Friday 11 May 2007, 11:38

K is Kgalagadi Transfronteir Park

Characterised by red sand dunes, sparse vegetation and migrating herds of gemsbok, springbok, eland and blue wildebeest, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park is a visual feast for any nature enthusiast.

Previously known as the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park crosses the borders of South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. The Kalahari Gemsbok National Park was opened in 1931 primarily to protect the migrating game, especially the gemsbok. Together with the adjacent Gemsbok National Park in Botswana, this park comprises over 3.6 million hectares, making it one of the few conservation areas of this magnitude left in the world.

The barren nature of the landscape and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob provide the perfect opportunity for visitors to view the antelope and predator species unencumbered. Kgalagadi is also a place of interest for bird enthusiasts, especially those interested in birds of prey.

Kgalagadi has six different camps of varying sizes, facilities and cost. Three traditional camps with a basic shopping facility and fuel are situated on the South African side of the park. Kgalagadi is the first park to provide accommodation in three wilderness camps that, with no fences, literally place the tranquillity of the Kalahari right on your doorstep.

The lions of the Kgalagadi have unique and striking black manes.