Reviews of Gharagab Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
14 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Gharagab Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
"Gharagab Wilderness Camp review"
Cons: A long drive with little game to see and the last part of the drive out is very challenging, with hills, deep sand, and potholes all at the same time. Once there, all one can do is stay put, looking out at the waterhole, as the drive out and back is one way only and way too long to do comfortably in one day. There are a couple of hours in the day when most of one's deck is in the sun." See all these reviews: 7n in South Africa; 5n in Botswana
"A second visit on this trip - worth it!"
An African Wildcat visited us during the evening and during the morning a steenbok came to drink from a leaking water pipe - giving us a rare, close sighting.
Get this unit or number 4 if you ever have a choice." See all these reviews: 16n in South Africa
"Two years later - what a difference?"
However, we weren't very lucky with the wildlife but the visitor book shows we were exceptions. The journey across the dunes from the Nossob river remains challenging - especially leaving the camp - but take your time and enjoy the bush and the small things like the meerkats, bird life and the steenboks.
Eric and Isaak take turns in looking after the camp and both are helpful and informative if you ask them the right questions. You can also help by asking if there is anything they want you to take to Nossob for them - a bag of laundry doesn't take up much space in the boot." See all these reviews: 16n in South Africa
"Perhaps the best Wilderness Camp - remote"
Difficult access and especially exit road. You need 4x4 WD, low gear, diff. lock and traction control. Bring at least 10L water per person per day if you get stock. Stay by the car until someone pass by - could take a day or two!
Nevertheless, wonderful place if you like nature. Expect predators close up! Look where you go..." See all these reviews: 10n in South Africa
"Fantastic wilderness experience"
Gharagab is a small wilderness camp with only 4 double chalets in an unfenced camp. On our stay there was only one other couple staying. All chalets have a great view of the waterhole which is lit at night. You are warned not to walk between the chalets after dark.
The view from the chalets out over the valley and waterhole is fantastic. We saw quite a lot of game coming to the waterhole before it got dark including a large male lion. He subsequently roared when only a couple of hundred metres away providing sound as well as sight! After dark we heard panting beside our verandah and a lioness padded past less than a couple of metres away. She was followed by a second both them going down to the waterhole to drink.
This was the first time I had driven 4WD and I found the drive out from Gharagab very testing particularly the last 10 Kms.The steep dunes had some deep potholes and hard compacted sand which made for a very bumpy ride. The advice from the South African couple at Gharagab to make sure I maintained the momentum up the dunes and to roll all the way back down if I didn't make it first time was very good advice. That said the journey is well worth the experience!" See all these reviews: 10n in South Africa
"Gharagab Wilderness Camp review"
Beautiful place to stay" See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa
"One Meerkat Safari"
As it turned out the road though sandy, tortuous and over several dunes was not really too challenging and as there was virtually no wildlife to stop and view our journey was relatively quick. We arrived at Gharagab at just after 10.30. To be greeted by a surprised Warden - Andreis - who told us that normally check in is after 14.00 but no problem .
Our accommodation - made of a mixture of canvas, wood and corrugated plastic ( sounds terrible but was delightful) consisted of an area containing twin beds and kitchen facilities ( well equipped and with double hob) and an en suite shower toilet area. Outside was a verandah with table and chairs overlooking the waterhole which is floodlit at night.
Andreis advised us to keep foodstuffs off the floor and covered as some of the smaller wildlife could be attracted to it - this had been encouraged by visitors in the past who had actively encouraged these visits by feeding them
We were entertained by the visits to our verandah by Cape sparrows, four striped mice and lizards. Although there was very little game about there were occasional visits to the waterhole by springbok and gemsbok and at night a brown hyena. We also saw a whistling rat popping in and out if it's burrow in the sand below our verandah.
Ghararhab is a wilderness camp and as such has no fences and although we did not experience it, apparently, lion visit regularly so it is important to be aware of your surroundings when moving about. You may not leave your accommodation after dark.
As we spent 2 nights at Gharahab we had the time to enjoy the wonderful view from the ' look out tower'. It would have been amazing if we had been able to watch lion from there but that is for next time." See all these reviews: 12n in South Africa
"Location excellent but maintenance needed"
Don't be put off, though, you will have a memorable experience staying here." See all these reviews: 13n in South Africa
"Gharagab Wilderness Camp review"
The topography in this section of the park is attractive and in itself makes the visit worthwhile." See all these reviews: 10n in South Africa; 4n in Namibia
"Rainbow in the wilderness"
Excellent location for viewing wildlife - even got to see a brown hyena.
Basic but lovely accommodation, more than adequate - great viewing platform.
Loved our little mouse in the tented lodge!" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa
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Other lodges in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Twee Rivieren
The Kgalagadi's largest restcamp, Twee Rivieren is the centre for the park's administration, and an obvious stop for food and fuel for self-driving visitors.
Kalahari Tented Camp
Kalahari Tented Camp, with self-catering accommodation, is an unusual and well positioned base for exploration of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Ta Shebube Rooiputs
One of just three private lodges in the Kgalagadi, Ta Shebube Rooiputs offers a well-appointed base from where you can explore this delightful National Park.
Mata Mata Rest Camp
On the western border of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Mata Mata Restcamp offers camping and simple self-catering chalets, great for adventurous travellers on self-drive explorations of this park.
Nossob Rest Camp
A basic but very well positioned rest camp within the heart of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Simple self-catering accommodation is available as well as camping options
Bitterpan Camp
Bitterpan is a basic self-catering camp in the Kgalagadi's central dune-field; it suits experienced self-drivers comfortable with remote travel.
Grootkolk Camp
Grootkolk Wilderness Camp has quirky sand-bag self-catering accommodation and simple amenities, offering a comfortable place to stay while exploring the north western Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
!Xaus Lodge
!Xaus Lodge mixes guided wildlife safaris with very good community interactions, suiting those who prefer not to drive and cater for themselves.
Ta Shebube Polentswa
Although accessed via South Africa, Ta Shebube Polentswa is situated just across the border, in a private concession on the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Urikaruus Camp
Urikaruus is one of the most popular wilderness camps in the Kgalagadi National Park with lovely riverside cabins set high up on stilts overlooking the Auob riverbed.
Kielie Krankie Camp
Perched high atop a huge red sand dune, the small Kielie Krankie wilderness camp it is well positioned for accessing both east and west sides of the Kgalagadi National Park.
Molopo Lodge
Less than an hours' drive from the Kgalagadi, this makes a good base near to the park if you're arriving late in the afternoon.
The Motse at Tswalu
Tswalu Motse is a smart lodge located in the Tswalu Game Reserve, the largest private reserve in South Africa.
