About Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Okavango Delta Flora & Fauna
The nature reserve lies largely within the southern Kalahari Desert and is primarily made up of red sand dunes, sparse flora, and scattered trees. The park's landscape is dominated by the Auob and the Nossob rivers, which are just dry riverbeds but run momentarily each year after significant rainfall in the South African portion. The water seeps through the ground and sustains the Vachellia erioloba trees and grass that thrive in the river beds. There are two distinct vegetation types that are simple to distinguish: duneveld and riverine. Also, there are gray camel thorn trees; the largest trees in the park, on the banks of the Auob and Nossob rivers and in the three main camps.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of South Africa's greatest wildlife conservation zones, having numerous and diverse wildlife, such as predators, antelopes, and both native and migratory birds. The park is a famous safari destination as it is home to large mammalian predators, like big cats (lions, cheetahs, and African leopards), Brown Hyena, Spotted Hyena, and other smaller predators, such as Yellow Mongoose, Suricate, and Bat-eared Fox.
The reserve features a large population of antelopes, including Gemsbok, Springbok, and Red Hartebeest, as well as Giraffes, which provide food for the predators. Bird-watchers also love the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park as over 280 species of birds live here, including Ostrich, Lilac-breasted Roller, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, and Crimson-breasted Shrike. There are 34 species of raptors here, including Pygmy Falcons, Black-breasted Snake Eagles, and Lappet-faced Vultures.
Things to Do at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Go on morning or sunset drives available at Nossob, Twee Rivieren, Kalahari, and Mata-Mata Tented Camps and enjoy the silence of the park with your friends. You will be able to relish the scenery while driving and may witness seasonal migrations of antelope species, spot some predators, and enjoy birding. Schedule your drive in advance because they are offered on set schedules and require a minimum of 2 persons.
Join a 3-night/4-day guided expedition and travel 214 kilometers between the Twee Rivieren and Nossob camps via sand dunes. Enjoy the journey to the fullest while riding through this grade 3 trail in a 4x4 and viewing wildlife under the supervision of your knowledgeable, experienced guide. You will have the opportunity to experience new things and fall in love with this gorgeous landscape.
Location: Twee Rivieren and Nossob camps
Timings: Every Monday at 9:00 am
Price: USD 200 to 250 per person
Bike through the Kalahari Desert's Hakskeenpan salt and mud pan, which borders the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to the north. You will have a great time paddling across this entirely level and hill-free pan and may extend your biking expedition to the nearby Eierdop Koppies, known as the Kalahari's Lost City. Carry a topographical map of the area with you for a stress-free mountain bike adventure.
Location: Haksteen Pan, Mier (near Askham), Kalahari, Northern Cape
Go camping in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to experience a wonderland of red sand dunes, animals, and abundant solitude in a semi-desert setting. Choose from Twee Rivieren, Mata-Mata, Nossob rest camps or the Wilderness camps as per your preference and enjoy a memorable staycation amidst nature. Besides spending the night in the lap of nature, you may also go on hiking excursions, and game drives, meet locals and unwind.
Price: USD 70 to 300 per unit per night
Visit this museum to take a tour through the history of the park and learn the way of life of those who inhabited the area more than a century ago. Explore the little restored stone and thatch hut constructed at the beginning of the First World War to shelter troops, now serving as a museum. Inside this hut with two shuttered windows, you will find a table, a bed, a cupboard, and a few chairs reflecting the life of local people.
Meet the Khoisan in their ancestral homeland, Kalahari, and be amazed to learn about the cashless lifestyle of these charming desert warriors. You will get to know how they survive in this harsh Kgalagadi area of the Kalahari Desert. A significant number of these lovely people still live in the dry Kalahari Desert and meeting these legendary desert warriors is a fascinating experience that will leave you awestruck.
Lodges and Camps in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Twee Rivieren camp is known for its uniqueness and stature, making it one of the most preferred desert camps in the reserve. Holding a beautiful location on the dry Nossob river bed, this camp serves as the administrative headquarters of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park and it is the biggest rest camp in the reserve. It features a variety of accommodations, including campsites, family cottages, and chalets along with premium facilities and diverse activities.
Amenities: Reception, information center, fuel, shop, restaurant, swimming pool., 24 hrs electricity, and cell phone reception.
Price: USD 85 to 95
Located on the banks of the Auob River at the park's western edge, Mata-Mata Rest Camp is about a 2.5-hr drive from Twee Rivieren. The accommodation options available here include campsites, chalets, and family chalets. The camp's surrounding prickly Kalahari dune bushveld offers the perfect setting for giraffe survival, making it a popular sight in the Mata-Mata area.
Amenities: Reception, fuel, shop, generator for 16.5 hr/day electricity, and swimming pool.
Price: USD 70 to 130
Camp Nossob is located in the Nossob's dry riverbed and offers cabins, guesthouses, and camping spots to suit a variety of interests and price ranges. The camp is surrounded by the savannah forest and is an excellent location for spectacular predator sightings. It's about a 3.5-hour trip from Twee Rivieren and has no phone service, making it a true escape from city life.
