Deception Valley Private Reserve

Deception Valley Private

The Deception Valley Private Reserve provides a soft introduction to the harsh expanses of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve next door. This is also one of the best places in Botswana to get a glimpse into the hunter-gatherer lifestyle of the San people, who have survived in the arid desert for tens of thousands of years.

This private reserve contains desert-adapted wildlife from giraffes to ostriches, gemsbok and springbok. Ease of access, together with high chances of finding black-maned Kalahari lions during the winter months are key draw cards for heading out on safari here.

Unlike other desert safaris in Botswana, you won’t be restricted by national park rules here. The freedom to look for nocturnal desert creatures on a night drive, sit out in a hide to soak up the sightings or to explore the bush on foot is what makes this area unique.

Despite the fences, big predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah move in and out of the concessions throughout the year. During the dry winter months, the big cats often prefer the easy access to water at the pumped waterholes here over the Central Kalahari itself.

When you’re done with the typical safari routine, head out into the desert with the San bushmen. Watch in awe as these traditional hunter-gatherers pull food, water and tools for survival out of the sand in front of your eyes.

For self-drivers, the Deception Valley Private Reserve provides an ideal stop for experiencing the desert without the risks of heading into the vast Central Kalahari hundreds of miles from the nearest creature comforts and assistance.

Good To Know

Best Time To Travel

April – October, traditionally dry season, the game viewing is easier due to low grasses and these private reserves / game farms pump permanent water holes attracting the game from the dry CKGR
November – March, traditionally the wet season. Birding, at its best not forgetting the desert flowers that bloom after the rains.
Winter is much cooler which often suits the international travelers and the clear night skies are spectacular

What To See

Species specialized in extreme aridity eg. Springbok, Gemsbok,
Brown Hyena, Mongoose, Meerkats, Ostrich, and the Kalahari black maned lion
Despite the fences, big predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah move in and out of the concessions throughout the year.
The Central Kalahari area is renowned for Raptors

What To Do

Game Drives, day, and night (nocturnal desert animals)
Bush walks
Swimming pool for those hot summer days & nights
Star gazing
Experience the bush, with the San people, now working alongside the tourism industry, to share their culture and traditions.

What Makes This Area Unique

Deception Valley Lodge sits on one of the largest privately owned conservancies in Botswana
The contrast between dry and wet season in the Kalahari is an extreme one, with the first rains the rough semi-desert transforms into a green paradise
Winter night skies are phenomenal
Unlike the CKGR, these lodges are not beholden to Government Park regulations

Expert Travel Tips

Central Kalahari area can have extreme temperatures, 40 degrees in October and freezing early mornings & evenings in July-August. The Central Kalahari can be 10 degrees higher / lower than the rest of Botswana depending on season. Be prepared
For self-drivers, the Deception Valley Private Reserve provides an ideal stop for experiencing the desert without the risks of heading into the vast Central Kalahari hundreds of miles from the nearest creature comforts and assistance

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