SANParks.org Forums

AFRICAT - skoonma is mother-in-law, you were right on the button

If I had to choose a camp for skoonma - would deposit her at Mata Mata while I went to Grootkolk - welcome to join us if she doesn't mind a short stroll over the dunes

billyf, thanks for suggesting Grootkolk.
AFRICAT,I agree I have gone slightly overboard by often mentioning the
very nicest,most knowledgeable,unbelievably keen and ardent lover of nature and game parks,my Leah's skoonma(my wife's mother-in-law)!!!
Even though she is 88 years young ,she brings us coffee a million hours before the gate opens to make sure we'll be on the road as soon as the
gate person gets himself clear.

Now you guys know why my planning for Kgalagadi must be sound.

Nossob for me
For all the reasons BB gave
And the roosterkoek
And the little shop
And we had a family cottage on the hill overlooking camp which was awesome

It's Kiellie Krankie for me, I know it only has 2 beds but M I L can have her own tent. Once you have herd the lions raw eggo from down that waterhole at night and a thunderstorm comes rolling over that dunes, lightning running like wild horses over them you won't want to leave, EVER.

But where ever you stay in KTP your whole family will love it.

Don't forget Kalahari Tented Camp -- also a lovely camp to stay in -- and has a pool on a raised deck. They have 2 bed and 4 bed tents

Hi all

Most of you know me as an absolute Kruger fanatic, which I am

However, we're thinking of visiting Kgalagadi next year, so hence my new topic. It looks like it's going to be a toss of the coin between either July or September next year (2010). Not negotiable unfortunately....

I know of all the knowledgable folks around here, and the willingness to share thoughs, so I'm the 'first timer' going to Kgalagadi :

Imagine you had 10 days, 9 nights to spend in Kgalagadi. WHAT would you advice me? Where should I stay? What can't I miss?

We intend to stay in Kgalagadi for 10 days, either in July or September. We want to CAMP for at least 6/7 nights. 1 or 2 days in a non camping camp will also do, just for the experience. It's just to get ideas!

I want to stay at least 4 nights in Nossob. Now, if you can help me with when, how where

LOVE to hear suggestions!! Thanks

Hoo boy, are you going to get some answers here

Camping -- would spend the first 2 nights at Twee Rivieren so you can get a feel for the park and still be close to the shop and have cell signal (Actually so you can do the last minute shopping in Upington and not have to rush )

Nossob -- at least 4 nights

That leaves you with camping at Mata Mata for 2 nights and only 1 night spare for a wilderness camp
Let's see what the others have to say

When our children were still little, we used to stay in chalets, and since Tweerivieren was the only camp with a swimming pool, it was the preferred camp for us. Now that the children are bigger (grade 6, 10, and 12) and the camping-gogga has bitten us, the order of preference definately is: (1)Nossob (lots of animal life); (2) Mata Mata (less animals but more birdlife) and only then Tweerivieren!

We have visited KTP evry year since 2000, and will keep returning. The roads have taken it's toll on our vehicles (2 broken blade springs on 2 different bakkies; a few tyres written off) but it is a small price to pay for the privilege to experience the Kalahari first hand!

We are on our way there in 2 weeks' time (first a visit to Mokala and Witsand and then a week in KTP) and have already booked for next year (Nosson 4x4 eco trail).

We can't stay away!

Regards
Francois

Gamespotter

You are going to get a few different opinions here


Ok, 9 nights...
- TR - camping
- TR - camping
- Nossob - camping
- Nossob - camping
- Nossob - camping
- Nossob - camping
- Kalahari Tented camp
- Kalahari Tented camp
- Urikaruus

But Grootkolk is great, Bitterpan is worth a visit, Kieliekrankie looks awsome.....

Well, if it was me, based on what I have planned and read on the forums so far:

1 - TR (Camping)
2 - TR (Camping)
3 - Nossob (Camping)
4 - Nossob (Camping)
5 - Nossob (Camping)
6 - Nossob (Camping)
7 - Bitterpan (Wilderness Camp - if you have a 4x4)
8 - Kalahari Tented camp
9 - Kalahari Tented camp

Whatever you decide on, you'll enjoy it either way! All the best with your decision making.

g@mespotter : Great decision I am sure you will not get disappointed.

Although never stayed in KTC or Bitterpan I am favouring Switchback's suggestion. After your 4 nights Nossob three nights in the Auob would be great. From TR you can drive both roads - provided no road closure as we experienced so with this suggestion you are coving nearly the whole park.

Happy planning

Hi all
What about Mata Mata? -it is the best camp for camping (in my humble opinion ). They are busy building there at the moment but should be completed by then! You camp right next to the waterhole and it has big trees. Unfortunately the generator from the Namibian borderpost does make some noise in the evenings.
The two riverbeds are different and you have to spend equal time on each until you decide for yourself which you prefer. (we like the Auob)
OK my 9 nights would be
2 Kieliekrankie - Not that far from TR and still in south
3 Mata Mata
4 Nossop
No sorry you going to have to go for longer!!

September is a great time in Kgal.

1-3 Nossob
4-5 Grootkolk
6-7 Nossob
8-9 Urikaruus

is my perfect 9 nighter.

Now for a sponsor....

Roiputs
Roiputs
Polentswa
Polentswa
Swartpan
Swartpan
Swartpan
Grootkolk (at last some luxury)
Twee Rivieren (again some luxury)

Would be my choice.

Ok...thanks for all the valuable input!

Now, listen to this.....

We are going as a group, maybe all together 15 together.. I only now found out that the wilderness camps only take max up to 8. This is very sad BUT also solve our problem!

This leaves us no choice, but to stick to the main camps. I want to know though, is it possible to 'visit' the smaller camps without a booking, just to check them out?

Further, I have been looking at the folowing initiary:
1. Twee Rivieren
2. Twee Rivieren
3. Nossob
4. Nossob
5. Nossob
6. Nossob
7. Mata Mata
8. Mata Mata
9. Mata Mata

Remeber, we are first timers!

What do you think? Will this give us enough time/space to get a broaf idea of the park?

Then, on our way back to Johannesburg, any suggestions where to overnight? We want to do atleast 600 km the first day back. Any sugesstions?

Ok, what is Swartpan etc? Are these on the Botswana side? How many can stay in one camp a day?

Lastly, I see more people recommend Septermber instead of July. Any supportive arguments? What is the weather and envirmoment like? Isn't it VERY dry then?