Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Overview

The Kalahari is not a true desert but rather a semidesert savanna. Sand ridges cover much of Kgalagadi. When the first rains fall, various annuals burst into flowers, bringing color to the arid landscape.

The two major rivers of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the Nossob and the Auob, flow on rare occasions. Their beds meet near Twee Rivieren camp, and the combined channel continues southward to enter the Molopo River outside the park. Kgalagadi does not support the diversity of antelope found in savanna parks. Still, an astonishing 19 species of antelope roam the area. Carnivores include the black-maned Kalahari lion, cheetah, brown hyena, African wild cat, and honey badger. Raptors such as martial, tawny, and bateleur eagles and the pale chanting goshawk are commonly sighted.

Countries

South Africa and Botswana

Established

2000

Elevation

740 - 1480m above sea level

Size

38 000 km²

No. of mammal Species

31

Reasons to Visit

1

Conservation

In the spirit of conservation, the former Kalahari Gemsbok National Park of South Africa and neighboring Gemsbok National Park in Botswana decided to merge: to protect the natural migratory patterns of the wildlife. It is a just cause for celebration, as the colossal park is home to never-ending splendor and awe-inspiring animal diversity.

2

Border Crossing

Traveling within Kgalagadi is a freeing experience as visitors can cross the border between South Africa and Botswana in search of various wildlife and environmental attractions. Visitors can even enter from Namibia at Mata-Mata. It makes the park an ideal destination to combine with parks in the three countries.

3

Black-maned Kalahari Lions

If you want to see the imposing black-maned Kalahari lions, a trip to Kgalagadi is a must. The dramatic contrast between their golden frame and the dark mane adds to their inherent intensity. However, it is essential to consider the park's size, and finding these black-maned cats can take time and effort.

Experiences to Savor at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The contrast of their magnitude characterizes experiences to savor in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park - from encountering tiny little meerkats to taking in the vast expanse of the desert and legion migratory herds.

Migrations

Once you have witnessed the seasonal migrations of the Kgalagadi's antelope, such as the wildebeest, you will understand why the two countries needed to join forces in conserving the natural route of the wildlife. Their trek along the dry lands in search of nourishment is simply inspiring.

Endless skies

The boundless heavens strikingly complement the unique landscape. The bright blue is often covered by clusters of snowy clouds that create great shapes as they navigate the sky. You will often find yourself staring unconsciously at the skies here.

Marvelous Meerkats

If you have never watched the series Meerkat Manor, you might start after visiting Kgalagadi. These little critters are pretty comfortable around humans, and their active presence is not something you can easily forget.

FAQ

Is the water here drinkable?

The main camps have drinking water, but we will ensure that bottled mineral water is always readily available.

Is Kgalagadi a malaria risk area?

It is not a high-risk malaria area, but the malaria-carrying mosquito occasionally occurs. Consult your physician before your travels and ensure you always have insect repellent handy.

Can I cross the border within the park?

If you entered South Africa, you could travel from the park into Botswana or Namibia at the Mata Mata border. Still, you must complete immigration formalities at Twee Rivieren first.

What should we keep a lookout for when in the park?

There are black-maned Kalahari lions and even leopards in the area, cheetahs, hyenas, birds of prey, honey badgers, bat-eared foxes, and other small creatures. Read the 'Wildlife' section for more information.

When is the best time to visit?

You can visit throughout the year, but the best time is between March and May.

What facilities are available?

The main rest camps have shops that stock basic groceries, but the tented camps only offer accommodation facilities. Twee Rivieren has a basic restaurant.

Are there any safe swimming spots in the area?

There are swimming pools at Twee Rivieren, Kalahari Tented Camp, and Mata Mata and Nossob camps.

Useful Travel Info

Getting There

By Air

Guests to the park will be met at OR Tambo International Airport and assisted in transferring to a domestic flight to Upington in the Northern Cape. The short flight will take you straight into the Kalahari region so remember to pack something cool, especially if you are arriving in summer.

By Road

Kgalagadi is on the border of South Africa and Botswana, approximately 250km from Upington, 960km from Johannesburg, and 1100 km from Cape Town. African Sky guests are driven by an experienced guide from Upington Airport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle through the panoramic Kalahari to the park.

Weather & Best Time To Visit

Although animals congregate around the riverbeds after the rains from March to May, wildlife viewing in Kgalagadi is exceptional all year round. The scorching rainy season from January to February brings terrific thunderstorms- a marvel to observe – if you don't mind temperatures exceeding 40C.

Similarly, winters become freezing, and the temperatures can drop below 0 degrees at night. Birding is better in the winter than in the spring and summer seasons, but the cooler days make exploring on foot much more comfortable. The park does not get crowded, but it may be fuller during the school holidays.

History

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a product of South Africa and Botswana working together. It was founded on 12 May 2000 when presidents Thabo Mbeki and Festus Mogae formed Southern Africa's first peace park. The Kalahari Gemsbok National Park of South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park of Botswana formed this international reserve. The park's history dates back to 31 July 1931, when the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park was established on the South African side to protect the migrating game. Eventually, in 1948, a verbal agreement was made with Botswana (then known as the Bechuanaland Protectorate) to conserve the whole area as one unit.

The park is named after the Kgalagadi people, whose language is related to Tswana. They were some of the first to move into this area and stayed peacefully with Kehoe-speaking people. These people named the area "Kgalagadi," which means "place of thirst."

Wildlife

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is an ideal place to view gemsbok (also known as oryx). The large size of the park allows the migration of wild ungulates and provides the predators that prey on them a large area to survive. The migratory ungulates are the red hartebeest, blue wildebeest, springbok, and eland.

The park's most common predators are cheetahs, hyenas, and the famous black-maned Kalahari lion. Leopards and wild dogs are also spotted occasionally. More than 200 bird species have been documented, including vultures, eagles, buzzards, secretary birds, and ostriches.

Vegetation & Terrain

The terrain comprises red dunes, sparse grasslands, scrub bush vegetation, desert woodlands occupied by occasional trees, the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob Rivers, and salt pans. Locals believe that the rivers only flow once every hundred years. Underground rivers provide the necessary sustenance for the fauna, flora, and wildlife that call this desert home.

Activities

Game drives in the early mornings or late afternoons are available daily. Longer drives on various 4x4 trails, such as the Bitterpan and Mabuasehube, are available. A visit to the Predator Centre at Nossob is a great way to learn more about the habits of Kgalakgadi's predator species.