Reviews of Bitterpan Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
11 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Bitterpan Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
"Bitterpan Wilderness Camp review"
A really challenging and long drive to get to Bitterpan. Lowering one's tire pressure even lower than on the general sand roads, certainly helps. Very little game. Bitterpan is for people who love space and silence and can endure major discomfort for it, such as: someone in the tent next door snoring, beating sun with few places for shade, one's own bathroom but across the joint passage, communal cooking or using one's own barbecue in front of one's tent but unpleasant as no table, water etc." See all these reviews: 7n in South Africa; 5n in Botswana
"Bitterpan Wilderness Camp review"
Beautiful, remote area - not a great deal of wildlife though we did see eland. Very challenging one-way drive in, and optionally out again - which we chose to do, and were rewarded with a male lion right by the road.
NB the viewing tower is no longer operational." See all these reviews: 15n in South Africa
"Bitterpan Wilderness Camp review"
We were also fortunate to have a sighting on the salt pan of two male lions prior to sunset." See all these reviews: 14n in South Africa
"Not a recommended stop"
Whilst the accommodation is fine the shared kitchen is a bit of a mixed bag. Whilst it was good to socialise with others the party of South Africans who arrived the same time as us were a little over powering. They immediately took over the kitchen and filled all 3 freezers with their food. Fortunately as we were using tinned and dried food it didn't cause us a problem but it could so easily have done so. It would be a simple matter to put another fridge freezer in so each chalet could have its own.
The 4WD route in and out of Bitterpan was much easier than Gharagab. There was however almost no game or birds to see on the route and many of the waterholes were dry.
Until the waterhole is fixed so that it can have water in it every day and a light installed similar to that at Gharagab I would strongly recommend not staying at this camp." See all these reviews: 10n in South Africa
"Bitterpan Wilderness Camp review"
Guard very interesting with animal prints" See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa
"One Meerkat Safari !!"
You have to check out of Gharahab and into Bitterpan at Nossob which is very quickly done - just a couple of stamps on your park pass then you leave the Nossob site by a controlled gate onto a restricted track. We refuelled before leaving ( always keep the fuel tank topped up).
The route to Bitterpan proved to be quite challenging at times - a tortuous road with much deeper sand than previously encountered which was quite warm and, therefore, more difficult to drive through but soon we developed a good rhythm and could judge the required gear and pace to tackle each dune making it a fun journey.
On arrival at the camp we were greeted by Wilhelm ( who was pleased to see us as we had been asked to buy some supplies for him) . He showed us to our accommodation ( a similar structure to Gharahab) which looked out directly onto the waterhole. The individual toilet and shower facilities were not en suite but opposite across the walkway and there was a communal kitchen which had recently been revamped and indidual braiis, in a fenced area, just beyond each verandah
Although the kitchen was communal there was ample fridge/ freezer space for everyone and room for all the guests to cook at the same time with sufficient saucepans, crockery, glasses etc.
We sat with the other guests around a large table eating our various meals and sharing our experiences..
Bitterpan is another wilderness camp but the walkway and communal areas are fenced so there is no problem answering the call of nature or getting a drink during the hours of darkness!" See all these reviews: 12n in South Africa
"Just getting there is an achievement"
Once you get there you will have one of the four cabins overlooking the waterhole and will have to use the communal kitchen. Need to take your own water. A real safari experience and the other users will be experienced game or bird spotters and being with them should enrich your experience. There are numerous mice but they can't get into the fridges.
Note - don't expect a five star hotel. Thank goodness, it's better for that." See all these reviews: 13n in South Africa
"Scared Lions"
Two black maned lions strolled across the pan in the morning, amazing!
Lovely fire pit in the middle of the accommodation for some evening socialising." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa
"Bitterpan - unexpected 4W Driving !"
On the day out we took the easiest path out, i.e., through Moravet instead of going straight to Kalahari Tented Camp. This exit road is much shorter and easier to drive. The decision was worth. A couple exquisite Bat Eared Foxes were sighted near Moravet, and on the main road linking the two riverbeds, we saw for the first time a troop of Meerkats sunbathing at the early morning hours.
The camp itself is very well situated overlooking a pan. Activity around the waterhole is sparse (at least while we were there) with the occasional Oryx, Jackal, Ostrich and Steenbok.
The cabins are very well designed with the rooms separated from the private bathrooms which are located just next to the rooms. A communal kitchen serves the four cabins which allows people to sit around the communal dinning room/ fire and exchange experiences.The kitchen was as always well equipped.
The guard was friendly and helpful and even asked us to transport the laundry to Mata-Mata, on our way to Kalahari Tented Camp, which we did.
One night stay at Bitterpan may be sufficient to explore the Bitterpan 4WD trail." See all these reviews: 14n in South Africa
"Bitterpan Wilderness Camp review"
The warden is always on site and ever watchful." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 6n in South Africa
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