Gemsbok National Park

Gemsbok National Park, located in the southern part of Botswana, is an expansive wildlife haven that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the country’s semi-arid wilderness. Covering over 27,000 square kilometres, it’s one of Botswana’s largest national parks, renowned for its stark, dramatic landscapes of rolling dunes, salt pans, and rocky outcrops. The park’s namesake, the gemsbok (oryx), is commonly spotted alongside other desert-adapted wildlife, including springbok, wildebeest, and zebras.

The park is part of the larger Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a shared reserve between Botswana and South Africa, making it an essential stop for safari enthusiasts looking to explore southern Africa’s unique fauna. Visitors can observe predators such as cheetahs, lions, and leopards, which roam the vast open spaces hunting for prey. Birdwatchers will also delight in the park’s avian population, with species like ostriches and eagles seen frequently.

With limited infrastructure, Gemsbok National Park offers an off-the-beaten-path safari experience, perfect for those seeking solitude in a truly remote and rugged environment. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October, when wildlife is concentrated around waterholes, offering excellent game viewing opportunities.