Africa Wild

Flutterby wrote:Kgalagadi means "place of thirst", which aptly sums up the Park's arid state, as it is located largely within the southern Kalahari Desert. The terrain consists of red sand dunes, sparse vegetation, occasional trees, and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob rivers. The rivers are said to flow only about once per century; however, water flows underground, feeding the plant life growing in its riverbeds and the wildlife dwelling within it. The rivers may flow briefly after large thunderstorms, which is a momentous occasion and results in the wildlife flocking to the riverbeds and quenching their thirst. This allows for magnificent game-viewing for visitors to the Park.

The weather in the Kalahari can reach extremes. Daytime temperatures in midsummer (December - February) are often in excess of 40 °C (104 °F), whereas winter nights can be quite cold with temperatures sometimes dropping to below freezing. Extreme temperatures of –11 °C and up to 45 °C have been recorded.

Rainy season: Precipitation is sparse in this desert area (annual rainfall rarely more than 100 mm), but the rains usually fall during dramatic thunderstorms often accompanied by strong winds and dust-storms, which occur during the Summer months (November - April). The first rains transform the red dunes; covering them with fresh yellow flowers.

Dry season: Winter (June to August), is when the air is dry and very clear days can be expected and the temperatures lie around 25 degrees Celsius; however the nights are extremely cold. Winter is also the best time for animal viewing. Because of the drought, the game is forced to come to the waterholes in the riverbeds.

Source: http://www.sunsafaris.com/safari/botswa ... tier-park/