Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is most rewarding to those who seek an adventure along the trails which others do not often tread on. Covering both Botswana and South Africa, the KTP is the first park in Africa to extend over two separate countries and its wildlife and remoteness leads to a deep appreciation of the Kgalagadi wilderness.

The Botswana side of the KTP is the wilder side of the two. The wilderness trails which run through this part of the park require a 4×4 vehicle and an experienced off-road driver. Lodges on the Botswana side are few and far between, as it is the unfenced and rudimentary wilderness campsites which offer the greatest appeal. The amount of people allowed per campsite is limited and requires you to be self-sufficient like a true adventurer. What you get for your efforts is great wildlife viewing and beautiful landscapes, including the red sand dunes of the Kalahari, the only place in Botswana where these can be admired.

The facilities on the South African side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park are more developed, offering not only camping but also a greater variety of accommodated options. These range from self-catering to fully catered and luxury lodgings. All of this on land which was traditionally roamed by the San people (or Basarwa as they are sometimes referred to in Botswana). A visit to a local San cultural village can give you a fascinating look into their ancient way of life and you can even learn a thing or two on how to survive in this harsh climate on a guided bush walk with a local San.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is also known for providing great wildlife sightings. You won’t be able to spot the Big 5 but when it comes to predators, the region can provide memorable moments. The Kalahari black-maned lion is the most famous of the predators and this park is one of the few where these striking looking lions can be spotted. Additionally, the park boasts leopard, cheetah, brown and spotted hyena and bat-eared fox amongst its species of hunters. Further residents of the park include antelopes such as the oryx, springbok, eland, and kudu. You should also spend some time admiring the meerkats which call the KTP home as these adorable creatures have a complex and interesting social life.

Due to the remoteness of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, it is often overlooked by the main tourist masses. This is the reason why those who go there, love the park. The thrill of hearing a lion roar whilst camping on one of the unfenced campsites with no other travels around might not be for the faint-hearted, but for many it encapsulates why they love going on safari. Being close to nature and close to wildlife. With pristine landscapes along the way, the KTP will provide you with a fantastic off the beaten track adventure.