Where the red dunes and scrub fade into infinity and herds of gemsbok, springbok, eland and blue wildebeest follow the seasons, where imposing camel thorn trees provide shade for huge black-mane lions and vantage points for leopard and many raptors... this is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa was proclaimed in 1931 mainly to protect migratory game, especially the gemsbok. Together with the adjacent Gemsbok National Park in Botswana, this park comprises an area of over 3,6 million hectares - one of very few conservation areas of this magnitude left in the world. Red sand dunes, sparse vegetation and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob show antelope and predator species off at a premium and provide excellent photographic opportunities. Kgalagadi could be considered a haven for birders especially when interested in birds of prey.

Kgalagadi (SA) has six different camps of varying size, facilities and cost. Three traditional rest camps that have a basic shopping facility and fuel are situated on the South African side of the Park. Kgalagadi is the first Park to provide accommodation in three wilderness camps that, with no fences, invite the Kalahari and the tranquillity of Africa right into your room.

 ACCOMMODATION

TRADITIONAL REST CAMPS

Twee Rivieren

Twee Rivieren is the park's largest rest camp and administrative headquarters. It is situated on the banks of the Dry Nossob Riverbed. Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp and in the surrounding areas. Twee Rivieren has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception.

Accommodation available is:  

• Six-bed family chalet, two bedrooms, bathroom (shower), living room, water cooler and fully equipped kitchen.
• Three- and four-bed family cottages, one bedroom, bathroom (shower), living room, water cooler and fully equipped kitchen. (A single unit has been prepared for mobility impaired visitors)
• Cottages with two single beds and a double sleeper couch, bathroom (shower), water cooler and fully equipped kitchen.
• Camping sites with barbecue facilities. Communal ablution. Sites are without power supply.

Mata-Mata Rest Camp

The camp is situated on the banks of the Auob River on the western boundary of the Park. The camp borders Namibia and is surrounded by thorny Kalahari dune bushveld. Giraffe, typically adapted to these arid conditions are a favourite sight around Mata-Mata. The camp has a reception, shop and fuel facilities. Electricity is provided by a generator 18 hrs per day. Phone lines are provided from Namibia. Mata-Mata is 2½ hours drive from Twee Rivieren.

Accommodation available:

• 2 six-bed family chalets: 2 x two bed bedrooms, two beds in lounge, ceiling fans, shower, toilet, fully equipped kitchen, braai and patio
• 3 two-bed chalets: ceiling fan, bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, braai and patio
• 3 park homes/chalavans (two with three beds and one with five beds)
• Camping sites with barbecue facilities. Communal ablution. Sites are without power supply.

Nossob

Nossob rest camp is situated within the dry riverbed of the Nossob. The camp is surrounded by tree savannah and is famous for spectacular predator sightings. The camp has a reception, predator information centre, shop and fuel facilities. Electricity is provided by a generator 18 hrs per day. No phone reception is available at the camp which ad to the tranquillity and peaceful atmosphere at Nossob. Nossob is 3½ hours drive from Twee Rivieren.

Accommodation available:

• Guesthouse: Two units (with inter leading door) that can be booked separately or together for either eight or two groups of four people. One guesthouse has 2 x two bed bedrooms with ceiling fan, bathroom with shower and basin, separate toilet, kitchen and patio with braai. The other has 1 x two bed bedroom with ceiling fan, stack bed in lounge, bathroom with shower and hand basin, separate toilet, kitchen and patio with braai.
• 2 x Family Cottages: 2 x two bed bedrooms, two beds in lounge, ceiling fans, shower, toilet, kitchen and patio with braai.
• 3 x three bed Cottages: Bedroom, ceiling fan, bathroom with shower, hand basin and toilet, kitchen and patio with braai.
• 7 x two bed Cottages: Bedroom, ceiling fan, bathroom with shower, hand basin and toilet, kitchen and patio with braai.
• 4 x four bed Cottages: Bedroom with 2 beds, Stack bed on veranda, ceiling fan, bathroom with shower, hand basin and toilet, kitchen and patio with braai.
• Camping sites with barbecue facilities. Communal ablution. Sites are without power supply.

