THE LONG VIEW

The specialness seekers

‘The vast grass plains of Central Kalahari offer uninterrupted vistas of large herds of game,’ say Wiliena and Ray Honiball. ‘The gemsbok numbers

are out of this world. It is so special to be in an environment largely untouched by man. First-timers

must be totally self-sufficient in an unprotected campsite with no facilities. On a practical note, you

should have a toilet solution in your tent for nocturnal emergencies, because you might bump

into a predator strolling around at night.’

The long-distance trekkers

‘Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is addictive,’ say Harriet Nimmo and Mike Kendrick, who return yearly – despite a two-day trek to get there. ‘Our first trip was in 1993 in a Toyota Corolla; a gruelling day’s drive from Upington on a bone-rattling, rocky dirt road. Two Brits with a tiny tent and no idea that we needed cash to pay for fuel in those days. But we were smitten and have returned many times, including once for 30 days. Each time is different; some trips there’s not a meerkat to be seen, other times they’re everywhere. Our favourite area is north of Nossob, the park’s wildest, quietest part. It can be harsh and bleak, with hours of nothing. Just as you begin to wonder why you’re there, you finally get that

magical sighting that makes it worthwhile.’

The annual returnees

‘We've been going to the Kgalagadi regularly since 2002 and try to go every year,’ say Kathy and Gerrie de Kock. ‘We love the relative quietness of the park compared to Kruger and Addo, especially the far northern area with its remoteness and somewhat different vegetation. We travel slowly and scan the dunes and ridges for animals resting in the shade. On our last trip in September we had a sighting

of a mother cheetah and her three cubs on a springbok kill right next to the road; a wonderful

welcome for our friends, new visitors.’