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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

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Zanzibar - pearl beach resort, zanzibar - tui blue bahari.

The 3.7 million hectare Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa & Botswana is one of the world’s largest conservation areas and is a sanctuary to herds of gemsbok, springbok, blue wildebeest, eland, red hartebeest, as well as the black-mane Kalahari lions, leopard and cheetah.

This is an amazing park in the northern Cape and bordering with Namibia and one can traverse into Botswana. It is arid in some place and semi arid but produces amazing animal sightings like giraffe, aardwolf, bat eared fox etc. This is a raptors paradise and unbelievable photo’s are taken in these parts of the world.

The Kgalagadi is frequently visited by travelers from all over the world and love doing this park as well as Botswana and Namibia on one trip. So self-drive is one option as well as guided by a professional. It is a harsh part of the world and one needs to plan properly. Accommodation is chalate’s or 2 bed, 2 bath, lounge 7 kitchen with stoep over looking the dry Aub or Nossob rivers, camping with great facilities, rustic accommodation in smaller camps with no fencing and lodge style accommodation. So, you can drive in which is spectacular or, fly in to Upington and travel from there.

San People

Come and meet the Khomani San People

We depart early morning from Johannesburg. On route to Kuruman, we travel through Ventersdorp and Vryburg, where we have lunch. On arrival in Kuruman, we visit the Eye of Kuruman and depart for Kathu not far from Kuruman. Check-in and overnight stay at Red Sands outside Kuruman.

After breakfast, we continue the journey toward the Kgalagadi Park. The route is via Olifantshoek towards Upington where we will have lunch.  We then drive in a northerly direction towards the town of Askham. It is a slow drive, and around every corner, you will see more dune landscapes. We arrive at the Kgalagadi Lodge (5km from the gate) and check into the well-appointed chalets tonight. We relax for the remainder of the afternoon before dinner is enjoyed at the Restaurant.

Depart early to Mata Mata Camp for a full day safari with brunch at a picnic spot, looking for animals in the dry riverbed. Stay over in Mata Mata for 2 nights

After a healthy breakfast, we will drive in the dry river beds going further north and visit various water holes and picnic spots during the day before we return to camp for a lovely dinner.

Gemsbok or Oryx

Kgalagadi Gemsbok

After breakfast either in the chalets or at a picnic spot, we continue on our way to Nossob camp for the next 3 nights, enjoy game viewing every day. Stopping at picnic spots and water holes. Once booked into Nossob camp you can either sit at the Hide or on your front porch watching the animals coming to the waterhole. Your host will prepare meals for you in camp every night.

After another early morning wilderness drive followed by breakfast, it will be time to leave Nossop and make our way to Twee Rivieren gate. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the route at a picnic site or at Twee Rivieren. Overnight at the Molopo Kalahari Lodge.

Depart after breakfast travelling via Kathu where we will stop for a nice lunch and then on to Vryburg where we will overnight at the Lavender Guesthouse.

*** optional fly back from Upington for own account.

Accommodation in the Kgalagadi

Kgalagadi rustic bushcamp

This is your last day with the Kgalagadi tour and after breakfast, we depart for Johannesburg. Arriving late afternoon.

  • Departure As arranged
  • Departure Time As arranged
  • Return Time Mid afternoon
  • Included Accommodation, Entrance fees, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
  • Not Included Drinks, Gratuities, Personal items, Curios, Laundry, Telephone calls, Flights.

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Kgalagadi Safari Tours & Holidays

5-Day Kgalagadi Self-Drive Mid Range Tour

5-Day Kgalagadi Self-Drive Mid Range Tour

$454 to $497 pp (USD)

South Africa: Self-drive Mid-range Chalet

You Visit: Upington (Start) , Kgalagadi TP, Upington (End)

Bonsai-SA 4x4 Adventures and Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  15 Reviews

5-Day Kgalagadi Self-Drive Budget Camping Tour

5-Day Kgalagadi Self-Drive Budget Camping Tour

$291 to $318 pp (USD)

South Africa: Self-drive Budget Camping

8-Day Kalahari Self-Drive Budget Camping Tour

8-Day Kalahari Self-Drive Budget Camping Tour

$421 to $526 pp (USD)

You Visit: Upington (Start) , Kgalagadi TP, Augrabies Falls NP, Upington (End)

8-Day Kalahari Self-Drive Mid-Range Tour

8-Day Kalahari Self-Drive Mid-Range Tour

$749 to $807 pp (USD)

kgalagadi transfrontier park tours

8-Day Kalahari Guided Self-Drive Mid Range Tour

$2,416 to $2,722 pp (USD)

South Africa: Guided self-drive Mid-range Chalet & Cottage

kgalagadi transfrontier park tours

5-Day Kgalagadi Guided Self-Drive Budget Camping Tour

$1,285 to $1,440 pp (USD)

South Africa: Guided self-drive Budget Camping

kgalagadi transfrontier park tours

8-Day Kalahari Guided Self-Drive Budget Camping Tour

$1,802 to $2,004 pp (USD)

kgalagadi transfrontier park tours

5-Day Kgalagadi Guided Self-Drive Mid Range Tour

$1,641 to $1,898 pp (USD)

South Africa: Guided self-drive Mid-range Cottage

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kgalagadi transfrontier park tours

Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park

Sub regions inside, broader region.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park is a unique conservation area that straddles the border between South Africa and Botswana. It is the first transfrontier park in Africa and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Kalahari lion, cheetah, leopard, brown hyena, and many species of antelope. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to experience the Kalahari Desert in its natural state, with its vast open spaces, red sand.

The best time to visit Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the temperatures are milder and the wildlife is more active.

May to September

  • Warm, mild weather
  • May is a great month for wildlife viewing

October to April

  • The landscape is gorgeous and spring flowers appear after the first rains
  • End of the Wet season is the best time for wildlife viewing
  • The best time for birding because migrant species are present

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Botswana Experience

  • Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

38,000 sq. km

2000 (Transfrontier Park)

March to May

Off-the-beaten-track in Botswana and South Africa

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP) became a “peace park” in 2000 when the Mabuasehube-Gemsbok National Park of Botswana and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park of South Africa merged. It is popular with repeat visitors more than with first-time safari-goers.

A Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park landscape with red sand

Things to do

  • Where to stay
  • Where To Go

A true adventure for nature lovers

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is most rewarding to those who seek an adventure along the trails which others do not often tread on. Covering both Botswana and South Africa, the KTP is the first park in Africa to extend over two separate countries and its wildlife and remoteness leads to a deep appreciation of the Kgalagadi wilderness.

The Botswana side of the KTP is the wilder side of the two. The wilderness trails which run through this part of the park require a 4×4 vehicle and an experienced off-road driver. Lodges on the Botswana side are few and far between, as it is the unfenced and rudimentary wilderness campsites which offer the greatest appeal. The amount of people allowed per campsite is limited and requires you to be self-sufficient like a true adventurer. What you get for your efforts is great wildlife viewing and beautiful landscapes, including the red sand dunes of the Kalahari, the only place in Botswana where these can be admired.

The facilities on the South African side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park are more developed, offering not only camping but also a greater variety of accommodated options. These range from self-catering to fully catered and luxury lodgings. All of this on land which was traditionally roamed by the San people (or Basarwa as they are sometimes referred to in Botswana). A visit to a local San cultural village can give you a fascinating look into their ancient way of life and you can even learn a thing or two on how to survive in this harsh climate on a guided bush walk with a local San.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is also known for providing great wildlife sightings. You won’t be able to spot the Big 5 but when it comes to predators, the region can provide memorable moments. The Kalahari black-maned lion is the most famous of the predators and this park is one of the few where these striking looking lions can be spotted. Additionally, the park boasts leopard, cheetah, brown and spotted hyena and bat-eared fox amongst its species of hunters. Further residents of the park include antelopes such as the oryx, springbok, eland, and kudu. You should also spend some time admiring the meerkats which call the KTP home as these adorable creatures have a complex and interesting social life.

Due to the remoteness of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, it is often overlooked by the main tourist masses. This is the reason why those who go there, love the park. The thrill of hearing a lion roar whilst camping on one of the unfenced campsites with no other travels around might not be for the faint-hearted, but for many it encapsulates why they love going on safari. Being close to nature and close to wildlife. With pristine landscapes along the way, the KTP will provide you with a fantastic off the beaten track adventure.

Off-Road Experience

You can truly experience 4×4 rugged off-road driving on the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The deep sand and tough road conditions make for an adventurous journey.

Impressive Landscapes

You can marvel at the beautiful shifting red dunes of the Kgalagadi, the only place in Botswana where you can do so. This ancient land and harsh environment create a mesmerising landscape for you to discover.

A Transfrontier Peace Park

You can explore the first transfrontier, peace park in Africa. Free movement within the park allows not only the animals but also you to travel between Botswana and South Africa on a unique safari adventure.

Springboks as seen on Kgalagadi safari tours

On Kgalagadi safari tours you can experience uninterrupted and exclusive wildlife moments.

Red sand road leading into the horizon in Botswana

The red sand of the Kalahari Desert paints beautiful landscapes.

Camping lanterns on Kgalagadi safari tours

There are very few lodges, but you can camp on one of the remote and unfenced campsites in the wild.

A road leading to the horizon in the night in Botswana

An experience truly off the beaten track, for self-sufficient adventurers.

Best time to go to the Kgalagadi

The dry season brings animals to the waterholes as well as to the dry riverbeds of the Auob and Nossob. During the dry winter months, the nights can get well below freezing cold so be prepared. Summer months bring fresh rains, great wildlife viewing and spectacular birding with scorching hot temperatures. Depending on your preferences, it’s always a great time to go on Kgalagadi safari tours.

Best for more moderate daytime temperatures

Green Season

Best for wildlife sightings

An adventurous but exclusive experience

You can witness spectacular game viewing at any time of year and never will the park feel crowded with visitors. This is particularly true on the Botswana side where the number of vehicles per day allowed on the wilderness trails and campsites is restricted. It is just you and the Kgalagadi around you.

A tent on a remote campsite in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

If you’re up for an adventure, the Kgalagadi is your place. However by adventure we do mean adventure – you will overnight on unfenced campsites in the wild, not meet other travellers for many days at a time and experience the true meaning of remoteness and isolation. If you are hands-on, flexible and not afraid of the dark, you will love it here!

