Reviews of safaris to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
58 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Kgalagadi.
"Once again - a perfect holiday"
I'm already thinking about our next trip." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip
"My Jun 2015 trip"
"Brilliant: a stunning holiday experience"
"One Meerkat Safari !"
Although the wildlife in the Kgalagadi was, to say the least , sparse we had a superb time. The accommodation was far better than anticipated. Very comfortable beds, good showers and more than adequate cooking facilities . The addition of a fridge in our vehicle would have made the whole experience perfect.
The driving was occasionally a little challenging and perhaps not for the faint hearted but Kgalagadi should be on the wish list for all those who love Africa and want a bit of an adventure.
Our experience with B.A. was unfortunate especially as they are one of the few airlines that go to the destinations of our choice.but that is out if the control of E.A.
We look forward to our next trips organised by E.A. - we have 2 in the pipeline!!!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a South Africa trip
"My Jan 2015 trip"
One point on timing, although the road from Upington to Twee Rivieren is tarred for the whole route, sticking to the speed limits it still takes about 2.75 hours to drive.
Visits to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park nowadays are now notably more regimented than in our earlier visit in the 1980s. However we had the impression that the organisation there was pretty good.
There were no good maps of the Transfrontier Park available in the area of the park. The only map provided in the park was a black and white A4 photocopy. The best map available to us was the coloured photocopy provided in Expert Africa's documentation.
When we left Jo'burg International airport on 31 January for our trip back to UK we were given particular warning at the check-in desk that from 1 February the airport would be being much more rigorous about baggage limits etc. We don't know whether or not this is an issue to watch." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 7 on a South Africa trip
"Great holiday. We plan to return next year"
From the Kgalagadi we travelled through Namakwaland at wildflower time. So lucky, as there are only a few weeks in the year when the desert blossoms. It is unforgettable.
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I value the fact that you allow me to book my own flights and my car hire." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a South Africa trip
"My Aug 2014 trip"
"Aug/Sept 2014 - Kgalagadi & Fish Canyon"
This was our second visit to the park and we thoroughly enjoyed our 12 nights with some great game viewing interspersed with some very quite days!
If in the region the Fish Canyon is well worth a visit for 2/3 nights. We were also very fortunate to arrive back in Springbok to witness the flowers which again was highly enjoyable.
Overall a great experience." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip
"My Apr 2014 trip"
Expert Africa did an excellent job in their seamless arrangements." Read full review: 34 nights in Africa; 10 on a Botswana safari
"Excellent trip"
If I was doing the trip again I wouldn't have stayed a night in Namtib Desert Lodge but would have put in a night at Quivertree Forest after our stay in Fish River Canyon. We stopped here for a couple of hours on our way to Luderitz, but we wished that we had more time and were able to see it at sunrise and sunset.
The driving was mostly fine in our high clearance 2WD. The only roads that caused us problems were the access track to Polentswa lodge and the D707 north of Namtib Desert Lodge where the road is basically sand for a 20km stretch. I would recommend that in future you only recommend this road for people in a 4WD and that you recommend the C13/C27 route for anyone in a 2WD. I think that even though this is longer it would be much faster as the D707 is in a pretty bad way once you get North of Namtib Desert Lodge. The scenery doesn't get really good until the C27 near the Namib Rand reserve.
We had an issue at Polentswa lodge, however, this was quickly resolved - thank you for your help with this. I would recommend that you clarify the current situation regarding night drives and other activities with the Ta Shebube lodges and update your website accordingly. We were really impressed by the quality of the Ta Shebube Rooiputs lodge - we had a great time there and saw some great animals.
I would have liked to have one or two nights on the Mata-Mata side of the national park as well as Rooiputs, as the wildlife and birds are quite different here to Rooiputs, but all the park accommodation was full so it was not possible. However, I would recommend this for future guests if the accommodation is available." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia 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.
