The Desert

'Kalahari' comes from the Tswana word 'Kgalagadi' which means 'the great thirst'. The red brown sands of the Kalahari have virtually no streams or permanent water sources, making the land impossible to cultivate. The lack of agriculture and settlements mean the Kalahari has remained unchanged for millions of years. It is one of the last remaining wildernesses on earth where the distance between horizons is awe inspiring, and where humans have barely left a trace.

However, with over 250mm of rainfall a year, the Kalahari is not a true desert (deserts must have less than 250mm). There is an abundance of plant and animals wildlife which must adapt to living in a harsh and unforgiving environment. Summer temperatures can reach over 40°C while winters average below 0°C. Plants cannot expect many nutrients from the dry sandy soil, and animals must survive on little with enough energy to avoid both predators and the sun.

Kalahari Wildlife