A safari vehicle with pop up roof on a game drive during Kgalagadi safari tours

  • Classic Game Drives

Look for wildlife on guided or self-drive game drives

A map of Southern Africa

  • Private Safaris

A safari experience tailored to your wishes

A campfire at a camping site at sunset on a Kgalagadi safari tour

  • Camping Safaris

Overnight at unfenced campsites in the wilderness

Great wildlife viewing throughout the year

Kgalagadi safari tours are a great opportunity to experience Southern Africa’s wildlife without having to share sightings with many people.

A male black maned lion in the Kgalagadi in Botswana

Black-Maned Lions

These rare lions roam the vastness of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

A close up of a cheetah as seen on Kgalagadi safari tours

The fastest land mammal on the planet can be spotted here

A lone wildebeest on the open plains with views of the horizon

These curious looking large antelopes are common on the Kgalagadi plains

Two meerkats on the lookout as seen on Kgalagadi safari tours

These fascinating suricates display very complex social behaviour

WILDLIFE IN THE KGALAGADI

A rugged and hidden wildlife gem for true africa lovers.

While wildlife watching is possible all-year-round on Kgalagadi safari tours, the best time is at the end of the wet season, when mammals come to the riverbeds to drink. You can spot lions and leopards, hyenas, oryx and meerkats.

Where to stay in the Kgalagadi

Mobile Camp setup with guest tent campfire mess tent

Mobile Camps

Guest tent at mobile camp at night

Guest Tent at Mobile Camp

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is located in the very south-west of Botswana, spanning into South Africa’s Northern Cape. You can enter the park in one country and leave it from another. Most visitors enter the park via the South African side, travelling from Johannesburg to Upington. A 4×4 vehicle is essential and a convoy recommended and sometimes required.

  • Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park   
  • Maun 750 km | 10 hours’ drive
  • Ghanzi 460 km | 7 hours’ drive
  • Gaborone 460 km | 8 hours’ drive
  • Mata-Mata 330 km | 15-17 hours’ drive
  • Twee Rivieren 330 km | 15-17 hours’ drive
  • Upington 500 km | 9 hours’ drive

Experience the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

kgalagadi transfrontier park tours

Kalahari & Okavango Delta

Places Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Moremi Game Reserve

Price on request (RQ)

giraffe

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The Northern Cape is the biggest of the nine provinces in South Africa, covering almost a third of the total surface area of the country, with a population of less than a million people.

The wide open spaces, at least 5 national parks with easy access, beautiful red sand dunes, two of the largest rivers in SA, carpets of Spring flowers in Namaqualand, rich diamond history around Kimberley and along the West Coast, a wealth of plants and wildlife, are just some of the reasons why the Northern Cape deserves to be at the top of every traveller’s list.

Wildlife photo from our kgalagadi transfrontier park tour

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with white water rafting on the largest river in SA!

Imagine exploring the “desert”, with white water rafting on the largest river in SA, game drives and bushman-guided nature walks in the first and biggest transfrontier park in Southern Africa – Kgalagadi, sand surfing on white sand dunes, a visit to one of the six biggest waterfalls in the world – Augrabies, wine tasting at the second biggest cooperative wine cellar in the world, dinners under the BIG starry skies of the Northern Cape Province!

The word Kgalagadi (Kalahari) means “land of thirst” in the Setswana language, quite literally one of the world’s oldest deserts, formed over 60 million years ago.

It is a huge semi-desert region in southern Africa stretching from South Africa, through Namibia, into Angola and comprising the entire western and central regions of Botswana.

It is also home to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a 3.7 million hectare expanse of pristine desert and a wealth of desert-adapted creatures inhabiting the dunes and plains covered in Bushman grass and Camelthorn trees. Accommodation varies from luxury lodges, en-suite chalets in the traditional fenced rest camps, secluded bush camps (unfenced), to camping.

It is characterised by red sand dunes and sparse vegetation and is home to black-maned Kalahari lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted and brown hyaena, wild dog, black-backed jackal, gemsbok (oryx), blue wildebeest (gnu), eland, springbok, red hartebeest, duiker and steenbok. Some 215 bird species have been recorded.

The Kalahari also offers sightings of animals rarely seen in other parts of Africa. These include Honeybadger, Porcupine, Aardvark, Meerkat and the occasional Pangolin.

The desert conditions offer the unique opportunity to observe animals in their natural environment, employing special adaptations for survival.

Nature is more quiet and reserved due to the open terrain, and only the bold will be daring enough to proclaim its territory out loud. It would thus not be uncommon to hear the loud echoing roar of a lion breaking the peaceful silence of the Kalahari night.

Cheetah can be seen stalking their quarry, using the very limited cover and running down their prey over the dry river bed.

A honeybadger boldly following a cape cobra into a camelthorn tree, before finally apprehending it, dropping to the ground and consume it with relish.

Wildlife photo from our kgalagadi transfrontier park

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After the rain, a pride of lion can be seen inspecting a big puddle of water, before chasing each other through the water as if for the first time.

Kgalagadi has all the elements for dream photography: perfect light and setting, willing models, and sparse vegetation for an unobscured view and shooting angle.

The warm light of the early morning sun, gives an unmatched quality to the red dunes and surroundings. Combine that with a black-maned lion, with bright honeycomb eyes, walking into view… and hopefully you have GIGS of memory available!

The rest camps are situated along the Nossob and Auob rivers, with most tourist routes developed along the dry river beds. Other than the flowing dunes, covered by grass in summer and barren in winter, only the occasional camelthorn tree obscure the view in the wide open expanse. Camp gates open at sunrise and close at sunset, allowing for maximum photographic opportunities.

Wildlife photo from our kgalagadi transfrontier park safari tour

Water holes are situated at regular intervals along the Nossob and Auob rivers. It is frequented by predators and herds of plains game alike, and the proximity to the tourist routes, make each water hole an ideal vantage point for photographers. Wildebeest jostle and play near the water, while waiting for their turn to drink. Big flocks of sandgrouse approach and land against the breeze, taking two quick sips of water, before flying off in a cloud of dust. Lanner falcons stoop from high above, making spectacular strikes on the departing sandgrouse.

Though animals in this desert environment are well adapted for long periods without water to drink, sightings at the water holes are almost guaranteed.

Winter in Kgalagdi is known for cold nights, followed by crisp air and warm colours in early morning. The arc of the sun is low, allowing for longer hours of good light for photography. Winters are dry and a herd of springbok filing along the riverbed, with a trail of powdery dust creating ghostly images with the backlight of the rising sun, would be a typical appearance. Food is scarce and the herbivores have to travel long distances between their grazing and water holes. Predators often use this opportunity to stalk their prey at the water holes.

With the change of seasons, comes the wind and dust-filled skies and a beautiful spectrum of reds at sunset. This creates a dramatic effect, unmatched in our more familiar national parks.

Summers are warm to hot, with the occasional thunderstorm that fills the sky with dark clouds and sheet lightning. The nights are short and the predators are often forced to still be stalking their prey in the early morning hours. With the rain come the green vegetation and an abundance of babies, a time of easy “hunting” for predator and prey alike.

With daily flights to Upington, from Johannesburg and Cape Town, or transfers from any city in SA, it has never been this easy to visit the Kalahari region.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Safari tour

Sample Itineraries

OPTIONAL ADD-ON : The itinerary can start in Kimberley area, with a visit to the Diamond mine.

They can stay overnight at a lodge close to Kimberley, where they can take part in a game capture experience, and do a tour of the breeding centre for rare species

After that we can do an overnight stop in Witsand Nature Reserve, where the Roaring Dunes are, before travelling on the Kgalagadi via Upington the next day.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Safari tour

Arrive at Uptn airport. Depending on time for flight arrival, either overnight in Uptn, or travel to Kgalagadi directly

Assuming they arrive on the morning or mid-day, we travel to Tweerivieren from airport Check into the park, offload luggage at chalets Late afternoon game drive Dinner and overnight Tweerivieren

Coffee/tea/rusks/breakfast bars

Depart (luggage loaded) on early morning game drive

Stop around 11am for picnic brunch (yoghurt, muesli, cold meats, bread, spreads, tomato, cheese, fruit, juice, coffee/tea)

Continue game drive to Nossob Restcamp

- accommodation consists of en-suite chalets, all meals prepared by me

Late afternoon game drive

Dinner around the fire

Overnight Nossob

Early morning and late afternoon game drives, 3-4 hours per game drive

Early morning coffee/tea/rusks/breakfast bars; late morning brunch, full dinner

There will be fruit and snacks available all day

Same program, but luggage loaded, as we move to Mata Mata Restcamp

Stay 3 nights

Same program, but luggage loaded, as we move to Tweerivieren Restcamp

Stay 1 night

Wildlife photo from our kgalagadi transfrontier park

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Safari tour

Depart for Augrabies Falls National Park

Stop at a dried fruit shop along the way

Lunch at Bezalel, with optional Brandy cellar tour

Check in at Augrabies

Late afternoon walk to the various viewpoints along the falls

Dinner at restaurant

Overnight Augrabies

Optional walks/hikes/river rafting

Game drive in Augrabies Falls Park, visit Oranjekom with spectacular view of the Orange River Gorge

Lunch, dinner in Park

On day 12, you can be transferred to the Uptn airport, OR continue to 11 Springbok to see the wild flowers

The rest of program can then include 2 nights in Springbok, to view the carpets of Namaqua Daisies, one night at Travellers Rest to see the Bushman Paintings, and drop off in Cape Town (or some days touring around Cpt)

Photography from our Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Tour

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Travel For Wildlife

Guide to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

By Author Hal Brindley

Posted on Published: March 17, 2020  - Last updated: May 9, 2023

  • Introduction to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa is our favorite place in the world, our happy place. We love the rolling red sand dunes dotted with sage green grass and the cobalt-blue skies filled with puffy white clouds. We love that this massive area is a true wilderness, an intact ecosystem functioning essentially the same as it has for millennia. We love that the sparse vegetation makes for unparalleled viewing and photography. We love that the remoteness and fairly well-managed development keeps visitor numbers low enough that you can be all alone with an incredible sighting.

