The huge Kalahari Desert spans seven different countries in Southern Africa. It's the subject of much debate as to what the Kalahari actually is and what defines its borders - indeed, Kalahari sand extends all the way up into the Congo. In the protected areas game tends to be very good: lion, cheetah and leopard prey on the arid area species like springbok, gemsbok and red hartebeest. Bird watching can be amazing: look out for great raptors all year round and an influx of interesting migrants in the wet summer months.