Kgalagadi

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Kgalagadi is not a town. It is the term given to the huge area covered by the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The park has five entrances in three countries. From South Africa, access is through Twee Rivieren, from Namibia through Mata-Mata and from Botswana through Two Rivers, Mabuasehube and Kaa gates.

The facilities on the South African side are most developed, offering chalets, cottages and campsites available at Mata-Mata, Nossob and Twee Rivieren Rest Camps. Kalahari is a tented camp and cabins are available at Bitterpan, Grootkolk, Gharagab, Kieliekrankie and Urikaruus Wilderness Camps.

Botswana, the ‘wild side’, has unfenced campsites with no electricity. It’s a good idea to ascertain if a camp’s borehole is working when you book. For safety’s sake, it’s advisable to travel by 4×4 and in convoy with at least one other vehicle in the Botswana section.

Animals that define the character of the Kgalagadi include the emblem for the park – the Gemsbok, cheetahs and magnificent black-maned lions. The Kgalagadi is also known for its meerkat families. There are many other species that favour the desert and scrublands, including cheetah, giraffe, springbok, kudu and eland. Raptors abound, their sharp eyes ever ready to take advantage of the open spaces and the toll that heat and lack of water can take on their prey in the dry season.

Although the animals are more sparse than in the green bushy parks, it is much easier to spot them from the car. This park is very hot in summer, but if you are in an air conditioned car, you won’t feel it. In winter, the Kalahari can be very cold at night.

Read more on the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park from Sanparks

Getaway has also done a great article, posted on ShowMe: Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park