Kalahari desert landscape

But what we love most are the animals. A surprisingly complex web of life has adapted to survive in this arid environment, including an all-star cast of large predators. We’ve spent more than six months of our lives inside the park over the last two decades and we plan to spend many more. Here is our visitor’s guide to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park based on our own personal experiences.

Table of Contents

What is a Transfrontier Park?

Is the kalahari a desert, kgalagadi map, how to pronounce kgalagadi, things to know before you go to the kgalagadi, kalahari mammals, kalahari birds, kalahari reptiles and amphibians , how to get there, when to visit the kgalagadi transfrontier park, do i need a 4×4 to visit the kgalagadi, where to stay on the south africa side of the kgalagadi, where to stay on the botswana side of the kgalagadi, where to stay outside of the kgalagadi transfrontier park, how to book accommodation in the kgalagadi, what to bring, kgalagadi photography tips, rules when visiting the kgalagadi, do i need a passport, how do i contact the kgalagadi national park office, can i enter the park if i don’t stay in the park overnight, can i bush camp in the wilderness or on the side of the road, can i just drive through the park to cross into another country in one day, is the kgalagadi malaria free, are the camp shops well stocked, is there an atm in the park, what currency can i use, are there gas stations in the park, is there wifi in the kgalagadi, do i need to bring my own water.

A Transfrontier Park (also known as a Peace Park) is a park that exists across an international border with no fences in between. The Kgalagadi was the first official transfrontier park in all of Africa! Two national parks, The Kalahari Gemsbok Park of South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park of Botswana, were merged in 1999 to become a single park, officially opening in 2000. The way it works is that there is a formal agreement made by both countries to manage all areas as one unit according to a streamlined management plan.

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The Kgalagadi Transfrontier park (or KTP) lies in the Southwest corner of the  Kalahari , a vast expanse of sand covering most of Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa. (See the Kgalagadi Map below.) It is sometimes referred to as the Kalahari Desert , but it is more accurately termed a semi-desert. An area that receives less than 255 mm of rain per year is called a desert, but the average across the entire Kalahari is slightly higher than this. In the extreme southwest of the Kalahari where the KTP lies, however, the rainfall is lowest, averaging 200 mm per year, placing it firmly within the definition of a desert. So while the entire Kalahari is not a desert, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park does experience desert levels of rainfall. A more accurate name is the  Arid Kalahari or simply the Kalahari.

Cheetah coalition walking in the grass

A Guide to the Kgalagadi

The park spans more than 37,000 square kilometers in both South Africa and Botswana making it one of the largest conservation areas in the world. The Botswana side is less developed and contains 75% of the park. The South Africa side has much more tourist infrastructure, as well as the majority of the iconic red sand dunes. These dunes have been stationary for thousands of years due to the stabilizing effect of grasses, shrubs, and trees.

A pride of lions on the red dunes of the Kgalagadi

The two main roads in the park follow fossil river beds that cut through the dunes. These rivers no longer flow and only carry water in periods of exceptionally high rainfall, perhaps a couple times each century. In fact, there hasn’t been a permanent source of water in the region for millennia. It was only in the last hundred years that boreholes were drilled, first as a water supply for an impending war, now supplying waterholes that have become a focal point for wildlife.

cheetah in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

This Kgalagadi map shows the location of the Kalahari “Desert” in Southern Africa as well the location of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park within the Kalahari. It spans the border of South Africa and Botswana and shares its western border with Namibia. 

Map showing the location of the Kgalagadi

For a more detailed Kgalagadi map  including all the roads, camps, and waterholes download the official park map of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Don’t worry, they’ll give you a map at reception when you check in.

One of the first questions you may ask is how to pronounce Kgalagadi? The easiest way is to simply pronounce it the same way you say Kalahari. The word Kgalagadi is said to be derived from the Kgalagadi people’s word for salt pans: Makgadikgadi. In the Afrikaans language (one of the prominent languages in South Africa), the letter g is pronounced sort of like a rough-throated h-sound or gh-sound (you know, pretend you are coughing up some phlegm) so you will often hear it pronounced ha-la-ha-dee (or gha-la-gha-dee). I know, it’s a little tough if you’re not a native Afrikaans or Dutch speaker. That’s why we just tend to say Kalahari!

This isn’t your average national park. There are challenges here, from difficult driving conditions to extreme weather. The remote location and huge open spaces mean if something goes wrong you could be stuck for hours, or even overnight, without help.

For this reason, the South Africa side of the park uses a permit system to make sure you make it safely into a camp each night. Basically you turn in your permit each evening when you enter a camp and you pick it up again when you go for your morning drive, informing the staff member which direction you intend to go. If a visitor doesn’t turn up at their designated camp, a staff member has to go searching for them.

On the Botswana side things are even more remote,  especially in the Mabuasehube and in the Kaa regions! Nobody is keeping track of where you are. You must be completely self-sufficient, carry all your own water, and be prepared in case of emergency. There are no fences, no chalets, no electricity, no water (with a few exceptions), no shops, no gas stations, no ATMS. Nothing but sand and a few basics at each primitive camp site. Read our article about Visiting Mabuasehube  and our Complete Guide to the Mabuasehube Campsites for more info. 

camper at Kgalagadi

Also keep in mind there is  no phone reception in the entire park. You may be able to pick up some signal from South Africa’s Vodaphone network in Twee Rivieren. Staff in Mata Mata told me they can sometimes get access to Namibia’s MTC network (though it didn’t work for us.) However, there is wifi now available in the three main camps and you can buy a voucher for it at the shops (see FAQ’s at the bottom of this article.)

Wildlife of the Kgalagadi

A wide variety of predators combined with great visibility and beautiful landscapes makes the Kgalagadi a haven for wildlife watchers and photographers. We consider the Kalahari the best place in the world to view and photograph big cats in a beautiful, unspoiled wilderness setting with very few people around.

lionesses drinking

At first glance the Arid Kalahari may look like a desolate place that couldn’t support life, but in reality it is filled with a surprisingly complex web of creatures. You won’t find the same diversity as, say, in Kruger National Park (probably the highest wildlife diversity in all of Africa), but this shouldn’t be surprising considering there hasn’t been a permanent water source here for millennia! And yet, thousands of species from lizards to lions have adapted to survive in this harsh climate.

lion resting on a dune

While 60 mammal species may not seem especially high for such a vast region, keep in mind that nearly a third of them are predators! This makes for some very exciting mammal watching. Like this video below of leopard cubs!

Kalahari Hoofed Mammals: While the lack of water prevents the Kgalagadi from having the biggest African mammals like Elephant, hippo, and rhino, you will still find an impressive array of ungulates, including the tallest of all (the giraffe ) and the largest antelope (the eland ). The most commonly seen antelope include springbok , wildebeest , red hartebeest , and the supremely desert-adapted  gemsbok , also known as the oryx, which is the iconic symbol of the Kalahari (see our Gemsbok facts ). You may even spot the occasional kudu . Cross one of the dune roads and keep your eyes peeled for the secretive steenbok . Toward the eastern end in Botswana you can even enjoy the antics of warthogs .

baby red hartebeest nursing in the Kgalagadi

Kalahari Cats: Something you will find in abundance is carnivores. The Kalahari is a cat-watchers paradise with 5 cat species commonly seen in the park. We consider the Auob riverbed to be the best place in the world to watch cheetahs hunting.

cheetah running in the Kgalagadi

And if you want to see lions , you’ve come to the right place.During our one-month visit in 2020 we had 45 separate lion sightings representing at least 60 different individuals, including 19 small cubs! (Also check out our post What Do Lions Eat .) In most large national parks you’ll have to fight through a large traffic jam around any lion sighting, but not here. For the best chance of spotting a caracal watch the waterhole all night at wilderness camps such as Urikaruus and Grootkolk.

Caracal in the Kgalagadi

A guided night drive out of Mata Mata or Twee Rivieren offers high odds of seeing an African wild cat  on the prowl, the ancestor of the domestic cat. The most coveted sighting is the elusive leopard , in my opinion the most beautiful of the big cats. Some individuals are occasionally seen in the riverbeds such as this female known as Miera with her two newborn cubs in 2020!

mother leopard with a leopard cub

Other Kalahari Predators: Many other predators large and small are commonly sighted. Three hyena species are present including the spotted hyena and the brown hyena best viewed in early morning. Rarely a visitor may glimpse an aardwolf entering a den on the dune roads, a highly specialized hyena that eats termites. Canids include the ubiquitous black-backed jackal , and the less frequently sighted cape fox . On chilly days you may spot the comical  bat-eared fox foraging at sunset. Smaller carnivores include the honey badger , small-spotted genet , yellow mongoose and slender mongoose , as well as the much-loved meerkat .

Brown Hyena, Bitterpan

Rare Mammal Treats: The cape ground squirrel is the only rodent you’re likely to spot on a daily basis, but the nocturnal porcupine and springhare are fascinating rodents you can glimpse on a night drive. If you’re even luckier you may catch a glimpse of the bushveld elephant shrew , which is one of the Little Five animals of Africa ,  ( see video below) or the very shy aardvark  or pangolin .

The Kgalagadi Transfontier Park is a bird-watchers paradise. Of the more than 300 species recorded in the park, roughly half of them are year round residents or regular visitors. You can readily watch the largest bird in the world, the ostrich , the mischievous hornbills , or the world’s heaviest flying bird, the kori bustard . There are so many birds to choose from that we can’t dive too deep here (stay tuned for our Kalahari Birds post coming soon.) But what we love most about Kgalagadi birding is how easy it is to watch an incredible variety of raptor species.

ostriches running in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Kalahari Birds of Prey: Tawny Eagles and Bateleurs are a common sight around the waterholes. Huge secretary birds stride through the grasslands in search of reptiles. Lanner falcons scream through the air like jet planes in pursuit of doves. Massive lappet-faced vultures pace around carcasses while white-backed vultures wait for them to tear in.

eagles

Pale-chanting goshawks call conspicuously from tree tops while the gabar goshawks hide quietly inside. The park is also a hot spot for African owls. A giant eagle owl with its pink eyelids screeches from the top of your chalet in Twee Rivieren, while resident barn owls may be found in every wilderness camp. (Check out our post South African Owls for more info.)  The largest eagle in Africa, the martial eagle , swoops down to catch a springbok lamb. And this is just a small taste of the more than 36 raptor species regularly sighted in the Kgalagadi.

martial eagle eating a springbok lamb

It may be surprising to learn that such a dry region supports as many as 9 frog species, including the giant bullfrog , up to eight inches long from nose to tail! They emerge from aestivation after large rainstorms and must quickly breed and return into the mud underground before puddles dry up.

giant bullfrog Kalahari

Several conspicuous snakes include the beautiful yellow-orange cape cobra  (watch a cape cobra video here) and the stocky puff adder . We even spotted a horned adder by the blind in Twee Rivieren! The two tortoises found here are the large leopard tortoise , commonly seen going for a stroll after a rain, and the small and rarely seen Kalahari tent tortoise . We even once sighted the only aquatic turtle in the region, the  marsh terrapin, in a water hole!

