The Heat of the Kgalagadi!

It is with great excitement that I write this post. I am but 4 sleeps away from a week long trip to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier park. Yes I sound like a school boy again but that is how I feel. The last time I was in the area I was on the Botswana side of the park, a good 5 years back. I have been wanting to return ever since and now it is finally here.

For those of you not familiar with the park it is a vast area Kalahari desert area which spans across the borders of 3 countries. South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Although the Namibian side is not part of the park there are no fences to speak of so in reality it is. So what has got me so excited for this trip, well a couple of things spring immediately to mind, the oppressive heat at this time of year is however not one of them.

1. The desert life - This National Park is so different from what most of us are used to, this is not Kruger or Serengeti. You will not find your large pachyderms such as elephant and the grazing White Rhino. Instead they are replaced by a volume of predators second to none. From the largest Lions in the world to the tough Honey Badger this really is a predator paradise. Other predator highlights include, Cape Fox, Bat Eared Fox, Caracal, Brown and Spotted Hyena, Cheetah, and our every friendly Surricats to name but a few. And don't forget Predators on the wing, many a morning can be spent watching Lanner Falcons and Goshawks hunting Sand Grouse and other of the smaller bird varieties.
2. Photography - The landscape, The Game (as mentioned above)  and lighting all combine to make this one of the best places on earth for photography. In Winter the dust is kicked up to further enhance the mood. The night-scapes offer some of the worlds clearest skies so as an al-round photographic destination it is magnificent.
3. Wilderness - There are few places left in the world that you can truly say are wilderness. Kgalagadi Transfrontier borders on this definition. The Botswanan side is right up there but the South African side is more commercial and therefore more populated. This dos not take away from the simple fact that by car, the closest decent medical facility is roughly 6 hours away. At Nossob camp there is no phone reception, no landline phone and you cannot even pick up a radio signal. This to me says wilderness in every respect.

So wish me well in my endeavors to capture this remarkable place and in seeking my solitude in the wilderness. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences with you.