Know your National Parks – Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Once the red sand of the Kalahari sticks to your soles, it will be hard to brush off. The ideal place to experience this is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park approximately 250km from Upington in the Northern Cape. Your heart will find peace amongst the red dunes and silhouettes of gemsbok, springbok and eland. It is a place where the king of the Kalahari, finds solace under the shade of a camel thorn tree. Where raptors soar in the sky in search of their next snack.

In this arid landscape the water holes provides the backdrop for much of the activity. Although distances between everything is vast, you won’t have to travel far to witness some of the action. The lucky ones can see it all. From Black-backed jackal hunting flocks of birds in search of an easy snack to leopard stalking its prey.

Embark on a morning walk to really get the sand on your soles. The park also offers morning and sunset drives. A number of off-road trails with their own camps are available in the park, but booking is essential. A 4×4 is recommended for accessing some sections in the park. You can however access most of the park in a sedan.

There are three large rest camps and a number of unfenced wilderness camps, some equipped with the bare basics while others are more deluxe. Those that seek true luxury can overnight in Xaus safari lodge, luxury accommodation owned by the local Khomani San and Mier communities. Due to popularity however, all accommodation bookings must be made well in advance.

This 3.6 million hectare park, which includes the Gemsbok National Park on the Botswana side, one of the few conservation areas of its kind in the world. It is a dream for all photographers striving for spectacular images, a bird lover’s paradise and haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

Read more: www.sanparks.org/parks/kgalagadi/

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