Page 88 - Discover Botswana 24th Edition 2024

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ANSWERING THE CALL, RAIN OR SHINE
The Kgalagadi is an enigmatic place where the
boundaries between reality and imagination
blur, where time appears to stand still, and
nature’s rhythms take precedence, whether
you witness the intense heat of the dry season
or the fleeting magic of the rains. It is a place
where the wild meets the infinite, where every
sunrise and sunset is a masterpiece, every
encounter with remarkable wildlife a privilege,
and where the heart of wild Africa beats like a
drum. It reminds us of the fragile yet enduring
beauty of our planet and our responsibility to
protect it. Come, explore, and be enchanted by
the Kgalagadi. This is a journey you’ll treasure
forever, a story you’ll retell with a smile, and an
adventure that will always hold a piece of your
heart in its boundless embrace.
EPILOGUE: CONSERVATION IN ACTION
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is not just a
testament to the splendour of the natural world;
it is also a shining example of international
cooperation in conservation. Established in 2000,
it stands as one of Africa’s first transboundary
conservation areas, a collaboration between
Botswana and South Africa.
This visionary partnership allows wildlife
to move freely across borders, ensuring the
preservation of genetic diversity and the long-
term survival of countless species. It is a model
of conservation success, where the interests of
both nations are intertwined with the protection
of the natural environment.
Previous pages: Throughout most of
the year, the Kgalagadi pans are dry
dustbowls. However, during those precious
moments of inundation, a magnetic pull
draws numerous living creatures to the
replenishing rainwater, exemplified here by
a beautiful Leopard Tortoise.
Right: Two Spotted Hyenas playfully tussle
over a bone, illuminated by the soft, low
dawn light of the dry season.
Facing page top: As the day nears its end,
a Honey Badger energetically forages
across the arid Nossob Riverbed, leaving
a dusty trail illuminated by the last rays of
the sun.
Facing page bottom: In the parched
expanse of the Kgalagadi, artificial water
holes draw a diverse array of wildlife
during the prolonged dry periods.
Captured on the edge of such a water hole
at Mabuasehube, a male Bateleur eagle
calls out, engaging in an animated display
to attract his mate.