WILDERNESS CAMPS

Bitterpan
NB: This camp is NOT fenced; a ranger is based at the camp at all times.

Elevated above the red sands of the Kalahari and suspended in time is Bitterpan - an exclusive, stilted camp overlooking a waterhole. Bitterpan is situated in the centre of the wilderness opening up a new 4x4 route through the Kalahari dunes from Nossob to Mata-Mata and the Kalahari Tent Camp. It is on a ONE-WAY route starting from Nossob. It is approximately a 2½-hour drive from Nossob to Bitterpan, while from Bitterpan to Craig Lockhart in the Auob tourist road takes another 2½ hours, and thereafter 15 minutes to Mata Mata, or a 2-hour drive to Twee Rivieren. It is strictly a 4x4 route, but BIG 4x4's such as Unimogs (heavy vehicle 4x4) are not allowed.

Guests should consider staying at Nossob before their departure for Bitterpan, as it is an approximate 3 hours drive from Nossob along a one-way 4x4 route.  Guests must check in to Bitterpan at Nossob.  They cannot do so at Twee Rivieren or Mata Mata.  Nossob itself is at least a three-and-a-half hour drive from Twee Rivieren.

The camp has the following:

• 4 x 2 bed units each with a loose standing bathroom, with a shower, washbasin and toilet. The accessible unit with appropriate ablution facilities are available for visitors with mobility impairment.
• There is a communal kitchen and barbecue area.
• Bedding, towels and cooking and eating utensils are provided
• There is GAS for hot water and cooking and SOLAR for lighting.
• The walls of each unit are made of reeds and canvas, whereas the roof is a corrugated iron sheet, covered with reeds.
• The camp is built on stilts with a wooden walkway adjoining the units.
• A six-metre lookout tower allows exceptional views over the pan, waterhole and across the dunes.

Visitors to Bitterpan should please note the following:

1. NB. The camp and its access road are strictly for the use of its residents only!
2. Visitors must supply their own firewood or charcoal
3. Visitors must supply their own drinking water
4. No Trailers (even 4x4 trailers) will be permitted.
5. Visitors should be aware that there is limited driving opportunity once at the camp. Only a one-way 15 km game drive, however visitors staying longer than one night may use the escape route to Moravet to go onto the tourist routes and back.
6. The entrance and exit roads (and the 15 km game drive) are strictly one-way.
7. No fuel and no shop, nearest facilities at Nossob and Mata Mata.

The camp can accommodate either groups or single reservations with ease.

Grootkolk
NB: This camp is NOT fenced; a ranger is based at the camp at all times.

The perfect retreat for special occasions, or simply just to get away from it all. The camp is tucked away in the dunes, overlooking a waterhole, 20 km from Union's End where the three countries South Africa, Botswana and Namibia meet. It is a wilderness camp nestled amidst red sand dunes with only the stars and silence for company. Grootkolk is 6 hours drive from Twee Rivieren and 2½ hours from Nossob.

The camp has the following:

• There are 4 x 2 bed chalets with bedroom, ceiling fan, bathroom and kitchen on veranda. (One unit is accessible for visitors with mobility impairment)
• Each chalet is equipped with cutlery, crockery, linen, fridge and braai
• Communal kitchen and barbecue areas available.
• The chalets are made from sand bags and canvas
• There is GAS for hot water and cooking and SOLAR for lighting
• Waterhole

Visitors to Grootkolk should please note the following:

1. NB. The camp and access road are strictly for the use of its residents only!
2. Visitors must supply their own firewood or charcoal
3. Visitors must supply their own drinking water
4. No fuel and no shop, closet facilities at Nossob.

The camp can accommodate either groups or single reservations with ease.

