Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park developed from the Kalahari Ge

the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is where the red dunes and scrub fade into infinity and herds of gemsbok, springbok, eland and blue wildebeest follow the seasons, where imposing camel thorn trees provide shade for huge black-mane lions and vantage points for leopard and many raptors. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park prevoiusly the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa was proclaimed in 1931 mainly to protect the migrating game, especially the gemsbok. Together with the adjacent Gemsbok National Park in Botswana,the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park comprises an area of over 3,6 million hectares – one of very few conservation areas of this magnitude left in the world.

Red sand dunes, sparse vegetation and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob show antelope and predator species off at a premium and provide excellent photographic opportunities. Kgalagadi could be considered a haven for birders especially when interested in birds of prey.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has six different camps of varying size, facilities and cost. Three traditional camps that have a basic shopping facility and fuel are situated on the South African side of the Park. Kgalagadi is the first Park to provide accommodation in three wilderness camps that, with no fences, invite the Kalahari and the tranquillity of Africa right into your room. The camps are:

Accommodation in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

• Twee Rivieren
• Mata Mata
• Nossob
• Bitterpan Wilderness Camp
• Grootkolk Wilderness Camp
• Kalahari Tented Wilderness Camp
• Kieliekrankie wilderness camp - Sunk into a dune, with endless views of the red Kalahari sands. Located in the Twee Rivieren region, this unique self-catering wilderness camp will be accessible by passenger vehicles.
• Urikaruus wilderness camp - Located in the Mata-Mata region of the park, between the veil of old camelthorn trees, overlooks the Auob River. Urikaruus is accessible by passenger vehicles.
• Gharagab wilderness camp - Located in the far northern region of the park, will provide guests with elevated views of Kalahari dunes and the thornveld savannah. Gharagab will only be accessible by 4x4.

Attractions of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

• The usually dry riverbeds of the Auob and the Nossob Rivers provide the best game viewing. The roads between the camps follow these riverbeds.
• The dune roads from Kij Kij to Auchterlonie and Dikbaardskolk to Kamqua link the two riverbeds.
• Union’s End – at the northern most part of the South African side of the park.
• Gemsbok – these large striking desert antelope are the emblem of the park.
• Suricate (Meerkat) – these hyperactive little omnivores have a wonderfully intricate family structure.
• Black-maned Kalahari Lions – Physically impressive, they are the kings of the Kalahari Desert. Article: Lions of the Kgalagadi by Lara Raubenheimer
• Sociable weavers – the busy little birds construct huge communal nests.
• Pygmy falcons – the park is famous for its birds of prey. This is the smallest falcon in Africa and is often seen around Sociable Weaver colonies preying on the birds.

4x4 Routes the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Prior bookings are essential for these routes and can only be contemplated in a single direction as a whole.

• Mabuasehube Wilderness Trail (starting at Mabuasehube) – 155 km
• Wilderness Trail (starting at Polentswa) – 257 km

Direct Routes through the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

These routes allows access to within Botswana but can only be driven with a 4x4

• Direct Route – Nossob Riverbed to Mabuasehube – 170 km
• Direct Route – Kannaguass to Kaa – 85 km

Camping in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

• Two Rivers
• Rooiputs (unfenced)
• Polentswa (unfenced)
• Kaa (unfenced)
• Mabuasehube section with unfenced camping sites at:
  - Mabuasehube
  - Khiding
  - Entrance Gate
  - Mpaathutlwa
  - Bosobogolo
  - Monamodi

Did you know that...

• Kgalagadi is the first Transfrontier Park to be established in Africa?
• It is also known as the Peace Park?
• At 3.8 million hectares, it is nearly twice the size of Kruger National Park?
• It is the most North Westerly National Park in South Africa?
• The name, Kgalagadi is derived from the SAN language and means "Place of thirst?"

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