A cross-section of Kalahari pans was studied to determine wildlife use and the effect of human settlement on these areas. The pans without settlement are shown to be important to many wildlife species including the valuable large antelope - blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, gemsbok and springbok. Human settlement has led to a disappearance of most wildlife species, a reduction in perennial grass cover, and an increase in shrubs. It is suggested that these facts should be taken into account by land-use planners in this arid area where the use of wildlife is already a significant factor in the economy. Keywords: Human settlement, Kalahari, Wildlife.