Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, spanning 37,991 sq. km, is a conservation area located in Southern Africa’s Kalahari Desert. It was established in 2000 by merging Gemsbok and Kalahari Gemsbok national parks in Botswana and South Africa, respectively. It is one of the 18 transfrontier conservation areas that the Peace Parks Foundation has been creating to preserve large ecosystems, natural and cultural heritage across borders of two or more countries. Kgalagadi maintains natural migration routes allowing wildlife to survive in both the semi- desert and desert environment. Characterized by red sand dunes, Auob and Nossob riverbeds and salt pans and thornveld and grasslands. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park a unique destination for experiencing the unique desert environment. The park is famous for harboring the Kalahari black manned lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Vegetation
Kgalagadi occupies the southwest part of Kalahari Desert, which is drier receiving 11-200mm of rainfall per annum. The other parts of the Kalahari which include central, north and east are relatively wetter. Kgalagadi is within a large sedimentary basin crisscrossed by seasonal rivers like the Auob and Nossob Rivers. These rivers flow intermittently and have shaped the landscape through erosion and deposition. For instance, the landscape of the park is characterized by extensive red sand dunes. Some areas contain salt pans and waterholes that retain water for wild animals despite the fact that the sandy soils are generally low in organic matter and have low water retention capacity. As such, the sandy soils support drought resistant grassland with a variety of grasses including tussock grass, bushman grass (Stipagrostis spp.), umbrella grass (Stipagrostis uniplumis), natal red top (Melinis repens), and red grass (Themeda triandra). Some of the tree species include Blackthorn (Acacia mellifera), corkwood (commiphora spp), and the Camel Thorn (Vachellia erioloba). There are Succulent plants such as bushman’s hat (hoodia gordonii), gemsbok cucumbers (Acanthosicyos naudinianus) and Namibi tsamma melons (citrullus ecirrhosus) which are sources of food for the San people.
Fauna
These tree species and grasses provide habitats for a variety of wildlife species, including big cats like lions, which are known for their black manes, leopards, and cheetahs. Other predators and small cats include cape foxes, brown hyenas, wild dogs, bat-eared foxes, black-backed jackals, serval cats, and caracals. There are distinctive antelope species which include gemsboks, steenboks, and springboks. Among other mammals include the red hartebeests, kudus, as well as giraffes, wildebeests,and meerkats. Animals that don’t live in the park include elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, and rhinos.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park depends on preferences for wildlife viewing, photography and weather conditions. March to May marks the beginning of the dry season, and water sources attract wild animals, making for excellent game viewing. Days are mild and sunny, but nights can be very cold and the skies may not be good for star gazing. The dry season continues through May to September. From October to April wild animals are more dispersed due to scattered water sources from rains. Newborn animals especially baby antelopes can be seen. The weather is very hot during the day, with occasional heavy rain showers and thunderstorms. Vegetation is blossoming which creates beautiful scenery and also attract migratory bird species.
Some areas of the park are good for tourism due to their scenic beauty, star gazing, wildlife sightings, and facilities. Safaris to Kgalagadi are available for booking through a tour operator who has extensive knowledge of the park. For instance, the South African side of Kgalagadi offers a wide range of accommodation than that of Botswana. Planning where to go is essential for those intending to go to visit the park and also extend their African safari to East Africa for epic gorilla safaris.
How to get there
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is 900 km (12-hour drive) north of Johannesburg city. The park can also be reached by air through the Upington airport which is 250 km (3-hour drive) to the southern Twee Rivieren entrance gate. Those traveling from Namibia can reach Kgalagadi via the Mata Mata entrance gate.
Those intending to explore Gemsbsok national park on the Botswana side can go there through the Mabuasehube gate, which is 530 km (8-hour) east of Gaborone capital city. Mabuasehube gate can also be reached by air through Tshabong and then proceed from there for 115 km.