The Kalaghadi Transfrontier National Park is so named because it is situated at the junction of three African countries: Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. One of the most unique places on earth, the Kalahari desert is home to abundant wildlife species, despite the dry, arid conditions.
Kalaghadi Park Fees
Each country has different requirements and pricing within the Kalaghadi Park. On the South Africa side, the pricing starts at R150 ($20) per night for two people, R48 per person extra. Chalets start at R520 ($72) for two people. The official South African National Parks website provides up to date information on fees, including the extra daily conservation fees payable at all South African National Parks.
In Botswana, the park fees vary based on whether the visitor is a foreigner, citizen or resident. Expect to pay around P200 ($28) per day for a car group of 4, which includes camp fees and park entrance fees. Some camp sites have a shower, toilet and running water, others have no facilities whatsoever and even water will need to be taken with. A 4x4 vehicle is required and it is strongly advised to travel in convoy with at least one other vehicle.
Mata Mata is the restcamp through which visitors can continue their visit to Namibia. Prices are the same as the South African rates.
Wildlife in the Kalaghadi National Park
Visitors to the Kalaghadi National Park can expect to see an amazing variety of mammals, reptiles and bird species, all perfectly adapted to life in the harsh desert environment.
The two rivers and several waterholes in the park attract huge numbers of antelope like the springbuck, the beautifully marked gemsbok, red hartebeest, herds of blue wildebeests, eland and more. They are followed by predators such as the famous black-maned lion, leopards, hyenas, jackals and the fastest creature on earth, the cheetah.
Birds such as the kori bustard (heaviest flying bird in the world) and ostrich are among the 300 odd bird species that can be seen in the park.
Indigenous people, such as the San bushmen, still live around the park although their traditional lifestyle has largely disappeared. Legendary trackers who lived close to nature, they live on the fringes and try to integrate into their changing world.
Weather in the Kalaghadi National park is very hot in summer with thunderstorms in the afternoons and evenings. Winter days are clear and cloudless but can become extremely cold at night.
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Fleur Hupston - Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer based in Botswana, Southern Africa. From this unique perspective, she writes travel ...
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