description Kalahari Overview
The Kalahari is a large, primarily sand-based plain encompassing parts of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. This semi-arid savanna ecosystem is notable for its distinctive geology—a fossil desert shaped by ancient seas—and the diverse wildlife it sustains including lions, zebras, and various reptiles. It’s an area of significant anthropological interest due to the long history of indigenous groups who have adapted to this challenging environment, particularly the San people.
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Kalahari ranks #20 of 328 in the Plain ranking, behind Ganges Plain, ahead of Punjab Plains.
Iconic semi-arid savanna with major wildlife, Indigenous cultural significance, and strong global geographic recognition.
help Kalahari FAQ
Is the Kalahari a true desert?
Much of the Kalahari is better described as a semi-arid sandy savanna or fossil desert because it supports grasses, shrubs, and woodland. It generally has more vegetation than the hyper-arid Namib Desert to the west.
Which countries contain the Kalahari?
The Kalahari covers much of Botswana and extends into Namibia and South Africa. The larger Kalahari Basin reaches beyond the most visibly sandy portions.
Where does water in the Kalahari go if it does not reach the sea?
Much of the region drains internally into pans, dry valleys, and wetlands. The Okavango River ends in Botswana's inland Okavango Delta rather than flowing to an ocean.
What animals can live in the Kalahari's dry environment?
The region supports species such as meerkats, gemsbok, springbok, brown hyenas, and Kalahari lions. Seasonal water and grazing also attract large zebra movements in parts of Botswana.
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