Meerkat Self-drive Safari: Summary
Meerkat Self-drive Safari in a nutshell
Situated at the north of the Cape, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park offers a magical wilderness experience. It is especially remote and difficult to reach, a factor which ensures a relatively exclusive safari and one which makes it a highly specialist trip.
The route features four simple, self-catered lodges within the park, concluding with a further two nights at Augrabies Falls Restcamp within Augrabies Falls National Park. The first four bases are comfortable and best suited to those whose priority is to spend time out in the park. They are well-positioned bases that offer no activities or meals, making them great for travellers who know what they’re doing and how they would like to do it.
The Kgalagadi's expansive, sweeping plains are especially good for cheetah sightings and there are large populations of both meerkat and blue wildebeest. The contrasting Kalahari dunes and fossil river valleys provide varied habitat for a range of species, and game and birdlife sightings here can be spectacular, especially early in the year, shortly after the rains.
After exploring this wild and remote park at leisure, drive south towards Augrabies Falls National Park. Here, the climate is arid and subject to large temperature fluctuations. The wildlife is impressively adapted, however, and the park is home to at least 46 mammal species as well as over 186 bird species and a variety of interesting reptiles. A range of walking and hiking routes provide a chance to stretch your legs whilst 4WD drives in your own vehicle offer ample opportunity to enjoy views of the spectacular falls.
At a glance
| Starts: | Upington International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 night | Twee Rivieren - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa | Room Only |
| 2 nights | Grootkolk Camp - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa | Room Only |
| 2 nights | Kalahari Tented Camp - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa | Room Only |
| 1 night | Kielie Krankie Camp - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa | Room Only |
| 2 nights | Augrabies Restcamp - Augrabies Falls National Park, South Africa | Room Only |
| Ends: | Upington International Airport |
Twee Rivieren
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa
Grootkolk Camp
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa
Kalahari Tented Camp
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa
Kielie Krankie Camp
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa
Augrabies Restcamp
Augrabies Falls National Park, South Africa
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Meerkat Self-drive Safari.
- Exploring the remote Kgalagadi in solitude
- A safari at your own pace in your own 4WD
- Enjoying great cheetah sightings in the Kgalagadi
- Hiking around Augrabies Falls, enjoying great views
- Sighting the endemic Broadley’s flat lizard
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Meerkat Self-drive Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Night drive
Self-guided walking
Key species to see on the Meerkat Self-drive Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Meerkat Self-drive Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
37% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
Let us help you customise your trip
Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.
Talk to an Expert
Browse this Expert Africa website, then call us. We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Other ideas for South Africa safaris
Look at these ideas in South Africa: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.
Kwandwe Self-drive Safari
3 days • 1 location • 1 country
PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
An elegantly stylish lodge that is well suited to families, Kwandwe offers a range of safari activities and the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" during exploration of the Eastern Cape.
Visiting Kwandwe
US$2,050 - US$2,810 per person
Kwandwe Self-drive Safari
3 days • 1 location • 1 country
PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
An elegantly stylish lodge that is well suited to families, Kwandwe offers a range of safari activities and the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" during exploration of the Eastern Cape.
Visiting Kwandwe
US$2,050 - US$2,810 per person
Bontebok Self-drive Safari
12 days • 5 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
This varied and great-value self-drive trip visits Cape Town, the Winelands and diverse sections of the Garden Route, staying at great places with real local character. It’s ideal for active couples and families who want to explore the Cape’s stunning locations.
Visiting Garden Route | Tsitsikamma, Garden Route | Plettenberg and 3 other areas
US$1,250 - US$1,400 per person
Waterbuck self-drive
12 days • 6 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
A classic Cape and Garden Route self-drive taken at a leisurely pace and staying in charming boutique hotels. Great food and wine paired with spectacular scenery and an exciting array of activities.
Visiting Cape Town, Winelands and 4 other areas
US$2,150 - US$2,430 per person
Cape Genet Self-drive Safari
20 days • 8 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Enjoy fine-dining in Cape Town, whale-watching in Hermanus, and a range of walking and water-based activities throughout De Hoop’s Nature Reserve, the Klein Karoo and Plettenberg. This relaxed self-driven safari concludes with stays in The Winelands and Namaqualand.
