Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was formed by the merging of Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and Gemsbok National Park in Botswana making it a huge wildlife conservation area

It is located in the Northern Cape Province and borders with Namibia to the north west and Botswana to the north east and covers an area of approximately 15,000 sq mi a quarter of which is in South Africa and the remainder in Botswana, makes it one of the largest protected areas in Africa.

Although much of the landscape is semi-desert it is the territory of the majestic, rapier-horned gemsbok, the delicate springbok and the Kalahari lion as well as supporting large populations of birds, reptiles and small mammals and antelope. Much of the wildlife is concentrated around and along the Nossob and Aoub River beds and waterholes, where wildlife viewing is quite remarkable.

The park never gets overcrowded but may be more busy during South African schools holiday times. Being located mainly in the Southern Kalahari Desert the months of November to February can be extremely hot and for some a little unbearable. March through to May is regarding as the best time as it is towards the end of the wet season when the riverbeds attract the wildlife and during the raining season from April to October is the best time for bird viewing.

There are rest-camps at Twee Rivieren, Mata Mata and Nossob offering a range of fully equipped cottages and camping facilities. There are also several exclusive wilderness camps. If you want to stay in the park you will need to pre-book accommodation with the South African National Parks. There are plenty of places offering accommodation on route to the park.