Like most arid regions, the Kalahari supports a wide diversity of lizards. The most commonly seen are the blue-chinned ground agama perched conspicuously in bushes, and the fat-bellied karasberg skink . But our favorite lizard of the Kalahari is the tiny barking geckos who serenade us every evening from their sand burrows with loud choruses of DIK DIK DIK DIK.

barking gecko in the Kgalagadi

Entering from South Africa. There is no airport in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park so you have to drive in. The main entrance gate is at Twee Rivieren at the southern end of the park in South Africa. The closest airport to Twee Rivieren is in Upington,  South Africa, about a 2.5 hour drive south of the park. However, if you are flying from another part of the world, the cheapest flights are always to Johannesburg , South Africa.

The downside of flying into Johannesburg is that it’s roughly an 11 hour drive to the Twee Rivieren entrance and a challenge to do in a single day. Also Johannesburg is a big city, annoying to drive through, and not necessarily the safest. Lately some of the towns between Johannesburg and Twee Rivieren are getting less safe for tourists as well, such as Vryburg and Kuruman. (See our article Is South Africa Safe ?) Still this is probably the most common way that visitors get to the Kgalagadi.

Another option is to enter through Namibia at the Mata Mata gate . We chose this route in 2020 to avoid some of the headaches in South Africa. We flew into the capitol city of Windhoek , rented a 4×4 camper from Asco Car Hire , and it was then about a 6.5 hour drive to the Mata Mata entrance gate. We chose to stay overnight along the way at one of our favorite stopovers, the Kalahari Anib Lodge , making for easy, pleasant driving the whole way. (stay tuned for an article about visiting the Kgalagadi from Windhoek). Keep in mind that you must cross the international border from Namibia into the park no later that 4:30 PM!

Entering from Botswana. There are actually 3 points you can enter the Kgalagadi from Botswana and each one is rather small and obscure. One is through the Mabuasehube gate which requires driving through remote and challenging sand tracks with a 4×4 (see our article about Traveling to Mabuasehube ). The other is through the north end of the park at the Kaa gate which may be even more challenging and remote than the Mabuasehube gate! Thirdly is the little-known fact that you can enter Two Rivers (the Botswana half of the Twee Rivieren rest camp) from a tiny road in Botswana that parallels the main entrance road on the South African side.

In my opinion, any month is a great time to visit the Kgalagadi, but each season has its pros and cons. Being a desert environment, temperatures can be extreme, even within the same day. Summer highs may regularly top 40° C (104°F) and winter lows can reach -10°C (14°F).   The seasons work kind of like this:

  • October to December: Hot and dry
  • December to April: Rainy Season (and still hot)
  • May to September: Cold and dry

Visiting in Summer. Our last two trips we visited in January and February . The pros are that fewer people visit this time of year so you have wider options in lodging and you’re more likely to be able to make last-minute bookings. You can sometimes feel like you’re all alone in the park! It is also baby season . We see lots of baby predators (lion cubs galore on our last trip, plus baby leopards!) as well as lots of baby antelope.

lion cubs climbing a tree

Also, when the rains begin, the flowers bloom ! The cons are that it is HOT! Regularly topping 40°C , it is sometimes just too damn hot. Animals don’t tend to be terribly active in extreme heat, but we still get tons of great sightings. Another issue is that the days are much longer in summer. If you want to be out at gate open and at gate close for the golden hours of photography, then you’ve got a long day ahead of you . This makes me pretty exhausted after a while. Sometimes the rains begin in December, sometimes they may wait until February, it just depends on the year. But keep in mind it’s possible to get a lot of rain and roads could occasionally be flooded. If the rains haven’t stared yet, it’s also possible to be really dry and game may have moved out of the region entirely in search of greener pastures!

Leopard tortoises mating in the Kgalagadi

Visiting in Winter. The other extreme is July and August . The pros are that the days are shorter and it’s easier to be out at sunrise and sunset every day for the golden hour light without getting exhausted in the process. Also you have a better chance of seeing nocturnal creatures in daylight   on colder days (such as bat-eared foxes and aardwolves). The cold temperatures are a bonus to me because I don’t handle extreme heat well. I’d rather camp in the cold. Cristina is the opposite, she’d rather deal with the heat. That one’s up to you. The cons are that the wilderness camp cabins have no heat and can be pretty chilly in winter. (Though they do have warm blankets and hot water showers if the pipes haven’t frozen.) Also this is when most Europeans have their vacation so it can be crowded.

In Between . March through June  (Autumn? aka the green season) and September through December (Spring?) have the most moderate temperatures so it is the most popular time with visitors. March and April are at the end of the rainy season and in wet years the Kalahari will be beautifully green , but the  grasses can get tall enough to make viewing difficult . This may make September through November the all-around most favorable conditions for visiting the park, but it all depends on what you like and what you want to see!

Can I Self-Drive in the Kgalagadi?

Yes you can self-drive in the Kgalagadi! In fact, unless you find a private tour that is visiting the park, it is the only way to visit the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park! Every road in the southern half of the South African side is well-maintained and easy to drive with any vehicle (see “Do I Need a 4×4?” below.)

If you’re not comfortable with driving yourself around in the park, it is possible to drive into Twee Rivieren from South Africa or into Mata Mata from Namibia and simply pay for guided safari drives from the camp. Actually, guided night drives are the only way you’re allowed to drive around at night and we highly recommend them! 

No, You don’t need a 4×4 to visit the Kgalagadi. The first several times we visited the park, we drove a regular 2-wheel-drive compact car. The trick is to lower your tire pressure to 1.6 bars. This will give you better traction in sand and will cause less washboarding on the roads.  However , you can’t reach every area of the park in a 2-wheel drive. Here are the details…

The easiest places to drive in a low-clearance 2-wheel drive car is the southern end of the park. Enter at Twee Rivieren gate and you can easily drive up to the Melkvlei picnic area on the Nossob riverbed, and up to Urikaruus on the Auob riverbed. Also the lower dune cross road and upper dune crossing road are well graveled and no problem for an ordinary vehicle. This gets you to a large chunk of the park and covers most of the prime animal viewing areas. This also gets you access to three camps: Twee Rivieren, Urikaruus, and Kieliekrankie, some of our favorite places to stay! You can also enter from Namibia in a regular sedan vehicle, though you will drive gravel roads for several hours before reaching the park, and stay at the Mata Mata camp. After that, things get a little trickier.

They will tell you that the two main roads are accessible to all vehicles, all the way from Twee Rivieren to Mata Mata on the Auob riverbed and all the way from Twee Rivieren to Union’s End on the Nossob riverbed. But some sections can get quite challenging for a 2-wheel drive vehicle. In my opinion, the worst section is between Urikaruus and Mata Mata where regular traffic combined with some deep sand sections can make for difficult slip-n-slide driving at times. In fact we once got stuck around the 14th waterhole area in the middle of a cheetah jam. Another visitor in a 4×4 towed us out of the soft sand and we were fine, but these conditions can cause you to experience some white-knuckle driving in a regular car.

Similarly, the entire stretch north of Melkvlei up the Nossob riverbed can develop messy sandy patches and deep ruts (as well as obnoxious washboarding.) We have successfully driven a small car the entire Auob riverbed many times and up to Nossob as well, but having a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle makes the whole experience much more pleasant.

Other roads in the park are strictly for 4×4 vehicles . The Botswana side is strictly 4×4, so if you don’t have one or can’t afford to rent one, forget about that side of the park. There are are also two roads on the South African side, the Bitterpan road and the Gharagab road,  which are strictly 4×4 and only visitors with a booking at those camps can use them.

Occasionally, in periods of extremely high rainfall, the roads will fill up with water. In these cases it is also useful to have a higher-clearance vehicle. We have bashed through deep puddles in a small compact car before and it is not ideal.

If you can afford to rent a car with higher clearance or 4 wheel drive, choose that one. If you can’t afford a 4×4, you can get by with even a tiny compact car, just stick to the south end of the park.

Where to stay in the Kgalagadi

Whether you’re looking for a rugged camping adventure or a wilderness lodge or just a simple chalet, there are plenty of lodging options available inside the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. But they tend to book up far in advance. Many of the wilderness camps open up for online booking a year ahead of time and then fill up instantly! With other camps you may be able to find tent sites or even chalets at the last minute. But don’t be afraid to plan ahead because the cancellation policy is fairly relaxed. Here is a guide to Kgalagadi accommodations:

Camping Sites: Camping is quite reasonably priced in the Kgalagadi Transfontier park, and there are an abundance of easily-accessed campsites in the three main rest camps: Twee Rivieren , Mata Mata , and Nossob, These are all on the South African side. Some sites have electricity, some don’t. There are even some new “premier” camp sites at Nossob that include your own private bathroom and cooking area. An alternative Kgalagadi camping experience on the South African side is to book the Nossob 4×4 Eco-Trail . To drive the trail you must have a minimum of two vehicles and you will be lead by a park guide in their own vehicle. Along the 4-day trip you will stay at three exclusive wilderness campsites! (Bookings to be made at Twee Rivieren.)

