Some distance away from the traditional rest camps in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the wilderness camps in the South African side offer accommodation to tourists that is exclusive, quiet and in prime positions to view game from the veranda of the hut, tent or cabin. In most of these camps, children under twelve are not allowed in order to attempt to preserve the tranquility of the surroundings. The wilderness camps have no shops or reception areas and guests must check in at the closest traditional rest camp.
The Kgalagadi Park in South Africa comprises of mainly semi-desert landscape and thus the scenery includes both red Kalahari dunes and waving savanna. This in turn attracts a variety of grazers and browsers that form the prey for carnivores like the lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena. Visitors to the wilderness camps stand an excellent chance to view these animals from their accommodation.
Grootkolk Wilderness Camp North of Nossob Rest Camp
Grootkolk wilderness camp is about two and a half hours drive from Nossob rest camp. Being only twenty kilometers away from Union End where the three countries, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana meet, guests are treated to both rolling Kalahari dunes and savanna. The accommodation overlooks a small water hole that regularly attracts both prey and predators.
Accommodation at Grootkolk consists four chalets constructed with canvas and sandbags. Each unit accommodates two people and has en suite ablutions and a kitchen on the veranda. There is no electricity at the Grootkolk camp and power is supplied by gas and solar panels.
No children under the age of twelve may occupy the chalets and the camp is accessible by normal sedan vehicle. As with the wilderness camps at Bitterpan and Gharagab, guests must provide their own drinking water and firewood.
Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp Near Twee Riviere Rest Camp
Kieliekrankie wilderness camp nestles on the southern dune road about fifty kilometers from Twee Riviere rest camp, which is approximately an hour and a half's drive. With only four units each occupying two guests, peace and tranquility is almost guaranteed.
The dune cabins, made from wood and canvas, each consists of two single beds en suite facilities and a kitchenette. The small kitchenette is fully equipped with a fridge, stove, sink, crockery and cutlery. The wooden deck allows for game viewing from the cabin that overlooks the red dunes of the Kalahari desert. Management adapted one of the cabins to allow for wheelchair access.
As with the other camps, no children under the age of twelve years are allowed and guests must provide their own firewood and drinking water. A built-in barbecue on the wooden veranda allows guests to prepare meals while watching the surroundings for game.
Kieliekrankie wilderness camp is unfenced and guests should avoid walking outside after dark. The southern dune road is known for the myriad of game like oryx (gemsbok), springbok, honey badgers and naturally lions, hyena's and cheetah.
Reservations for the wilderness camps must be made through SANParks and due to the popularity of the camps, tourists should reserve accommodation well in advance.
Yolande Pienaar - Yolande traveled extensively through Southern Africa and frequently visits places off the beaten track where she discovers gems to share ...
