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kgalagadi transfrontier park |
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south africa destinations |
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In a northern corner of South Africa a finger of land stretches out into the red sands of the Kalahari where herds of gemsbok, blue wildebeest and springbok follow the rains, where black-maned lions roam the dunes protecting their territory. This national park forms part of one of the largest transfrontier conservation areas left in the world. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is made up of two national parks - South Africa's Kalahari Gemsbok National Park (27%) and Botswana's Gemsbok National Park (73%). It covers an area of over 3.6 million hectares and offers the nature enthusiast a unique destination to enjoy the red dunes, arid vegetation and dry riverbeds.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park offers three
main camps and six wilderness camps where travelers can base themselves to explore the park:
- Twee Rivieren Rest Camp
- Mata-Mata Rest Camp
- Nossob Rest Camp
- Kieliekrankie
- Urikaruus
- Kalahari Tented Camp
- Grootkolk
- Gharagab (4x4 only)
- Bitterpan (4x4 only)
Temperatures between winter and summer vary greatly from -11°C in winter at night, to over 40°C during summer days. May to August is winter with dry, cool to cold weather overnight and warm to hot days. September and October is still dry with mild warm nights and hot days. Rainy season is from November to April and themperatures sore to the high 30's almost every day. Thunder showers cool things down a bit but be prepared for very high temperatures.
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Go prepared! The Kgalagadi is one of the remoter parks in South Africa. All the main camps have small shops with basic provisions. Weather is a factor as it gets very hot in the summer months and very cold at night in winter. For game drives pack binoculars, chargers or batteries for cameras, additional SD cards if you plan to take many photographs, a flask for coffee, a birding book or app (eSasol is great for your phone or tablet), sunglasses and a convenient water container for those longer drives. A bean bag that fits on the window frame of your car door is a must for photographers.
Reduce your tyre pressure to 1,6 bar. This makes your trips on the gravel roads much more comfortable and reduce the corrugation formed by vehicles. Stick to the speed limit of 50km/h, so plan your game drives accordingly. Don;t try to travel too far.
Book early to ensure you get the camps you'd like to visit. The Kgalagadi is becoming more and more popular and space is limted. |
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The Kgalagadi offers 60 species of mammals. Five animals to look out for is the Gemsbok, Meerkat, Black-Maned Kalahari Lions, Social Weavers and Pygmy Falcons. Large herds of oryx (gemsbok), springbok, blue wildebeest and eland are found here. The antelope species form the main food source for the predators in the park such as lion, cheetah, leopard, brown and spotted hyena, as well as caracal, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, the endangered Cape fox and the elusive African Wild Cat. Red hartebeest also occur here. An variety of reptiles are found here.
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| If you are interested in birds of prey, the Kgalagadi is the place to be. Over 300 bird species have been recorded, including species endemic to the arid southwest region of southern Africa. Large nests of sociable weavers are characteristic of the region. One nest can be home to up to 300 birds! Ostrich is frequently spotted and the Kori bustard is always a good sighting. 52 raptors have been recorded in the Kgalagadi. Keep an open for the pygmy falcon which occurs here. |
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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a self drive destination. The Botswana part of the Kgalagadi allows for 4x4 access only. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park's roads are not suitabe for sedan vehicles (high-clearance 2x4 vehicles will be fine) and 4x4 vehicles are necessary if you decide to explore the many trails that take you into some fo the unspoilt areas of the park.
All trials require a high clearance 4x4 vehicle with low range andyou have to be completely self sufficient for the duration of your stay.
This includes water, food, fuel, vehicle tools and spares, firewood, spare tyres, tyre repair kit and camping equipment. Trailers are not permitted on the trails.
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| Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park can be booked directly with SANParks at www.sanparks.org. |
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| Read about The Safari Co.'s latest visit to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park |
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25 February 2014
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During our last night in the Kgalagadi, a strange longing got hold of me... I was still in the park but I already missed it deeply, knowing we will leave this wonderful place the next morning. This is what the Kgalagadi does to you... As part of our preparations for our trip to the Kgalagadi, we spoke to fellow travelers and photographers that frequent this park on a regular basis. Listening to them, we realised that there is something special about this place... |
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Book your accommodation at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park with SANParks Online reservation. Check availability and find out more details about the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Buy a WILDCard to get access to all of South Africa's national parks.
The portfolio of national parks managed by SANParks offers travelers a diversity of adventure, relaxation and outdoor leisure, including game viewing, bush walks, birding, hikes, 4x4 trails as well as insight into South Africa's diverse cultural and historical experiences. Weddings as well as conferences can be organised in many of the parks.
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Bushlore lets you experience the ultimate safari vacation in the comfort of a fully equipped 4X4 Safari vehicle or Campervan. You have the choice of Land Rover Defender 4X4s or Toyota Hilux 4X4 campers to enjoy a self drive safari into some of South Africa's most amazing game reserves and wilderness areas. Feel the freedom of a South African safari on a campervan self drive safari.
Bushlore Vehicle Rental operates a fleet of 4x4 vehicles, campers and cars for self drive purposes. A self-drive safari is one of the best options to experience Africa on an economical, exciting way. It gives you the flexibility to explore Africa at your own pace. |
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