Reviews of safaris to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
58 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Kgalagadi.
"Our May 2024 trip"
The diverse landscapes, varied accommodations, intermittent sightings of wildlife, even the experience of two punctures and the help we received….it was all wonderful.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service
I just wanted to mention how helpful the staff were at the Wilderness lounge, at the airport." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"My Apr 2024 trip"
We enjoyed the trip and especially spending 1.75 hours with a pair of lions at Craig Lockhart, who then disappeared after that sighting.
Bird sightings were down, one owl, couple of bateleur eagles, but plenty of tawny and some vultures for the first time.
I mentioned queuing to get out into the park this seemed more time consuming. The roads were not well maintained on the Nossob side, which makes driving tiring.
I wonder whether the park is too full? They are supposed to be building more picnic sights which will break up journeys. This year Auchterlonie toilets was having a refurb so out of commission. The ones at Lijersdraai urgently need an overhaul, I forgot they had no sink, as not visited since 2022." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a South Africa trip
"My Aug 2023 trip"
The Park has let go of the roads a bit hence there is more corrugation making it hard work, I raised this also with the Park Manager who blamed speeding and people not deflating their tyres. That is only half the problem, they are saving money by not grading the roads as much and as a consequence 2 wheel drive vehicles get stuck.
It is great to self drive and feed off other people's sightings, this time more so for birds in particular owls, which I had not seen in the Park last time.
Seeing two leopards close up was very special Miera and Mashubu (the fully grown cub) were their names." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a South Africa trip
"My Apr 2023 trip"
This was our third trip with Expert Africa and we are always happy with their knowledge, communication and overall services. Twice over the course of this trip, we needed to contact Tracy and thankfully we could just rang her and things were resolved.
We look forward to our next trip with Expert Africa." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 17 on a South Africa trip
"The Motse at Tswalu"
"My Aug 2022 trip"
Only minor detail that went wrong was advice to shop in Keetmanhoop before entering South Africa through the Mata Mata gate only to have nearly all our food and firewood confiscated by SA Customs." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip
"My Apr 2022 trip"
It was so exciting to see the wildlife and we were cared for throughout with professionalism, enthusiasm and kindness. We'd like to thank everyone who made this trip so good.
We had excellent advice, service and understanding in tricky circumstances from everyone. Thanks.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service
No. We had excellent advice, service and understanding in tricky circumstances from everyone. Thanks." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip
"My Mar 2022 trip"
I was very lucky to see lots of cheetahs, especially as the park had had so much rain making the grass very long/high. Due to fires giraffes had moved from their normal area. In fact it should be noted that research data often does not apply when you get there. Talk to other visitors to get up to date information.
Any rain happened overnight. It was cool in some mornings but overall was still hot during the day, late 20's to early 30's.
The roads are frequently regraded, but still some can be quite corrugated due to volume of traffic. Note that because Mata Mata has one road in and out there are less options for viewing.
Ideally travel with at least one other person to aid spotting! Driving, spotting and guessing where animals are going and trying to photograph the animals is intense.
As with any safari the longer you stay in an area the more chance to see animals. A lot of spotting is pure luck.
Really enjoyed the trip, loads of birds as well as cats. Surprised to see so many hartebeests.
South Africans are very friendly, and most wave to you as you pass." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a South Africa trip
"Outstanding trip"
We were very torn about going or delaying our trip because of Covid but in the end there were so many Covid-related perks that we are so thrilled that we went ahead.
Most important, for people who enjoy privacy, each group had their own landrover and guide. It was special to just have my husband and myself on all of the game drives. Similarly for meals one has one's own table, although one can enjoy other guests around the fire for drinks in the evening and can also request a table with others.
We can't thank Tracy enough for being so patient as we went back and forth, but also encouraging us to go. She was outstanding in every way.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
There is no way that Tracy could improve her service as it is outstanding. Thank you Tracy." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 7 on a South Africa trip
"An exciting trip to a variety of destinations"
Where to stay in Kgalagadi
Our suggestions for safari camps in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
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
Gharagab Camp
Gharagab Wilderness Camp is located in a remote corner of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which is wonderful if you like wilderness areas. However, access takes time - so it's not the best base for exploring the park.
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.
