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I must say that I continue to be amazed at the lack of fresh veg in that part of the world. We go up and take fresh stuff with us with no probs so I fail to see why the resturant at 2R cannot access it - esp as the road to upington is now tarred.
At worst the park could put up a tunnel and grow stuff - it is really not difficult. That is why I have little time for the cabbage suprise and carrot salad options, it just reflects a lack of imagination.
That said, there is no excuse for poor service. I have worked in the restuarant industry and there is no reason for poor service at all except a lack of interest by management staff.
Anyway, we will be braving the venison pies on our first night - hope my mother in law likes them, otherwise it is back to the cabin for chees and tomato sandwiches.

@bentony:

Complaining about a restaurant in the desert, a real desert (at least for a European) is funny, somehow ... Talking about "poor service": What do you expect in the desert???

Shaking head in disbelief, walking away

Eh, Bentony has a very good point.
While it may be hard, or simply to costly or whatever to have fresh produce on the table anyday, service is local.
So a smile, bit of politeness etc can be delivered. And go a looooong way actually, for as you say, it is a desert, far from shops.
So you both have points.

2 points about the resturant at 2R
1) Yes, it is 250km to Upington but a once week trip should provide enough fresh fruit and veg that will last till the next trip. No reason why they don't do this. Alternativly have a veggie garden - all it would take is to build a couple of beds up, put up a shade cloth tunnel and there you go. Never understood why you don't see more of this in that part of the world. We live in the suburbs and grow 90% of our veggies, not to mention haveing a great deal of fruit from our garden. Sure, it's dry up there, but there are ways and means.
2) There is never an excuse for bad service, not in a desert, a jungle or the burger bar down the road. As the place hardly heaves with people they really should be able to give decent service.
I think what bugs me about the resturant is that I get the impression that the holder of the tender does the bare minimum and does not make an effort. And for me that is a no no.

Bentony - I agree tat at least once a week they can get fresh produce up from Upington - the Molopo lodge does not fare too badly, and they are only 60km closer.

I do not think you will successfully grow vegetables with the water they have though.

And finally, there is absolute no excuse for poor service - agree totally with you on your last point.

Absolutely. We had good service. Just remember the locals are shy by nature but warm to a bit of humour.

We ate there twice last August.
The food was very good (ostrich fillet, beef fillet, venison pie) and the service was just a bit slow.

Park tel: + 27 (0) 54 561 2000
Fax: + 27 (0) 54 561 2005

We arrived back at Twee Rivieren on the 26th to find that the new Reception Office was now open. It was opened that day..I am wondering if I was the first forumite to see it. If so ..what a privilege. There were still many workers around doing last minute finishing touches so I did not take too many photos.

There is now a fence across the road that we have travelled so many times into the park.



The Gemsbok have been moved and I think they looked quite chuffed with their new position...certainly the view is better.



The entrance leading into the Reception





The reception itself.



It really is lovely inside....but what really impressed me were the smiling beaming faces belonging to the staff. They were all very proud of their new surrounds.
My first impression was that it was a bit dark and cold inside but when we checked out the next day it seemed much lighter and warmer. Probably a few teething problems with the lights and air con.
One checks in and out at the new Reception but permits are handled at the old entrance gate. I believe the old Reception is going to become a Information Centre .

WOW...that went fast !
We checked out at Twee Rivieren on the tenth of June and it did not look as if it would be open for quite a while.
Thanks for sharing, Caracal Really impressive !

Hi Caracal, happy to see you back ...


Can't say I am delighted with the new thing, seems like there is a lot of concret, I would have loved wood... the old was very fine with me ...

Wow very fancy. Looks like a hotel reception. I think that it is important to work in surrounds that one is proud of as it definitely makes one feel good, efficient and proud. I am glad that the old centre will be used for something. Thanks Caracal!

all of us who went IN through the old and did not know the NEW coming back to 2R looked surprised to find a closed door. no note no nothing, until a friendly san parks employee pointed us in the direction of the NEW
We asked why they did not put on a note to explain "the move"
The answer was that those people should find out themselves as they should come over that habit. And yes indeed it was very very smart looking inside and smiles allover

This is a nice new environment and now all the activities takes place in the new building.
That includes the handling of permits. We handed permits in at the old gate one day and they informed us that they would be closing the gate that evening for permits and the rest of the time we handed in and collected it from the new office.

I like the idea that both the customs offices are now in the same building. The Botswana side keeps longer office hours. We were able to do the Botswana side when the SA side was already closed for more than 30 minutes . Also had some problems to attract the attention of the official. The office space is in the back with a partly sand-blasted decorated door between the office and the front desk. This door obscures the view between the office desk and the front desk. Jumping and shouting had no effect . Fortunately the SAPS member on duty assisted and performing got the attention of the customs official. I recommend that they install a bell at the front desk.

I have been through various Botswana border posts. The first thing that you notice is that they are friendly and highly competent in their work. The SA staff can learn a lot from them on how to deal with the public. Most SA staff has this dull expression and you get the impression that they are doing you a big favour.

Ooooh the excitement is so strong....cant even think about work...just checking and re checking our supplies...great fun
Day1 Twee Rivieren
Day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Nossob ( leave trailer 5 & 6 ) and off to
Day 5 & 6 Bitterpan to Urikariuus
Day 7 8 9 Nossob again leave trailer and off to
Day 10 Grootkalk pick up trailer
Day 11 12 13 Rooiputs
My question is can we do all of the check in for Bots and SA side on Day 1 at Twee Rivieren?
From Nossob down to Rooiputs can we do directly there?
Will appreciate any info and promise a trip report....although guys I am a terribly slow typist.
JaniceE