Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
All-in-One
This page displays all information relevant to this park/camp, except the following:
Where the red dunes and scrub fade into infinity and herds of gemsbok, springbok, eland and blue wildebeest follow the seasons, where imposing camel thorn trees provide shade for huge black-mane lions and vantage points for leopard and many raptors... this is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. An amalgamation of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa (proclaimed in 1931)and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park comprises an area of over 3,6 million hectares – one of very few conservation areas of this magnitude left in the world.
Red sand dunes, sparse vegetation and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob show antelope and predator species off to spectacualr advantage and provide excellent photographic opportunities. Kgalagadi is also a haven for birders, especially those interested in birds of prey.
5 Things to seek
- Gemsbok – these large striking desert antelope are the emblem of the park.
- Suricate (Meerkat) – these hyperactive little omnivores have a wonderfully intricate family structure.
- Black-maned Kalahari Lions – Physically impressive, they are the kings of the Kalahari Desert. Article: Lions of the Kgalagadi by Lara Raubenheimer
- Sociable weavers – the busy little birds construct huge communal nests.
- Pygmy falcons – the park is famous for its birds of prey. This is the smallest falcon in Africa and is often seen around Sociable Weaver colonies preying on the birds.
Important Notes
- Kindly note that the roads in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park are not sedan friendly, although the roads are maintained on a monthly basis, sedan vehicles find it difficult to cope with the conditions. Should sedan users wish to use their vehicles, they are welcome to do so, as park management endeavors to maintain the roads as effectively as conditions allow, in order to make your stay a memorable one!
- Please also note that no firearms or wood will be cleared via the Mata Mata border control. Individuals wishing to clear firearms or wood should do so via Rietfontein border control.
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Accommodation
Traditional Rest Camps (click on maps to expand)
Twee Rivieren
This popular rest camp offers a range of accommodation types to suit a variety of tastes and budgets including family cottages, chalets and camp sites.
Twee Rivieren is the Park’s largest rest camp and administrative headquarters. It is situated on the banks of the Dry Nossob Riverbed. Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp and in the surrounding areas. Twee Rivieren has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception.
Check availability at Twee Rivieren
Mata-Mata Rest Camp
This popular rest camp offers a range of accommodation types to suit a variety of tastes and budgets including family chalets, park homes/chalavans and camp sites.
The camp is situated on the banks of the Auob River on the western boundary of the Park. The camp borders Namibia and is surrounded by thorny Kalahari dune bushveld. Giraffe, typically adapted to these arid conditions are a favourite sight around Mata-Mata. The camp has a reception, swimming pool, shop and fuel facilities. A generator provides electricity for 18 hrs per day. Phone lines are provided from Namibia. Mata-Mata is 2,5 hrs drive from Twee Rivieren.
Check availability at Mata-Mata Rest Camp
Nossob Rest Camp
Nossob offers visitors to the Kgalagadi 2 Guesthouses, a range of cottages and camping sites to suit a variety of tastes and budgets
Nossob Rest Camp is situated within the dry riverbed of the Nossob. The camp is surrounded by tree savannah and is famous for spectacular predator sightings. The camp has a reception, swimming pool, predator information centre, shop and fuel facilities. A generator provides electricity for 18 hrs per day. No phone reception is available at the camp which ad to the tranquillity and peaceful atmosphere at Nossob. Nossob is 3,5 hrs drive from Twee Rivieren.
Check availability at Nossob Rest Camp
Wilderness camps
(Brochure available in PDF format)
NB: In order to retain the tranquility and exclusiveness of the wilderness camps we do not exceed 8 people per camp.
Bitterpan
NB: This camp is NOT fenced and a Tourism Assistant is on duty at all times.
Elevated above the red sand dunes of the Kalahari and suspended in time is Bitterpan – an exclusive, stilted camp overlooking a waterhole. Bitterpan is situated in the center of the wilderness opening up a new 4x4 route through the Kalahari dunes from Nossob to Mata-Mata and the Kalahari Tent Camp. It is on a ONE-WAY route starting from Nossob. It is approximately a 2,5 hr drive from Nossob to Bitterpan, while from Bitterpan to Craig Lockhart on the Auob tourist road takes another 2.5 hrs, and thereafter 15 minutes to Mata-Mata, or a two hour drive to Twee Rivieren. It is strictly a 4x4 route, but BIG 4x4’s such as Unimogs (heavy vehicle 4x4) are not allowed.
Guests should consider staying at Nossob before their departure for Bitterpan, as it is an approximately 3 hours drive from Nossob along a one-way 4x4 route. Guests much check in to Bitterpan at Nossob. They cannot do so at Twee Rivieren or Mata-Mata. Nossob itself is at least a three-and-a-half hour drive from Twee Rivieren.
