Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in Botswana - What to Expect on a Self-Drive

Situated in the Kalahari regions, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in Botswana is one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Those who visit it take hundreds of photos of the stunning landscape and variety of wildlife. If you are planning a trip to Botswana then this is one place you simply must visit.

Above: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in Botswana is one of the most beautiful landscapes, especially as the sun is setting. Image source: smee.bruce

Getting in and around the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

If your whole trip is based around visiting this national park, then it is easiest to fly to Upington and then hire a car from the airport. From there you can expect a short, leisurely drive to the park itself. If you are staying in Botswana then it is also easiest to hire a car, although you will find plenty of taxis that are willing to take you there for a fee. You may find that it is best to have a look at 4×4 rental Botswana in order to navigate some of the rougher terrain. The whole park is free to explore, regardless of which side you enter from (South Africa or Botswana) however you do have to leave via the same gate that you entered from. Many people decide that hiring a car is the best course of action, to be able to see as much of Kgalagadi as possible. There are strict park opening and closing times and no travel is allowed after these hours. You will find these hours by visiting the park website, or calling in advance. If you do not wish to hire a car then there are several operators that will drive you around the park in a 4×4 vehicle. They will show you some of the best sights of Kgalagadi but you will be limited by their tour schedule.

Things to do at the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in Botswana

You will certainly be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities at this stunning national park. It may be a case of coming back a few days in a row to be able to make the best of this entire landscape. One of the main attractions is, of course, the wildlife. Especially the meerkats! You will find lions, leopards, wildebeest, springboks and cheetahs whilst driving around this epic park. Remember to adhere to the safety instructions that you will see all around the park, which include staying within the vehicle and not feeding the animals. You can go on your own self driven game drive if you have hired a car, or will find various companies that have game drives on offer. Normally there will be a maximum limit of around 20 people per drive, so bear this in mind if there are quite a few of you. If you are feeling peckish then take a break at one of the many picnic spots that are located around Botswana’s Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. There are several camp shops located nearby which sell a wide range of intriguing foods such as ostrich meat, if you’re feeling adventurous! Botswana’s Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park also has a museum which is completely free for people to explore. It is also open later than the park, meaning you can visit it on your way out as an added bonus. Those camping or staying in a chalet at Kgalagadi may also want to take part in the various day walks and holiday programs that are on offer all the way through the park. These are extremely exciting as well as being educational for the whole family.

Expect to see some of the world’s most dangerous predators at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in Botswana, just stay in the car. Image source: phochart The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in Botswana is a spectacular place to visit that will have you wanting to return year after year. Showing Africa at its finest, with so many things to see and do you’ll feel like you haven’t enough time to get through it all. Those who love animals will be blown away by some of the World’s most famous predators mixing with the cutest of small animals, like the meerkat. A quick trip to the museum can finish the holiday off with some interesting facts and a memento or two, to take home.