Kalahari Desert northwest, forming marshes that are rich in wildlife. Ancient dry riverbeds—called omuramba—traverse the central northern reaches of the Kalahari and provide standing pools of water during the rainy season. A semi-desert, with huge tracts of excellent grazing after good rains, the Kalahari supports more animals and plants than a true desert, such as the Namib Desert to the west. There are small amounts of rainfall and the summer temperature is very high. The driest areas usually receive of rain per year, and the wettest just a little over . The surrounding Kalahari Basin covers over extending further into Botswana, Namibia
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