Visitors to Bitterpan should please note the following:
- NB. The camp and its access roads are strictly for the use of its residents only!
- Visitors must supply their own firewood or charcoal
- Visitors must supply their own drinking water
- No Trailers (even 4x4 trailers) will be permitted.
- Visitors should be aware that there is limited driving opportunity once at the camp.
- Only a one-way 15 km game drive, however visitors staying longer than one night may use the escape route to Moravet to go onto the tourist routes and back.
- The entrance and exit roads (and the 15 km game drive) are strictly one-way.
- No fuel and no shop, nearest facilities at Nossob and Mata-Mata.
Check availability at Bitterpan
Grootkolk
NB: This camp is NOT fenced and Tourism Assistant is on duty at all times.
The perfect retreat for special occasions, or simply just to get away from it all. The camp is tucked away in the dunes, overlooking a waterhole, 20 km from Union’s End where the three countries South Africa, Botswana and Namibia meet. It is a wilderness camp nestled amidst red sand dunes with only the stars and silence for company. Grootkolk is 6 hours drive from Twee Rivieren and 2,5 hours from Nossob. The camp is ususally accessible by 2x4s and 4x4s, not normal sedan vehicles .
Visitors to Grootkolk should please note the following:
- There are 4 x 2 bed chalets with bedroom, ceiling fan, bathroom and kitchen on veranda. (One unit is accessible for visitors with mobility impairment)
- Each chalet is equipped with cutlery, crockery, linen, fridge and braai
- Communal kitchen and barbecue areas available
- The chalets are made from sand bags and canvas
- There is GAS for hot water and cooking and SOLAR for lighting
- Waterhole
The camp can accommodate either groups or single reservations with ease.
Check availability at Grootkolk
Kalahari Tented Camp
NB: This camp is NOT fenced and a Tourism Supervisor is on duty at all times.
Situated high up on a red sand dune, overlooking a waterhole in the dry bed of the ancient Auob River, the Kalahari Tent Camp welcomes you to capture the spirit of the land of thirst. This exclusive getaway for the discerning visitor, boasts 15 desert tents each elegantly decorated with rustic finishes using wood, sand and canvas exteriors al in the resonate colours of the park. The tent camp is 3 km from the Mata-Mata Rest Camp where Kalahari Tent Camp residents can refuel and get basic supplies at the shop. The camp is designed in such a way that residents feel they have only themselves and the desert for company.
Visitors to Kalahari Tent Camp should please note the following:
- NB. The camp and access road are strictly for the use of residents only!
- Visitors must supply their own firewood or charcoal
- Visitors must supply their own drinking water
- No fuel and no shop, closest facilities at Mata-Mata
The camp features the following facilities:
- 1 luxury honeymoon desert tent
- 4 family desert tents (two beds and a stack bed)
- 10 two-bed desert tents (Two of the units have been made accessible to visitors with mobility impairment)
- Tents consist of a bedroom with ceiling fan, bathroom and kitchen
- Each tent is equipped with cutlery, crockery, linen, fridge and braai
- There is GAS for hot water and cooking and SOLAR for lighting
- A swimming pool is available
- Waterhole
The camp can accommodate either groups or single reservations with ease.
Check availability at Kalahari Tented Camp
Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp
Guests have to provide their own drinking water and firewood.
Situated 50 km (one-and-a-half hours) drive away from Twee Rivieren on the Southern Dune Road. The closest shop and fuel supply is at Twee Rivieren, where guests who have booked Kieliekrankie also checks in. The camp is unfenced, and there is a tourism assistant on duty. Sunk into a dune, with endless views of the red Kalahari sands. This unique self-catering wilderness camp will be accessible by passenger vehicles.
The camp has 3 x DC2 (Dune Cabin) and 1 x DC2Z (Dune Cabin - Adapted for use by the mobility impaired).
Each unit has 2 single beds, a bathroom with w/c and shower, an equipped kitchen with gas fridge / freezer, solar power for lights, gas for hot water and braai facilities on a deck.
Check availability at Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp
Urikaruus Wilderness Camp
Guests have to provide their own drinking water and firewood.
Situated 72 km (two hours) drive away from Twee Rivieren on the road to Mata Mata between the veil of old camelthorn trees, overlooks the Auob River. The closest shop and fuel supply is at Twee Rivieren, where guests who have booked Urikaruus also checks in. The camp is unfenced, and there is a tourism assistant on duty. The camp has 4 x Riverside Cabins built on stilts and connected by a plank way. Urikaruus is accessible by passenger vehicles.
Each unit has 2 single beds, a bathroom with w/c and shower, an equipped kitchen with gas fridge / freezer, solar power for lights, gas for hot water and braai facilities on a deck.
