Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The Kgalagadi, simply put, is colossal. At nearly 38 000 km2, it is larger than many countries and one of the largest National Parks in the world. The Park, which was officially opened on 12 May 2000, is an amalgamation of South Africa’s previous Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Botswana’s Gemsbok National Park.

It was the first formally declared transfrontier park in Africa. The Nossob riverbed meanders through both countries, symbolic of the natural ‘oneness’ of the two Parks. The combined conservation areas encompass two of the three Kalahari eco-types. The south-western part is comprised of duneveld, with its unique semi-desert vegetation, and the north-eastern part is made up of Kalahari plains thornveld.

The area also incorporates salt pans, which play an important role in the grazing and life-cycle of the game. The large mammals, especially the predators, are always a major draw card at Kgalagadi, these include: the powerful black maned Kalahari lions, solitary leopard, sleek cheetah, majestic gemsbok, massive herds of wildebeest, graceful giraffe, hyaena, foxes, eland, springbok and many others.

In addition to the glorious collection of large mammals, there are many smaller animals to discover, such as: the mischievous suricates; whistling rats; luminous blue headed ground agama; barking geckos and ground squirrels, with built in sun shades. Twitchers are not left out either, with the thousands of sociable weavers who build colossal thatched apartments; lappet-faced and white-backed vultures, that lead you to a kill; acrobatic bateleurs; tiny pygmy falcons and large swooping martial eagles, all grace the skies above the park. Place all these wonderful creatures amongst the endless waves of red dunes, dry riverbeds and blue sky, framed by majestic camelthorn and shepherd trees, and you have the magic that is: the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park!

Attractions & Activities

Conventional self-drive game viewing and relaxing around a campfire will always take precedence at a National Park (or Transfrontier Park such as this). To add to the main attraction however, are other activities which will further enrich your visit.
Experience the Kgalagadi to the full on a guided sunset drive. Depart at dusk and watch the sunset bring the warm Kalahari sands to life and return to camp under the cover of darkness. The unpolluted skies deliver a spectacular display of stars on dark nights and the full moon is also a wonder to behold.
Become at one with the Kalahari, by going on an early morning walk. See the day softly unfolding while a field guide helps you discover the uniqueness of this thirsty land.
At the Twee Rivieren Information Centre slide shows and videos are shown and visitors can make use of an electronic flower field guide. You can also visit the photographic gallery and view images donated to us by world-renowned wildlife photographers.
Learn more about the fascinating lifestyles of the predators at the Nossob Predator Centre as well as the beginnings of the Park at Twee Rivieren.
For those that own 4x4s, the Park offers many alternatives to the conventional roadways. On the Botswana side there are the Kaa, Polentswa and Mabuasehube trails.
In South Africa there is the guided four day, three night Nossob 4x4 Eco-trail, departing from either Twee Rivieren or Nossob (depending on the month) every Monday year round (except Christmas and New Year’s Day). There is also the Leeuwdril 4x4 trail (13.2 km), a self-drive, one way, trail accessible and bookable from Twee Rivieren.
All bookings must be made in advance at Reception where more information on the times and availability of your chosen activity can be obtained.

Accommodation in SA

On the South African side of this unique semi-arid Kalahari wonderland, SANParks has three recently upgraded traditional camps and six truly unique wilderness camps. In addition, there is also an exclusive lodge owned by the Khomani San.

Twee Rivieren Kgalagadi Park Traditional camp

Twee Rivieren is the administrative centre and biggest rest camp. It is at the most southerly point of the Park and just inside the main gate on the South African side. All visitors need to check in at Twee Rivieren Reception, regardless of whether you are staying at the camp or not.

The camp consists of thirty-one, air-conditioned, chalets of various sizes. The camping and caravanning site in the Park, has thirty sites - twenty-four with electrical points and six without. There is an information centre, a restaurant (the only one in Kgalagadi) and a shop, which stocks basic foodstuffs as well as books and souvenirs. The swimming pool is for residents only. Both petrol and diesel are available at the garage. This is the only camp with 24 hrs of electricity and cellular phone reception.