Ta Shebube
Environment
The area is characterised by its red rolling sand dunes and dune crests of the south, the arid fossil river environment of the predator-rich Nossob River Valley, open Acacia savannahs, grassy plains and vegetated pans of the north. The dry river bed with its multitude of waterholes show predators and antelopes off at a premium.
Sixty species of mammals have been recorded in the park including the majestic gemsbok, blue wildebeest, springbok, red hartebeest, eland (the world’s largest antelope), and steenbok. Predators are the area’s big attraction and include the black maned Kalahari lion, leopard, brown and spotted hyena, jackal and wildcat. It is one of Africa’s best parks for the cheetah, which thrive by hunting in its fossil river valleys and the surrounding Kgalagadi dunes.
“The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a vast wilderness of approximately 38.000 km². It is one of the largest conservation areas in the world, and one of the last truly unspoilt ecosystems. Due to its extremely remote location and harsh terrain the park gets relatively few visitors making it ideal for dedicated game-viewers, bird-watchers, photographic opportunities and for guests seeking a desert and solitude feel.”
The area is considered a haven for birders especially when interested in birds of prey. Over 300 bird species have been recorded, including many species endemic to the area such as the world’s heaviest flying bird, the Kori Bustard and the sociable weavers. The Nossob riverbed is rated as one of the best places in Southern Africa to view raptors. During the summer months large numbers of migratory eagles, kites and falcons move through the park. Of the 80 raptors recorded in Southern Africa, 52 have been recorded in the KTP.