The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park offers a unique wilderness experience. Stretching across the red dunes and arid plains of Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana, the park is a haven for desert-adapted wildlife — from black-maned Kalahari lions to meerkats. It’s a dream destination for photographers and self-drive safari enthusiasts who appreciate wide open spaces, dramatic skies, and the thrill of spotting predators in a semi-desert setting. The best time to visit is during the dry winter months (May to September), when wildlife congregates around waterholes and the days are cool and clear.

If you’re planning your trip from Namibia, entering the park via the Mata Mata Gate, there are a few key differences to be aware of — most online resources focus on South African entry and don’t provide accurate information for Namibian travellers. On a recent trip, we found some crucial details that are worth sharing.

Border Requirements at Mata Mata (Namibia to SA)

To cross into the park via Mata Mata, you’ll need:

1. Valid passports

2. Vehicle registration papers

3. Be aware of import restrictions on goods entering South Africa via this route. These include:

   • Raw meat

   • Dairy products

   • Fresh vegetables and fruit

   • Wood (although charcoal is allowed)

While the official guidelines are strict, a friendly discussion with the police at the gate revealed that up to 25kg of meat may be permitted — though this is not written on the entry documentation. If you’re unsure, it’s best to call ahead or declare what you’re bringing and ask for clarification.

The actual border crossing was quick and simple, and the officers were courteous and helpful.

Food & Supplies at Mata Mata Camp

Don’t count on doing your shopping inside the park. The shop at Mata Mata is limited, offering basic dry goods, a very limited array of fresh vegetables and some frozen meat. On the other hand, the shop at Nossob was much better stocked. Although we did not visit, we suspect the same would be true for Twee Rivieren as this is the largest of the park camps. If you plan on self-catering (as many visitors do), it’s best to prepare ahead. We found that pre-cooked, frozen meals worked perfectly — they kept well, were easy to reheat, and made our evenings stress-free. All the camps we stayed in (Kalahari Tented Camp, Urikaruus and Nossob) had very well-equipped kitchens, with gas-hobs in the wilderness camps were electricity was limited.

In summary, the Kgalagadi is an unforgettable destination, but if you’re travelling from Namibia, a little extra preparation goes a long way. Double-check your paperwork, pre-plan your meals, allowing you to enjoy the solitude and raw beauty of this incredible transfrontier park.