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

Major Airports & Flights

Main Airport Access

Upington Airport (UTN) is the closest 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 into the region.

Connecting Hubs

OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), Johannesburg: South Africa's largest international airport, a major hub for global flights.
Cape Town 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 connections 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 South African school holidays (June/July, Dec/Jan). Booking in advance is suggested.

Upington Airport UTN

A relatively small regional airport with basic facilities: car rental desks, a small cafe, and restrooms.

Rental Car

The most common and highly recommended transfer option. Pick up 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. Possible to arrange 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 mainly 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 within the park.

Flight Planning Notes

International Connections

All international flights will connect through Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (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 South African 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 transportation services.

No Public Transit

Train Services: No train services reach the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park or its immediate surrounding areas.
Long-distance Buses: No long-distance bus services travel directly to the park. Public transport does not serve this remote wilderness area.
You will need 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.
Driving Side: 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 remote areas. 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 signal is unreliable or non-existent.
Safety: Drive slowly and adhere to posted 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 advisable 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.
Extreme heat can influence vehicle performance; monitor engine temperature.

Always carry ample water for both yourself and your vehicle in case of a breakdown.
A two-way radio or satellite phone is recommended for communication in areas without 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 desert 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 within the park are typically dry 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 a remote destination like Kgalagadi.

Exit Procedures

Exit Fees/Taxes: South Africa does not impose separate departure taxes for air travel; 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 within 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 Airport offers basic facilities for departing travelers, including check-in counters, security screening, a small waiting area, and a cafe. No extensive shops or services beyond essentials.

Travel from Camp to Airport

Allow sufficient time for the drive from 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 all park fees and outstanding balances are settled. Allow ample travel time to Upington Airport, considering potential road conditions. Have your flight and vehicle rental documents accessible.

How to Get to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park