Kgalagadi Park Plans Major Road Upgrade to Improve Access Without Disrupting Unique Wilderness Exp.
South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced a significant infrastructure upgrade for the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, with scheduled improvements set to begin on the critical road linking Kamqua and Mata Mata Rest Camp in January 2026. The enhancement project, expected to last approximately nine months, underscores SANParks’ ongoing commitment to improving access and safety for guests while carefully preserving the park’s distinctive wilderness atmosphere that continues to attract visitors from across Africa and beyond.
The upgrade will focus on the most problematic road sections, where challenging driving conditions have long been a concern for guests and tour operators alike. SANParks has confirmed that the works, including early-stage activities such as site preparation and mobilisation of heavy equipment, will commence around 20 January 2026. Throughout the project, travellers can expect temporary detours and minor delays as construction teams address the worst-affected areas. However, the improvements aim to make journeys through this iconic stretch of the Kgalagadi safer and more comfortable in the long run.
Importantly, SANParks has reassured its partners in the tourism sector that accommodation at Mata Mata Rest Camp, Kalahari Tented Camp, and Urikaruus Wilderness Camp will remain fully accessible during the entire upgrade period. Guests will be able to reach their destinations without interruption, ensuring continuity of service for those operating safaris, guided tours, and self-drive itineraries. This commitment is especially significant for the African tourism industry, given the growing demand for authentic wilderness experiences that the Kgalagadi region is renowned for.
In a move that respects the park’s rugged, low-impact ethos, SANParks has clarified that the road will not be tarred as part of this project. Instead, targeted improvements will address critical safety and drivability issues, enhancing the visitor experience while retaining the park’s natural character. This approach is likely to be welcomed by eco-conscious travellers and operators, who value both improved access and the preservation of the park’s unique environment.
With the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park growing in popularity as a cross-border destination—linking South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia—reliable road infrastructure is a key factor in attracting more regional and international visitors. The planned upgrades are expected to support the broader tourism ecosystem, from local guides and accommodation providers to cross-border tour operators, by ensuring that the park remains accessible, safe, and appealing.
For those planning trips to the park in 2026, SANParks advises allowing for additional travel time and closely following all on-site signage and staff instructions. The organisation has extended its apologies for any short-term inconvenience this vital work may cause and has expressed gratitude for the continued understanding and support of guests and industry partners alike.
This infrastructure project highlights a crucial shift across Africa’s protected areas: a renewed focus on balancing improved access and visitor safety with environmental stewardship. As the tourism landscape evolves, African destinations are recognising the importance of investing in sustainable infrastructure to support long-term growth, enhance guest satisfaction, and position the continent as a top choice for unique, nature-based experiences.
Industry professionals should view the Kgalagadi road upgrade as a signal of broader opportunities to rethink and refresh travel products, foster resilience, and adapt to the changing needs of the market. The next few years will require both strategic vision and operational flexibility to ensure that Africa’s wild spaces remain both accessible and authentically preserved for future generations of explorers.
