Kalahari Desert activities within the reserve. Botswana Namibia South Africa Kalahari Desert The Kalahari Desert is a large semi-arid sandy savanna in Southern Africa extending for , covering much of Botswana, parts of Namibia and regions of South Africa. "Kalahari" is derived from the Tswana word "Kgala", meaning "the great thirst", or "Kgalagadi", meaning "a waterless place"; the Kalahari has vast areas covered by red sand without any permanent surface water. Drainage of the desert is by dry valleys, seasonally inundated pans and the large salt pans of the Makgadikgadi Pan in Botswana and Etosha Pan in Namibia. The only permanent river,
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve New land was added to extend and protect habitats and territories. The grasses were allowed to grow. Indigenous game such as the critically endangered desert black rhino and black-maned Kalahari lions were introduced. Tswalu Kalahari is a luxury private lodge in the reserve, a member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. There are nine suites at the Motse Lodge, and the private Tarkuni has five suites. The reserve has all the 'big five', with the exception of elephant. Tswalu Kalahari reserve is part of the Diamond Route. The conservation work of Nicky and Strilli Oppenheimer was recognized with