Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The Kalahari Desert is as unearthly a phenomenon as it could possibly be. For the longest time, you might wonder if you’ve somehow landed on Mars, considering the lack of life, vegetation and water (well, that is debatable now). Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, located within the desert, is one of the largest wildlife conservation areas in South Africa and the name literally means ‘a place of thirst’ given the fact that riverbeds are perpetually dry and there is nothing but a never-ending expanse of red sand. While the weather can be extreme with incredibly hot afternoons and nights so cold that even a dozen blankets couldn’t stop you from shivering, wildlife is abundant in the park. There are mighty lions, inconspicuous cheetahs, menacing leopards and sly hyenas. A multitude of herbivores ranging from springboks to gnus can be found roaming nonchalantly until they sense a predator coming for them. Kgalagadi is also a bird-watcher’s paradise.
Kgalagadi is a wonderful place to camp and experience being in the vicinity of the raw elements of the earth. Additionally, it also is the perfect gateway to explore and understand indigenous communities such as the Kalahari Bushmen, also known as the San people. Watch the stars at night and let the velvety sky be your roof for a change. It will be one beautifully indelible memory.

Best place to stay:
Xaus Lodge