Kalahari Tent Camp
NB: This camp is NOT fenced; a Duty Manager is based at the camp at all times.

Situated high up on a red sand dune, overlooking a waterhole in the dry bed of the ancient Auob River, the Kalahari tent camp welcomes you to capture the spirit of the land of thirst. This exclusive getaway for the discerning visitor, boasts 15 desert tents each elegantly decorated with rustic finishes using wood, sand and canvas exteriors all in the resonant colours of the park. The tent camp is 3 km from the Mata Mata Rest Camp where Kalahari Tent Camp residents can refuel and get basic supplies at the shop. The camp is designed in such a way that residents feel they have only themselves and the desert for company.

The camp features the following facilities:

• 1 luxury honeymoon desert tent
• 4 family desert tents (two beds and a stack bed)
• 10 two-bed desert tents (Two of the units have been made accessible to visitors with mobility impairment)
• Tents consist of a bedroom with ceiling fan, bathroom and kitchen
• Each tent is equipped with cutlery, crockery, linen, fridge and braai
• There is GAS for hot water and cooking and SOLAR for lighting
• A swimming pool is available
• Waterhole

Visitors to Kalahari Tent Camp should please note the following:

1. NB. The camp and access road are strictly for the use of its residents only!
2. Visitors must supply their own firewood or charcoal
3. Visitors must supply their own drinking water
4. No fuel and no shop, closet facilities at Mata Mata

The camp can accommodate either groups or single reservations with ease.

Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp

Situated 50 km (one-and-a-half hours) drive away from Twee Rivieren on the Southern Dune Road. The closest shop and fuel supply is at Twee Rivieren, where guests who have booked Kieliekrankie also checks in. The camp is unfenced, and there is a tourism assistant on duty. Sunk into a dune, with endless views of the red Kalahari sands. This unique self-catering wilderness camp is accessible by passenger vehicles.
The camp has 3 x DC2 (Dune Cabin) and 1 x DC2Z (Dune Cabin - Adapted for use by the mobility impaired).
Each unit has 2 single beds, a bathroom with w/c and shower, an equipped kitchen with gas fridge / freezer, solar power for lights, gas for hot water and braai facilities on a deck.
Guests have to provide their own drinking water and firewood.

Urikaruus Wilderness Camp

Situated 72 km (two hours) drive away from Twee Rivieren on the road to Mata Mata between the veil of old camel thorn trees, overlooks the Auob River. The closest shop and fuel supply is at Twee Rivieren, where guests who have booked Urikaruus also checks in. The camp is unfenced, and there is a tourism assistant on duty. The camp has 4 x RC2 (Riverside Cabin) units built on stilts and connected by a plank way. Urikaruus is accessible by passenger vehicles.
Each unit has 2 single beds, a bathroom with w/c and shower, an equipped kitchen with gas fridge / freezer, solar power for lights, gas for hot water and braai facilities on a deck.
Guests have to provide their own drinking water and firewood.

Gharagab Wilderness Camp

Located in the far northern region of the park, Gharagab provides guests with elevated views of Kalahari dunes and the thornveld savannah. Situated 164 km (four hours) drive north of Nossob on the road to Unions End. The closest shop and fuel supply is at Nossob, where guests who have booked Gharagab also checks in. The camp is unfenced, and there is a tourism assistant on duty. Gharagab is only accessible by 4x4 vehicles on a one way road.
The camp has 4 x LC2 (Log Cabin) units.
Each unit has 2 single beds, a bathroom with w/c and shower, an equipped kitchen with gas fridge / freezer, solar power for lights, gas for hot water and braai facilities on a deck.
Guests have to provide their own drinking water and firewood.

