Reviews of Grootkolk Camp

"The shower here was terrible, due to the water pressure. Either freezing or red hot. I ended up chucking bowls of water at Grace to rinse her hair!

Isaac the attendant was unhelpful, he said put a bit of cold in but as there was no mixer on the showrer that helped for a nano second.

Two of everything so constant washing up, when they ask you to save water. That said when it wasn't windy the gas hob was very good.

Sightings at the waterhole helped, a warthog (unexpected) lots of hartebeasts, a martial eagle in the waterhole, and finally on our last morning three lions appeared and walked past/near our unit at 6:30 am (unit number 3 again).

Given the record of this camp, sightings were poor in terms of cats. The lions hadn't been seen for days and Polentswa visitors said the same." See all these reviews: 9n in South Africa

"The incredible feeling of remoteness and peace is always worth the lack of comfort and the very long drive to get there. The cabin is very tiny so we had to keep our suitcases in the car and just bring in the few items we would be using.

It has been recently painted and refurbished a bit, for instance, new fridges, so the accommodation is now quite bearable, albeit extremely rustic.

There was not that much game at the water hole this time, but it didn’t matter. It was as peaceful as ever." See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe; 5n in South Africa

"Feels like the middle of nowhere" See all these reviews: 10n in South Africa

"On arrival the ranger stresses the need to beware of snakes, scorpions and predators and the visitor book confirms the presence of all in the vicinity of this camp.

The units themselves are compact and more substantial than those at Bitterpan and Gharagab. They are well maintained and clean. One has the impression that Franco, the resident ranger, takes a pride in his camp and makes sure all is shipshape. The waterhole at Grootkolk is quite close by and while we were there the other guests were particularly quiet and seemed very knowledgeable about the game and birdlife.

Altogether a good place to visit despite the distances involved." See all these reviews: 16n in South Africa

"Grootkolk is situated in the remote north of the Kgalagadi and certainly generates a feeling of wilderness. On our way into the camp on the first evening of our two night stay we probably had the best sighting of our trip when we encountered a small pride of lions walking along the side of the road. It's not often that you encounter lions not at rest and it was great to see them on the move with the young ones playing together as they progressed.

The chalets are of the sandbag base, canvass upper variety and are clean and well appointed with all you need for self catering. Wildlife seems abundant in the area with plenty of visitors to the waterhole, which is quite close to the chalets. Unfortunately we missed a visiting brown hyena as were in bed very early after a long days drive.

We did have a fair bit of wildlife in the chalet, with visitors including a very cute tree mouse and a large gecko. It did get us thinking about what other, less friendly, creatures could gain access to our abode and you could see various attempts at blocking entrance routes around the chalet. Perhaps the infrastructure of the camp is showing its age a bit." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 8n in South Africa

"We enjoyed our stay and this area is not rich in game but that said we had a very enjoyable lion sighting !" See all these reviews: 14n in South Africa

"Truely an extraordinary Wilderness Camp. Perfect setting close to waterhole.

Animals very close... Not a problem if you behave wisely. Look before you leave the ground. Perfect place to relax and enjoy the wildlife.

Fair kitchen, room and bathroom. Everything you need, no more. Use 2-3 days here.

We only spent one day and moved on to Gharagab." See all these reviews: 10n in South Africa

"The drive up on R360 to Grootkolk is quite extensive ( > 8-10hrs) along the Nossob river bed. The road itself is easy to be driven with some severe corrugation on some parts. One must stop at Nossob Rest Camp for checking-in to Grootkolk and Gharagab Wilderness Camp, although it seems that one can check-in for the next camp at the time of check-out of the previous.

An early start is essential (as soon as the gates open) for game viewing, which is productive until 10-11 AM maximum. After that, the heat can be extreme and animals are all hiding in the shade. By experience it is worth arriving early at the destination camp and decide weather or not go for a afternoon drive in the vicinity of the camp.

During the drive itself we saw plenty of wildlife early in the morning. The waterholes North of Nossob apparently were more productive, specially, Cubit Quap (raptors) and Polentswa (raptors, and carnivores - Lion). The drive between Polentswa and Grootkolk, was rewarding . The amount of mice on the road, actively feeding on late afternoon, would predict the eventual sighting of Wild African Cat and Cape Fox which actually occurred. This, just by itself, was the highlight of our drive to Grootkolk.

Unfortunately, we arrived to late at Grootkolk, just in time to settle in our cabins and watch the sunset and listening to the profusion of barking geckos. The night itself was rich in sounds ( lion roar, Hyenas, jackals etc..).The Grootkolk Camp is well located next to a waterhole where some action apparently occurs. On the previous night to our visit (confirmed by a visitor we met at Twee Rivieren and by the guard himself) there were some lionesses and cubs playing around the camp and leopard on the waterhole. We could confirm the tracks left behind.

The cabins are well located with good views to the waterhole. They were clean, and all the appliances ( fridge, stove etc...) in good working condition. The guard was helpfull. We feel that a one night stay at this camp is too short. A minimum of two nights is required.

A final word for the Nossob camp. People at reception were helpful and efficient.The shop although simple and basic was efficiently supplied with the basic (water, bread, etc...)." See all these reviews: 14n in South Africa

"A truly wonderful camp! If you only stay at one Wilderness Camp during your trip - make it this one! We weren't sure what to expect from the Wilderness Camps - but Grootkolk is very special. The accommodation is excellent - very well presented, with very good, basic, kitchen facilities (open air!).

The "Wilderness" element is immediately apparent, as there is nothing between you and the wildlife but a very low fence - and on our second night, when we came into camp, a young (3 or 4 years old perhaps) male lion was lying underneath the tree at the waterhole - directly in front of our tent! It makes cooking your dinner much more interesting, when in the company of a lion!!!

Grootkolk has a a lovely atmosphere - and we enjoyed coming back after an early morning drive for lunch and a siesta, sat on the veranda watching the Hartebeast, Kudu, Gemsbok, Springbok, Jackals and a multitude of birds come and go to the Waterhole.

The only criticism we would have is with the "floodlighting" on the waterhole - which is only on for an hour each night. So, if you can, take a very powerful torch/spotlight to extend the evening viewing. If we return to the Kgalagadi (and I feel sure that we will one day) I would like to stay longer at this camp." See all these reviews: 11n in South Africa

"Nicely located but looking its age compared with the other camps. They have a problem with bees, which are attracted to water so in this respect the outside food preparation area is not ideal. The camp attendant was not sympathetic to this.

There is a waterhole but it wasn't floodlit, which was disappointing, especially as there was game around. It has the advantage of being very close to the main park road, so is very accessible compared with Gharagab." See all these reviews: 7n in South Africa