Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a vast protected area spanning the border between Botswana and South Africa, covering approximately 38,000 km². It was formed in 2000 by merging Botswana's Kgalagadi Gemsbok National Park with South Africa's Kalahari Gemsbok National Park into a single transfrontier conservation area. The park is renowned for its iconic red sand dunes, dry fossil riverbeds (the Nossob and Auob), and its population of black-maned Kalahari lions. Unlike the greener parks of northern Botswana, Kgalagadi offers a stark, hauntingly beautiful desert landscape with exceptional predator sightings.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is in Upington, South Africa (about 250 km south). Charter flights can land at the park's airstrips. From Botswana, the nearest airports are Tsabong (200 km north) and Gaborone (500 km east).

By Car / Road

From Botswana, access is via the Tsabong–Bokspits road to the park's northern gate. From South Africa, the park is reached from Upington via the R360 road. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is essential — all park roads are deep sand. Fuel is available at Twee Rivieren (South African side) and at Matopi (Botswana side as of 2025).

The park is explored by self-drive 4x4 vehicle on sand roads. A high-clearance vehicle with good ground clearance is essential. Distances between camps are large (100–200 km), and driving speeds are slow (20–40 km/h) on the sand roads. Guided game drives are also available from the main camps.

• Red dunes — The iconic Kalahari dunes, some of the most photogenic landscapes in Africa.

• Predator viewing — Black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetahs, leopards, and brown hyenas.

• Nossob and Auob riverbeds — Dry fossil riverbeds where wildlife concentrates at waterholes.

• Meerkat colonies — Wild meerkats are a highlight of the park.

• Self-drive game drives — The main activity, following the Nossob and Auob riverbeds.

• Wildlife photography — The dramatic light and open landscapes make Kgalagadi a photographers' paradise.

• Star-gazing — The park has some of the darkest skies in southern Africa.

• Birdwatching — Lanner falcons, gemsbok, and kori bustards are common sightings.

The main camps (Twee Rivieren, Nossob, Mata Mata) have restaurants. Self-catering facilities are available at all camps. Bring all food unless staying at a full-board camp.

Bottled water is essential — the desert climate is extremely dry and hot. Carry several litres per person per day. Camps have potable water at taps.

• Wilderness camps — Basic self-catering cabins at Twee Rivieren, Nossob, and Mata Mata (South African side). Book well in advance.
• Camping — Designated campsites at all main camps and wilderness camps.
• Upscale : !Xaus Lodge — a community-owned luxury lodge in the Botswana section, overlooking a salt pan.

Twee Rivieren (South African gate) has a shop selling basic supplies, fuel, and souvenirs. Matopi (Botswana side) has limited fuel. Stock up on all provisions before entering.

• Upington, South Africa — 250 km south, the nearest major town with an airport and full services.
• Tsabong, Botswana — 200 km north, the district capital.
• Augrabies Falls National Park, South Africa — 300 km south, a spectacular waterfall on the Orange River.