"The Kalahari is true country for the soul. Out here, where horizons are wide and the skies even bigger, lone acacia trees stand in silhouette against the stars. Clusters of pale shrubs litter the deep orange landscape and herds of antelope migrate along dry riverbeds. This extensive arid land falls within the least populated area in the country – the population density is only 3,1 people per square kilometre in the remote Northern Cape – and to experience the silence of this place is truly remarkable.”
- Narina Exelby
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PLAN MY JOURNEYThe Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park borders Namibia and spills from the Northern Cape into Botswana, covering a staggering 3,6 million hectares – an area just smaller than Switzerland. Out here, large herds of gemsbok, eland, springbok and eland traverse the land, which sustains 60 species of mammals including leopard, cheetah, rare brown hyena and endangered pangolins and honey badgers. Although “Kgalagadi” means “place of thirst” in the language of the San hunter-gatherers who lived in this desert for more than 20,000 years, life is surprisingly abundant here and the large pans that sustain wildlife provide excellent game-viewing locations for travellers.
While the Kalahari is all about the desert, there are some striking “water features” too. The spectacular Augrabies Falls is an 18km-long abyss along the mighty Orange River, and the surrounding national park is a wonderful place to do some walking trails. Other “water features” can be found in Kimberley, capital of the Northern Cape, where the chief attraction is the Big Hole, a 500m-wide 1097m-deep diamond mine that is now filled with water. North-east of Kimberly the Eye of Kuruman spring has allowed Kuruman town to develop as a pretty oasis; and towards the west of the Northern Cape is the astounding Niewoudville Waterfall, where the Doorn River seems to pour from the middle of the cliff into an enormous bowl. However mighty these water attractions, they pale in comparison to the one event that transforms the landscape of the Namaqualand: just after the first spring rains, billions of daisies erupt into bloom and cover the landscape in carpets of yellow, orange, white and purple flowers.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread-out. A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals; these ultimately also draw in predators.
Midday temperatures are however very high during this period, averaging 35°C/95°F, but can often rise well over this to 45°C/113°F or more. Humidity levels though are surprisingly low, so this extreme heat can be bearable and as this is a desert landscape after sunset the temperatures rapidly drop off to a much more pleasant 19°C/95°F. Occasionally mornings can be cold, so do pack a light fleece.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kgalagadi offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape! Temperatures during the summer months (November – February) can however be very hot, so we could recommend visiting shortly after, when midday temperatures are more pleasant.
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread-out A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals; these ultimately also draw in predators.
Midday temperatures are however very high during this period, averaging 35°C/95°F, but can often rise well over this to 45°C/113°F or more. Humidity levels though are surprisingly low, so this extreme heat can be bearable and as this is a desert landscape after sunset the temperatures rapidly drop off to a much more pleasant 19°C/95°F. Occasionally mornings can be cold, so do pack a light fleece.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kgalagadi offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape! Temperatures during the summer months (November – February) can however be very hot, so we could recommend visiting shortly after, when midday temperatures are more pleasant.
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out. A season of change as the landscape transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals; these ultimately also draw in predators.
Midday temperatures have cooled slightly, averaging 33°C/91°F, but temperatures can still occasionally climb over 40°C/104°F. Humidity levels though are surprisingly low, so this extreme heat can be bearable and as this is a desert landscape after sunset the temperatures rapidly drop off to a much more pleasant 17°C/62°F. Occasionally mornings can be very cold, so do pack a warm fleece.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kgalagadi offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape! Temperatures during the summer months (November – February) can however be very hot, so we could recommend visiting shortly after, when midday temperatures are more pleasant.
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out. A season of change as the landscape transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals; these ultimately also draw in predators.
Midday temperatures have cooled slightly, averaging 33°C/91°F, but temperatures can still occasionally climb over 40°C/104°F. Humidity levels though are surprisingly low, so this extreme heat can be bearable and as this is a desert landscape after sunset the temperatures rapidly drop off to a much more pleasant 17°C/62°F. Occasionally mornings can be very cold, so do pack a warm fleece.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kgalagadi offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape! Temperatures during the summer months (November – February) can however be very hot, so we could recommend visiting shortly after, when midday temperatures are more pleasant.