Check availability at Urikaruus Wilderness Camp
Gharagab Wilderness Camp
Guests have to provide their own drinking water and firewood.
Located in the far northern region of the park, will provide guests with elevated views of Kalahari dunes and the thornveld savannah. Situated 164 km (four hours) drive north of Nossob on the road to Unions End. The closest shop and fuel supply is at Nossob, where guests who have booked Gharagab also checks in. The camp is unfenced, and there is a tourism assistant on duty. Gharagab is ususally accessible by 2x4 and 4x4 vehicles on a one way road. It is not suitable for normal sedan vehicles, and it's advisable to contact the park before your trip to acertain the prevailing conditions.
The camp has 4 x LC2 (Log Cabin) units.
Each unit has 2 single beds, a bathroom with w/c and shower, an equipped kitchen with gas fridge / freezer, solar power for lights, gas for hot water and braai facilities on a deck.
Check availability at Gharagab Wilderness Camp
Tariffs
To view the accommodation prices, refer to Tariffs
Luxury Camps
!Xaus Lodge
!Xaus Lodge, owned by the Khomani San and Mier communities, is the first fully catered luxury lodge to be located in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
!Xaus Lodge, a 24 bed thatched luxury lodge has been crafted to blend into the the landscape of this remote wilderness area. Situated on the red dunes of the Kalahari it overlooks an enormous salt pan where, from the privacy of the deck of your own chalet , you can observe the animals drinking at the waterhole below.
For more information contact:
Glynn O’Leary
Transfrontier Parks Destinations
+27 21 701 7860 (office)
+27 82 56 56 56 9 (mobile)
www.xauslodge.co.za
or SANParks Reservations
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Activities
Guests can participate in the following activities when available:
- Lectures, slide shows and holiday programs are organized from the information centre at Twee Rivieren.
- Morning, sunset and night drives are available at Twee Rivieren, Nossob, Mata-Mata and Kalahari Tented Camp; enquiries can be made at the reception desks. Drives require a minimum of 4 adults in order to go out.
Please note that, due to availability of staff, drives are not always available 7 days per week; please enquire at reception regarding schedules. - Nossob 4x4 Eco Trail - for information and bookings, please contact the reception desk at Twee Rivieren.
- Leeuwdril 4x4 Loop - for information and bookings, please contact the reception desk at Twee Rivieren.
Please note that all day and night drives are subject to availability.
4 x 4 Routes - when available
- Nossob 4 x 4 Eco Trail - 214 km
- Bitterpan trail - 120 km
- Mabuasehube Wilderness Trail - 155 km
- Wilderness Trail (starting at Polentswa) - 257 km
- Direct Route – Nossob Riverbed to Mabuasehube - 170 km
- Direct Route – Kannaguass to Kaa - 85 km
- Leeuwdril 4 x 4 Loop - Total off-road distance is 13,2 km (passing the Gemsbok windmill)
Facilities
- Laundry tubs and ironing facilities (no iron) in camping area of Twee Rivieren, Nossob and Mata-Mata.
- Twee Rivieren, the largest rest camp and administrative base, has a swimming pool, information centre, shop and public telephone and cell phone reception.
- Restaurant - serves breakfast and dinner (A-la-Carte)
- Predator centre at Nossob.
- Hides at water hole at Nossob and Mata Mata.
- The camps have limited freezing facilities and cannot provide a freezing service to tourists.
- Shops in Twee Rivieren, Mata-Mata and Nossob sell commodities that you would find in your local supermarket, including fresh meat, milk, cheese, eggs, bread, wine and beer.
- Petrol (premium and unleaded) and diesel at Twee Rivieren, Mata-Mata and Nossob.
- Five picnic sites throughout the Park with barbecue facilities and communal ablution (no water available).
- Swimming pool in Twee Rivieren and Kalahari Tent Camp, Mata Mata and Nossob.
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How to get there
2009 Road Closures
The road from Samevloeing to Rooiputs towards the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park will be closed for tourist traffic from January 2009 until August 2009 due to construction.
Tourists can, however, commute via the lower dune road to Nossob. Only patrons of Rooiputs will be granted access with delays.
Entry into the Park
Access to the Park can be gained through five gates in three different countries! From South Africa access is through the Twee Rivieren gate, from Namibia through the Mata-Mata gate and from Botswana through the Two Rivers, Mabuasehube and Kaa gates. Passports are not required for entry, unless departure is planned through a different gate into another country.
From Central Gauteng
The Kgalagadi Transfontier National Park is situated approximately 250 km from Upington in the far northern Cape and 904 km from Johannesburg. Visitors driving from Johannesburg have a choice of two routes, either via Upington (with the last stretch of 60 km gravel road) or via Kuruman, Hotazel and Vanzylrus (+/- 340 km gravel). Upington airport is the nearest airport to the Park and has car-hiring facilities. All guests intending to travel to Twee Rivieren, be it via Upington or Vanzylrus, must note that the gravel sections on both routes are badly corrugated and travelling at high speed is not advised.
