The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Afrikaans name: Kgalagadi-vredespark
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Photo © francescodemarco - Fotolia.com
Northern Cape
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a vast game reserve that straddles two countries. It is made up of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana.
The South African portion of this game reserve occupies around 10,000 square kilometres with the rest being in Botswana.
Lions are often seen
Photo © Johan van Zyl
The park is mainly covered by the red sand dunes of the Kalahari Desert. There is not much vegetation or trees yet there is plenty of wildlife. Among the larger species that you may see are Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Brown and Spotted Hyenas, Gemsbok, Blue Wildebeest, Springbok, Red Hartebeest and Eland.
Over 200 species of birds have been recorded including many raptors.
On the South African side of the reserve there are three rest camps. These are Twee Rivieren, Mata-Mata and Nossob.
Roads in the reserve are not ideal and it is best to use a vehicle with some ground clearance and 4x4 capability.
Gemsbok are well adapted to the arid environment
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Mammals of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Please note that this is only a guide and, while we have made every effort to be accurate, we can't be held responsible for any errors.
Aardwolf
Antbear / Aardvark
Black-footed Cat
Common Duiker
Honey Badger
Pangolin / Scaly Anteater
South African Hedgehog
Striped Polecat
Wild Cat
References and further reading
Wild Issue 47 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 32Wild Issue 47 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 40
Wild Issue 47 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 44
Wild Issue 43 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 10
Wild Issue 28 - Author: - Published: 2014 - Page: 81
Wild Issue 32 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 10
Wild Issue 37 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 8
Wild Issue 39 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 8
Wild Issue 28 - Author: - Published: 2014 - Page: 38
Things to do in Moer & Gone Places - Author: Jacques Marais - Published: 2015 - Page: 176
Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 284
The Living Deserts of Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Darry Lovegrove - Published: 2021 - Page: 245
Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 331
go! - Issue 172 - Author: - Published: 2020 - Page: 30
Insiders Guide - Top Wildlife Photography Spots in South Africa - Author: Shem Compion - Published: 2010 - Page: 199
go! - Issue 085 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 102
go! - Issue 086 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 56
go! - Issue 157 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 48
go! - Issue 171 - Author: - Published: 2020 - Page: 34
go! - Issue 084 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 14
Country Life - Issue 250 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 58
Country Life - Issue 250 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 61
Getaway - Vol 31 No 03 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 54
Country Life - Issue 230 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 74
Country Life - Issue 187 - Author: - Published: 2012 - Page: 27
Country Life - Issue 244 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 38
Country Life - Issue 212 - Author: - Published: 2014 - Page: 79
Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 683 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 57
Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 656 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 10
A - Z of South African National Parks - Author: South African National Parks - Published: 0 - Page: 28
Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 652 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 59
Atlas of National Parks and Reserves of South Africa - Author: Marielle Renssen - Published: 2006 - Page: 42