During the pioneer years, stagecoaches transported post as well as passengers. Many guesthouses were built along the stage route, where visitors could look forward to a nourishing meal and a good night’s rest. The old post office of Askham has been restored into a comfortable guesthouse where contemporary travellers can rest and reflect on their journey.

Accommodation options are three en-suite rooms or a family cottage sleeping six people. Both options have a fully equipped kitchen, lounge, roof-fans and private braai (barbeque) facilities.

Traditional food is provided on request — try nabbas and game meat (springbok is a winter speciality). Walking and birding are favourite pastimes in this area. Not to be missed are the suricate (meerkat) burrows and rituals (to be viewed from a distance so as not to chase them all underground). Ask Johanna if she and her husband are rearing any zebra foals at present. When Open Africa visited, ‘Zebie’ the foal was wandering through the house!

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]]> 20.78050041198730469,-26.98147964477539062 Accommodation provides a bush camp with two rooms and five beds each. Each room has its own bathroom. A fully equipped lapa on premises, for ten people. The bush camp includes bedding and towels.

The guesthouse offers three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Homemade traditional food from the region is served.

The dry Kuruman River flows through the farm, lined with old Camel Thorn trees. This feature brings prolific birdlife to your front door, making the bush camp and guesthouse a birder’s paradise!

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]]> 20.37051010131835938,-26.59238052368164062 Dreghorn’s location places it within a natural setting, surrounded by the Red Dunes of the Kalahari. The lodge is situated on an old farm and is being transformed into a lodge that blends in with the natural setting, but does not neglect luxury.

Dreghorn provides accommodation for 29 people, in the form of eight comfortably decorated Cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Each room comes with an air-conditioner and a beautiful Kalahari view. Visitors can take part in other activities, like 4x4 trails and hunting, birding or game-watching.

They can also enjoy the large water cooled outdoor boma (Vulture’s Nest) with a large fire place, catering area and outdoor bar. Traditional foods can be prepared or served here on request. Dreghorn also has a restaurant and a fully-licensed bar on its premises.

Your host, SJ, will ensure that your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

 

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]]> 20.78527069091796875,-26.85850906372070312 Highly recommended by Lonely Planet, Kalahari Trails is a 3 500ha private reserve situated 35km south of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The setting is a nature-lover’s paradise. Given over exclusively to game, it offers a wide range of habitats to explore. Various accommodation options are available. All are self-catering, though typical Kalahari meals can be provided by arrangement.

The guesthouse has five rooms with two to four beds in each. Two of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms; the others share a bathroom.

Other facilities include a large lounge, communal kitchen and spacious veranda with braai (barbeque) facilities. The guesthouse is ideal for groups and has covered parking. A small shop in the guesthouse sells a variety of meats, drinks, snacks, firewood and basic foodstuffs. For those seeking privacy, a four bed chalet with fully equipped kitchen and en-suite bathroom is situated away from the guesthouse near a waterhole.

A dune side bush camp is also available with four permanent two bed tents, ablution facilities and kitchen. A sheltered campsite with ablutions block, kitchen, lapa and braai (barbeque) is located close to the guesthouse.

Guests are welcome to explore the farm on foot or in a vehicle (four wheel-drive is needed for certain areas). A variety of guided activities are also offered, such as morning walks, dune game-drives interspersed with tracking walks, spot-lit night drives, night walks (in summer) and sundowners (a game drive to a remote dune for drinks, followed by a night drive). A Bushman tracker can be arranged to take guests for a walk. Alternatively Prof Anne Rasa, owner of the reserve and a desert ecologist, will share her extensive knowledge of the dune plants and animals.

Some 40 mammal and 170 bird species have been recorded on the reserve. A small botanical garden on the property allows visitors to identify species they have seen in the wild. A large insect collection is also available for easy reference.   

The Kalahari portion of the Biota-Africa project – a chain of 1km2 plots stretching from the Western Cape in South Africa to the Okavango Delta in Namibia – is located on the farm. As a result, Anne regularly hosts a variety of visiting researchers such as geologists, socio-economists, botanists and geographers. A number of researchers involved with PhD projects reside on the farm.

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 20.37904930114746094,-26.46435928344726562 Koppieskraal is situated 45km from the Namibian border post at Rietfontein and approximately 110km from the Kgalagadi Tranfrontier Park.

Koppieskraal offers three campsites:

• Between the stone hills:  This campsite has running water with a cold shower.  This water is safe to drink;
• On a 10 000ha pan:  There are no facilities at this campsite.  The hosts will arrange for a toilet.  This site offers a braai (barbeque) facility; or
• On a hill overlooking the pan:  There are no facilities at this campsite. 

* Only one family/group per campsite is allowed.

Things to do:

• 30 minutes camel rides and overnight safaris;
• Big, open spaces for walking and hills for climbing;
• Enjoy the peace and quiet that this area offers;
• Mountain biking trails;
• Bird-watching – bird lists are available for both farms;
• Koppieskraal offers moonlight dinners on the pan – please note that pre-booking is essential;
• They also hosts small weddings; and
• Sunset snack baskets are available on request.

