Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Travel Guide: Top Sights in South

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; South Africa; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 72 hours

Stretching across 38,000 square kilometers on the border of South Africa and Botswana, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a vast haven for wildlife and conservation. Formed by merging South Africa's Kalahari Gemsbok National Park with Botswana's Gemsbok National Park, this expansive sanctuary is dedicated to preserving the unique desert ecosystem. The park's name, Kgalagadi, meaning "place of thirst," reflects the harsh yet captivating environment of the southern Kalahari Desert, where striking red dunes and sparse vegetation define the landscape. Kgalagadi is home to over 470 species of wildlife, including the iconic lion, elusive leopard, and swift cheetah, as well as diverse hyena communities. It supports large herds of migratory ungulates like the blue wildebeest and gemsbok, and is a vital spot for birdwatchers, boasting more than 200 bird species. The park's extreme climate, with summer temperatures exceeding 40 °C (104 °F) and winter freezing conditions, highlights the resilience of its inhabitants. Visitors can choose from traditional lodges to wilderness camps, offering an immersive experience in this remarkable and remote landscape. The park's establishment in 2000 as Southern Africa's first peace park exemplifies a significant commitment to cross-border conservation and cultural preservation, notably through the !Xaus Lodge, which celebrates the heritage of the local ‡Khomani San and Mier communities.

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Reviews of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Leo Slootmans

2
Reviewed: 2024-06-04

Stayed at !Xaus, it is overpriced. It is in serious need of a capital injection to bring up the standard to warrant the prices. Must add that the staff were very good, it is really that the facilities and food offering are not to standard. Stayed at other lodges that were much cheaper with similar unique natural environmental offering and offering to match, but it was much cheaper.
Warren Du Preez

5
Reviewed: 2024-02-03

Definitely worth experiencing. Don’t just stay in the Twee Rivieren Camp but try stay in the three main camps namely: Twee Rivieren; Nossob and Mata Mata. The trans frontier park also offers amazing 4x4 routes and wild camping. A predator paradise.
Jannie J du Plessis

4
Reviewed: 2023-09-22

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a stunning wilderness area located in Southern Africa, straddling the border between South Africa and Botswana. This vast and remote park is known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique camping experiences. Each camp in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park offers a unique experience, from basic wilderness camps to more comfortable rest camps. The park as a whole is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, with opportunities to spot iconic African species like lions, cheetahs, and desert-adapted wildlife. Some of my best bird photography have been in this park. One of my top 20 places in the world to visit.
Dedre Buys

5
Reviewed: 2023-01-17

Beautiful park with several neat rest stops and picnic spots. The chalets and camping grounds were all neat and clean and staff were friendly everywhere. Highly recommended for a visit!
Johannes Erasmus

5
Reviewed: 2022-01-28

Always an amazing place to come and visit. Situated in a point between Botswana and Namibia. This park is absolutely stunning. If you would like to go on the 4x4 trails do book well in advance as it is always booked. They also have open camps (where you camp in the wild within fences). That is just an incredibly treasured memory for me. Come here every year and would come back again.