Grootkolk Wilderness Camp: Our full report
Grootkolk Camp, like Kalahari Tented Camp and Bitterpan Camp, is a wilderness camp built within the Kgalagadi ...
... Transfrontier Park. While considerably more substantial than the restcamps within the park, these are by no means safari lodges.The 4 chalets at Grootkolk Camp are known as Desert Cabins and are made from sand bags and canvas. The chalets are a really different and exciting experience, using solar power to try and minimize the environmental impact of tourism on the spectacular Kgalagadi National Park.
There's no restaurant here; self-catering is the norm; communal kitchens and barbeque areas are available for shared use. The chalets come with all cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery and even come with linen (although consider bringing some of your own linen, especially if you have young children). It is also recommended that you bring your own water and fuel or firewood, although there is a shop for essentials at Twee Rivieren.
Grootkolk Camp has its own waterhole which is frequented by animals, so supervision of any young children is essential. However, this waterhole makes a fantastic spot to watch the game, and is easily visible from the chalets' verandas.
Note there is a 'tourism assistant' on duty at the camp at all times – but often no other staff.
As with anywhere in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the opportunities for game viewing are numerous. The park offers one of Africa's best opportunities to see cheetah, and is probably the best place in the world to see the ever-popular meerkats. However, there is an abundance of all types of game with lion, springbok, wildebeest and leopards using the park as a home.
Grootkolk Wilderness Camp is located in north-western Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, near the border of Namibia; see our Map of the Kgalagadi.
(Originally the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was composed of two parks on different sides of the border: the Gemsbok National Park was a large swathe of isolated Kalahari scrub in Botswana, whilst the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park was a South African national park, with three camps and considerable infrastructure. )
Our view
Grootkolk is a popular camp in the Kgalagadi National Park and as such tends to get fully booked up a year in advance. Forward planning is definitely needed to stand a chance of getting a cabin in this remote camp.
Country manager: South Africa
Geographics
- Location
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa
- Ideal length of stay
- The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park can't be fully appreciated with less than a 4 night stay, however, we recommend 5-7 nights. By incorporating a variety of the camps, such as Grootkolk, Kalahari Tented Camp and Bitterpan Camp, you will not be disappointed.
During your travel around the park, perhaps consider adding in one of the restcamps, further adding to the experience: Nossob,
Twee Rivieren and Mata Mata are all good. - Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Room Only
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Grootkolk Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Grootkolk Wilderness Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Health & safety
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
Other lodges in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
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.
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.
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
!Xaus Lodge
!Xaus Lodge mixes guided wildlife safaris with very good community interactions, suiting those who prefer not to drive and cater for themselves.
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.
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.