Other Travelling Distances to the Park
Upington to Twee Rivieren: 265 km
Kuruman to Twee Rivieren: 383 km
Kimberley to Twee Rivieren: 621 km
Cape Town to Twee Rivieren: 1076 km
Johannesburg to Twee Rivieren: 1090 km
Durban to Twee Rivieren: 1463 km
Mata-Mata to Keetmanshoop: 280 km
Kaa gate to Maun: 797 km
Mabuasehube gate to Gaborone: 533 km
Mabuasehube gate to Maun: 787 km
Mabuasehube gate to Tsabong: 115 km
Two Rivers to Gaborone: 810 km
Two Rivers to Tsabong: 310 km
Travelling Distances within the Park
- Twee Rivieren – Nossob: 3.5hrs
- Twee Rivieren – Mata-Mata: 2.5hrs
- Twee Rivieren – Kalahari Tent Camp: 2.5hrs
- Twee Rivieren – Grootkolk: 6hrs
- Nossob – Union’s End: 3hrs
- Nossob – Mata-Mata (over Kamqua dune road): 3.5hrs
- Nossob – Bitterpan: 2.5hrs
- Bitterpan – Mata-Mata: 2hrs
- Nossob – Grootkolk: 2.5hrs
- Mata-Mata – Kalahari Tent Camp: 4 km
General
- Roads in the park have gravel surfaces.
- Light aircraft may land on a tarred runway at Twee Rivieren. Prior permission must be obtained from the Park.
- Hired cars may be collected at Twee Rivieren provided that an advance booking is made with a car hiring company.
- When driving from one rest camp to the other, travellers should depart with travelling times in mind to ensure arrival before sunset as no travelling is allowed in the park after dark.
- NB: Gate times in the park are stricktly adhered to.
Botswana
Camping is available at Polentswa, Rooiputs, Two Rivers and in Mabuasehube. A 4x4 vehicle is necessary to access the Botswana side of the Park.
NB: All routes within Botswana are to be travelled by no less than two vehicles.
4x4 Routes
Prior bookings are essential for these routes and can only be contemplated in a single direction as a whole.
- Mabuasehube Wilderness Trail (starting at Mabuasehube) – 155 km
- Wilderness Trail (starting at Polentswa) – 257 km
Direct Routes
These routes allows access to within Botswana but can only be driven with a 4x4
- Direct Route – Nossob Riverbed to Mabuasehube – 170 km
- Direct Route – Kannaguass to Kaa – 85 km
Contact Botswana
The Parks and Reserves Reservation Office
Tel: 00 (from South Africa) 267 3180774
Fax: 00267 3180775
or email: dwnp@gov.bw
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Park Map
Click on map to enlarge.
Camp Layout
Nossob
Twee Rivieren
Click on maps to enlarge.
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Tariffs
-
2008/2009 Tariffs (word document or pdf document)
-
Members of SANParks’ loyalty programme WILD do not pay conservation fees provided that proof of Identity and their WILD card are shown on arrival.
Daily Conservation Fee for 1 November 2008 to 31 August 2009 |
|
|---|---|
South African Citizens and Residents (with ID): |
R35 per person, per day |
SADC Nationals (with passport): |
R70 per person, per day |
Standard Conservation Fee (Foreign Visitors): |
R140 per adult, per day |
Tariffs for 1 November 2008 to 31 August 2009 |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unit type |
No. of units |
Rate |
Base |
Max. beds |
Add. adult |
Add. child |
Mata Mata Rest Camp |
||||||
| 20 |
R130 |
1-2 |
6 people per site |
R42 |
R21 |
|
| 3 |
R450 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
| 2 |
R760 |
1-4 |
6 single beds |
R124 |
R62 |
|
Nossob Rest Camp |
||||||
| 20 |
R130 |
1-2 |
6 people per site |
R42 |
R21 |
|
| 7 |
R460 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
| 1 |
R460 |
1-2 |
3 single beds |
R124 |
R62 |
|
Chalet CH3Z (units accessible to the mobility challenged) |
2 |
R460 |
1-2 |
3 single beds |
R124 |
R62 |
| 4 |
R460 |
1-2 |
2 single beds and 1 bunk bed |
R124 |
R62 |
|
1 |
R460 |
1-2 |
6 single beds |
R124 |
R62 |
|
| 1 |
R910 |
1-4 |
4 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
| 1 |
R910 |
1-4 |
4 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
| 1 |
R730 |
1-4 |
6 single beds |
R124 |
R62 |
|
Twee Rivieren Rest Camp |
||||||
| 24 |
R130 |
1-2 |
6 people per site |
R42 |
R21 |
|
| 6 |
R120 |
1-2 |
6 people per site |
R42 |
R21 |
|
Cottage FA2Z (units accessible to the mobility challenged) |
2 |
R600 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
| 21 |
R600 |
1-2 |
4 single beds |
R124 |
R62 |
|
Family Cottage FA2/4ZA (upgraded and accessible to the mobility challenged) |
1 |
R600 |
1-2 |
4 single beds |
R124 |
R62 |
| 6 |
R520 |
1-2 |