Self-Catering Chalets in the Main Rest Camps: There are a wide variety of chalets available in each of the three main rest camps: Twee Rivieren , Mata Mata , and Nossob . These main camps function like small villages, each with an assortment of lodging (chalets and campsites) a shop, a gas station, a park office, a swimming pool, a viewing hide at a waterhole, and are surrounded by a perimeter fence. The only restaurant is at Twee Rivieren which includes a lunch time take away, and a dinner dining room.

person watching giraffes

Wilderness Camps: These are the true gems of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Though they are called “camps”, there is no camping involved. In fact, each is a beautifully designed set of four  cabins in a remote wilderness area of the park with no fences around it, meaning any animal may wander through at any time.  For this reason, children under 12 are not allowed to stay in the wilderness camps . (But all other campsites & chalets on the South Africa side are fine for kids.) The highlight of each wilderness camp is that it overlooks a waterhole which you can watch all night to see rare nocturnal creatures like leopards, caracals, & hyenas.

Gharagab wilderness camp

They are not fancy but they do have comfortable beds, bathrooms with hot water showers, and fully functional kitchens with refrigerator/freezer, gas stove, and all cutlery and cookware. Keep in mind that electricity is provided by solar panels so they don’t provide any power outlets, and the borehole water is too salty to drink so bring your own. To me these are the best value in African safari lodging, hands down. But because of that they book far in advance and are hard to get! Each wilderness camp has only four units, except Urikaruus which has an additional “honeymoon cabin” and the Kalahari Tented Camp which has 12 units. Here is a list of the camps. You can also click on their link for a more in depth review of each camp.

Kgalagadi Wilderness Camps

  • Urikaruus (5 units)
  • Kieliekrankie (4 units)
  • Kalahari Tented Camp (15 units)
  • Grootkolk (4 units)
  • Gharagab (4 units)
  • Bitterpan (4 units)

Bitterpan wilderness camp

Lodges: There is only one lodge on the South African side of the park and it is called !Xaus Lodge . (Pronounced “Kaus”.) While it is essentially designed like the other wilderness camps, this luxury lodge has 12 chalets,  and  includes a common area where 3 meals a day are served. All activities and game drives are included. The lodge is located on the western edge of the park between the San Heritage Land and the Miera Heritage Land. While the lodge is a bit pricey, it has the great benefit of helping preserve San culture and providing an authentic cultural experience .

The lodging options on the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park are limited to primitive wilderness camping and two lodges.

Botswana Kgalagadi Camping.  There are three main camping areas on the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi:

1) The “ front country ” camping areas are easily accessible from the main Nossob road (just across the Botswana border). These include the Two Rivers campground, the Rooiputs campground, and the Polentswa campground. Each of these camping areas has a limited number of sites (3 to 6) with very few facilities. They are unfenced and most have only an A-frame structure for shade and a pit toilet. While they are fairly close to the main road, the access road may have deep sand and be challenging for a 2-wheel-drive vehicle. Therefore they are marked as 4×4 only.

camping at Rooiputs, Kgalagadi

2) The Mabuasehube area . In the extreme eastern edge of the park lies the remote Mabuasehube camp sites. There are only 17 sites and they are primitive, like the ‘front country’ ones above. However, these sites are far off the beaten path and require a 4×4 to get there. Read our Complete Guide to the Mabuasehube Campsites and our companion article Traveling to Mabuasehube . 

road in mabuasehube

3) The Kaa region .The remote northern end of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is known as the Kaa region. There are a few 4×4 trails that can be followed to a series of primitive wilderness campsites. There are generally lower wildlife concentrations here so Kaa is more about a remote wilderness adventure than wildlife viewing

Lodges in the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi.

There are two lodges located on the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi, both managed by Ta Shebube. One is the Rooiputs Lodge and the other is the Polentswa Lodge . Visit the Ta Shebube website for more information.

If you just want to pop into the park for day trips, keep in mind that the park limits the number of day visitors that can enter each day to 20 cars maximum . Call reception for more info (054-561-2000).

Another reason you may want to stay outside the park is that you might find yourself arriving too late to enter the park before gate closing time. If you’re entering from South Africa at the main Twee Rivieren gate, your best option is the Kgalagadi Lodge just 5 km from the gate. It has comfortable chalets with a nice view, campsites, and an excellent restaurant and shop. Another nice option is Kalahari Trails about 35 km south of the entrance. They offer excellent walking tours and rescue meerkats!

If you’re coming in from Namibia through Mata Mata, keep in mind the border crossing closes at 4:30 PM so if you arrive after that you’ll need to find accommodation outside the park in Namibia. There is a small Farmstall just 200 meters from the border that has a few chalets and campsites, and another called Kalahari Farmstall & Accommodation about 15 km back with reasonably priced chalets, camping and a nice coffee shop on site.

If you’re entering from Botswana at either the Mabuasehube gate or the Kaa gate you won’t find any nearby lodging options so plan ahead!

If you want to book accommodation in the South African side of the Kgalagadi , or check   SANParks availability , the easiest way is through the  SANparks  website It is well organized and efficient. You can pay with credit card through the website. But wilderness lodges do tend to book up far in advance so plan ahead!  Here is some more contact information for Kgalagadi reservations on the South Africa side.

Contact South Africa Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Reservations

  • SANParks Central Reservations Tel: 012-428-9111
  • E-mail: [email protected]
  • Web: sanparks.org
  • Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park phone: 054-561-2000

To make reservations at the lodges on the Botswana side  ( Rooiputs lodge and Polentswa lodge ) you can book them through the Tashebube website.

If you want to camp on the Botswana side …well that is more complicated. In fact, it is so complicated that we’ve dedicated a whole article to it. Check out our post Camping in Botswana: How to Make a Reservation . If you’re staying in Mabua then check which campsite you’d like to stay in with our guide to Mabuasehube campsites . (Also stay tuned for a post about camping at Polentswa, Rooiputs, and Two Rivers on the Botswana side, coming soon.)

Contact Botswana Reservations for Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Having visited many times we’ve developed a list of items that we can’t live without in the Kgalagadi. Here are some of those items For tips on the photography items we bring, see Kgalagadi Photography Tips in the next section. Also check out our article How to Choose Your Safari Shoes .

  • headlamp (Petzl Aktik Core)
  • high powered flashlight for waterhole viewing at wilderness camps (Olight) Please use a red filter to not bother wildlife.
  • solar powered lantern (both for camping & in the wilderness camp cabins)
  • cigarette lighter inverter for charging batteries while driving
  • compact binoculars
  • silicon popsicle molds (an awesome treat in the remote wilderness camps!)
  • South Africa power adapter (from your country!)

Here is a list of our favorite guide books we always bring to the Kgalagadi. For more, see our article Books to Take on an African Safari .

  • A Natural History Guide to the Arid Kalahari
  • Animals of the Kgalagadi
  • Birds of Southern Africa (Robert’s Bird Guide is another good one)
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals
  • On Track (ID Guide to Southern African Animal Tracks)

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is amazing for wildlife photography. Low and open vegetation makes for unparalleled viewing and visibility. An incredibly array of predators, both mammalian and avian, makes for lots of exciting wildlife photo opportunities.Here are a few of our Kgalagadi photography tips . Also check out our post about The Jumping Jackals of Nossob & How to Photograph Them .

Lenses. Do you need to have a super telephoto 600mm lens? No. Often animals will be standing right next to the road. However, you should give animals their space so that 1) you don’t frighten them and cause them to expend energy unnecessarily and 2) to keep your distance from potentially dangerous animals like lions & leopards. For that reason, I think it makes sense to bring the longest lenses you can afford. I used to use big monsters like the Nikon 600 f4 the Canon 500 f4. Yes they take amazing photos, but they are also a pain in the butt to travel with and ridiculously expensive.

If you want to photograph birds, a long lens is indispensable . On our last trip I shot with a Sigma 150-600mm and I really enjoyed it. It’s a light-weight, versatile lens for a great price. Keep in mind that it has a smaller max aperture which makes it tougher to get sharp photos and rich color in lower light situations. However, the huge zoom range allows you to capture the best composition in any situation, not just a closeup of a face. Don’t forget a wide angle for all those beautiful landscapes!

Lion eye close up Kgalagadi

Bring a bean bag. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to get out of your car in the park, except in a couple designated picnic areas. This means most of your photos are taken out of a car window. Many locals in Southern Africa who are regulars in the park have added custom mounts to the outside of their car door for mounting heavy lenses. Since this isn’t really an option for visitors renting a car, I still find that a good old-fashioned bean bag is the best option . On my first visit to Africa decades ago I made a bean bag out of the leg of an old pair of jeans and used the fly to close it up. I still use the same one today. I bring it empty and then fill it with bags of rice , (still in the plastic package) when I arrive. Then I have an emergency food source too! There are plenty of commercial options available as well. Forgot to bring a bean bag? Throw a large bag of rice into a drawstring sack. Boom, good to go.

Should I bring a tripod? That depends. As stated above, you’ll spend most of your time shooting from a car where a tripod isn’t really an option. On the other hand, if you’ll be staying in some of the wilderness camps (see Where to Stay below) then a tripod is very useful . Each wilderness camp has a deck or patio from which you can photograph the waterhole. While there are railings around these decks that you can plop a bean bag on top of, a tripod makes much more sense here.

Gharagab wilderness camp

Shooting at Night. As mentioned above, the wilderness camps offer you a rare chance to photograph hard-to-see nocturnal predators at the camp waterholes. While there is always a light shining on the waterhole, these tend to be too dim for shooting. Yes you can shoot with an insanely high ISO and get a grainy picture that is exposed well if your subject is holding still. But a better bet is to bring a powerful flashlight . (See our What to Bring section above.) Remember not to overdo it with flashlights . It is unpleasant for the animals to have a bright light shining in their face and can cause temporary blindness, making them vulnerable to predators. Instead, shine the light next to them. Also it can call attention to prey animals who may be trying to avoid predators, or predators trying to hunt. Another option is to bring a strong flash, possibly with a flash extender . But even this combination may have trouble reaching the distance to most waterholes.

Adhere to the gates hours at every camp . You must be inside one of the main camps, wilderness camps, or designated camping sites every single night you are in the park. You have to be back in camp by gate closing time and you can’t leave camp until gate opening time in the morning. These times vary from month to month based on sunrise and sunset, but are consistent between every camp in the park. You can find them in the park guide, posted at every camp gate, and listed below. Keep in mind that on your day of arrival you need to enter the park with enough time to drive (under the speed limit) to your first reserved restcamp or else they will not let you enter the park! Don’t worry, there are a few lodging options outside the park.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Gate Times:

  • January 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM
  • February 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM
  • March 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM
  • April 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
  • May 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • June 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
  • July 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
  • August 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
  • September 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
  • October 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • November 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM
  • December 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Do not speed . Speed limit in the park is 50 km/hour . If you are at an awesome sighting and it’s getting late, I’m sorry but you have to leave. If you get to your restcamp later than gate closing time you’ll be fined. They also have random radar speed checks along the roads, and they will get you. So please don’t speed.

