Bakgalagadi

Bakgalagadi refers to the communities and region associated with the Kgalagadi District in Botswana and adjacent areas in southern Africa. In Botswana, the term denotes residents of the Kgalagadi District and others linked to the region; cross-border communities in the Northern Cape (South Africa) and Namibia are sometimes included.

Geographically, the Bakgalagadi homeland lies in the Kalahari Desert in southwestern Botswana, characterized by sandy plains, scrub savanna, and desert-adapted wildlife. The area experiences a hot, semi-arid climate with low and variable rainfall, often below 250 mm per year. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a major conservation area, is located in this region.

Most Bakgalagadi are Tswana-speaking; Setswana is common in daily life and schooling. The region also hosts diverse cultural traditions, including cattle herding, crafts, and oral storytelling. Social organization historically centers on families, clans, and local leadership; there are links with other Tswana-speaking communities.

Historically inhabited by hunter-gatherer and pastoralist groups, the area became part of Bechuanaland under colonial rule and later Botswana. The contemporary economy is dominated by ranching and livestock, with tourism (notably wildlife parks) contributing to livelihoods; development challenges include drought and limited infrastructure.

See also: Kgalagadi District; Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park; Tswana people.