Which desert occupies much of Botswana and is part of the larger Kalahari Basin?

The Kalahari Desert occupies much of Botswana and forms part of the larger Kalahari Basin.

Unlike many deserts, the Kalahari receives enough seasonal rainfall to support extensive grasslands, shrubs, and trees. Its sandy surface and dry climate still make it a desert in broad geographical terms, although some scientists describe parts of it as semi-desert or dry savanna.

The Kalahari extends beyond Botswana into Namibia and South Africa. The term is associated with the Tswana word kgala, commonly interpreted as referring to great thirst or a waterless place. The landscape includes dunes, salt pans, fossil river valleys, and seasonal watercourses.

The Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana are a major neighbouring feature, but they are not the entire Kalahari Desert. Wildlife such as meerkats, gemsbok, springbok, and lions survives through seasonal movement and adaptation to scarce surface water.