Do not feed wildlife . This includes providing bird baths to birds.

Do not play music . Respect your neighbors (people or wildlife). The official guide states “no noise whatsoever between 9pm and 7am.”

Do not get out of your  car while in the park, not even half your body outside the window or door or sunroof. You’ll be fined if you do and other guests are likely to report you if they see you. You are only allowed to get out at rest camps and in designated areas (such as the picnic areas) but you do this at your own risk and you must look around and pay attention! 

Do not drive off road . The Kalahari is a fragile ecosystem, and any damage might take decades to heal.

No drones. As with all national parks in South Africa (and most of the world) the use of camera drones inside and over the park is strictly prohibited. If you travel with a drone you must disclose that at Reception.

Other assorted rules:

  • Do not gather firewood
  • Lower your tire pressure to 1.6 bars to reduce washboarding & get better traction
  • Keep your eyes open for snakes and scorpions when walking around the camps at night and carry a flashlight

What to do if you see someone breaking the rules?  Take photos of the infraction, including a clear photo of the car’s license plate. Then you can take it to the ranger on duty (ask at reception). With the number plate they can trace where the guest is staying and they’ll be issued a fine. This way you avoid an unpleasant interaction.

In addition, please refer to our Safari Etiquette Guide for some tips on what to do and what not to do when watching wildlife while on a safari.

Frequently Asked Questions:

If you are entering and leaving the park through the same country you don’t need a passport. But if you are entering the park through one country and leaving the park through another country, you do. The Botswana and South Africa passport control office is in Twee Rivieren (called Two Rivers in Botswana). If entering from or exiting into Namibia, your passport control office is in Mata Mata. The border post hours are:

Twee Rivieren: 7:30 am to 4 pm Mata Mata: 8 am to 4:30 pm

So if you are entering the park through Mata Mata you need to be at the gate before the border post closes (4:30 pm). If you arrive after gate close, you can find accommodation near Mata Mata, (See Where to Stay Outside the Park above).

Please note that we they are unable to assist with reservations. Contact 012 428 9111/[email protected]/ www.sanparks.org for reservations.

Kgalagadi National Park phone numbers:

Emergency and Duty Number :  073 224 3484

Twee Rivieren Duty Manager: 054 561 2029

Twee Rivieren Reception: 054 561 2005 / 2050

Yes you can. A maximum number of 20 cars per day are allowed to recieve a day pass. You need to enter and leave through the same gate. Most of these visitors stay at the Kgalagadi Lodge, just south of the Twee Rivieren entrance.

No, wild camping is not allowed in the park, only in pre-booked, designated campsites. In fact, if you don’t have accommodation (chalets or camping) booked you won’t be let in (unless you’re one of the 20 vehicles each day who are given a daily pass).

No, you can’t. The rules state that you need to stay in the park for a minimum of two nights. This is to discourage people from speeding and creating problems for others.

Yes, the Kgalagadi is malaria-free. While there are, on rare occasions, a few mosquitoes in the park (during times of heavy rain), the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is outside the malaria zone.

Whenever we visit, we do our main shopping before arriving at the park, either in Upington in South Africa or in Mariental in Namibia. Then we get remaining necessities at the shops in the park. While their offerings are not amazing, we’ve always survived. The main shop at Twee Rivieren is the one with the most variety. You’ll find dry goods, wine, frozen meat, snacks, water, firewood, yogurt, cheese, and some veggies (tomato, cucumber, lettuce…) pretty basic but you’ll even find ice cream and the only cashpoint in the park! (see Is There an ATM in the Park below. 

The Nossob and Mata Mata shop are much smaller with fewer products. Fresh produce is harder to find so get some if you see it! If you need something specific, get it before you enter the park. If you are buying alcohol remember that under South African law no alcohol is sold on Sundays. And ladies, bring your tampons with you, because Cristina couldn’t find any!

Yes, there is an ATM (cashpoint) in the shop at Twee Rivieren, but note that sometimes it doesn’t have any cash in it! Often you’ll be told that they’ll put some cash in at 3:00 PM at the employee shift change when they empty the drawer. We’ve also been told that if the ATM is out of cash you can go to reception and they can give you cash using your debit card, though we haven’t tried it personally.

You must use South African rands in the South African side and Pula in the Botswana side. Namibian dollars are not accepted (but they accept them for border fees when entering or exiting the Mata Mata border post to Namibia.)

Yes, there is a gas station in each one of the main rest camps (Twee Rivieren, Mata Mata, and Nossob). While prices are understandably a bit higher than outside the park, it isn’t outrageous. They do accept credit cards. Keep in mind that on some occasions it can get so hot in the afternoon that the pumps won’t function, so you’re better off refueling in the morning or evening on very hot days!

Yes, there is. But only at the three main restcamps. Signal is very weak and you’ll only be able to pick it up by the shop at each of the camps. You’ll need a voucher to get wifi, purchased in the shops for 75R.

If you have a South African mobile phone card, you can pick up signal only at Twee Rivieren. If you have a Namibian mobile phone card they say you can get signal at Mata Mata but that was not the case for us. I don’t think you can get Botswana signal anywhere in the park.

One thing to remember is that water is very scarce in the Kalahari. Please use it responsibly.

If you are staying at the main camps (Twee Rivieren, Mata Mata, and Nossob), water is available but you might want to bring your own drinking water.  (You can buy drinking water at each of the camps in both large and small bottles.) If you are staying in the wilderness camps or are camping in the remote Botswana sites,  you need to bring your own drinking water. The water in the wilderness camps comes from boreholes (wells) and it is very salty/mineralized. While this is the water you’ll use for showering and dishwashing, it is not advisable to drink it.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park isn’t for everyone. It definitely is NOT Kruger . But we find the challenges to be worth it.   We are sometimes hesitant to promote it, because if tourism continues to grow and that growth isn’t managed properly, it could destroy the very place we love so much. If you visit and become a Kalahari fanatic like we are, then let’s all work together to protect this special place for generations to come.

Hal Brindley at the Antarctic Circle

Hal Brindley

Brindley is an American conservation biologist, wildlife photographer, filmmaker, writer, and illustrator living in Asheville, NC. He studied black-footed cats in Namibia for his master’s research, has traveled to all seven continents, and loves native plant gardening. See more of his work at Travel for Wildlife , Truly Wild , Our Wild Yard , & Naturalist Studio .

Sunday 28th of May 2023

Hello again, I forgot to ask: is there anywhere where I can see (fairly tame) bush babies? I can't imagine that the vegetation in the Trans Frontier would work for them, but I'm in love with them too and I know that there is a feeding station at Nata, where it's very easy to take photos... but anything similar in the Trans Frontier ??? (and I DO realise that bribing animals with food is really, really bad practice... but I wouldn't be the one doing it ;). Thanks again for this great article ! Sylvie

@cristina garcia - Thank you SO much for the prompt response. I'll definitely take your article with me next time I revisit Kruger. Happy & Safe Travels :)

cristina garcia

There are no bush babies in the Transfontier park. We have seen them in Kruger National Park and in KwaZulu-Nata. Pretty easy to see them if you look up on the trees at night as they are around the campground in Kruger. Here's a post we wrote on where to see see them. Hope you see them! https://www.travel4wildlife.com/where-to-see-bushbabies-in-south-africa/

Saturday 27th of May 2023

This is one of the best travel articles I've EVER read (and I must have read *hundreds* over the last 3 decades as I'm addicted to travelling too). SO very thorough.. THANK YOU.

I am actually hoping to go and visit the Trans Frontier park this late Oct/early Nov but of course, as you said, it's already too late to secure accommodation in most places.... eeeek. I'll keep trying. I don't drive, which is THE big flaw in my plan, so I would have to rely on a good friend who lives in Jo'burg to bring me over. She's in love with the park too.

SO many people have told me that this place is 'surreal' and 'a photographer's dream'.... but your article has totally validated this.

Once again, thank you !!! I can't imagine how long it must have taken you to write ALL this and remember so many details.

Happy travels :) Nature is an endless source of wonder... always leaves me in awe.

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away" (George Carlin)

Sylvie, from London... but my heart lives wherever wildlife abounds ;)

Helen Mclachlan

Monday 31st of January 2022

Thanks a lot for the info, we’re going in April, and although we’d read most of what you’ve put up it was lovely to hear it from your point of view and excite us again about our nearly imminent trip? we really can’t wait to try somewhere different from Kruger, as much as we love it there ?? ..

Saturday 12th of February 2022

You are welcome Helen! Hope you have a fantastic trip!

Saturday 13th of November 2021

I think we got stuck in the sand around the same area as you did when we went over 4 years ago. At that time the Sanparcs website still said a 2wd with high clearance was enough but we had to get towed and were advised not to go to Nossob as the road was even worse there. The day after on our way back to Twee Rivieren we should not even stand still to watch the animals in certain sections. If all goes right, we'll go back in March but would not go back without a 4x4

Yep, there are some challenging spots, even on the main roads in the South African side. There have been plenty of times I was afraid to stop to look at animals where the sand looked too soft and deep!

Chris Wilson

Thursday 18th of June 2020

Thanks, we are planning, 'Rona' permitting, a 4 mnth trip next year. Leaving Jhb early May with 1 night in Kimberley and 2 nights in Khamkirri before 12 in the Kgalagadi, then on through Namiba, with short sojourns in Zim and Bots. Even at this stage confirming camping and chalets in the Kgalagadi is difficult and the phone call to the Botswana Parks was surprisingly unhelpful 'call again in October'. We will. Until then I will try and cover the 2 nights we had planned in Polentswa by trying to book Nossob. Apparently all the Wilderness camps are already booked out so our proposed 2 day repieve at Kieliekrankie is off the table. I loved your article and have bought some of the books I do not have on eBay this evening. I have made many notes - Thanks I travel with 3 zoom lens' 1. Tamron 150 - 600, f5 - 6.3 2. Tamron 18 - 400, f3.5 - 6.3 (the ultimate travel lens) and 3. Sigma 10 - 20, f3.5 I did not have the 18 - 400 on my last trip (Nairobi - Cape Town), I used a Nikkor 18 - 55, this new acquisition fills the gap far better. Thanks and stay safe

Thursday 2nd of July 2020

Yes, I've heard that the guys at Botswana Parks are now working from home and contacting them is an adventure! I advice to check on Sanparks a lot (I check every day when we are planning a trip) as there are always cancellations. By doing this one year I found space at Urikaruus for 11 nights, including New Year's Eve!) Keep checking. Good luck!

