South Africa and Botswana's Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Help Me PlanKgalagadi Transfrontier Park Destination Guide
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park spans the border of South Africa and Botswana and protects a vast sweep of the Kalahari. Covering about 38,000 km², it is an off-the-beaten-track destination famed for red dunes, dry riverbeds, black-maned lion, prolific raptor, and astonishing night skies, explored by scenic drives and remote 4x4 routes.
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 250 km from Upington, 960 km from Johannesburg, and 1,100 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 40 °C.
Similarly, winter nights can be 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.
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, but an astonishing 19 species 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 eagle and the pale chanting goshawk are commonly sighted.
Experiences to Savor at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The contrast of their magnitude characterizes experiences to savor in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park — from encountering tiny meerkat 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 joined forces in conserving the natural routes of 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.
