What is the Kalahari Desert?
The Kalahari Desert is a large, sandy region in Southern Africa. It covers parts of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Unlike most deserts, the Kalahari receives some rain, which allows more plants and animals to live here.
Where is the Kalahari Desert on the map?
The Kalahari Desert stretches across an area of about 900,000 square kilometers. It lies south of the equator and covers much of Botswana, eastern Namibia, and parts of northern South Africa.
While it is called a desert, it gets more rain than true deserts. This makes it more of a dry savannah than a completely barren land.
Climate of the Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari has hot summers and cold winters.
In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 45°C. Winters, however, can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping close to freezing at night.
Rain is rare but not absent. The region receives between 100-500 mm of rain per year, usually during short, heavy showers in summer.
Wildlife in the Kalahari Desert
Despite its dry conditions, the Kalahari supports many animals. Some common ones include:
- Meerkats
- Lions (including the famous black-maned Kalahari lions)
- Springboks
- Oryx (gemsbok)
- Cheetahs
- African wild dogs
Birds and reptiles also thrive here, including ostriches, secretary birds, and spitting cobras.
Plant Life in the Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari is not a barren wasteland. Its vegetation includes grasses, thorny shrubs, and drought-resistant trees like acacias. The hardy camelthorn tree is one of the most common and important plants.
The People of the Kalahari
The Kalahari has been home to the San people (also called Bushmen) for thousands of years. They are skilled hunters and gatherers, using traditional knowledge to survive in the harsh environment.