Visiting Cape Town, Hermanus and 5 other areas
US$2,630 - US$3,150 per person
Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari
12 days • 4 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Fine dining, luxurious accommodation and a wide of range of leisurely activities make this a superbly comfortable self-driven safari. Visit the cosmopolitan Cape Town, tranquil coastal retreats, stylish wine farms and spectacularly peaceful nature reserves.
Visiting Grootbos Reserve, Namaqualand and 2 other areas
US$3,260 - US$5,500 per person
Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari
20 days • 8 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Explore Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Namaqualand, amongst other memorable destinations, during this leisurely self-driven safari. Fine dining, varied activities and impressively comfortable lodges, estates and country houses await.
Visiting Cape Town, Hermanus and 5 other areas
US$3,470 - US$5,220 per person
Kwandwe Self-drive Safari
3 days • 1 location • 1 country
PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
An elegantly stylish lodge that is well suited to families, Kwandwe offers a range of safari activities and the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" during exploration of the Eastern Cape.
Visiting Kwandwe
US$2,050 - US$2,810 per person
Bat-eared Fox Fly-in Safari
3 days • 1 location • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This is an ideal first-time safari and is the perfect add-on to a holiday in Zanzibar. Nyerere National Park is one of Africa’s biggest wildlife areas and is home to an abundance of animals.
Visiting Nyerere National Park
US$2,160 - US$2,550 per person
Klipspringer Safari
8 days • 3 locations • 1 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT
An outstanding-value Zimbabwe safari exploring Victoria Falls and two contrasting locations in western Zimbabwe – Hwange and the Matobo Hills – giving you a real feel for Zimbabwe, its people and wildlife.
Visiting Matobo, Hwange and 1 other area
US$2,770 - US$3,070 per person
Other safari ideas across Africa
Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a safari that will really suit you.
Bat-eared Fox Fly-in Safari
3 days • 1 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This is an ideal first-time safari and is the perfect add-on to a holiday in Zanzibar. Nyerere National Park is one of Africa’s biggest wildlife areas and is home to an abundance of animals.
US$2,160 - US$2,550 per person
Klipspringer Safari
8 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT
An outstanding-value Zimbabwe safari exploring Victoria Falls and two contrasting locations in western Zimbabwe – Hwange and the Matobo Hills – giving you a real feel for Zimbabwe, its people and wildlife.
US$2,770 - US$3,070 per person
Suni Fly-in Safari
4 days • 1 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Experience a variety of safari activities from the comfort of a traditional tented camp overlooking a stunning stretch of the Rufiji River. Spectacular wildlife, immersive experiences and simple comforts await guests at Impala Camp.
US$2,920 - US$3,610 per person
Sable Self-drive Safari
12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A great-value southern African self-drive adventure from Namibia along the Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining other-worldly landscapes, unforgettable wildlife spectacles and rarely visited places, and ending at Victoria Falls.
US$3,050 - US$4,140 per person
Golden Weaver Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A rustic, adventurous week on safari with great community involvement that offers incredible value for money in two very different locations – the Amboseli and Maasai Mara ecosystems.
US$3,060 - US$3,060 per person
Side-striped Jackal Safari
6 days • 2 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
Get an in-depth experience of Zimbabwe’s colossal Hwange National Park, staying at two experience-focused camps with excellent guiding in contrasting areas. An adventurous safari for the real enthusiast.
US$3,120 - US$4,140 per person
Lovebird Fly-in Safari
5 days • 2 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Visit two consistently impressive wildlife destinations during this excellent-value safari in northern Tanzania. Enjoy a range of walks and cultural visits from sister camps at the Ngorongoro Crater and in the heart of the Serengeti.
US$3,440 - US$5,110 per person
Crowned Hornbill Guided Safari
6 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Explore Tanzania’s renowned northern circuit with a private guide during this 4WD safari. Stay in three well-located yet economical lodges that provide easy access to fantastic wildlife viewing and cultural visits to local communities.
US$3,780 - US$4,880 per person
Nile Monitor Safari
6 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Great-value South Luangwa safari to two sister camps: a classic safari camp for 4WD safaris by day and night and its simpler sibling: a remote, seasonal bushcamp for expert-guided walking safaris.
US$3,810 - US$4,110 per person
Wattled Crane Safari
5 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A good-value Botswana safari staying at comfortable lodges in prime wildlife-viewing areas – Chobe National Park and the Moremi Reserve in the Okavango Delta.
US$4,000 - US$6,400 per person