2 single beds & 1 double sleeper couch |
R124 |
R62 |
|
| 1 |
R740 |
1-4 |
6 single beds |
R124 |
R62 |
|
Kalahari Tent Camp |
||||||
| 8 |
R790 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Family Desert Tent DT2Z (units accessible to the mobility challenged) |
2 |
R790 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
| 4 |
R790 |
1-2 |
2 single beds and 1 bunk bed |
R124 |
R62 |
|
| 1 |
R885 |
1-2 |
1 double bed |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Bitterpan Wilderness Camp (4x4 access only) |
||||||
| 3 |
R690 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
| 1 |
R690 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Grootkolk Wilderness Camp |
||||||
| 4 |
R760 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Gharagab Wilderness Camp |
||||||
| 4 |
R720 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp |
||||||
| 3 |
R760 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
| 1 |
R760 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Urikaruus Wilderness Camp |
||||||
| 4 |
R760 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Game Drives
Park |
Type of Drive |
Max. People |
Adult Rate |
Child Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kgalagadi: From Nossob and Twee Rivieren - only when available |
Early morning, sunset and night drives (20 seater) |
minimum 4 people |
R110.00 |
R55.00 |
***These are the only drives available and can only be booked at the park***
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General Information
Important Visitor Information
The following information will be useful for your visit to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
- Shops in Mata Mata, Nossob and Twee Rivieren camps sell basic commodities.
- There are no credit/debit card facilities at any of the shops, except for Twee Rivieren.
- Filling stations in Mata Mata, Nossob and Twee Rivieren camps sell premium and unleaded petrol and diesel.
- Twee Rivieren is the only camp with a restaurant and public telephones (card and coin).
- Guests travelling to Twee Rivieren via Upington (Askham) must note that the tarring of the road has been completed. The road via Van Zylsrus must not be driven at a high speed as the gravel section on this route is badly corrugated.
- Kindly note that the roads in the Kgalagadi are not sedan friendly, although management intervenes to maintain on a monthly basis.
- Swimming pools at Twee Rivieren, Kalahari Tent camps, Mata Mata and Nossob camps.
- Power points at camping sites, in Twee Rivieren, Mata Mata and Nossob camps.
- Hide at waterhole in Mata Mata and Nossob camps.
- Waterhole at Bitterpan, Grootkolk, Kieliekrankie, Urikaruus, Gharagab and Kalahari Tent camps.
- Info centre at Twee Rivieren camp. Predator centre at Nossob camp.
- Bitterpan, Grootkolk, Kieliekrankie, Urikaruus, Gharagab and Kalahari Tent camps are not fenced.
- Guests staying at Bitterpan, Grootkolk, Kieliekrankie, Urikaruus, Gharagab and Kalahari Tent camps must take own wood and drinking water.
- Only guests staying at Bitterpan and Gharagab are allowed to make use of 4X4 road to Bitterpan and Gharagab. NO TRAILERS ALLOWED.
- Closest shop to Kalahari Tent camp is at Mata Mata camp (3 km away).
- Departure time for the Nossob 4 x 4 eco-trail from Twee Rivieren or Nossob camp is 09:00.
- For trails that start in Twee Rivieren, it is advisable to book the night after the trail, in Nossob camp.
- Distance from Upington – 260 km.
- NB: Visitors must allow for the following traveling time from Twee Rivieren entrance gate, to the other camps:
- Nossob - 4½ hours
- Grootkolk - 7½ hours
- Gharagab - Not possible in one day
- Bitterpan - 6½ hours
- Kieliekrankie -1½ hours
- Urikaruus - 2½ hours
- Kalahari Tent Camp - 3½ hours
- Mata Mata - 3½ hours
Climate
TThe Kalahari is a semi-arid region with an average rainfall of 150mm in the southwest to 350mm in the northeast. The unreliable and irregular rains fall mostly during dramatic thunderstorms, often accompanied by strong winds and dust-storms, between November and April. The first rains transform the red dunes, covering them with the fresh yellow flowers of the dubbeltjie, Tribulus terrestris. Within two weeks fresh green grass begins to grow, but if the rains do not return, the vegetation will soon wither and the thirstland once again becomes apparent.
