Reviews of Ta Shebube Rooiputs
Wildlife sightings and reviews
12 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Ta Shebube Rooiputs and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Ta Shebube Rooiputs review"
Cheetah
1 sighting
Giraffe
1 sighting
Oryx
10 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
"Where the BBC cannot get, there Rooiputs"
The feeling here is that we we were in the kingdom of lions. The presence of the cat was everywhere but i personally did not
Experienced what it was on the way in Tanzania : no one has a rifle or a AK47. What this people taught us is learning to ménage a coexistence with big cats and predators. Sometimes scary ( wow ) but inspiring . We did love game drives with Tab. And thank to him ( please note thank to him ) we saw a CARACAL. Mr Cistrena could film it and this video will be a strong part of our reportage for LA STAMPA Italian newspaper .
A special mention to the master chef : Mrs Patience Buno. She would be worth working in Kensington, London , because her talent is impressive." See all these reviews: 9n in South Africa
Cheetah
1 sighting
Oryx
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
"Ta Shebube Rooiputs review"
Beautiful area with unexpected scenery. Worth going to before everyone discovers it." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 6n in South Africa
"No better place to stay in the Kgalagadi"
Mercy is a very effective manager of the lodge and she is supported by staff who together form an excellent team. The game drives with Mr T or William are very good value and allow one to spend two or three hours in company with two very nice, conscientious and interesting people. The lodge is especially popular during the summer months and, unusually, because it was the depths of winter, we were fortunate to have the place to ourselves for one of the nights and were treated like royalty.
It is a wonderfully peaceful place where sleep comes easily other than when Mofofu, the lion, who spends the night just outside Mercy's room, decides to roar to attract lionesses to join him." See all these reviews: 16n in South Africa
"Great location, but needs to be cheerier"
The staff were friendly, but appear to be working under a rigid manager who generates a rather cold atmosphere." See all these reviews: 2n in South Africa
"Jeep drive very cold in winter/early spring"
Low desert temperatures plus wind made this a most arduous drive and perhaps a closed vehicle is needed for the winter and early spring months.If you go in winter bring an extremely warm jacket plus gloves and warm hat.
Raptor sightings were incredible. Accommodation was spacious with large patios.
Breakfast was not ready in time and many of us stood around waiting for coffee." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 4n in South Africa
"Luxury in Kgalagadi; its the place"
If you are already experienced in travelling in Africa, you might not need all the activities, but can use your own car. Our tour guide was OK but notreally fantastic. We have tried better expert guides elsewhere. We learned nothing from the guide, we did not already know.
Note that there is no fence around the place. Predators get very close. Look where you walk all the time. We had lions in the camp - sleeping under hut no. 3. The lodge is very exposed on the top of a dune, especially if very windy. It could be a problem but it is also part of the excitement.
In conclusion, we have tried better luxury wilderness lodges elsewhere, e.g. Etendeka Mountain Camp in Namibia, but Ta Shebube Rooiputs is the best in Kgalagadi; and its a nice place to spend 2-3 days, e.g. in the end of a trip around Kgalagadi." See all these reviews: 10n in South Africa
"Ta Shebube is just perfect"
When we were there, a pride of lions were close by and leopard tracks were seen each morning. No worries - the staff are very safety conscious and we were taken, and collected, from our chalet before and after sunset. This is the appeal - no fences !
Our guide ("BK") was very knowledgable, friendly and helpful.
The chalet was just delightful - one complete wall is a sliding glass door, so if you're not on an early morning drive you can let the Kalahari sunrise wake you up. Food was very good
If I had some very small comments for improvement they would be - (1) a signpost from the road would be nice. We just headed up a sand track towards the buildings on the dune ridge. If the buildings had not been visible from the road, we would have been a bit lost (2) mend the old Land Rover's gearbox (BK was constantly fighting to get it into 4 wheel drive) !!
Otherwise 5 Stars all round !" See all these reviews: 13n in South Africa
"Ta Shebube Rooiputs review"
A very good welcome. Accommodation is very well designed and equipped: great attention to detail. Care of us was exceptional: nothing was too much trouble. Our guide Chris was of exceptional quality and very determined.
Other staff were excellent, Martin the manager, KB the other guide we met, the waitresses including Susanah, barman, chefs and Reuben the maintenance man-without exception a cheerful attentive team. We hope the owners and management take note.
Although the lodge appears from the map to be in a less remote location our experience was that it is very, very well situated both in itself and for traversing the southern edge of the Park.
A very memorable experience." See all these reviews: 28n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa
"Ta Shebube Rooiputs review"
The lodge appears to have been designed by experienced lodge designers and seems well constructed (although it is too new to be able to judge maintenance standards). The individual chalets are comfortable and attractive. The lodge has its own private concession area although this is not large. In practice most of the wildlife is in the river valleys and there is only a little in the concession area, but the latter is scenically attractive and a change from the river valley scenery.
The lodge is nearly half an hour north of Twee Rivieren. Thus, for example, early morning game drives in the Nossob valley can start before other people get to that area. Our early morning drive with Rooiputs' ranger/guide in their vehicle was very successful and for much of the time no other vehicles were in sight.
The guide on our evening and morning game viewing drives was qualified and sound. The vehicle was a normal modification of Land Rover, open-toppped with canvas canopy. It was new and seemed in good condition.
Catering standards appear good and we enjoyed our meals. We were given very good service in general. (We were in fact the only guests on the one night we stayed there).
For midsummer heat it would be appropriate to install roof fans in the chalets and we understand that Rooiputs is considering doing this. In the meantime they provide a floor standing fan. Electricity is available for 24hrs.
More consideration is probably needed to coping with very cold mid-winter conditions. For example the only shower in each chalet is outdoors. The wall above the doors to the chalet's verandah is just mesh. We understand that Rooiputs is thinking about addressing this aspect.
The tracks to the lodge are sand tracks over the dunes and are only passable with 4 wheel drive. Clients with 2 wheel drive vehicles can leave them at Twee Rivieren and Rooiputs lodge will collect them from there. We understand that arrangements can also be made to collect clients from Upington.
Signposting to the lodge might be improved." See all these reviews: 7n in South Africa
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Other lodges in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Twee Rivieren
At the southern entrance to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Twee Rivieren Rest Camp is the park's largest restcamp and also the centre for its administration. The accommodation here is all self-catering, and arranged in almost a little village – with a restaurant, a shop, a fuel station and a swimming pool. It's a park for serious safari aficionados to spent at least four or five nights exploring – with time here at the start and/or end.
Kalahari Tented Camp
Kalahari Tented Camp, with self-catering accommodation, is an unusual and well positioned base for exploration of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier 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
The only private lodge within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park with full board and activities, !Xaus Lodge is a good base from which to explore the Kalahari.
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
Bitterpan Camp
Bitterpan Wilderness Camp, with the self-catering accommodation housed in reed and canvas chalets; it's an unusual but comfortable base from which to explore the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
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.
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
Molopo Kalahari Lodge is less than an hours' drive from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. It is probably the best base for self-driving around the Kgalagadi if the restcamps inside the park are full, or if you're arriving here 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.
