Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert covers approximately 900,000 square kilometers across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. It primarily occupies the Kalahari Basin, which dominates much of the southern region of the African continent. It is not to be confused with the neighboring Namib desert.

Despite its name, the Kalahari is technically a large semi-arid sandy savanna rather than a true desert. It receives more rainfall than a typical desert, which allows it to support a diverse population of wildlife and vegetation. It typically receives between 100 and 500 millimeters of rain annually.

The Kalahari supports a wide array of large mammals adapted to its semi-arid conditions, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. It is also famously home to the meerkat, as well as the distinct brown hyena. These animals survive by migrating across vast distances to find water.

Yes, the Kalahari is home to various indigenous populations, most notably the San people (also known as Bushmen). They have lived in the region for thousands of years, surviving as highly skilled hunter-gatherers. The San are famous for their unique click-consonant languages and tracking skills.