Temperatures vary greatly from -11°C on cold winter nights to 42°C in the shade on summer days when the ground surface temperature reaches a sizzling 70°C. During the winter months, when frost is common, the ground surface temperature can be 25°C lower that the temperature of the air. Winter in the Kalahari is a cool, dry season from September to October and then a hot, wet season from November to April.
Day travellers
There are communal ablution facilities at Twee Rivieren, Nossob and Mata Mata rest camps and picnic sites at Melkvlei, 50 km (north of Twee Rivieren), Dikbaardskolk, 56 km (South of Nossob) and at Kamqua between Twee Rivieren and Mata-Mata.
Contact Information
In case of emergency:
South Africa: Contact our staff at reception or at staff houses.
Upington Medi-Clinic
tel: (054) 3388900
Botswana: Maun
tel. 00267 6860444 or Gaborone tel. 00267 3901999
Medical Rescue:
tel. 00267 3901601 or contact your nearest camp with radio communication
For enquirie,s e-mail Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park or phone us on the following numbers:
Park tel: + 27 (0) 54 561 2000
Fax: + 27 (0) 54 561 2005
Official hours
Office Hours: 07:30 to sundown
Gate Hours
January to February |
06:00 – 19:30 |
| March |
06:30 – 19:00 |
April |
07:00 – 18:30 |
May |
07:00 – 18:00 |
June and July |
07:30 – 18:00 |
August |
07:00 – 18:30 |
September |
06:30 – 18:30 |
October |
06:00 – 19:00 |
November and December |
05:30 – 19:30 |
Take note
- Pets are not allowed in a National Park.
- Firearms must be declared at the gate where they will be sealed. The seal will be broken upon departure.
- Shoes are essential on summer evenings for protection against the possibility of scorpion stings.
- Keep an emergency supply of 10 litres water in your vehicle.
- In the event of a breakdown, remain in your vehicle – it is the safest place.
- This is a low risk malaria area. Consult your chemist.
- Roads in the park have gravel surfaces.
- Light aircraft may land on a tarred runway at Twee Rivieren. Prior permission must be obtained from the Park.
- Hired cars may be collected at Twee Rivieren provided that an advance booking was made.
- The travelling time from the entrance gate at Twee Rivieren to Nossob Rest Camp is 3.5 hours and to Mata Mata is 2.5 hours. When driving from one rest camp to the other, travellers should depart with travelling times in mind to ensure arrival before sunset as no travelling is allowed in the park after dark.
Visitors to Botswana
Camping is available at Polentswa, Rooiputs, Two Rivers and in Mabuasehube. A 4x4 vehicle is necessary to access the Botswana side of the Park.
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Birding in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
General Birding
The Kalagadi Transfrontier Park has a list of approximately 280 species of which only about 92 are resident. The remainder comprises mainly nomadic, migratory and vagrant species, which number about 17, 50 and 121 respectively.
A variety of raptors may be seen, the commonest being Tawny and Black-breasted (chested) Snake Eagle, Bateleur, White-backed and Lappet-faced Vulture, as well as smaller species such as Pale Chanting Goshawk, Gabar Goshawk, Pygmy Falcon and Greater Kestrel.
Less common are Martial Eagle and Red-necked Falcon. Barn, Spotted and Verreaux’s (Giant) Eagle Owl are common, while Pearl-spotted Owlet, White-faced and African Scops-Owl may also be seen.
Larks and Sparrowlarks (Finchlarks) are abundant particularly after good rains which is also a good time to see seed-eaters such as Violet-eared Waxbill, Black-throated Canary, Shaft-tailed Whydah and Lark-like Bunting. Kori Bustard is common along both the Auob and Nossob riverbeds with Ludwig’s Bustard being relatively common during summer.
Twee Rivieren
Species that can be seen throughout the year include White-browed Sparrowweaver (which breeds in the camp), Crimson-breasted Shrike, Brubru, Pririt Batis, Black-chested Prinia, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Common Scimitar-bill, Red-eyed Bulbul, Marico Flycatcher, Red-headed Finch and Yellow Canary. These species are however all widespread in the park.
During the summer months species such as Diderick Cuckoo, Willow and African Marsh Warbler, as well as Barn (European), Greater Striped, South African Cliff and White-throated Swallow amongst others may be seen. All occurring swallows are widespread in the park during summer.
Rufous-cheeked Nightjar can also be heard at night during summer.
Other species present in summer are Spotted Flycatcher, Cape White-eye and Long-billed Crombec.
The winter season is a good period for spotting Fairy Flycatcher and Dusky Sunbird that move into the park. Spotted Eagle Owls are resident in camp and Pearl-spotted Owlet and Whitefaced Owl may occasionally be heard or seen. European, White-rumped, Little and Bradfield’s Swift ay be seen during the rainy season while passing through.
