Let The Wildlife Come To You And Spend A Day Next To The More Than 120 Waterholes In The Dry Riverbeds

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The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, located in the Kalahari regions of both Botswana and South Africa, is renowned for predator viewing and offers a unique opportunity to view the seasonal movement of migrating herds of Blue Wildebeest, Gemsbok, Red Hartebeest, Springbok and Eland.

Two ancient dry riverbeds, the Nossob and the Auob, meander through the southern part of the park. Artificial water points are located at regular intervals along the riverbeds and in the dunes, some dating back to the early 1900s when an effort was made to locate fresh water. The name Kgalagadi means the great thirst in Tswana. Desert-adapted mammals specifically the black-maned Kalahari lion and gemsbok, birds, reptiles and rodents inhabit the park. Because of the harsh, semi-arid conditions, game is forced to gather along the numerous wind-fed waterholes to drink. These waterholes have become the focal point of predator/prey interaction. The open, uncluttered terrain of the riverbeds provides spectacular viewing opportunities. The chances of spotting Cheetah, Leopard, Brown and Spotted Hyena, the endangered Wild Dog, Black-Backed Jackal and the Black-maned Lion in the early morning or late afternoon are excellent. Other possible sightings include giraffe, eland, aardvark, bat-eared foxes, pangolin and the fascinating meerkat. These animals are so entertaining in fact that the group of meerkat at the Twee Rivieren Visitors Center now star in their own TV show, the highly acclaimed “Meerkat Manor” on Animal Planet!

Kgalagadi is also a fascinating stop for birdwatchers. The water points have become hotspots of activity that make for fascinating observations. Sandgrouse and doves come to drink and in turn attract a variety of raptors and carnivores. 50 species of raptor have been recorded including Bateleur and pygmy falcons, White-backed and Lappet-faced Vultures. Visitors may also witness migrating flocks of pelicans and flamingos.