Submitted by SafariADV on Fri, 2017-09-29
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve, or as it is commonly called CKGR, (link) is immense 52.800 sq km and we only visit part of the portion located in the Northern area.
The northern part is the most visited because it is where you are more likely to spot the animals, although it is not a park where sightings are easy and frequent; also some species of animals are missing, such as elephants and buffaloes, or at least this report the guides, although some male elephants may decide to stay in these lands after the rainy season has ended.
The main reason for visiting the CKGR is because of its uncontaminated nature, for its landscapes, for its tracks where to test your off-road and driving.
The animals are there and they are sighted, but it is more difficult than elsewhere, a bit because the roads are few in proportion to the size of the park, a bit because the tall grass and the bushes obstruct the sight and a bit because there is a lower population density of some species.
In the dry season, ie in the months from June to October, it is not difficult to drive on the tracks; the important thing is to deflate the tires and be cautious, observe the speed limit of 40 km / h, observe the road well and take well the holes that are on the way.
It's important to calculate distances and travel times well because after 6.30 pm, or after sunset, you can no longer circulate in the park and the risk is to be away from your campsite
During the rainy season, however, it is not easy to drive in the CKGR since the sandy tracks are transformed into mud and, at certain points, there is a particular type of soil known as black cotton; this, when it is dry, is as hard as stone, but if there is only a little water, it becomes a so slippery surface that seems to drive on the ice; only those who are really experienced in driving by 4x4 can think of venturing out of this place in this season.
