As the world population tends to grow larger, people are encroaching more and more on nature. Species are struggling to survive, with fewer natural resources to provide food and shelter. However, the desert in Africa is still one of the areas of the world that it trying to preserve its natural history with miles of game reserves. The landscape is so vast and untamed, many miles separate visitors from habitable portions of Africa. However, because of this fact, the Kalahari remains both ominous and amazing.
Desert or Not
Most people think of the Kalahari as one of the biggest deserts of the planet. However, according to the technical definition, this vast and wild part of Africa does not qualify. According to the Random House dictionary, a desert is “a region so arid because of little rainfall that it supports only sparse and widely spaced vegetation or no vegetation at all”.
The Kalahari does not qualify as a true desert because it often has at least 10 inches of rain in a year. In fact, it has been known to also have between 20-40 inches on rare occasions. However, any moisture is quickly absorbed by the thirsty land, because the Kalahari still has the propensity to go years without any measurable moisture.
In addition, most well-known deserts have the sand dunes that are typically seen in the treacherous survival movies. A great example is the Sahara. In contrast, the Kalahari Desert has no dunes and is covered by hot, dry sand.
Seasons in the Sun
When discussing the seasons, most people think about winter, spring, summer and fall. Generally, most people think of four distinct periods of time. While the winter in one area of the world means snow and ice, on the opposite side of the planet the population is enjoying summer. But, almost everyone has 4 seasons at one time or another.
The Kalahari is one of the exceptions to the expected rules of nature. Instead of 4 seasons, the desert has 3 distinguishable periods of time throughout the year. But, the changes do not always occur according to the calendar. Each year, the climate changes seemingly on a whim.
One year, the rainy season starts in November. The next year it may not come until January. Next, the cold and dry period begins. Although it is hard to imagine, desert areas can become cold, especially at night. Then, the hot and dry spell that is more commonly associated with a desert starts.
Sinking Salt
The Kalahari has miles and miles of uncharted land. Explorers driving through certain areas do so at their own risk. If the Land Rover breaks down, or someone becomes incapacitated, it can be days, weeks, months, or years before being discovered. Even if a person could call for help, how would searchers be able to find the individual before it is too late?
In addition, the desert has areas called salt pans that have the ability to literally swallow a vehicle. Visually, the landscape looks like crusty salt. At first, it appears firm as the pavement of the big city. Nevertheless, trying to drive across a salt pan is potentially fatal.
With the weight of a vehicle, what looks and feels like solid ground gives way to sink holes. Underneath the salty looking exterior is brackish water, mud, or a big hole, waiting to swallow the unsuspecting adventurer. Even when time is of the essence, knowledgeable explorers know to drive around the salt pans.
Untouched Beauty
After studying the potential dangers of the Kalahari Desert and carefully planning for a true study of nature, there are many people that truly appreciate the untouched beauty of this wild land. Because it is so uninhabitable, there are areas that have not been corrupted by businesses, homes, towns, or the tourist trade.
Visitors see the lions, hyenas, giraffes, and other wildlife in their natural environment. Thirty years ago, many species have not developed fear of humans. A husband and wife team of scientists can sleep amidst a pride of lions. Hyenas are so curious, they steal cups, shoes, shirts, or other human items, treating them like treasures of conquest.
For hundreds of miles, civilization is a thing of the future, as people step into a timeless landscape. Forgetting a tourist safari, simply sit back for hours with a pair of good binoculars and cameras. Watch the wild animals in their natural habitat and gain a real appreciation for the untouched beauty of the Kalahari Desert.
In short, the Kalahari is one of the last places on earth to be corrupted by civilization. It is both ominous and amazing in its beautiful wilderness. But, how long will it remain unscathed? Is it already too late? Has society grown so much that the hyenas, lions, and other amazing beasts being pushed out of their homes? Game preserves have been established for decades to keep this African wilderness truly wild.