TRAVELING DISTANCES WITHIN THE PARK

• Twee Rivieren - Nossob:   3½ hrs
• Twee Rivieren - Mata-Mata:   2½ hrs
• Twee Rivieren - Kalahari Tent Camp:   2½ hrs
• Twee Rivieren - Grootkolk:   6 hrs
• Nossob - Union's End:   3 hrs
• Nossob - Mata-Mata (over Kamqua dune road):   3½ hrs
• Nossob - Bitterpan:   2½ hrs
• Bitterpan - Mata-Mata:   2 hrs
• Nossob - Grootkolk:   2½ hrs
• Mata-Mata - Kalahari Tent Camp:   4 km

4x4 ROUTES

• Nossob 4x4 ecotrail:   214 km
• Bitterpan trail:   120 km
• Mabuasehube Wilderness Trail:   155 km
• Wilderness Trail (starting at Polentswa):   257 km
• Direct Route - Nossob Riverbed to Mabuasehube:   170 km
• Direct Route - Kannaguass to Kaa:   85 km

ACTIVITIES

• Swimming pool in Twee Rivieren and Kalahari Tent Camp.
• Lectures, slide shows and holiday programs are organized from the information centre at Twee Rivieren.
• Night drives at Nossob and Twee Rivieren.
• Day walks at Nossob, Mata-Mata and Twee Rivieren.
• Nossob 4x4 Eco Trail

FACILITIES

• Laundry tubs and ironing facilities (no iron) in camping area of Twee Rivieren, Nossob and Mata-Mata.
• Twee Rivieren, the largest rest camp and administrative base, has a swimming pool, restaurant, information centre, and shop and public telephone and cell phone reception.
• Predator centre at Nossob.
• Hides at water hole at Nossob and Mata Mata.
• The camps have limited freezing facilities and cannot provide a freezing service to tourists. Shops in Twee Rivieren, Mata-Mata and Nossob sell commodities that you would find in your local supermarket, including fresh meat, milk, cheese, eggs, bread, wine and beer.
• Petrol (premium and unleaded) and diesel at Twee Rivieren, Mata-Mata and Nossob.
• Five picnic sites throughout the Park with barbeque facilities and communal ablution (no water available).

 GENERAL INFORMATION

- Climate
The Kalahari is an arid region with an annual rainfall of 200 mm, mainly between January and April. In summer day temperatures may exceed 40°C. Winter days are sunny with night temperatures often below zero.

- Day Travellers
There are communal ablution facilities at Twee Rivieren, Nossob and Mata Mata rest camps and picnic sites at Melkvlei, 50 km (north of Twee Rivieren), Dikbaardskolk, 56 km (south of Nossob) and at Kamqua between Twee Rivieren and Mata-Mata.

Rates
All rates are self-catering unless specified otherwise.

IMPORTANT: Deposits & payments
For bookings made more than 6 months before arrival a 50% deposit is required within 4 months of making a booking. For bookings made less than 6 months before arrival a 50% deposit is required within 10 days of making a booking. For bookings made within 40 days of arrival, immediate and full payment is required within 24 hours upon confirmation of the booking. Final and full payment for all reservations is due 40 days prior to arrival. Rates are to be used as a guide only - full quotes will be provided upon receipt of an enquiry.

When making an enquiry, please supply full detail regarding the number of adults, number of children together with their ages, arrival and departure dates, accommodation type(s) required and number of nights in each rest camp. Also supply alternative dates and rest camps where possible. Children under 2 are free of charge. Bookings open 1 year in advance - it is essential to book as early as possible for busy/peak periods and school holidays.

VALID 01 NOVEMBER 2008 – 31 OCTOBER 2009

RATES FOR GUIDED GAME DRIVES (NOSSOB & TWEE RIVIEREN ONLY) ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST BUT VEHICLES ARE NOT ALWAYS AVAILABLE.

PLEASE NOTE
CAMP & CARAVAN SITE RESERVATIONS (AT THE 3 MAIN CAMPS) CAN ONLY BE MADE DIRECTLY WITH SA NATIONAL PARKS AND NOT THROUGH US.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A BOOKING ENQUIRY !