DRY SEASON
Whilst the occasional shower is still possible, May is the beginning of the dry season. The landscape will still be many shades of green following the rains, with great game viewing opportunities! Midday temperatures are pleasant, but the mornings are cold, with an average minimum low of 6°C/42°F. Sub-zero mornings are very much a possibility here, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kgalagadi offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape! Temperatures during the summer months (November – February) can however be very hot, so we could recommend visiting shortly after, when midday temperatures are more pleasant.
DRY SEASON
Whilst the occasional shower is still possible, May is the beginning of the dry season. The landscape will still be many shades of green following the rains, with great game viewing opportunities! Midday temperatures are pleasant, but the mornings are cold, with an average minimum low of 6°C/42°F. Sub-zero mornings are very much a possibility here, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kgalagadi offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape! Temperatures during the summer months (November – February) can however be very hot, so we could recommend visiting shortly after, when midday temperatures are more pleasant.
DRY SEASON
Whilst the occasional shower is still possible, May is the beginning of the dry season. The landscape will still be many shades of green following the rains, with great game viewing opportunities! Midday temperatures are pleasant, but the mornings are cold, with an average minimum low of 6°C/42°F. Sub-zero mornings are very much a possibility here, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kgalagadi offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape! Temperatures during the summer months (November – February) can however be very hot, so we could recommend visiting shortly after, when midday temperatures are more pleasant.
DRY SEASON
Whilst the occasional shower is still possible, May is the beginning of the dry season. The landscape will still be many shades of green following the rains, with great game viewing opportunities! Midday temperatures are pleasant, but the mornings are cold, with an average minimum low of 6°C/42°F. Sub-zero mornings are very much a possibility here, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kgalagadi offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape! Temperatures during the summer months (November – February) can however be very hot, so we could recommend visiting shortly after, when midday temperatures are more pleasant.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape is rapidly returning to a semi-arid desert. Game viewing opportunities remain strong.
Midday temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 31°C/88°F. The mornings are cold, with a minimum low of 8°C/46°F. Sub-zero mornings are still very much a possibility here, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kgalagadi offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape! Temperatures during the summer months (November – February) can however be very hot, so we could recommend visiting shortly after, when midday temperatures are more pleasant.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate. Game viewing opportunities remain strong.
Temperatures begin to climb, especially towards the end of the month. Midday temperatures average around 29°C/84°F, but occasionally temperatures can climb over 40°C/104°F. Mornings remain cool to cold, with an average minimum low of 12°C/54°F – so do pack a warm fleece!
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kgalagadi offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape! Temperatures during the summer months (November – February) can however be very hot, so we could recommend visiting shortly after, when midday temperatures are more pleasant.
WET SEASON
A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. This great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.
Midday temperatures are however very high during this period, averaging 35°C/95°F, but can rise well over this to 45°C/113°F or more. Humidity levels though are surprisingly low, so this extreme heat can be bearable and as this is a desert landscape after sunset the temperatures rapidly drop off to a much more pleasant 19°C/95°F.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kgalagadi offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape! Temperatures during the summer months (November – February) can however be very hot, so we could recommend visiting shortly after, when midday temperatures are more pleasant.
WET SEASON
A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. This great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.
Midday temperatures are however very high during this period, averaging 35°C/95°F, but can rise well over this to 45°C/113°F or more. Humidity levels though are surprisingly low, so this extreme heat can be bearable and as this is a desert landscape after sunset the temperatures rapidly drop off to a much more pleasant 19°C/95°F.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the Kgalagadi offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the riverbeds. If your timing is right, you can be rewarded with great game viewing, birdlife and a beautiful green flower blooming landscape! Temperatures during the summer months (November – February) can however be very hot, so we could recommend visiting shortly after, when midday temperatures are more pleasant.
Explore The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Properties
TSWALU The Motse
TSWALU The Motse
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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