How to Get to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Major Airports & Flights

Main Airport Access

Upington Airport (UTN) is the most proximate commercial airport in South Africa to the Kgalagadi, approximately 260 km (160 miles) from Twee Rivieren, the park's main gate. Upington serves as the main gateway for most visitors flying to the region.

Connecting Hubs

OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), Johannesburg: South Africa's largest international airport, a major hub for global flights.
South Africa International Airport (CPT): Another major international hub in South Africa.
From Johannesburg or Cape Town, you will take a connecting domestic flight to Upington.

Airlines and Transfers

Domestic transport links are regular, though international flights require a layover.

Flight Details

Domestic South Africa: Airlink is the main airline operating reliable flights between Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) and Upington (UTN). These flights are typically daily.
International: Various international airlines fly into JNB or CPT from major global hubs. There are no direct international flights to Upington (UTN).
Seasonal Fluctuations: Flights to Upington operate daily year-round. Prices vary with demand, especially during From South africa breaks from school (June/July, Dec/Jan). Booking in advance is suggested.

Upington Airport UTN

A relatively small regional airport with basic facilities: vehicle rental firms, a small cafe, and washrooms.

Rental Car

The most common and highly recommended transfer option. Grab a rented 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle directly from Upington Airport. Drive takes 2.5-3 hours to Twee Rivieren.

Private Transfer

Less common for Kgalagadi. Able to organize from Upington, but impractical as you will still need a vehicle for game drives inside the park.

Connecting Flights and Schedules

Typical Flight Connections

International flights land in Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT).
A domestic connection via Airlink takes you to Upington (UTN).
Plan your itinerary to accommodate the domestic connection.

Upington to Park Drive

The drive from Upington to Twee Rivieren is primarily on good tar roads.
The final section transitions to well-maintained gravel.
The journey typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours.
Having your own vehicle from Upington is practical for game drives in the park's boundaries.

Flight Planning Notes

International Connections

Every international flights will connect through Johannesburg (JNB) or South Africa (CPT).

Domestic Carrier

Airlink is the main airline for flights to Upington (UTN).

Booking Ahead

Prices vary by season and demand, so book your flights well in advance.

Land Transportation to Kgalagadi

Border Crossing Insights

Border Gates

Twee Rivieren: Main entry/exit point with full border control for both South Africa and Botswana. Complete all immigration here if crossing the border within the park.
Mata Mata (to Namibia): Co-located From South africa and Namibian border posts. Exit to Namibia (or vice versa) by completing immigration here.
Park Interior: No internal fences separate SA and Botswana sections, allowing free movement for animals across the international border.

Public Transport Absence

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, being a remote wilderness area, does not have public transport services.

No Public Transit

Train Services: No train services reach the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park or its immediate surrounding areas.
Long-distance Buses: No long-coach services travel directly to the park. Public transport does not serve this remote wilderness area.
You'll require a private vehicle or be part of an organized tour to enter and explore the park.

Self-Driving Essentials

Self-driving is the most common way to experience Kgalagadi. Careful preparation for road conditions and vehicle needs is .

Vehicle and Road Rules

Vehicle Type: A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended for navigating deep sand tracks and dry riverbeds. A standard sedan is not suitable.
Which Side to drive on: Drive on the left-hand side of the road in South Africa and Botswana.
Fuel: Limited fuel stations within the park (Twee Rivieren, Nossob, Mata Mata). Carry extra fuel in jerry cans, especially for faraway regions. Fill up before entry.

Navigation and Safety on Roads

Effective navigation and adherence to safety guidelines ensure a smooth journey through the park.

On-Road Best Practices

Navigation: A GPS device with offline maps (Maps.me, Google Maps) is essential. Mobile network coverage is unreliable or non-existent.
Safety: Drive slowly and adhere to the official speed limits (50 km/h, often lower on loops). Be constantly aware of wildlife on roads. Avoid driving at night.
Vehicle Preparedness: Carry spare tires, a jack, basic tools. Recovery equipment (shovels, deflator/inflator, tow rope, recovery straps) is a good idea for sandy conditions or wilderness trails.

Road Conditions and Risks

Roads: Main roads are gravel and can become severely corrugated. Secondary roads and loops often have deep sand, requiring 4x4 engagement.
Safety: Wildlife on roads is a constant presence. Maintain low speeds to react to animals.
Intense heat can influence vehicle performance; monitor engine temperature.

Always carry ample water for both you in addition to your your vehicle in case of a breakdown.
A two-way radio or satellite phone is suggested for conversing in locations with no mobile signal, especially if traveling alone.
Before driving into deep sand, consider deflating tires to around 1.5-1.8 bar (22-26 psi) for better traction. Reinflate on harder surfaces.

Sea/River Arrivals & Departures

Sea and River Access

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is landlocked in a waterless area environment, far from any major sea or navigable river.

No Water Access

Ferry Services/Cruise Ports: Not applicable for the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
River Transportation: Not applicable. The Nossob and Auob riverbeds inside park limits are typically arid and are not navigable waterways.
Immigration Procedures at Seaports: Not applicable for park entry.

Departure From Kgalagadi

Planning your departure is as important as planning your arrival, especially from an isolated destination like Kgalagadi.

Exit Procedures

Exit Fees/Taxes: South Africa does not impose separate departure taxes for flying; these are usually in your airfare. No specific exit fees from the park itself.
Departure Procedures and Timing: Settle all payments at your final camp. If crossing an international border inside the park, allow ample time for immigration/customs.
To Airport: From Twee Rivieren to Upington Airport, allow approximately 2.5-3 hours. Add buffer time for delays. Arrive at Upington Airport at least 1.5-2 hours before domestic flight departure.

Departure Airport Facilities Upington

Upington The airport provides basic facilities for departing travelers, including check-over the counter, security screening, a small waiting area, and a cafe. No extensive shops or services beyond essentials.

Travel from Camp to Airport

Be certain you have enough time for the drive from the the park to Upington Airport (approx. 2.5-3 hours from Twee Rivieren) and for check-in procedures.

Park Gate Times

Always reconfirm park gate opening and closing times on your departure day. Leaving a camp after the gates close can result in fines.

Departure Information from Kgalagadi

Departure Checklist

Ensure every park fees and outstanding balances are settled. Allow ample travel time to Upington Airport, considering potential road conditions. Have your flight and vehicle rental make sure your documents are easy to get to.

How to Get to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park