Mata Mata
This camp exhibits a variety of typical woodland birds that may also be found in and along the dry river courses of the park.
Species that are present year round include Cardinal and Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Hoopoe, Pied Barbet, Swallowtailed Bee-eater, Ashy Tit, Glossy Starling and Southern Grey-headed Sparrow.
Pearl-spotted Owlet and Whitefaced Owl are also common while Scops Owl can be seen or heard in some years.
Striped Kingfisher occurs throughout the year and may be heard calling from the riverbed outside the camp. Great Spotted Cuckoo can also be seen in summer during some years.
Nossob
Nossob Camp and its surrounds exhibit a blend of species typical of the other camps, and has the added attraction of a wide variety of raptor species.
Typical birds of the camp include Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Glossy and Burchell’s Starling (mainly in winter), Cape (Black) Crow, Fork-tailed Drongo, Kalahari Scrub Robin and Violet-eared Waxbill.
A special to look out for is the Great Sparrow that frequents the campsite as well as the surrounding waterholes.
Summer migrants include European Golden Oriole, Jacobin Cuckoo, Lesser Grey and Red-backed Shrike. Other species that move into the area during summer are Marico Sunbird and Long-billed Crombec.
Riverbeds
The two dry riverbeds in the park, namely the Nossob and Auob, support a wide spectrum of bird species and are the focus points of bird activity.
The higher number and density of bird species may be primarily attributed to the large camel thorn trees (Acacia erioloba) found along these river courses, which provide important nesting and roosting sites for a variety of birds. Although the two riverbeds essentially support similar bird populations, some species are more likely to be encountered in one or the other.
Nossob Riverbed
The Nossob Riverbed is rated as one of the best places in South Africa to view raptors, particularly during the summer months when large numbers of migratory eagles, kites and falcons move through the park. Resident raptors are few and often far between throughout the whole park, although some species may be common during the summer season.
Resident eagles to be seen include Martial, Tawny, Bateleur, Black-breasted (-chested) and Brown Snake Eagle (which is somewhat uncommon), while the migrant species include Steppe, Wahlberg’s, Booted and Lesser Spotted Eagle.
Other migratory raptors include Black and Yellow-billed Kite, Steppe Buz za rd, Montagu’s and Pallid Harrier, European Hobby, and a number of kestrel species.
Black Harrier and Gymnogene occur as vagrants and can be seen at any time throughout the year.
Species that are irregularly seen in the extreme northern reaches of the Nossob are Rosy-faced Lovebird and Grey Hornbill. The latter has also been recorded from Twee Rivieren during the winter months when there appears to be some northward movement of these birds from areas south of the park.
Groundscraper Thrush is reasonably common and can be found under or near the canopies of Camel Thorns, where they feed on the ground.
Bokmakierie is a species not easily seen and appears to be shyer that the birds in the southern and eastern parts of its distribution. African (Grassveld/Richard’s) Pipits may be seen during particular years in the patches of short grasslands of the riverbed, and where the patches of grass are dense and long, one is bound to find Desert Cisticola.
The wet season (November to March) marks the time when numerous migrating storks and other water related birds find their way into the park.
Large numbers of White and Abdim’s Stork can be seen feeding on insects along the riverbed, while less common species such as Black and Marabou Stork may be found in limited numbers near waterholes. Unusual species which are either migrating or that are blown off course by strong winds may also be found by chance, such as members of the heron, egret and duck families.
Waders such as Little Stint, Ruff, Black-winged Stilt, Three-banded Plover and sandpipers amongst others, may also stop over to utilise the waterpoints for feeding.
Auob Riverbed
Birds that should be looked out for in the riverbed include Striped Kingfisher, Green (Red-billed) Woodhoopoe, Purple Roller, Capped Wheatear, Mountain Chat and Short-toed Rock Thrush (the latter two species are only occasionally seen in winter).
Verreaux’s (Giant) Eagle Owl can be spotted in dense camel thorn trees, particularly along the short loop roads along the northern part of the riverbed. The waders as described for the Nossob River may also be found after rainstorms either at large water pools or waterholes,
Dune Roads
There are 2 roads that cross the duneveld in the park, the one being 55 km long the other 35km. These roads traverse mainly through open grassland with occasional shrubs and trees, and provide many birders with good views of a number of species.
Birds to look out for on these roads are Ant-eating Chat, Rufous-eared Warbler, Chat Flycatcher, Cape Penduline Tit, Clapper, Spike-heeled and Fawn-coloured Lark.
Grey-backed and Black-eared Sparrowlark (Finchlark), Pink-billed and Stark’s Lark may be found after good summer rains where there is an abundance of grass seed. Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark (Finchlark) has been recorded in the park and may also be seen.
