RoadAtlas
Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana — Wildlife
Africa

Kalahari Desert Drive

Botswana

In short: Kalahari Desert Drive is a 900 km wildlife road trip in Botswana, typically driven over 5–7 days, best in Jun–Aug. Highlights: Gaborone, Jwaneng, Kang.

Distance
900 km
Duration
5–7 days
Best Season
Jun–Aug
NotableHard4WD onlyWildlifeOff-road sectionsPermit required

Cross the world's largest sand system from Gaborone west to the Central Kalahari, red dunes, black-maned lions, meerkats at sunrise, and skies so dark the Milky Way casts shadows on the sand.

~1 refuel
~3 charges
Practical notes
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve requires a paid entry permit booked in advance through Botswana's Department of Wildlife. Tracks inside the reserve are deep sand and strictly require a 4WD vehicle with low-range capability. Carry substantial fuel, water, and food as facilities are almost nonexistent.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Gaborone — Departure — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
Departure
Gaborone
One of Africa's most prosperous capitals. Stock up at Game City before the long drive west into the Kalahari.
Hotels
Jwaneng — City — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
City
Jwaneng
Home to the world's richest diamond mine by value, the foundation of Botswana's extraordinary prosperity.
Hotels
Kang — City — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
City
Kang
Last reliable fuel and provisions before the deep Kalahari. The paved road gives way to red sand tracks beyond here.
Hotels
Rakops — City — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
City
Rakops
A small Kalahari village on the edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The eastern entry gate lies just south.
Hotels
Maun — Arrival — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
Arrival
Maun
Gateway to the Okavango Delta. Mokoro canoes, elephant crossings, and one of Earth's last great wetland wildernesses await.
Hotels

Things to Do

Deception Valley — Nature — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
Nature
Deception Valley
A fossil riverbed where Mark and Delia Owens lived among black-maned Kalahari lions for seven years.
Jwaneng Diamond Mine Tour — Tour — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
Tour
Jwaneng Diamond Mine Tour
Guided tours showcasing one of the world's richest diamond mines.
Kang Camel Park — Wildlife Park — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
Wildlife Park
Kang Camel Park
Experience camel rides and learn about camel farming in Botswana.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park — National Park — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
National Park
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Explore vast salt pans and observe unique wildlife in this expansive park.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve — Game Reserve — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
Game Reserve
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Discover diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes in one of the largest game reserves.
Okavango Delta Mokoro Ride — Boat Tour — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
Boat Tour
Okavango Delta Mokoro Ride
Navigate the waterways of the Okavango Delta in a traditional dugout canoe.

Where to Eat

Rakops River Lodge Restaurant — Local Cuisine — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
Local Cuisine
Rakops River Lodge Restaurant
Offers traditional Botswana dishes in a cozy setting near the Boteti River.
Kang Ultra Stop — Fast Food — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
Fast Food
Kang Ultra Stop
Convenient stopover serving quick meals and refreshments for travelers.
Jwaneng Cresta Hotel Restaurant — International — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
International
Jwaneng Cresta Hotel Restaurant
Serves a variety of international dishes in a comfortable hotel setting.
Maun Lodge Restaurant — Continental — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
Continental
Maun Lodge Restaurant
Offers a range of continental dishes with views of the Thamalakane River.
Deception Valley Lodge Dining — African Fusion — Kalahari Desert Drive — Botswana
African Fusion
Deception Valley Lodge Dining
Serves African-inspired meals in a lodge setting within the Kalahari.

Explore related routes

Botswana road trips Notable Desert RoadsWildlife & Safari DrivesAdventure & Overland Routes Africa routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Kalahari Desert Drive drive?

The Kalahari Desert Drive covers 900 km from start to finish.

How long does the Kalahari Desert Drive take to drive?

Most travellers spend 5–7 days on the Kalahari Desert Drive, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Kalahari Desert Drive?

The recommended season for the Kalahari Desert Drive is Jun–Aug.

Where does the Kalahari Desert Drive start and end?

The Kalahari Desert Drive runs from Gaborone to Maun.

What are the main stops on the Kalahari Desert Drive?

The Kalahari Desert Drive passes through Gaborone, Jwaneng, Kang.

How difficult is the Kalahari Desert Drive to drive?

The Kalahari Desert Drive is rated hard and is best handled with 4wd only.

Do I need a 4WD for the Kalahari Desert Drive?

Yes — the Kalahari Desert Drive includes off-road or rough sections that require 4wd only.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Kalahari Desert Drive?

Yes — the Kalahari Desert Drive requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: The Central Kalahari Game Reserve requires a paid entry permit booked in advance through Botswana's Department of Wildlife. Tracks inside the reserve are deep sand and strictly require a 4WD vehicle with low-range capability. Carry substantial fuel, water, and food as facilities are almost nonexistent.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Kalahari Desert Drive?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 3 EV charges) along the Kalahari Desert Drive, based on its 900 km length.

Is the Kalahari Desert Drive safe to drive?

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve requires a paid entry permit booked in advance through Botswana's Department of Wildlife. Tracks inside the reserve are deep sand and strictly require a 4WD vehicle with low-range capability. Carry substantial fuel, water, and food as facilities are almost nonexistent.

What scenic tier is the Kalahari Desert Drive?

The Kalahari Desert Drive is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.