WHAT AWAITS YOU IN THE KALAHARI?

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is nestled in the north of South Africa; bordering Namibia and crossing over into Botswana, it is well worth a visit. The park officially opened in 2000, after South Africa’s Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Botswana’s Gemsbok Park were united, and is the first formally declared transfrontier park on the African continent.

The park covers approximately 38,000 square kilometres (14,672 square miles) of vast landscape that is known for its dry riverbeds and red sand dunes, emblematic of the Kalahari desert. The word Kalahari, derived from the Setswana word Kgalagadi, in a nutshell alludes to “where there is no water”.

The park is abundant with wildlife, and it’s not too difficult to spot. Predators such as cheetahs flourish here, while herds of gemsbok (oryx), springbok and wildebeest are also seen. Of course, there are smaller birds and animals to keep an eye out for. From lions exploring wilderness camps in the dead of night, to honey badgers and meerkats popping out of their burrows as you drive past, this is the African wilderness at its best.

 

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FACTS

WHERE IS IT?

Northern Cape province of South Africa.
The capital is Bloemfontein.

CLOSEST AIRPORTS

Upington International Airport [Upington]

GEOLOGY AND WILDLIFE

The Kgalagadi is not a Big Five destination, as it has no elephant, rhino or buffalo but the open terrain makes for very good viewing. Predators are the park’s biggest attraction. These include leopard, cheetah, spotted and brown hyena and smaller species such as bat-eared fox and Cape fox. Lions are numerous and known for their spectacular black manes.

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?

The Kalahari is a semi-arid region with an average rainfall of 150mm/5.9in in the southwest to 350mm/13.8in in the northeast. The dry season runs from May to September [low season] and the wet season from October to April [high season]. The summer averages 35C [86F] while winter temperatures average 25C [77F].

LOCAL LANGUAGES

English, Afrikaans and Tswana

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY?

Rand [ZAR]
US Dollars are not accepted.
Foreign exchange services are available in big cities and airports.

PERFECT FOR

Predator Safaris
Red Sand Dunes
Wildlife and Birding