The Kalahari is commonly spoken of as a desert, but because most of its expanse is covered in vegetation of some form or another it is better classified as dry savannah. The rolling red dunes, which characterise the region’s landscape, are covered in golden grasslands, which turn green after rains. Sweet Thorn and the iconic Camelthorn trees provide shade for travellers, wildlife, and livestock to shelter away from the searing summer sun, and haystack-like sociable weaver’s nests cling precariously to telephone poles. The area has 40 of the country’s 67 raptor and vulture species, and 7 of the 12 owl species. These, along with the many creatures both large and small seen on game farms, offer wildlife enthusiasts a unique experience in an arid zone. However, the Kalahari is not all dry. There are areas where water pours forth from the earth in crystal clear abundance, like at The Eye in the region’s main town, Kuruman. This natural fountain delivers 20-30million litres of water daily. Also found nearby is the 800,000-year-old Wonderwerk Cave, and Boesmansgat sinkhole, said to be the largest natural cavern of its kind in the world. Other treasures found beneath the Kalahari’s surface are iron, manganese, and other ores, with Sishen Iron Ore Mine in Kathu being the world’s largest single-pit open cast mine. It operates on an unimaginably huge scale and has the world’s largest trucks, capable of 340-ton loads. For a taste of history, visit the Moffat Mission, which offers a peek at what life was like in this part of wildest Africa back in the 1800s. One of the region’s best-kept secrets is the small scenic Witsand Nature Reserve with its roaring white dunes (yes, they really do ‘’roar’’ in the hot months) that contrast with the red Kalahari sand. Venture along the roads of this scenic region, spend a few days discovering its bounty, experience life on a guest farm, and you will not want to leave. There’s a saying that once you get Kalahari sand in your shoes, you will always return…..
--- By Brent Naudé-Moseley
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