The Kalahari region
The Kalahari Region in Namibia forms part of the 2.5 million square metre large Kalahari Basin, one of the largest coherent sand expanses worldwide. The central parts of the Kalahari Basin consists of the Kalahari Savanna also known as the Kalahari Desert.
Climate of the Kalahari Region
The most extreme climatic variations can be found in the Kalahari Region. Whereas temperatures of 35°C are common in summer, which can also easily climb up to 45°C, the Kalahari winter is characterised by significant temperature fluctuations. It is not uncommon that during the night temperatures fall below 0°C whilst during the day they again rise to around 25°C.
The Kalahari has too high a vegetation and average rainfall (100 – 150 mm in the south east and 600-650 mm in the north-east) to actually qualify as a real desert. The desert character is achieved by the absence of surface water. Standing and surface water occur especially in the Okavango Delta.
Flora and Fauna of the Kalahari Region
Thanks to its relatively high rainfall the Kalahari has a very diverse flora. The San (Bushmen) who have lived in the Kalahari for centuries know more than 1000 useful plants. The wildlife is also of unique abundance. Especially in the national parks of Botswana and in the Okavango Delta uncountable mammal and bird species are found.
Highlights in the Kalahari region
In Namibia one of the highlights is the red dune landscape of the Kalahari east of Mariental. A visit to this part of the country makes sense for all those who are continuing further south or towards Botswana (eg. The Kgalagadi Transforntier Park).
More information about the Kalahari
Accommodation in the Kalahari region
Entrance and garden © Auob Country Lodge
Auob Country Lodge
Lodge and camping at the Auob riverbed
Ideally situated enroute to or from the Kgalagadi Auob Country Lodge offers 25 rooms, swimming pool, bar, dining room, curio shop and a lounge. Activities include guided and non guided hiking trails, game drives on the reserve, stargazing and outside dinners on the dunes.
Dune Chalets © Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch
Luxury lodge and camping in the Kalahari
As the name suggests Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch is situated in the red Kalahari Desert. Less than 300 km from Windhoek it is the perfect stop-over for guests travelling south to the Fish River Canyon.
Main Lodge building © Bitterwasser
Bitterwasser
Lodge and Flying Centre
Bitterwasser is a lodge and famous flying center located south of Windhoek. The Lodge offers accommodation in 22 deluxe bungalows, 14 rondavels and 6 farm house rooms. Bitterwasser is suitable for up to 80 guests. A restaurant and a simmingpool is available. Scenic drives and guided nature dune walk are offered.
Restaurant & Swimming pool © Intu Afrika
Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge
Lodge in the Intu Africa Game Reserve
The Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge is situated in a secluded valley between two Kalahari dunes within the Intu Africa Kalahari Private Game Reserve. The 12 cottages have been built under shady Camelthorn trees. The lodge has a dining area, a boma and a natural stone pool.
Kalahari Anib Lodge © Gondwana Collection
Kalahari Anib Lodge
Lodge and camping in the Kalahari
Kalahari Anib Lodge is situated amongst the red Kalahari dunes about 30 km northeast of Mariental. It has 55 rooms, 4 self-catering luxury tents, two swimming pools, a restaurant and a camp site. The lodge has various walking trails and offers guided drives into the Kalahari Desert.
Kalahari Farmhouse © Gondwana Collection
Kalahari Farmhouse
Lodge and camping in Stampriet
Kalahari Farm House is located in Stampriet. It has a 11 bungalows built in the Cape Dutch style; the restaurant and bar are located in the manor. Kalahari Farm House has a swimming pool and a campsite. It also has a large vegetable garden and a cheese dairy. Scenic drives at the nearby Kalahari Anib Lodge are being offered.
Restaurant & Swimming pool © Kalahari Game Lodge
Kalahari Game Lodge
Lodge and camping close to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Situated close to the world famous Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park the Kalahari Game Lodge owns a 40.000 Ha private game reserve where 55 mammals, 58 reptiles and amphibians, 105 bird species and 185 plant types have found a home. The Kalahari Game Lodge has a long history in tourism but has seen some renovations and upgrades in 2013.
Guest chalet © Ondili Lodges & Activities
Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge (currently closed)
Lodge in the Kalahari
The Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge is situated amidst Kalahari dunes in a dry pan (vlei) and provides 12 rooms, a restaurant, a bar and a swimming pool. The lodge offers several activities, e.g. the Trans Kalahari Walk.
Lodge buildings and garden © Lapa Lange Lodge
Lapa Lange Lodge
Lodge and Camping near Mariental
Lapa Lange Lodge is situated only 35 km from Mariental in the Kalahari Desert. The lodge offers a refreshing swimming pool, a restaurant and a floodlit waterhole. Game drives are conducted in open vehicles and with a bit of luck even Rhinos can be spotted.
Reception and Entrance © Stampriet Historical Guesthouse
Stampriet Historical Guesthouse (closed)
Guesthouse in Stampriet
Stampriet Historical Guesthouse is an individually designed guesthouse, situated in Stampriet. The Historical Guesthouse offers 11 historically furnished rooms. Furthermore there is a swimmingpool, a bar and restaurant, internet access and a wooden sundowner deck. It is an ideal stopover for safaris into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Spring buck in front of Suricate Lodge © Intu Afrika
Suricate Kalahari Tented Lodge
Lodge in the Intu Africa Game Reserve
The Suricate Kalahari Tented Lodge is situated on a red Kalahari dune within the Intu Africa Kalahari Private Game Reserve. It has 12 luxurious walk-in tents each with a private deck and open air bathroom. Various activities within the reserve are offered.
Self-Catering bungalow © Terra Rouge
Terra Rouge
Self-Catering and camping close to Mata Mata
Terra Rouge is found only 45 km from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (former Kalahari Gemsbok Park) and is thus idealy situated for visitors to and from the park. It offers 3 fully equipped self-catering bungalows and 5 beautyful camp sites und old Camelthorn trees at the banks of the Auob River.
Terrace at sun set © Ondili Lodges & Activities
Teufelskrallen Tented Lodge
Tented Camp in the Kalahari
Teufelskrallen Tented Lodge, situated on the first Kalahari Dune from the western side, offers visitors 6 luxury tents, a restaurant and a swimming pool. The lodge organizes several activities, including game drives.
Restaurant © Torgos Lodge
Torgos Lodge
Lodge at Mata Mata (Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park)
Torgos Lodge is located just outside the well-known Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The lodge offers 2 luxury en-suite bungalows and 8 luxury en-suite tented chalets. Each unit has its own veranda overlooking the dry Auob River.
Guest rooms and swimming pool © Intu Afrika
Zebra Kalahari Lodge
Lodge in the Intu Africa Game Reserve
The Zebra Kalahari Lodge is situated within the Intu Africa Kalahari Private Game Reserve amidst the red dunes of the Kalahari Desert. The lodge can accommodate 26 guests in modern, elegant rooms and offers various activities within the reserve.