camera with zoom lens: A lens of at least 200mm–300mm is recommended for wildlife.

  • Dust-proof bags: Sealed dry-bags or Ziploc bags to protect your phone and camera gear from fine sand.

  • Headlamp or torch: Vital for navigating unlit camps or tents at night.

  • Power bank: Solar-powered or high-capacity units, as some eco-lodges turn off generators overnight

  • Soft-sided duffel bag: Most light aircraft transfers strictly require soft luggage with no frames or wheels.

  • Weight limit: Check your itinerary, as bush flights usually enforce a strict 15 kg (33 lbs) limit per person, including hand luggage

Know before you go

  • Shared tour: On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 6 people per vehicle.

  • Can start any day: If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

  • Can be customized: You can request changes to this tour.

  • Not for single travelers: Single travelers cannot join this group tour, and it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.

  • Minimum age of 9 years: The minimum age for this tour is 9 years.

  • Additional accommodation: Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

  • Additional accommodation: Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost.

  • Additional accommodation: Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Airport pickup in Maun.
Tour start
Maun
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Maun.

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Starting from

USD 941 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $941.00 — $1,265.00
Double Sharing $1,051.00 — $1,165.00
Triple Sharing $1,051.00 — $1,165.00

When

Travellers

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