38,000 square kilometers (15,000 sq miles) of arid semi desert with a few camps dotted on the South African side and some tented camps on the Botswana side.
The drives between camps take a very long time, largely due to the condition of the sand roads, which are usually incredibly rutted.
You can make the KTP a one-stop safari destination but it is recommended that you stay for at least 10 days.
The experts recommend a two week stay, with a few days at each of the following camps:
Twee Rivieren
Rooiputs or Nossob
Mata Mata or Kalahari Tented Camp
Book well in advance
The Kgalagadi is incredibly popular with South Africans, and the popular camps are fully booked up to a year in advance.
Make sure that you book your trip well in advance, particularly if there are specific camps that you really want to stay in.
If you are coming over on safari from the US or elsewhere then this is one trip that you will need to start planning up to 18 months in advance.
You may get lucky with cancellations at some of the camps so persevere if you do not get your first choice initially.
Plan your trip carefully
It is recommended that you decide well in advance what type of accommodation and facilities you are looking for during your stay.
The larger rest camps have swimming pools, shops and other amenities whereas the wilderness camps have virtually none of these comforts.
This book by HPH Publishing – Kgalagadi Self Drive – is essential reading if you want to be prepared as possible for your trip.
If you don’t like the cold then avoid visiting during the winter months which are June, July and August.
The temperature can drop to -10 deg C / 14 Deg F.
The park is very windy in August and September. By October it is getting very hot and it is also the beginning of the rainy season, with the occasional dramatic thunder storm.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is famous for its lions. The males are some of the biggest and healthiest lions in Africa.
If you go to the park specifically to see these lions you may be disappointed. Their population is quite low and you may have to work very hard to find them.
I enjoy the Kgalagadi for the rare animals that live there. These are species that you won’t easily find elsewhere.
If you see any of the big cats then consider this to be a bonus.
If you plan your trip to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park carefully you are almost certain to have one of the most rewarding safaris available in Africa.
Remember also that the Kgalagadi is a malaria free destination so this is one less thing to worry about.
I enjoy the Kgalagadi in any season. Villiers prefers the months of March, April and May.
This is because the park is still green from the summer rains and the temperatures are not as extreme.