Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa was proclaimed in 1931 mainly to protect the migrating game, especially the gemsbok. Together with the adjacent Gemsbok National Park in Botswana, this park comprises an area of over 3,6 million hectares - one of very few conservation areas of this magnitude left in the world.
Red sand dunes, sparse vegetation and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob show antelope and predator species off to spectacualr advantage and provide excellent photographic opportunities. Kgalagadi is also a haven for birders, especially those interested in birds of prey.
Contact Information 054 561 2000
All bookings for the Botswana side still has to be done through their office at:
Tel +267 318 0774
Fax +267 318 0775
E-mail dwnp@gov.bw
Official hours
Office Hours 07:30 to sundown
Gate Hours
January to February 06:00-19:30
March 06:30-19:00
April 07:00-18:30
May 07:00-18:00
June and July 07:30-18:00
August 07:00-18:30
September 06:30-18:30
October 06:00-19:00
November and December 05:30-19:30
Areas of special interest
The usually dry riverbeds of the Auob and the Nossob Rivers provide the best game viewing. The roads between the camps follow these riverbeds.
The dune roads from Kij Kij to Auchterlonie and Dikbaardskolk to Kamqua link the two riverbeds.
Union's End - at the northern most part of the South African side of the park.
5 Things to seek
Gemsbok - these large striking desert antelope are the emblem of the park.
Suricate (Meerkat) - these hyperactive little omnivores have a wonderfully intricate family structure.
Black-maned Kalahari Lions - Physically impressive, they are the kings of the Kalahari
Sociable weavers - the busy little birds construct huge communal nests.
Pygmy falcons - the park is famous for its birds of prey. This is the smallest falcon in Africa and is often seen around Sociable Weaver colonies preying on the birds.
Botswana
NB: All routes within Botswana are to be travelled by no less than two vehicles
4x4 Routes
Prior bookings are essential for these routes and can only be contemplated in a single direction as a whole.
Mabuasehube Wilderness Trail (starting at Mabuasehube) - 155 km
Wilderness Trail (starting at Polentswa) - 257 km
Direct Route
These routes allows access to within Botswana but can only be driven with a 4x4
Direct Route - Nossob Riverbed to Mabuasehube - 170 km
Direct Route - Kannaguass to Kaa - 85 km
Did you know that...
• Kgalagadi is the first Transfrontier Park to be established in Africa?
• It is also known as the 'Peace Park'?
• At 3.8 million hectares, it is nearly twice the size of Kruger National Park?
• It is the most North Westerly National Park in South Africa?
• The name, 'Kgalagadi' is derived from the SAN language and means "Place of thirst?"