Privacy Overview

Kgalagadi camping safari

6 Day Kgalagadi Camping Safari

The Kgalagadi Camping Safari is the perfect way to explore the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.  This safari will start and end in Upington. Upington is the Town of the North in the Northern Cape. The vast open land and the arid environment allow for a unique Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park experience.  The Kgalagadi is well known for its immense semi-desert landscapes and striking red dunes.

Kgalagadi is a great colossal land that covers 38000 km 2 . The landmass resulted from an amalgamation of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. There are two of the three Kalahari ecotypes in this region. The southwestern part comprises dune veld with unique semi-desert vegetation. The northeastern part consists of the Kalahari thornveld. Salt pans are a mineral sentence for the animals. It is common to see Gemsbok antelopes licking the mineral salts.

Kgalagadi Camping Safari inside the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has two dry river beds. The Nossob and the Auob river beds. These are mainly dry river beds with an underground water source. Our game drives are along these riverbeds as most animals visit these areas for their first food and water source. It is not uncommon to find the predators lurking along these riverbeds to complete a successful hunt.

The river beds connect with two dune roads. These River Beds make an ideal game drive route between the dunes and often have predators crossing over the dune belt to reach the river beds. Our Kgalagadi Camping Safari will be early morning departures and late afternoon game drives. Every traveller will have a window seat.

We enjoy preparing meals open fires, whilst catering for any special dietary requirements, and we believe in whole meals. It is best to make your reservations well in advance. Our visit to the Kalahari comes to an end at a slow pace. We take a leisurely pace on our safaris. Join our team this season on a Kgalagadi Camping Safari.

Kgalagadi Camping Safari Highlights

  • Experience Excellent Birdlife in the Park.
  • Great waterholes.
  • Vast dune landscapes.
  • Game drives along the riverbeds.
  • Open fires in the evenings.
  • You can enjoy freshly be made meals on open fires.
  • Unpolluted Night Skies.

The Camping Sites is subject to availability inside the park.

Kgalagadi Lodge Safari

Umkulu Adventures Includes

  • Guided safari vehicle.
  • All park entrance fees and conservation fees.
  • All game drives in the park.
  • Two man dome tents and stretcher beds.
  • Mattresses and sleeping bags with pillows.
  • Meals & Mineral water
  • Lodge accommodation day 5

Umkulu Adventures Excludes

  • Travel fees to departure point
  • Camera and chargers
  • Batteries and Flashlights
  • Own drinks with meals
  • Own travel insurance

Umkulu Adventures Tour Information

tour INFORMATION

Umkulu Adventures Product Pricing

tour SCHEDULE

DISCLAIMER: We reserve the right to cancel any activity due to weather or unsafe conditions. An alternative activity will be provided wherever possible.

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Cape Heaven Tours

Kgalagadi Tour

Join us for a tour to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a pristine wilderness that straddles the borders of South Africa and Botswana in southern Africa. This vast and awe-inspiring desert landscape spans over 3.6 million hectares and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and many other fascinating species. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time adventurer, our tour company offers unforgettable experiences that will immerse you in the natural beauty and rich culture of this incredible region. Join us on a journey to discover the wonders of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and create memories that will last a lifetime.s now and experience the trip of a lifetime!

7 Days 6 Nights

Price per person: pricing varies depending on the type of accommodation, size of group and the season., cape heaven tours will provide a proposal based on your specific requirements., only 1 may till 30 june every year..

Arrival in Cape Town

If time allows, some sight seeing

 We depart early morning to Upington, where we will spend the night after approximately 8 hours on the road. During our journey, we will make regular stops to stretch our legs and enjoy coffee and lunch.

 After enjoying breakfast and a good night’s rest, we will travel the final 300km to arrive at the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park before noon. Once we’ve checked in and had lunch, we will begin exploring the park until dinner time. After dinner, we will relax and marvel at the stunning Kalahari sunset before retiring for the following two nights in the luxurious Kgalagadi Lifestyle Lodge, just outside the park, where desert haven meets modern wilderness.

Today, we will spend the whole day in the park, trying to catch a glimpse of as many wild animals as possible.

After breakfast, we will take one last drive through the park until lunchtime. After lunch, we will hit the road back to Upington where we will spend the night.

On our last day of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park tour, we will make the long journey back to Cape Town, stopping regularly to stretch our legs, enjoy a cup of coffee and lunch.

Departure from Cape Town

If time allow, some sight-seeing.

kgalagadi transfrontier park tours

Kalahari Tours & Travel

In assocciation with Kalahari Wildlife Tours

Tour 7: 7 Day Kgalagadi – Augrabies – Witsand Nature Reserve Tour

Malaria free area.

7 Days 6 nights

Kalahari Tours & Travel | tour operating company | guided tours | Green Kalahari | Northern Cape | South Africa | tailor-made tours | 4x4 | self drive convoy tours | Kalahari Desert | Wildlife Parks & Reserves | responsible tourism | accommodation | bed and breakfast | Upington | South Africa | Swaziland | Namibia | Botswana | Zimbabwe | Wildlife | Game viewing | South African Preditors | Cammspannen | Mazurka Waters | De Duine B&B

DETAILED ITINERARY

This tour includes the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Arid Savanah Biome and Augrabies Falls National Park in the Nama Karoo Biome and Witsand Nature Reserve in Acacia Savannah. Kgalagadi is a great wildlife and scenic park with species adapted to survive in this tough environment. Except for the Augrabies Falls, Augrabies Park is a scenic park with impressive rocky desert landscapes and the opportunity to see wildlife too. Witsand Nature Reserve is an isolated scenic reserve protecting the impressive white sand dunes known as Witsand.

DAY 01 Upington – Kgalagadi Trans Frontier Park Time of departure will depend on clients’ travel schedule to Upington. Flight schedule to be finalised. (Flight not included)

Depart from Upington on a 03-hour drive through the Kalahari duneveld (“veld” means natural vegetation), passing various pans (dry lakes), to the Kgalagadi Trans Frontier Park,

The word Kalahari derives from the word Makgadigadi, meaning salt pans (salt lakes) in the language spoken by the Kgalagadi people living in the Kgalagadi Region in south-western Botswana. The word Kgalagadi means salt pans too in their language. More than 1 000 pans are scattered throughout the park. The Kalahari is the largest area of sand in the world, covering 2.5 million square kilometres from the Orange River in South Africa in the south to slightly north of the equator. The area referred to as the arid Kalahari covers some 900 000 square kilometres in the south and covers parts of South Africa and Namibia and most of Botswana. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is situated in the southern part of the arid Kalahari in South Africa and Botswana and is jointly managed by South Africa National Parks (Sanparks) and Botswana Wildlife.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park covers 37 000 square km, which is one of the largest conservation areas in the world and one of the last truly unspoilt ecosystems.

Endemic game such as gemsbok, springbok, eland, giraffe, blue wildebeest and red hartebeest roam the sparsely vegetated red sand dunes and the dry river valleys of the Nossob and Auob where a variety of acacia species thrive.

The Park is well known for good sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah and spotted – and brown hyena are common residents. Because of an abundance of prey in the form of mice, whistling rats, birds and insects, smaller predators thrive in the park. The park is home to caracal, honey badger, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, cape fox, African wildcat, mongoose and the ever-popular suricate (meerkat).

Kgalagadi is a bird watcher’s paradise with more than 300 species recorded including at least 20 larger raptor species. The world’s heaviest flying bird, the Kori bustard and the stately secretary bird patrol the riverbeds while the noisy northern black korhaan rule in the dunes.

Check in at accommodation at Twee Rivieren. Depart on an afternoon game drive. The Twee Rivieren area is known for lion, leopard, cheetah and meerkat sightings. Optional 3 hr sunset drive and 3 hr morning guided walk with Sanparks guide at own cost Overnight: Twee Rivieren Meals: B, L & D (Full Board on all days)

DAY 02 Kgalagadi Trans Frontier Park Morning and afternoon game drives. The route will be determined by reported sightings, rainfall, game migration and pre-booked overnight accommodation. Optional 3 hr sunset drive and 3 hr morning guided walk with Sanparks guide at own cost Overnight: One of the camps in the Park Meals: B, L & D

DAY 03 Kgalagadi – Molopo Kalahari Lodge Game drive until late afternoon. Exit the Park at Twee Rivieren Gate and depart to Molopo Kalahari Lodge 60 Km south of Twee Rivieren. The Molopo Lodge is situated on the banks of the dry Molopo River and is a real oasis in the desert.

En route stop at the last indigenous San tribe in South Africa, the Khomani. Today these earliest residents of the Kalahari, living here for 40 000 years, consist of only 400 people and are resident in an area between 40 and 70 km south of Twee Rivieren. Clients will have the opportunity to view and purchase their handcraft at one of the roadside stalls. (The presence of the San at the roadside stalls can’t be guaranteed.) Overnight: Molopo Lodge Meals: B, L & D

DAY 04 Molopo – Augrabies Falls National Park Depart to Upington. Wine tasting at the tasting room of the Orange River Wine Cellar in Upington, the second largest cooperative wine cellar in the world. Except for wine and grape juice production, the lower Orange River Valley is the major raisin production area – and one of the major table grape production areas in South Africa.

Depart to the largest inhabited inland island in South Africa, Kanoneiland, where virtually every inch of soil is under irrigation. Continue to Tierberg Nature Reserve in Keimoes, from where one has a beautiful view of the lush green Orange River Valley.

Proceed to Kakamas on the Rockery Route, a scenic gravel road south of the Orange River, passing through a large quiver tree forest. The route passes the Persian Water Wheels at Kakamas. Stop at Die Pienk Padstal (The Pink Road Stall) in Kakamas, which stocks a variety of dried fruit products and local delicacies.

