Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park South Africa Travel Guide
Dorm-style accommodations are not present within the park. The lowest budget option is camping at the main rest camps.
These are common accommodation types and are managed by South African National Parks.
These are the largest and most developed camps. They include campsites and equipped cottages/chalets. Units feature kitchens, bathrooms, and braai (BBQ) facilities. Main camps also have basic shops, fuel, and swimming pools.
These camps create a rustic, exclusive, and intimate experience for 2-4 people. They have no shops, fuel, or restaurants. A 4x4 vehicle is often part of access. Guests bring all supplies.
Similar to SANParks main camps but generally more basic. Managed by Botswana's Department of Wildlife and National Parks, with separate booking procedures. A more rugged experience.
Luxury private lodges are on concessions within or bordering the park (e.g., !Xaus Lodge). These typically include all-inclusive packages: lodging, meals, and guided game drives.
Vacation rentals or apartment-style options outside of official SANParks chalets or private lodges are not available within the park. Accommodation stays within designated camps or lodges.
Homestay options are not generally available within the park. !Xaus Lodge indirectly supports community-based tourism through its ownership.
Kgalagadi's lodging options offer experiences deeply tied to the park's wilderness.
Vacation rentals or apartment-style options beyond official SANParks chalets or private lodges are not available within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park itself. Lodging choices confine visitors to designated camps or lodges.
Homestay options are not generally available within the park. However, !Xaus Lodge indirectly supports community-based tourism through its ownership, creating a connection.
Camping has a popular and budget-friendly way to experience the wild spaces.
Always carry extra water, especially when venturing on longer routes within the park.
Always stay within fenced areas at camps due to dangerous wildlife outside.
Cell phone reception is limited or non-existent in much of the park's expanse.
Securing accommodation in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a consideration, given its popularity and limited capacity.
SANParks accommodation, notably the popular wilderness camps and chalets at the main camps, experience high demand.
Private lodges can be booked directly through their official websites or via reputable safari tour operators who specialize in Southern African safaris.
Bookings for the Botswana side camps are typically made through approved tour operators specializing in Botswana safaris.
Walk-in rates are not applicable for SANParks or Botswana DWNP camps; rates are fixed and non-negotiable.
If your desired camp or dates are fully booked, try adjusting your dates slightly or checking for cancellations closer to your travel time, though this is not guaranteed.
A SANParks Wild Card can cover conservation fees for frequent visitors, potentially simplifying payments.
SANParks rates are generally fixed for a specific financial year. Private lodges may have distinct high-season and low-season rates, with high-season (peak winter) rates being considerably more expensive.
Booking far in advance is highly suggested if you have specific dates or camps in mind, especially for wilderness camps.
Camping at Twee Rivieren, Nossob, or Mata Mata. These offer the most affordable way to experience the park with designated sites, shared ablution blocks, and often power points.
Equipped Cottages/Chalets at Twee Rivieren, Nossob, or Mata Mata. These units deliver comfortable self-catering accommodation with private bathrooms and kitchens.
Urikaruus, Grootkolk Wilderness Camps (SANParks). These camps create an incredibly exclusive and intimate experience, often overlooking private waterholes.
!Xaus Lodge. A unique private lodge within the park, it delivers a full-service, all-inclusive luxury safari experience with guided game drives and cultural immersion.
Main Camps (Twee Rivieren, Nossob, Mata Mata) are the best choice for families. They include larger family cottages and bungalows, swimming pools, and basic amenities like shops and fuel.
Solo travelers find campsites or smaller chalets at main camps suitable, offering security and a base. For longer visits, consider rotating between camps to experience different park areas.
This lodge stands out for its deep cultural significance. It is managed in partnership with the local Khomani San and Mier communities.
Staying here has a safari alongside an unique opportunity for cultural immersion, including bush walks led by San guides.
Guests learn about ancient traditions and the San community's knowledge of the desert environment.
