Off to the Kgalagadi!

[Neville Bailey]

One of my dreams is about to come true.

Next month we will be heading for the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park for 7 nights of camping. Although I have visited Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe/Imfolozi Game Reserve numerous times, I have always wanted to experience the Kalahari.

I am expecting heat, dust, scorpions and no cellphone reception, but I am also expecting a true wilderness and fantastic photo opportunities!

Has anyone here been there before? Please share your experience, tips and tricks - I can't get enough of anything that will prepare me for the experience!

[AndyD]

96 views and not a single reply. That's jealousy for you Neville

I can't offer you any advice I'm afraid but I wish you a great and memorable holiday.

[Dave A]

Enjoy the trip, Neville.

And hopefully we'll get to see some of the pics.

[Neville Bailey]

I have started a trip report thread on the Sanparks forums, which I invite you to follow.

The thread can be found at https://www.sanparks.org/forums/view...p?f=27&t=96457

[Neville Bailey]

What an amazing week in the Kgalagadi!

Here is a video compilation of the photos I took while we were there:

https://vimeo.com/197750439

[Justloadit]

Stunning Pics!
Seems you really had a wonderful trip.

[Phil Cooper]

Brilliant shots = what great memories...

What temperatures did you experience?

[Neville Bailey]

What temperatures did you experience?

I think it went up to 44 degrees at one point.

[Justloadit]

Neville,

Time to get your coffee table album compiled and printed. There are more than enough quality pictures to do this. Maybe a a wild life calendar?
Maybe even get hold of National Geographic to buy some pictures from you. This will then finance your next adventure.

Where did you get the time to get all the shots done?
Did you have a number of different lenses?

[Neville Bailey]

Neville,

Time to get your coffee table album compiled and printed. There are more than enough quality pictures to do this. Maybe a a wild life calendar?
Maybe even get hold of National Geographic to buy some pictures from you. This will then finance your next adventure.

Thank you for your kind words, but I think there are far more accomplished wildlife photographers out there who would crack the nod long before me!

Where did you get the time to get all the shots done?
Did you have a number of different lenses?

Every evening, after the day's driving, I sat at our campsite and processed my photos on Lightroom. I compiled the video when we got home.

99% of the photos were taken with a single zoom lens, a Sigma 50-500mm lens, which has a great focal range. The rainbow and milky way shots were taken with a 14mm wide-angle lens.

You can check all my photos here.

[Justloadit]

Thank you for your kind words, but I think there are far more accomplished wildlife photographers out there who would crack the nod long before me!

Neville, please never under estimate your talent .
The pictures you have presented are in my opinion of a high quality, and there is no reason why you could not compile a calendar as a start. Get a feel of the public, and progress from there.
I believe there is a future in your hobby.

[Justloadit]

I see that you went in your Hyundai IX35. I have a limited edition automatic petrol 2010 model. Did do some limited 4x4 with it but never put it to any real test yet.
How did it perform there?
I see that man power was required to get it through some soft sand. Did the 4 wheel lock not make this task easier?

[Neville Bailey]

I see that you went in your Hyundai IX35. I have a limited edition automatic petrol 2010 model. Did do some limited 4x4 with it but never put it to any real test yet.
How did it perform there?
I see that man power was required to get it through some soft sand. Did the 4 wheel lock not make this task easier?

I have the regular petrol model, so no 4x4 capabilities at all!

I was warned about the sections of soft sand and corrugated roads in the park, and I was planning to drop my tyre pressure to the recommended 1.6 bar before we entered the park, but I was not prepared for thick sand when we arrived at our campsite after a 14 hour drive, before we even entered the park (the campsite is 5km outside the park), so I was caught in an embarrassing situation!

However, once I had reduced my tyre pressure, we had no problems driving around the park. I avoided the Botswana sections, which is true 4x4 country.