Continue to Augrabies Falls National Park, which covers 60 000 ha. Visit the Augrabies Falls, which is the sixth largest waterfall in the world when South Africa’s largest river, the Orange is in flood. The word Augrabies derives from the Khoi meaning “Place of great noise”. Although Augrabies is essentially a scenic park, game such as giraffe, springbok, gemsbok, eland, kudu red hartebeest, Hartman’s zebra and klipspringer survive in this unique riverine ecosystem. Fish eagles and black eagles are common residents and the Rest Camp is home to a variety of bird species.

The fall is illuminated until 10:00 p.m. Clients can re-visit the fall at their own time and pace. Optional 2 hr sunset drive with Sanparks guide Overnight: Augrabies Meals: B, L & D

DAY 05 Augrabies Falls National Park Do a relaxed 2km morning walk to a beautiful viewpoint on the Augrabies gorge, Arrow Point.

Do a scenic game drive in this moon landscape-like land to awesome viewpoints such as Ararat, Oranjekom on the Orange River Gorge and the “Swartrante” (Black Hills) from where one has a great view of this arid rocky desert landscape.

Continue on a circular drive to the Western Section, where the chances are good to see Hartmann’s mountain zebra and eland. There are many quiver trees along this route.

Afternoon at leisure. Augrabies Falls can be explored in full along the stilted walkways and viewpoints. Overnight: Augrabies Meals: B, L & D

DAY 06 Augrabies – Witsand Nature Reserve Depart to Upington. Continue to Witsand Nature Reserve. Few eco-destinations in the Northern Cape are as scenic as Witsand Nature Reserve. Only Witsand can offer you sensual, flowing white dunes – twenty to sixty metres high, surrounded by copper-red Kalahari sand, Acacia woodland and the Langberg Mountain Range. Home of the famous “Brulsand” or Roaring Sands of the Kalahari. Under the right conditions, these dunes utter an eerie rumble when disturbed.

Witsand Nature Reserve is a scenic reserve teeming with bird life. More than 150 species have been recorded, including the Namaqua sandgrouse, sociable weaver and Africa’s smallest raptor the pygmy falcon. Gemsbok, springbok, red hartebeest, common duiker and steenbok are residents. Afternoon scenic drive and/or hike. The reserve can be explored on mountain bikes too. Sand boarding down the dunes for the young. Bikes and sand boards to rent at reception.

Small spotted genet and common duiker are regular visitors to the chalets. Dinner is a traditional “braai”. Overnight: Witsand Meals: B, L & D

DAY 07 Witsand – Upington Scenic drive and/or hike. Visit the bird hide. Depart to Upington via Groblershoop, following the lush green Orange River Valley.

Departure time to Upington will depend on clients’ departure schedule. Flight schedule to be finalised. (Flight not included.)  Drop-off can be at Kimberley too. Enquire for additional costs.  It is expected from clients on camping tours to assist with pitching and packing up camp and with general camping duties on request.  Accommodation can vary from the itinerary depending on availability.

Rates on request: E-mail: [email protected] or click on CONTACT US.

Welcome Guided Tours Cammspannen 4x4

NATIONAL PARKS & RESERVES

South African & Swaziland Namibia Botswana Zimbabwe

KALAHARI SAFARI TOURS & TRAVEL Upington 8801

TEL/FAX: + 27 (0) 54 3380375 CELL: + 27 (0) 82 4935041

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  2. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Safari

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  4. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park 2017

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  6. The Ultimate Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Safari Guide

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COMMENTS

  1. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

    Tour 11: 6 Day Kgalagadi - Polentswa Wilderness 4×4 Trail. Sandy Trail. The circular Polentswa Wilderness 4×4 Trail runs through the Botswana part of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and is a true Kalahari Wilderness experience with absolute privacy. Malaria free area. Accommodation: Camping only.

  2. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

    View Photos (58) Open Map. Best Time To Go March to May (The riverbeds attract animals) High Season Never (The park never gets very crowded) Size 35,284km² / 13,623mi². Altitude 868-1,197m / 2,848-3,927ft.

  3. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

    Share this tour. For More Informations +27834700888 or +27117825416 Mon - Sat 8.00 - 18.00. from R21 330 per person sharing ... The 3.7 million hectare Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa & Botswana is one of the world's largest conservation areas and is a sanctuary to herds of gemsbok, springbok, blue wildebeest, eland, red ...

  4. Kgalagadi Safari Tours (Offered by Top Rated Operators)

    5-Day Kgalagadi Guided Self-Drive Budget Camping Tour. $1,273 pp (USD) South Africa: Guided self-drive Budget Camping. You Visit: Upington (Start), Kgalagadi TP, Upington (End) Bonsai-SA 4x4 Adventures and Tours. Tour operator has an office in South Africa. 5.0/5 - 15 Reviews.

  5. Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park

    The park also offers visitors the opportunity to experience the Kalahari Desert in its natural state, with its vast open spaces, red sand. When. The best time to visit Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the temperatures are milder and the wildlife is more active.

  6. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

    Discover the lower sabie region of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a stunning destination for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers. Explore the diverse landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and cultural heritage of this cross-border park in South Africa and Botswana. Find out more about the accommodation, activities, and reservations on the official SANParks website.

  7. Kgalagadi safari tour packages

    Parks and game reserves Central Kalahari Game Reserve Chobe National Park Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Kwando, ... Kgalagadi safari tour packages Planning an African safari doesn't have to be daunting. From big five tours to honeymoon safari and beach holidays, you can find a tour here to get your started. Use the filters to narrow your search ...

  8. The Ultimate Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Safari Guide

    It is easy to book and pay for accommodation from the SANParks site: CAMPSITES AVAILABLE IN KGALAGADI TRANSFRONTIER PARK. The Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) are responsable for bookings on the Botswana side of Kglagadi. Contact DWNP central reservations: Tel +267 318 0774, [email protected].

  9. Tour 1: 3 Day + Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Tour

    The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park covers 37 000 square km, which is one of the largest conservation areas in the world and one of the last truly unspoilt ecosystems. Endemic game such as gemsbok, springbok, eland, giraffe, blue wildebeest and red hartebeest roam the sparsely vegetated red sand dunes and the dry river valleys of the Nossob and ...

  10. 6 Day Kgalagadi Safari

    Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. We explore the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and visit some of the popular watering holes that the park has to offer. Lodge Accommodation Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner: Day 6: Kgalagadi Lodge - Upington. Our final destination is a transfer back from the Kgalagadi towards Upington. Tour ends on arrival. However ...

  11. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Safaris

    The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP) became a "peace park" in 2000 when the Mabuasehube-Gemsbok National Park of Botswana and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park of South Africa merged. ... While wildlife watching is possible all-year-round on Kgalagadi safari tours, the best time is at the end of the wet season, when mammals come to the ...

  12. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Safari

    Sample Itinerary of our Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park safari Tour, our tours are tailor-made private safaris that are undertaken by small bus or luxury 4x4 vehicles ... It is also home to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a 3.7 million hectare expanse of pristine desert and a wealth of desert-adapted creatures inhabiting the dunes and plains ...

  13. Self-drive safari Guide to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

    Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is in the north of South Africa, on the border with Namibia and Botswana and Twee Rivieren Gate is about 1076km from Cape Town (about 11 hours) and 950km (about 10 hours) from Johannesburg. This gate will give you access to the south side of the park and is often used as the first or last stop when visiting ...

  14. Guide to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

    E-mail: [email protected]. Web: sanparks.org. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park phone: 054-561-2000. To make reservations at the lodges on the Botswana side ( Rooiputs lodge and Polentswa lodge ) you can book them through the Tashebube website.

  15. 6 Day Kgalagadi Camping Safari

    The Kgalagadi is well known for its immense semi-desert landscapes and striking red dunes. Kgalagadi is a great colossal land that covers 38000 km 2. The landmass resulted from an amalgamation of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. There are two of the three Kalahari ecotypes in this region.

  16. Tour 4: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park 4 Days Tour

    Safari - Day 1Upington - Kgalagadi -Twee Rivieren (260 km) We leave Upington at 8H30 from your guesthouse to drive to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Stop en route at the Norokei Salt Pans (natural salt mine) and the Khomani San Bushmen to view their art. Arrival at Twee Rivieren (12H30) Move into our lodge for a short rest.

  17. 4 days—Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

    We leave Upington at 8H30 from your guesthouse to drive to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Stop en route at the Norokei Salt Pans (natural salt mine) and the Khomani San Bushmen to view their art. Arrival at Twee Rivieren (12H30) Move into our lodge for a short rest. We depart on a game in this 38 000 square km park until the gates close.

  18. Kgalagadi Park

    Join us for a tour to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a pristine wilderness that straddles the borders of South Africa and Botswana in southern Africa. This vast and awe-inspiring desert landscape spans over 3.6 million hectares and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and many other fascinating species.

  19. Tour 9: 8 Day Kgalagadi

    The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park covers 37 000 square km, which is one of the largest conservation areas in the world and one of the last truly unspoilt ecosystems. Endemic game such as gemsbok, springbok, eland, giraffe, blue wildebeest and red hartebeest roam the sparsely vegetated red sand dunes and the dry river valleys of the Nossob and ...

  20. 6 days—Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

    Upington - Kgalagadi -Twee Rivieren (260 km) We leave Upington at 8H30 from your guesthouse to drive to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Stop en route at the Norokei Salt Pans (natural salt mine) and the Khomani San Bushmen to view their art. Arrival at Twee Rivieren (12H30) Move into our lodge for a short rest.

  21. Heuningland Tours on Instagram: "28 SEPTEMBER

    9 likes, 0 comments - heuninglandtours on August 25, 2023: "28 SEPTEMBER - 4 OCTOBER 2024! Situated at the convergence of South Africa and Botswana, the Kga..."

  22. Tour 7: 7 Day Kgalagadi

    The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park covers 37 000 square km, which is one of the largest conservation areas in the world and one of the last truly unspoilt ecosystems. Endemic game such as gemsbok, springbok, eland, giraffe, blue wildebeest and red hartebeest roam the sparsely vegetated red sand dunes and the dry river valleys of the Nossob and ...