2,500sq. km. in Central Kalahari is the closest reserve (only 240 km) to Gaborone. It combines most types of typical Kalahari habitat with grassed and bare pans (over 60 of them), dry river beds, fossil dunes, and rolling grasslands. The reserve is typical of vast areas of the Kalahari and offers an unsurpassed wilderness experience: low vegetation, wide bare pans and vast spaces combining to create an atmosphere of silence and peace. Local San guide visitors around the reserve, teaching them about edible and moisture-bearing plants and about the animals in the area which survive on little water. Visitors should not expect to see large herds of game, though large herds of antelope sometimes occur towards the end of winter and in spring (late July to September). Nevertheless, there is a wide variety of species. Birdlife is extremely interesting with over 150 species having been recorded. Access is by road but 4-WDs are essential. Camping and entry tickets may be bought at a Department of Wildlife and National Parks camp at Galalabodimo Pan at the entrance to the reserve. Guides prepared to accompany visitors and camp with them may also be hired here. It is normal to feed guides and pay them about P4 a day. They take their own bedding. Further information may be obtained from the Department’s headquarters, in Gaborone.