Africa Vacations

The Kgalagdi Transfrontier Park, Africa's Natural Wonder

If you go no where else in the world, you need to experience the Kgalagdi Transfrontier Park in Africa. Comprised of over 15,000 square miles, or over 3.6 million hectares, it is one of the largest in all of Africa. It is actually two parks in one, three quarters of which are in Botswana, the Gemsbok National Park, and one quarter in Northern South Africa, the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. The Kgalagdi Transfrontier Park also borders part of the East side of the country of Namibia.

Originally the Kalahan Gemsbok National Park was established in 1931 to protect migrating herds from poachers, the gemsbok especially, but over the years has combined into one large transfrontier park It is managed by the South African National Parks board, or SANParks. It was turned into part tourist park, and partial usage for the native tribes of Khomani San and Mier, and has been a major attraction for a number of years, and is actually the first peace park in Southern Africa.

The Kgalagdi Transfrontier Park has truly a wide diversity of wildlife. It has several species smaller mammals, like ground squirrels, and Meerkats, to more exotic small animals like the bat eared fox, honey badger, and the Pangolin, or scaly anteater. There are also many different migratory herbivores, including elands, hartebeest, and of course the springbok, and blue wildebeest, to name just a few. There are even predators, both on land and in the air. You can find black maned Kalahari lions, leopards, hyenas, and even cheetahs call this area home. There are also an assortment of secretary birds, eagles, raptors, and vultures, as well as over 200 different species of other birds to be found here.

Kgalagadi translates into 'place of thirst.' You will definitely find that here. Largely comprised of the southern part of the Kalahari Desert, it is dry and hot. There is sparse vegetation, some trees, but mostly red sand dunes of the desert. There are also the dry river beds of the Auob and Nossob rivers. While the rivers themselves flow only once every century, underground rivers provide water for the plants and camelthorn trees that thrive here. Temperatures here can also be extreme. In this part of Africa, being below the Equator, Summer is the last and beginning of the year, so it is mid summer in January. Daytime temperatures can soar to 40 degrees Celsius or more, and night temperatures in the Winter can be well below freezing. Extremes of 45 degress Celsius, and minus 11 Celsius have been recorded. Rain in this part of the country is rare.

This doesn't mean it isn't a mecca for tourism. There are three large full service rest camps, as well as six other wilderness camps in the park.

There are a number of different tours and safaris available, allowing you to chose just the right safari package to begin your journey to the amazing Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

There are gravel roads that can be traveled by car, however a four wheel drive vehicle is recommended. The three tourist lodges have many different amenities. There are petrol refueling stations, shopping opportunities, and a variety of different lodgings are offered . They range from primitive tent camping, to full service lodges, with air conditioning, complete kitchens and maid services. There are also swimming pools available to escape the heat of the day. Everything here is right at your fingertips.

At the other extreme are the wilderness camps that are offered. These six camps have just the basic necessities, shelter, and water for washing, which you can't even drink. People who use these facilities pack in their own drinking water, food, and even firewood. Make sure to remember that if you are traveling in these areas it is required that you pack out your own garbage. This is truly a way to experience nature in it's roughest form.

When traveling in and through the park, you should travel in a convoy, and you have to travel with two vehicles at the minimum. You should bring extra supplies with you, have your binoculars and cameras at the ready, because you will have ample opportunities to see and take pictures of a variety of different wildlife. It is important that you stick to marked trails and roads, because it is easy to lose your way if you aren't careful. With no sign of man made barriers, which makes this park one of the best natural ecosystems, you don't have any reference if you get off the beaten track.

There are entrance fees when you enter the park from any of the five entrances. It is also important that when you are traveling that you leave you camp or rest area no later than noon, in order to get to the next rest stop before dark, since travel by night is prohibited for obvious reasons. You need to bring your passport if you are a native who is traveling from one end of the park to the other, exiting out of either of the bordering countries.

While you can transverse this grand park on your own, you can also book guided tours and safaris. These trips can last anywhere from 5-14 days, and is a great way to see not only the wildlife of the area, but also experience the native people who call the Kgalagdi Transfrontier Park home. There are safaris where you can actually spend a few days in the Khomani San and Mier communities, and experience every day life and cultures of these people. Booking either a guided safari or your stay at one of the established rest areas requires that you go online. Prices vary, depending on accommodations, and safari prices start at around $1,200 per person. While everyone is invited to marvel at the wonders here, make sure that you are up to the physical activity that may be required, and can deal with the extreme temperatures you may experience.