A Beginner’s Adventure in the Kgalagadi

Welcome to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park! It’s a fascinating place that stretches across the borders of South Africa and Botswana. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a semi-desert filled with stunning red dunes and a sky that’s filled with countless stars. As you explore this wild environment, you’ll discover a sense of tranquility and connection with nature that can heal your soul.

Legend has it that once the fine grains of Kalahari sand find their way into your shoes, you’ll be irresistibly drawn back to this extraordinary land time and time again. And who could blame you? The allure of the Kgalagadi is simply irresistible.

A majestic Gemsbok gracefully perches on a calcrete ridge during a breathtaking sunset in the Kgalagadi. It’s a sight to behold! But how can you experience this marvel for yourself?

Getting there is half the adventure

To embark on this incredible journey, hop on the R360 and travel 250 kilometers from Upington in the Northern Cape to Twee Rivieren on the South Africa/Botswana border. If you’re coming from Johannesburg, it’s a total distance of 960 kilometers. If you’re traveling from Cape Town, the distance is 1100 kilometers. Short on time? No worries! You can fly to Upington and rent a vehicle there.

Exploring the wonders of the Kgalagadi

If you’re planning on visiting, I highly recommend driving a car with high clearance or a 4×4. This is especially important when the roads are rough or muddy during the rainy season, which runs from December/January to April. While sedans might be able to make it during the dry season from May to November, it’s hard to say what toll it will take on their suspension. However, a 4×4 is crucial for the guided and self-drive trails on the South African side, as well as throughout Botswana and the eastern side of the park. To make your ride smoother, remember to deflate your tires (and check out tip 8 below).

The ideal time to plan your visit

Any time you choose to visit is great—it all depends on what you enjoy! If you visit between September and November, which is the end of the dry season, you’ll get to see all sorts of animals gathering around the waterholes. You’ll also be able to spot many migrant birds during this time. January and February are also exciting months to visit. You’ll witness a lot of action and have a chance to see incredible raptors. If you’re not bothered by temperatures as high as 45–50°C, you might even experience some thrilling electric storms! March is a good month for birding, and if the rains have been plentiful, you’ll get to see a greener side of the park. However, if you can’t stand the cold, it’s best to avoid visiting in June and July. During these months, the nighttime temperatures can drop as low as -10°C. Although the days are sunny, it can get a bit chilly. (If you’re curious about how desert plants and animals survive these extreme conditions, you can read more about it here).

What to keep an eye out for

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of powerful black-maned Kalahari lions during your visit. Keep your eyes peeled for a secretive leopard too. But don’t expect to see the traditional Big Five animals here. You won’t find any elephants, rhinos, or buffalos roaming these lands. Instead, revel in the diverse array of wildlife that calls this place home.

Be on the lookout for magnificent birds of prey soaring through the sky. Marvel at the grace and speed of the cheetah as it dashes across the savannah. Listen for the haunting calls of the hyena echoing through the night. And don’t underestimate the smaller creatures that inhabit this unique ecosystem.

Witness the industriousness of the honey badger as it fearlessly forages for food. Admire the bat-eared fox, its large ears perfectly adapted for detecting the slightest sounds. Get a glimpse of the adorable meerkat as it stands guard, always alert for potential dangers. And don’t be surprised if you hear the high-pitched whistle of a whistling rat or the distinctive bark of a barking gecko.

Welcome to the Kielie Krankie Wilderness Camp in Kgalagadi!

Where should I stay?

If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, there are several accommodation options to consider. SANParks offers a range of choices for visitors. If you prefer a self-catering experience, you can stay at one of their tourist camps like Twee Rivieren, Nossob, or Mata Mata. These camps provide chalets and camping facilities for a comfortable stay.

For those seeking a more exclusive and immersive experience, SANParks also offers six wilderness camps. Gharagab and Bitterpan are particularly unique as they are unfenced, allowing you to get closer to nature. These camps are only accessible by 4×4 vehicles, so they provide a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure.

If luxury is what you’re after, you might want to consider the private !Xaus Lodge. This lodge is situated on land that has been returned to the Mier and Khomani San communities. Here, you can enjoy fully-catered accommodations and experience the Kalahari in style.

If you prefer to stay just outside the park, Kgalagadi Lodge is an excellent choice. Located five kilometers south of Twee Rivieren, this lodge offers self-catering chalets, camping options with private ablutions, and a fantastic restaurant where you can indulge in delicious meals.

Welcome to Botswana! When it comes to exploring the beautiful wilderness of Botswana, there are a few options to consider. One option is to go camping in unfenced areas like Rooiputs and Polentswa, which are maintained by the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). These camping sites offer a unique experience of being close to nature, with the convenience of long-drop loos. However, it’s important to note that you need to bring your own 4×4 vehicle, plenty of water, and be self-sufficient during your stay.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more luxurious experience, you can opt for the new full-board private lodges that are available at Rooiputs and Polentswa. These lodges offer all the comforts and amenities you would expect, allowing you to relax and enjoy your stay in style.

Whether you choose to rough it out in the wilderness or indulge in the luxury of the lodges, Botswana offers a range of options to suit your preferences. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Africa, Botswana is the place to be!

Kgalagadi is an amazing place to experience incredible wildlife sightings up close. If you’re planning a trip to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Tips for visiting the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park:

1. Get the official info guide to the park at Twee Rivieren. It provides valuable insights into the park’s animals, plants, and the nearby San communities.

2. Dress warmly if you’re visiting during winter. In summer, remember to use sunscreen and stay hydrated.

3. While the majority of the rain falls between January and April, unexpected weather phenomena can occur, like the hailstorm we experienced in September. The dry season generally lasts from May to November/December.

4. Be cautious about the safety of the water in the park. Bringing your own drinking water from home or purchasing 5-litre jugs of mineral water outside the park can be a more reliable option, and it’s usually cheaper too.

5. Fuel is only available at Twee Rivieren, Nossob, and Mata Mata. Plan accordingly and make sure you have enough to last your journey.

6. If you need to buy essentials like bottled water, basic food, toiletries, or firewood, you’ll find shops at Twee Rivieren, Nossob, and Mata Mata.

When planning your visit to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to ensure you have a memorable experience:

1. Consider budgeting for a guided early morning walk or a sunset/night drive. These activities cost R313 per person for a walk and R181 per person for a drive (kids pay half price), and they provide unique opportunities to explore the park and its wildlife.

2. If you decide to go off-roading on a 4×4 trail, it’s essential to be prepared. Bring a grass net to protect your vehicle’s radiator, and remember to deflate your tires to 1.6 bars or less. This will help you navigate through thick sand and reduce the risk of getting stuck. It’s also recommended to travel with at least two vehicles for safety purposes.

3. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a transfrontier park, meaning it extends across multiple countries. If you plan to leave the park in Botswana or cross into Namibia after entering from South Africa, you must complete immigration formalities at Twee Rivieren/Two Rivers. Additionally, if you enter from South Africa, you must stay a minimum of two nights in the park.

4. While Kgalagadi is not considered a high-risk malaria area, it’s still a good idea to take precautions. Use insect repellents and cover up at dawn and dusk, especially during the summer months.

Remember, these tips will help you make the most of your visit to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Whether you’re exploring the diverse landscapes or spotting incredible wildlife, the park offers a truly unique experience. So pack your bags, get ready for an adventure, and create memories that will last a lifetime.