Reviews of safaris to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
58 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Kgalagadi.
"My Mar 2017 trip"
"In search of Orlov,Sergei & Oleg in red dunes"
Our long awaited and thoroughly planned first trip to Kalagadi Transfontier all looked good until British Airways threw the spanner in by rescheduling our flight to depart 14hrs later than the original time. However Tracy expertly resolved the problem by booking us to SAA and we were on our way to KTP!
We had an excellent trip and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of the Kalahari.
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Website a bit too complicated - lots to digest" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 6 on a South Africa trip
"African Adventure 2016"
We only wish it could have been longer - a couple of days more at Bushman's Kloof (to take advantage of their 4 nights for the price of 3) and an extra night at Augrabies Falls. We wonder if staying inside Etosha is not for us anymore as standards do not improve - although the accommodation was fine in both Dolomite and Okaukuejo.
Thanks Tracy we had a fantastic holiday!" Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"Excellent trip"
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Very happy with the trip.
Re feedback from - a problem in that I can't preview what I wrote and I may not have changed some overall ratings from the ""excellent' default so they won't match my comments. please check this and contact me if there is a discrepancy." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"My Aug 2016 trip"
We arrived at an interesting and diverse itinerary, and all of the logistics worked well. We would thoroughly recommend a trip to the Kgalagadi, especially if you have been to Africa before and seen the usual animals, and now want something a little different in terms of the scenery and wildlife." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 15 on a South Africa trip
"Kgalagadi to Etosha roadtrip"
Kgalagadi is a magical park which generates a feeling of camaraderie among the visitors. Drivers still wave to each other like they are sharing some closely guarded secret. It would be possible to spend two weeks there, with at least three days at each camp. This would make the trip more relaxed and give more time to appreciate each area. Put in the hours in this park and you will get some fantastic sightings. There's no elephant, buffalo or rhino but it's great for birds, predators and the smaller critters. Tiny creatures can get in the chalets, although gratefully for us these were mainly the friendly, cuter end of the spectrum. Shouldn't bother most but might not be for everyone.
If you can book into a Kgalagadi widerness camp you can leave the modern world behind. Forget smartphones and the internet, at present there is no network coverage, apart from in Twee Rivieren.
If possible hire a 4x4. You don't have to but it will enhance the trip enormously. The road can be rough and the elevated driving position is great for spotting. If you can, get a double cab so you can easily stow your drinks, cool box, camera etc. For photography it's doubtful you can can beat Kgalagadi and Etosha.
The weather in late May to early June was fantastic for us, warm in the day and cool at night. It getting dry at this time of year so the waterholes in both parks are populated with small and large herds of animals. In Etosha the numbers seem astounding at times.
The timing was tricky and when our heathrow flight was delayed we could easily have missed our connection from Joburg to Upington. Luckily we traveled with hand luggage only and made it with a half hour to spare. Likewise, you probably need to stop over in Upington as we did, especially if you need to stock up before heading to Kgalagadi.
No fault of Expert Africa but it may have included just a bit too much driving. It was our choice to include Kgalagadi and Etosha. Not particularly the driving in the parks but between the two. However, this is a balancing act between time and resources and we don't regret it all." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip
"My May 2016 trip"
Giraffes were very numerous as were the opportunities for bird watching.
Assuming we return May is a great month to visit the park and the Wilderness camps remain very good value and provide a great experience." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a South Africa trip
"Perfect trip to Kgalagadi in Kalahari"
We got qualifyed and kind help from the staff. At arrival in Africa, everything went according to plans. You can get full help from Expert Africa. However, as experienced in travelling in Africa, we prepared the route on our own. Afterwards, we got good input from Expert Africa and make changes accordingly. This worked fine.
We will use Expert Africa again in the future." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip
"My Oct 2015 trip"
"Kgalagadi Oct 15 visit"
The park has much more of a local feel with the majority of visitors South Africans returning to the park each year. We saw no traffic jams of cars around sightings although I suspect during the peak period of the South African school holidays this may change. Even if you don't venture onto the 4WD routes I'd recommend a 4WD hire car as even the main roads can be very rutted.
If however you do venture down the 4WD routes to the wilderness camps particularly Gharagab it should be a great experience. We travelled in Oct and were expecting high temperatures however we appeared to hit a mini-summer with temperatures in excess of 50 C only dropping to around 30 C at night. There's nothing you can do about this other than be prepared." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip
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.
