Kgalagadi South Africa it is one of the most popular places in South Africa too experience wildlife especially predators, is the Kgalagadi, South Africa. Every aspiring wildlife photographer has to visit the Kgalagadi, and it should definitely be on their “to do” list. Kalahari Black-mane Lions, Leopard, Cheetah, Brown Hyena, Spotted Hyena, Honey Badgers, Meerkat, African wild cats, and raptor species, including the majestic Martial and Tawny Eagles and the famous Bateleur Eagles are some of the highlights to look out for.
Here are a few images of two leopards fighting. It was not the “right time of day”, surely not the best light or the best images, but wow, what an experience!
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a large National wildlife game reserve and conservation area in Southern Africa. The park straddles the border between South Africa and Botswana and comprises two adjoining national parks: Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. The total area of the park is 38,000 square kilometres (15,000 sq. mi). Approximately three-quarters of the park is situated in Botswana and one-quarter in South Africa. Kgalagadi means place of thirst.
This is our most favourite place for wildlife photography, due to the vastness of the area and the result of uncluttered photographs. There are three main camps, Twee Rivieren, Mata-Mata and Nossob and many wilderness camps. The main Camps are well equipped with campsites, chalets and have very good ablution facilities. There are several well-spaced waterholes along the routes in the Nossob and Auob river beds. Some of the waterholes have sweet water and a lot have salty water. Drive slowly and be patient. The best time for photography is early mornings and late afternoons, when the light is perfect for photography. The red dunes and the dusty sunsets are really something.
In the Botswana side, there are a few popular wilderness campsites as well. Rooiputs, Polentswa, Mabuasehube, are but a few. There are no fences, and the predators and other animals visit the campsites on a daily basis. This may cause much havoc around camp, especially if you want to setup or pack up camp, and there are several lions making them selves at home in the campsite.
A good tip for all the aspiring photographers out there: do not charge up and down the river bed from one waterhole to the other, searching for big game like the lion, leopard or cheetah. Lions are mainly nocturnal, can sleep up to 20 hours a day and are therefore not good photographic models. Have a look at the smaller animals around you as well. You would be surprised at all the other photographic opportunities in this park, beside the big predators.
If you have been to the Kgalagadi recently, then tell us about your experiences in this magical place. Or if you need information about the Kgalagadi, let us know.
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8 Comments
The art of wildlife photography perfected in every shot.
Thanks Lizl. The Kgalagadi is an awesome place. You must visit it one day, and then when you did you will see why everybody gets hooked on it.
I love this picture as it captures the authentic meaning of ‘wild’ in many ways,as well as showing who the boss is at that moment!
As you love the Kgalagadi, so my passion is the Kruger. I enjoy the combination of more water & savannah……trees!!
I hope my pics will look as good as yours one day!
Thank you…..
A feast for the eye. Well captured. Nature at its best not seen by us everyday. Thanx for the opportunity.
Dankie Helena. One of the best places for wildlife photography in South Africa. Think I must move closer to the Kgalagadi to visit it more often.
Hi, Debbie, Thank you for the compliment. There is nothing wrong with your pictures though. There are a few of your pics that I would not mind having as well. You have a good “eye” when comes to spotting animals in nature.
Have to agree with you on this one Fanie… The Kgalagadi is just an awesome awesome place !! Absolutely my favorite as well. Nothing competes with being kept awake all night with the local lion pride roaring just 50 meters away… or the bateleurs coming in for a drink… or watching a cheetah catching its prey… and then there are the brilliant stars at night…
Hi Kobus. Were there 6 times already. Definitely not enough. I think I must move closer to this magical place so that I can visit it more often.