Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert,or Kgalagadi, as it is known in Botswana, is where the San people lived for at least 10,000 years. It is an arid plateau region that is about 100,000 sq. miles that runs through Botswana, Nambia, and South Africa. It lies between Zambezi River and the Orange River. Kalahari contains dry lake and river beds, dense shrub, and the desert itself is mostly covered by reddish sand. During the rainy season, grass and a few other types of vegetation grows throughout the desert. The Kalahari supports many animals and plants that a true desert, and it receives much rain which is why some people think of the Kalahari as a "semi-desert." The sands if the Kalahari of the Northern Cape are transformed by the Orange River, which brings life to South Africa's hottest driest area. Along its banks vineyards thrive and soft fruits like peaches and apricots grow willingly.

Unlike the Sahara Desert, the Kalahari is covered with trees and ephemeral rivers,fossil watercourses, and in the north acacias.

The Kalahari has many wildlife inhabitants in the desert including hyeans, meerkats, many different types of birds and reptiles and antelope, lions, and so much more.

  aardwolf  Antbear 

Wildebeest  Kori bustard Pygmy Falcon

Other distinctive creatures of the Kalahari are small monogamous bat-eared foxes, sociable weavers who live in the feathered equivalent of an apartment block of nests, and the King of the Kalahari - the black-maned lion.

Bat-eared foxes nest

The Kalahari Desert is a place of mystery, wonder, and beauty. This is the only place where the San people strive. Kalahari has become a popular tourist attraction.

http://www.birdingafrica.com/cape_tours/birding_kalahari.htm

http://www.game-reserve.com/south-africa_kalahari.html

http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0826902.html

http://www.wackywildlifewonders.com/files/index_kalahari.html