Kgalagadi

Kgalagadi is a Setswana name meaning "place of thirst" or "waterless place." It refers to a region in southwestern Botswana and the adjacent protected area known as the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which straddles the border with South Africa. The term is also used for the Kgalagadi District, whose capital is Tsabong.

Geography and climate: The area lies in the Kalahari Desert, with red sand dunes and an arid climate. Rainfall is low and erratic; temperatures are hot in summer and cooler in winter. The landscape supports desert-adapted wildlife and livelihoods based on pastoralism and wildlife tourism.

Kgalagadi District: One of Botswana's administrative districts, it covers a large, sparsely populated area in the southwest. The economy centers on cattle farming and tourism tied to the park and surrounding wilderness. The district's capital is Tsabong, and San communities have long inhabited the region.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Created in 1999 by joining South Africa's Gemsbok National Park with Botswana's Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, it is one of Africa's largest conservation areas. It features red dune landscapes, the Auob and Nossob rivers, and desert-adapted wildlife such as gemsbok, springbok, cheetah, and leopard. The park supports self-drive safaris, camping, and lodge accommodation, and is managed jointly by the two countries.

Cultural and conservation notes: The region is home to San communities whose histories are linked to the land. Conservation policies seek to protect wildlife while supporting local rights and sustainable tourism. The area remains remote and sparsely populated, attracting visitors seeking wilderness experiences.