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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park |
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Where the red dunes and scrub fade into infinity and herds of gemsbok,
springbok, eland and blue wildebeest follow the seasons, where imposing
camel thorn trees provide shade for huge black-mane lions and vantage
points for leopard and many raptors... this is the Kgalagadi
Transfrontier National Park. An amalgamation of the Kalahari Gemsbok
National Park in South Africa (proclaimed in 1931)and the Gemsbok
National Park in Botswana, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park comprises
an area of over 3,6 million hectares – one of very few conservation
areas of this magnitude left in the world.
Red
sand dunes, sparse vegetation and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and
Auob show antelope and predator species off to spectacualr advantage
and provide excellent photographic opportunities. Kgalagadi is also a
haven for birders, especially those interested in birds of prey.
5 Things to seek
- Gemsbok – these large striking desert antelope are the emblem of the park.
- Suricate (Meerkat) – these hyperactive little omnivores have a wonderfully intricate family structure.
- Black-maned Kalahari Lions – Physically impressive, they are the kings of the Kalahari Desert. Article: Lions of the Kgalagadi by Lara Raubenheimer
- Sociable weavers – the busy little birds construct huge communal nests.
- Pygmy
falcons – the park is famous for its birds of prey. This is the
smallest falcon in Africa and is often seen around Sociable Weaver
colonies preying on the birds.
Important Notes
- Kindly note that the roads in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park are not sedan friendly,
although the roads are maintained on a monthly basis, sedan vehicles
find it difficult to cope with the conditions. Should sedan users wish
to use their vehicles, they are welcome to do so, as park management
endeavors to maintain the roads as effectively as conditions allow, in
order to make your stay a memorable one!
- Please also
note that no firearms or wood will be cleared via the Mata Mata border
control. Individuals wishing to clear firearms or wood should do so via
Rietfontein border control.
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National Parks