Self-catering accommodation:

Inkbospan:

Inkbospan is located approximately 70km from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. 

It offers two basic units without electricity.  There are batteries for the lights and a ‘donkey’ for hot water.  Each unit has two bedrooms with a lounge and kitchen.  The kitchen is fully equipped and has an indoor braai (barbeque), gas stove and fridge.  These units can accommodate four guests each.

Inkbospan farmhouse is a comfortable old house and can accommodate up to fourteen guests.  This house is fully equipped with electricity, two bathrooms and a lovely braai (barbeque) area. 

At Inkbospan all facilities are self-catering.  Meals may be booked on request and is served at Koppieskraal, which is located approximately 35km away.

Askham:

Die Kerkhuis:

This is a small, but comfortable place to spend the night.  It offers self-catering accommodation with two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen and lounge.  Meals may be served on request.  Kerkhuis can accommodate four guests.

Afrikaans translation:

Koppieskraal is 45km vanaf die Namibiese grenspos by Rietfontein en 110km vanaf die Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Koppieskraal het drie kampeerplekke:

  • Tussen die klipstapels:  Hierdie kampeerplek het lopende water met ‘n koue stort.  Die water is veilig om te drink.  Daar is ook ‘n ‘longdrop’;
  • Op ‘n 10 000ha pan:  Hierdie kampeerplek het geen fasiliteite nie.  Daar word ‘n toilet opgeslaan en daar is ‘n braaidrom;  en
  • Op ‘n kop wat uitkyk oor die pan:  Daar is geen geriewe op die kop nie.

Slegs een familie/groep per kampeerplek word toegelaat.

Dinge om te doen:

• 30 minute kameelperd-ritte en oornag safaris;
• Kameeluitdagings;
• Groot, oop ruimtes vir stap en koppies om te klim;
• Geniet die stilte wat hierdie area bied;
• Daai is baie paadjies vir bergfiets ry;
• Voëllyste van albei plase is beskikbaar;
• Koppieskraal kan maanlig-etes op die pan bedien – let asseblief dat hierdie aktiwiteit vooraf bespreek moet word;
• Hulle kan klein troues akkommodeer; en
• Skemerkelk mandjies kan vooraf bespreek word.

Selfsorg Akkommodasie:

Inkbospan:

Inkbospan is 70km vanaf die Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Daar is twee basiese eenhede sonder elektrisiteit.  Hulle het batterye vir ligte en ‘n donkie vir warm water.  Elke eenheid het twee slaapkamers met ‘n leefarea en kombuis.  Die kombuis is vol toegerus met ‘n binnebraai, gasstoof en yskas.  Vier persone per eenheid kan geakkommodeer word.

Inkbospan plaashuis is ‘n groot, gemaklike ou plaashuis en kan tot 14 gaste akkommodeer.  Die huis is vol toegerus met elektrisiteit asook twee badkamers.  Daar is ‘n lifelike buite braai area.

Op Inkbospan is alle akkommodasie selfsorg.  Etes kan bespreek word en word op Koppieskraal bedien.  Dit twee plase is 35km vanaf mekaar.

Askham:

Die Kerkhuis:

Die Kerkhuis is klein, maar ‘n gerieflike plekkie om te oornag.  Dit bied selfsorg akkommodasie met twee slaapkamers, een badkamer, ‘n kombuis en sitkamer.  Etes kan bespreek word.  Kerkhuis bied slaapplek vir vier gaste.

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 20.22430038452148438,-26.94689941406250000 Their accommodation includes a lodge that can sleep up to 36 persons; two chalets sleeping eight and two chalets sleeping four. All rooms have air-conditioners. There are also ten camping sites equipped with power points, braai (barbeque) facilities and ablution blocks.

Activities offered at Loch Broom include an echo quad route, a game watching route and 4x4 routes. At the lodge, visitors will also find entertainment in the form of a pool and relaxing activities like darts, pool, table tennis and volleyball. Visitors can also enjoy a good pillow fight or mini-volleybal.

A variety of animals roam the park and visitors can go sightseeing by foot or by using the game-viewing vehicle. Mammals that can be spotted include eland, buffalo, giraffe, springbuck, red buck, duiker, steenbuck, oryx, blesbok, rooihartbees and sabelgemsbok. The reserve is also a popular breeding place for vultures and massive collective bird nests are a common sight.

Loch Broom offers a unique experience in the Kalahari that is comfortable and luxurious, but not unaffordable!

 

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 21.06929969787597656,-27.03510093688964844  

Kalahari Farm Kitchen and Guesthouse is situated on the sheep and goat farm Uitsig (meaning ‘view’) 50km north of Upington on the road to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Accommodation is provided in a guesthouse powered by solar energy and a generator. The Farm Kitchen is a small shop where you can purchase home-made ginger beer, Riana’s famous tipsy tart, game biltong and jams (prickly pear jam is particularly popular in season). You can also buy arts and crafts such as necklaces, bows and arrows — all of which are made by San who live in the area using traditional methods and natural veld products.

