Suricate Kalahari Tented Camp: Our full report
Suricate Kalahari Tented Camp is located in the 100km² Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve in the Namibian Kalahari.
Despite its proximity to the road, it has its own waterhole, which is a real plus for the camp, and feels relatively in touch with the wilderness environment.Suricate has a more rustic bushcamp feel than the other properties on the reserve, Zebra Kalahari Lodge and Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge, Although we have never stayed here, we have visited several times over the years, most recently in May 2018.
Unlike its sister properties, Suricate Kalahari Tented Camp has, as the name suggests, 12 tented rooms, including a larger honeymoon suite, which also has its own private pool. All are accessed from a big wooden deck with a table and chairs that face the plains and the small waterhole. Double or twin beds with mosquito nets benefit from the view, too, and you’ll also find tea and coffee facilities, a minibar, fan and hairdryer – along with fluffy white towels in the en-suite bathroom.
The main area at Suricate features a long communal dining table with a bar at one end and a small lounge with a fireplace at the other. Walking through, you emerge onto an expansive deck with more tables and chairs where dinner can be enjoyed on warmer evenings. There's a firepit here, too, where guests gather for pre- or after-dinner drinks, and in front are a beautiful infinity pool and a boma filled with loungers and chairs.
Activities from Suricate Kalahari Tented Camp are similar to those at its sister properties: afternoon game drives in search of the desert-adapted species that call the reserve home (but don’t come expecting to see the big five), and sundowner drives or walks to a dune for a cool drink. Guests may also opt to participate in quadbiking or have a treatment or massage at Zebra Kalahari Lodge. (NB: It's essential that you read the Quadbike warning in the 'Health & Safety' section below for our comments on insurance issues regarding this activity.)
Geographics
- Location
- Southern Namibia, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- 1-2 nights
- Directions
- Suricate Kalahari Camp is on the Intu Afrika reserve west of Kalkrand, in the Namibian Kalahari.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- We have not eaten at Suricate but we understand that breakfast here is served as a buffet, whereas dinner is a set menu served around a large communal table. A light lunch set menu is also available.
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No
- Drinks included
- No drinks are included, these cost extra.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Suricate Kalahari Tented Camp.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- Suricate is a relatively small, intimate camp and we don’t think that the atmosphere here lends itself to having young children in camp.
- Notes
- With high drop offs, an unfenced pool and the potential for wildlife in camp, children need adult supervision at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back-up generator in case of a power failure.
- Communications
- There is sporadic mobile reception here and WiFi is available in the main areas.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- There is hot and cold running water and a flush toilet in each room.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is in Mariental 76km away.
Quadbike warning: Quadbiking is sometimes available as an activity from Suricate Kalahari Tented Camp. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it's vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quadbike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings; check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike. - Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There is a guarded gate at the entrance to Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve.
- Fire safety
- A fire extinguishers is found in each room.
Activities
4WD Safari
Cultural excursion
Quad-biking
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
- Money
- Every room is fitted with a safe.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as well as cash in Namibian dollars, South African rand, US dollars and euros.
Other lodges in Southern Namibia
Alternative places to stay in this same area.