The Southern and Eastern parts of Namibia are covered by the Kalahari Desert. It is in fact a fossil desert rather a desert in the true sense of the word. This area does get some rainfall, up to 250 mm has been recorded in some areas in the past, and the landscape is a mixture of golden grass and small red dunes – this vast landscape often being referred to as the Kgalagadi.
It spreads into Botswana and the north western section of South Africa north of the Orange River. In good years where they experience above average rainfall, this desert blooms into a sea of long grass that waives in the wind. With this comes the game and wildlife.
Due to the inconsistency of the rainfall and the generally arid conditions, this area is sparely populated, with the local inhabitants, the “Bushmen” being found in small pockets raising their goats and cattle. In Namibia this area is called the Karas region, where some farms are located where cattle and ostrich are raised. There are a few Game farms and guest farms which have developed over recent years, allowing the tourist the opportunity to explore the area.
The Nama word “Karas” stands for “Quiver Tree” which is also the plant symbol for this south east region of Namibia. Karas abounds in natural riches and beauty, including the very sought-after minerals including the world’s largest reserves of alluvial diamonds
Fairly recently the governments of South Africa and Botswana formed the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Wildlife National Park as a means of protecting and preserving this stark and beautiful area. In later blogs I will post articles on this National Park.
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