Amenities: A reception, predator information center, swimming pool, shop, fuel, a generator for 16.5 hr/per day electricity.
Price: USD 70 to 200 per unit
There are various types of Wilderness Camps available at the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park that can accommodate up to 8 people to maintain exclusivity. You can choose from Bitterpan, Kalahari, Grootkolk, Kieliekrankie, Gharagab, or Urikaruus Wilderness Camp as per your preference and have some memorable experiences. These campsites have few amenities, allowing guests to experience pure nature away from the metropolis.
Amenities: Beds, ceiling fans, bathrooms, kitchens equipped with essentials, linen, fridge and braai, Gas for hot water & cooking and Solar power for lighting
Price: USD 110 to 125 per unit
The Khomani San and Mier community owns this luxurious safari lodge, which overlooks a vast salt pan. It was meant to blend in with the surroundings and has well-equipped rooms for 24 people. Visitors can go on game drives, meet with bushmen, and go on wilderness walks. There are no cell phone, Wi-Fi, or television signals at Xaus Lodge, making it the ideal place to unplug and experience Kgalagadi's splendor.
Amenities: Lounge, fireplace, pool, observation deck, art & craft shop, guide, activities, well-equipped rooms, kitchen, etc.
Price: USD 290 to 330
Located along the Nossob River Valley, this luxurious lodge offers stunning panoramic views of the reserve. It also offers lion sightings as they frequently visit the nearby waterhole. Accommodation options available here are standard en suite thatched chalets, a family unit, and a luxury honeymoon suite. Each unit has a sitting space, an en suite bathroom with an outside shower, a double or twin bed, and a sizable veranda.
Amenities: Lounge, a bar, dining area, library, plunge pool, craft shop and a boma.
Price: USD 360 to 470
Plan Your Visit to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
1. How to Reach
By Air: Upington airport is the nearest airport to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. From there you can opt for a car rental or take a private cab to reach the park.
By Road: The park is roughly 250 km from Upington and approx. 904 km from Johannesburg. If you are coming from Johannesburg, come via Upington or Kuruman, Hotazel and Vanzylrus. You will enjoy a scenic and smooth road ride when coming from Upington/Askham.
2. Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kgalagadi National Park is between March and May after the rainy season is over since many animals can be seen close to ponds and watering holes. May through September are likewise recommended as the best months to visit the park for the most favorable climatic conditions.
Layers as weather is unpredictable
Hiking boots, casual shoes, flip flops
Rain jacket/poncho
Binoculars
Refillable water bottles
Sunscreen, sunglasses, scarf/hat, and insect repellent
Dry Bag
Swimsuit
Torch/headlight
ID and Passport
Don't drive or trek alone, and stay in your car the entire time unless you're at a place where there are signs allowing you to exit the vehicle.
Keep to the 50 km/h speed restriction to be safe and enjoy the surroundings.
Do not feed the animals as it can make them aggressive towards people.
Avoid using drones since they might disturb wildlife and make them violent.
As there won't be a pharmacy in the park, bring your necessary medications.
Stay hydrated the entire time you're traveling.
Cover yourself and use mosquito repellent in the evening (DEET are most effective) to protect from bites.
Pack layers because the weather can change suddenly.
Remember to protect yourself from the sun by wearing lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a bandana/hat.
FAQ's of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
What activities can we do at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park camps?
Game Drives
4x4 Trails
Camping
Hakskeenpan Mountain Biking
Visiting Auchterlonie Museum
Meeting Khoisan of the Kalahari
Visit the Pans
Bird Watching
Picnicking at the Melkvlei Picnic Area
Wilderness Walks
How many days do you need in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park?
You can spend one night and two days in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, embark on a brief game drive and relax in the wilderness. Alternatively, if you wish to hike large distances and engage in other activities like meeting the locals, camping, etc., you can stay here for a long. How much time you want to spend here will depend entirely on your interests, budget, and time in hand.
What is the best time of year to visit the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park?
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is famous for game drives, wildlife sightings, and natural scenery. The best time to experience both is between March and May, when the rains have ceased, the scenery is stunning, and animals are easier to spot close to riverbeds.
What facilities will I get in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park camps?
Guides
Pool
Electricity
Cell Phone Reception
Shop
Fuel
Activities
Well-equipped accommodations
Freeze
Predator Centre
Which are the best places to visit in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park?
Samevloiing: Located just 5 kilometers north of Twee Rivieren, this watering hole is a great place to see predators, namely lions and cheetahs. It is situated where the Auob and Nossob Rivers converge.
Marie Se Draai: It is around 12 km north of Nossob and is a good area to watch antelopes, birds of prey, leopards, and cheetahs, according to Marie Se Draai. It is loved for the stunning sunset views as well.
Dertiende Boorgat: Waterhole Dertiende Boorgat is located 10 kilometers north of Urikaruus and 40 kilometers south of Mata-Mata. It is a good location to spot lions, Cape foxes, leopards, and a variety of birds.