Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Experience the vastness and beauty of the Kalahari Desert, with its unique wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Overview
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, spanning the border between South Africa and Botswana, is a vast and arid wilderness renowned for its stunning red sand dunes, sparse vegetation, and unique wildlife. The park is home to a variety of desert-adapted animals, including the iconic Kalahari lion, gemsbok, and meerkat. Birdwatchers will also delight in the park’s diverse birdlife, with over 200 bird species recorded in the area. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park offers visitors a range of activities, including game drives, guided walks, and wilderness trails, allowing visitors to experience the park’s natural beauty and wildlife up close. The park is also a stargazing paradise, with its remote location offering some of the clearest night skies in the world. Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique and unforgettable adventure, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is sure to leave you in awe of Africa’s natural beauty.
Things to Do
Game Drives: Explore the park on game drives to encounter wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, gemsbok, and springbok.
Bird Watching: The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 300 bird species, including raptors and desert specialists.
Stargazing: Experience the magic of the night sky in one of the world’s darkest places, ideal for stargazing.
Guided Walks: Join guided walks to learn about the park’s unique ecology and spot smaller creatures and plants.
Camping: Stay in one of the park’s wilderness camps or rest camps for an immersive experience in nature.
Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife with your camera, especially during sunrise and sunset.
What to See
Red Dunes: Witness the iconic red sand dunes that define the park’s landscape, especially striking during sunrise and sunset.
Wildlife Waterholes: Visit the waterholes, such as Urikaruus and Mata Mata, to observe wildlife gathering to drink.
Auob and Nossob Riverbeds: Explore the riverbeds for wildlife sightings, including predators on the hunt.
Gemsbok and Springbok: These antelope species are commonly seen and are well-adapted to the arid conditions.
Birdlife: Look out for raptors like eagles and falcons, as well as ostriches and the iconic sociable weavers.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September) when wildlife congregates around water sources, making for excellent game viewing.
Getting there
By Road:Â Accessible by 4×4 vehicles, the park can be reached from South Africa and Botswana through designated border posts.
By Air:Â The nearest international airports are in Johannesburg and Gaborone, with connecting flights to Upington or Kimberley, where you can rent a vehicle for the journey to the park.
Where to Stay
Mid-Range Accommodation:
Twee Rivieren Rest CampÂ
Located within Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Twee Rivieren Rest Camp offers mid-range accommodations with views of the surrounding Kalahari Desert. The camp features comfortable chalets, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and guided game drives.
Mata Mata Rest CampÂ
Situated in the northern part of the park, Mata Mata Rest Camp offers mid-range accommodations overlooking the Auob River. The camp features cozy chalets, a restaurant serving hearty meals, and guided walks along the river.
Nossob Rest CampÂ
Located in the heart of the park, Nossob Rest Camp offers mid-range accommodations with views of the dry riverbed. The camp features comfortable chalets, a restaurant serving traditional dishes, and guided game drives.
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Luxury Accommodation:
Kalahari Plains CampÂ
Located in the northern part of the park, Kalahari Plains Camp offers luxury accommodations with panoramic views of the Kalahari Desert. The camp features luxurious tents, a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine, and guided game drives.
Kieliekrankie Wilderness CampÂ
Situated in a remote part of the park, Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp offers luxury accommodations in private chalets. The camp features exclusive access to game viewing areas, a private chef, and guided walks with experienced guides.
!Xaus LodgeÂ
Located on a dune overlooking a salt pan, !Xaus Lodge offers luxury accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The lodge features spacious rooms, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and guided cultural experiences with the local San people.
Other Attractions in South Africa
Addo Elephant National Park
Augrabies Falls National Park
Garden Route National Park
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Karoo National Park
Table Mountain National Park
Kruger National Park
Mapungubwe National Park
West Coast National Park
Drakensberg Mountains
General Knowledge Base
General information about Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa.
The park is characterized by its vast red sand dunes, dry riverbeds, and sparse vegetation, typical of the Kalahari Desert.
Yes, the park is well-suited for self-drive safaris, with well-maintained roads and good signage.
The park has several natural waterholes, which are a magnet for wildlife, especially during the dry season.
The park was established in 2000 through the merger of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana.
Yes, meerkats are commonly seen in the park, especially in the early morning when they are most active.
Yes, the park is home to a variety of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Yes, the park is an important stopover for migratory birds, with over 200 bird species recorded.
“Kgalagadi” is a Setswana word that means “place of thirst,” reflecting the arid nature of the region.
Yes, the park offers night drives, which provide a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife species.