Activities on the farm include birding at a natural dam (one of the largest bodies of water in the area, even in the dry season). Approximately 150 different species of birds have been spotted on the farm. Paddle skis are available for those who want a closer view of some of the water species. Picnics beside the dam are a further option (baskets are provided on request). Horse riding and mountain biking can also be arranged, and guests are welcome to walk anywhere on the farm. Lambing season is during May and June. A perennial attraction is Blessie the working sheepdog. Packaging and freezing of meat is a special service provided by the Loots family. Simply place your order for genuine Kalahari lamb on your way to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and collect it on your way back. The Loots’ will also demonstrate how to make biltong.

Visitors may be lucky enough to meet Ertjie, the tame suricate (meerkat), or glimpse the semi-domesticated gemsbok that occasionally wanders by.

 

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]]> 21.02569961547851562,-28.05970001220703125 On offer at this facility is a fully equipped self-catering chalet or two en-suite rooms with air-conditioning.

Meals are provided on request and served in the main house with a personal touch. Traditional food such as boerekos and koeksisters are specialities. Walking and birding are favourite pastimes in this quiet and safe area.

 

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]]> 20.78230094909667969,-26.98010063171386719 Visitors stay in a large guesthouse, a two bed cottage or at a campsite with ablution facilities and braai (barbeque) — all set in an oasis of green trees. Power is supplied by a generator, which is switched off at 23:00, after which candles are used. The guesthouse itself was originally a farmhouse, but after a successful claim the land was given to the local people and is now owned by the municipality. The Botts – who are from the Mier area – lease the guesthouse and facilities from the municipality.

Popular activities for visitors are walking and birding. In the rainy season (Dec–Feb), the pan behind the house sometimes fills up and becomes a haven for a number of bird species. Package deals can be arranged to include activities such as sand boarding or parasailing on the pan (towed by a 4X4), donkey cart rides, demonstrations of traditional Nama dances and camel rides on the neighbouring farm, Koppieskraal. Guests are also welcome to swim in the farm dam.

Future plans include transforming the barn into a small conference venue, and involving the local Mier people in arts and crafts. A bus service from Upington is also planned.
The hunting season is from May to August, and expeditions led by Hendrik in search of springbok or gemsbok are available on request. Hunting licences and vehicles can be arranged locally; however, firearm licences are needed.

Tours of the Mier area and the town of Philandersbron can also be arranged. Many visitors treat themselves to coffee and roosterkoek while chatting with the locals.

Food is served at the guesthouse, and traditional dishes such as tripe or lamb spitbraai can be arranged. Guests often bring their own specialised drinks as only a limited variety is available at the guesthouse. However, there is a liquor store in Philandersbron.

 

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 20.09309959411621094,-26.87509918212890625 Rooipan Guesthouse is located on the sheep farm Rooipan, named after the striking red colour of the main pan on the farm near where the original farmhouse was built.

Guests are welcome to cater for themselves, but home-cooked local food is also served in the farmhouse. True Kalahari lamb, nabbas, roosterkoek and tsama melons are well worth trying, and milktart is a speciality. Be sure to ask the Knoetze family about the history of the farm and of farming in the Kalahari.

Guests may use of the swimming pool and braai (barbeque) area, and are welcome to wander around the farm. A two-hour walking trail is a recent addition. The trail passes a former Bushmen dwelling. Ostrich eggs used to store water and presumed to be some 100 years old, were found in the area and are now on display in the farmhouse.

Stargazing is a must in the Kalahari. Other nocturnal activities include mini-expeditions led by Lizette Knoetze in search of the amazing barking gecko.

Birding is a favourite pastime in the Kalahari, but at Rooipan you won’t even have to walk very far. ‘Paul’, the tame Kori Bustard, will be pleased if you offer him some tsamma melons. Kori Bustards are the largest flying birds in Southern Africa, weighing up to 19kg. Paul prefers walking sedately through the gardens at Rooipan though, so you are sure to see him.

 

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]]> 20.77729988098144531,-27.49519920349121094 This hotel is situated in the centre of the very small, but legendry Vanzylsrus. Vanzylsrus, surrounded by the red sand dunes of the Kalahari, offers the perfect escape from the hustle an bustle of every day life.

The Vanzylsrus hotel, under its new management underwent a complete overhaul where no stone were left unturned. It now sport exceptional rooms, bar, restaurant and curio shop, selling local arts and crafts.

Vanzylsrus is one of the few, if not the last place in South Africa, with a distinct frontier feel to it.

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 22.06089973449707031,-26.88310050964355469 Loch Maree offers a fully equipped field camp with:

  • Two self-catering huts (sleeps seven guests each); and
  • A lapa (sleeps four guests) with communal kitchen, indoor- and open braai (barbeque), showers and toilets.

For those who want something more comfortable, they offer a family suite (sleeps six guests)  with excellent homecooked meals or braai's.

Explore the 1000ha game reserve and be surprised by a huge salt pan amongst the Kalahari dunes!

OpenAfrica.org

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