One should also look for Burchell’s and Namaqua Sandgrouse that frequent the verges of these roads. With luck some Buffy Pipit may be found in limited numbers in he dune areas.
Kurrichane Buttonquail, Common and Harlequin Quail have all been recorded and may be seen (with an exceptional amount of alertness and luck) where grass patches are dense.
The Northern Black Korhaan and the less obtrusive Red-crested Korhaan may be seen anywhere in the duneveld together with the Double-banded Courser which is easily overlooked while driving.
Thornveld and Botswana Wilderness Trail (including the Mabuasehube area)
The Acacia thorn savanna that characterises the areas covered by wilderness trail and the Mabuasehube section of the Kalahari Transfrontier Park, supports additional species that are rarely encountered along the wooded riverbeds.
These species include Southern Pied Babbler, Bennett’s and Bearded Woodpecker, Brown-crowned (Three-streaked) Tchagra, Helmeted Guineafowl, Red-billed Francolin and Little Banded Goshawk.
Species such as Golden-breasted Bunting and Black-faced (Black-cheeked) Waxbill have been recorded but are not easily found.
(Compiled by Paul Funston, Eric Hermann and Erik Forsyth)
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Mammals
Because of the sparse vegetation and concentration of animals in the dry riverbeds of the Auob and Nossob Rivers, Kgalagadi offers premium mammal viewing destinations anywhere. It is especially renowned for predator watching and for the seasonal movement of large herbivores such as blue wildebeest, springbok, eland and red hartebeest. Ground Squirrel and Suricate (Meerkat) are two more of the park’s more prominent species.
Both these ground dwelling species live in large family groups for added protection and can easily be seen throughout the park. Honey Badger (Ratel), Pangolin (Scaly Anteater) and Bat-eared Fox are some of the park specials to search for. But it is the predators that are the park’s biggest attraction. Excellent chances of seeing cheetah, leopard, brown and spotted hyena and the definitive black-maned lion exist.
Article: Lions of the Kgalagadi by Lara Raubenheimer
Checklist of mammals
| Species | Species |
|---|---|
| African Striped Weasel | African Wild Cat |
| African Wild Dog (Painted Wolf) | Antbear (Aardvark) |
| Bat-Eared Fox | Black-Backed Jackal |
| Black-Tailed Tree Rat | Blue Wildebeest |
| Brant’s Whistling Rat | Brown Hyena |
| Bushveld Elephant-Shrew | Cape Golden Mole |
| Cape Hare | Cape Serotine Bat |
| Caracal | Chacma Baboon |
| Cheetah | Common Mole Rat |
| Damara Mole Rat | Desert Musk Shrew |
| Egyptian Free-Tailed Bat | Egyptian Slit-Faced Bat |
| Eland | Gemsbok |
| Giraffe | Grass Climbing Mouse |
| Grey Duiker | Ground Squirrel |
| Hairy-Footed Gerbil | Highveld Gerbil |
| Honey Badger | Kudu |
| Large-Eared Mouse | Leopard |
| Lion | Namaqua Rock Mouse |
| Pangolin | Porcupine |
| Pouched Mouse | Pygmy Mouse |
| Red Hartebeest | Round-Eared Elephant Shrew |
| Short-Tailed Gerbil | Silver (Cape) Fox |
| Slender Mongoose | Small Spotted Cat |
| Small-Spotted Genet | South African Hedgehog |
| Spotted Hyena | Springbok |
| Springhare | Steenbok |
| Striped Mouse | Striped Polecat |
| Suricate | Vervet Monkey |
| Warthog | Woosnam’s Desert Rat |
| Yellow Mongoose |
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People with disabilities
Wheelchair Access
Accommodation:
One chalet at Twee Rivieren, one reed-cabin at Bitterpan, one sand-cabin at Grootkolk and two desert tents at Kalahari Tented Camp have access ramps and accessible ablutions (roll-in shower). All these units have certain access flaws. The park management has been given corrective instruction how to upgrade these and perhaps users will find some of these executed. There is also an accessible ablution block (roll-in shower) at Nossob Camp for campers, while accessible camping ablutions were added to Twee Rivieren in 2005. Mata-Mata has an accessible public toilet. Of the 3 Wilderness Camps launched opened in November 2004, only Kieliekrankie has a cabin that is adapted for use by people in wheelchairs. Urikaruus, up on stilts and Gharagab, on top of a sand dune (4x4 only) have no accessible units.
Access Attractions:
The park’s appeal is certainly its wilderness. Limited facilities exist for all guests. The predator centre and hide at Nossob and the information centre at Twee Rivieren are all accessible.
(Please see additional information on Wheelchair Accessibility)
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