Planning a trip to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park? Two temporary facility closures you should know about

update - 31 August 2026: Maintenance at the swimming pool at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has been completed, and the pool is open again since 30 August 2026. 

If you're planning a visit to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park during August or early September 2026, there's a small but important update to keep in mind. South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced temporary maintenance closures affecting both Urikaruus Wilderness Camp and the swimming pool at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp.

The work is part of routine maintenance and should help improve facilities for future visitors.

Urikaruus Wilderness Camp closes for annual maintenance

One of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park's most sought-after wilderness camps, Urikaruus Wilderness Camp, will be closed from 10 August to 08 September 2026 for its scheduled annual maintenance.

The camp is expected to reopen on 09 September 2026.

Urikaruus Wilderness Camp is famous for its elevated cabins overlooking the Auob River, where guests can often enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing directly from their private decks. Because it offers only a limited number of units, anyone planning to stay here during the closure period should already have been contacted regarding alternative arrangements. If you're still looking to book accommodation for these dates, you'll need to consider one of Kgalagadi's other rest camps or wilderness camps instead.

Twee Rivieren swimming pool temporarily unavailable

Visitors staying at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp should also note that the camp's swimming pool will be closed from 11 August until 11 September 2026.

SANParks will carry out repairs and upgrades aimed at improving the safety and overall quality of the facility. The pool is scheduled to reopen on 12 September 2026, provided the maintenance work is completed as planned.

 

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park infrastructure update: What visitors can expect

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released a new progress update on several infrastructure projects at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, offering travellers an insight into improvements that are underway across the park. While some developments are approaching completion, others are still progressing through the planning and procurement stages.

Here's what visitors can expect.

Upgraded ablution facilities at Twee Rivieren

According to the latest update from SANParks, construction of the new ablution facilities at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp is now around 70% complete.

Once finished, the upgraded facilities should provide a more modern and comfortable experience for campers staying at the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park's busiest rest camp.

Craig Lockhart Campsite enters the final stages

The new Craig Lockhart Campsite, located near Mata Mata, is also making good progress. SANParks reports that the development is now 90% complete.

The remaining work includes the installation of the campsite's solar and gas systems. While sourcing suitably qualified contractors has caused some delays, the project appears to be entering its final phase.

When it opens, Craig Lockhart Campsite will offer another camping option for visitors exploring the western side of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, adding much-needed capacity for self-drive travellers.

Dawid Kruiper Camp remains in procurement

SANParks has also provided an update on the planned Dawid Kruiper Camp. The tender process has been completed, and the project is currently in the procurement phase before construction can begin.

No opening date has been announced, but the camp remains part of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park's longer-term infrastructure plans.

Looking ahead

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is renowned for its dramatic red dunes, excellent predator sightings and remote wilderness experience. As these projects move forward, visitors can look forward to improved facilities while the park continues to expand its accommodation and camping options.

If you're planning a future visit, it's worth keeping an eye on SANParks' infrastructure updates, particularly if you're interested in staying at the new Craig Lockhart Campsite once it opens.

 

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Infrastructure Update (April 2026): What travellers need to know

update 14 April 2026

The Bedinkt ablution and picnic site is now officially completed and open to visitors! 

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South African National Parks (SANParks) has released its latest progress report on infrastructure upgrades in the iconic Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park—and there’s good news for travellers planning a visit in 2026.

These developments are part of an ongoing effort to enhance visitor comfort, expand capacity, and improve overall service delivery in one of Southern Africa’s most remote and rewarding safari destinations.

Key infrastructure updates

 

Twee Rivieren Rest Camp: New ablution facilities (30% complete)

At Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park's main entry point, construction of a modern ablution block is well underway. Once completed, these upgraded facilities will significantly improve comfort for campers and overlanders arriving at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp.

Craig Lockhart Campsite (80% complete)

Progress at the new Craig Lockhart Campsite, located near Mata-Mata Rest Camp, is nearing completion, currently at 80%. This addition will increase camping availability in the Mata-Mata region—an area known for excellent predator sightings and quieter wilderness experiences.

For travellers, this means:

• More campsite availability during peak seasons
• A new base for exploring the Auob River valley
• Enhanced access to less crowded sections of the park

14th Borehole & Bedinkt: Picnic Sites & Ablutions

14th Borehole Picnic Site

• Ablution facilities officially opened on 7 March 2026
• Picnic tables and seating already in place
• Braai (BBQ) stands expected shortly

This site is now fully usable as a comfortable stopover point—ideal for stretching your legs on long game drives.

Bedinkt Picnic Site (90% complete)

• Final completion expected by 13 April 2026

Once finished, Bedinkt will offer another well-equipped rest stop along the Auob River, improving day-visitor logistics and self-drive flexibility.

Dawid Kruiper Camp: Tender phase

The development of Dawid Kruiper Camp is currently in the tender phase, closing on 14 April 2026. While construction has not yet begun, this project signals further long-term investment in accommodation and infrastructure within Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

What this means for travellers

These upgrades will noticeably improve the self-drive safari experience in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park:

• Better facilities: Cleaner, more modern ablutions at key camps and picnic sites
• More space: Increased campsite capacity reduces peak-season pressure
• Improved routing: Additional rest stops make long drives more comfortable and flexible
• Enhanced wilderness access: New and upgraded sites open up quieter areas of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Travel tip

If you’re planning a trip to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park between April and August 2026, expect some minor construction activity at select locations—but also benefit from newly opened or upgraded facilities, especially at 14th Borehole and soon at Bedinkt.

Bottom line

With these upgrades, South African National Parks (SANParks) continues to strike a balance between preserving the raw wilderness of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and improving comfort for modern travellers. For 2026 visitors, the experience is set to become even more seamless—without losing the park’s signature sense of isolation and adventure.

 

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Twee Rivieren Rest Camp: Construction of new ablution facility begins in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that construction of a new ablution facility has begun at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Contractors arrived on-site today, 06 October 2025, marking the start of an important infrastructure project aimed at enhancing visitor comfort and convenience.

Twee Rivieren Rest Camp is the largest rest camp and administrative headquarters of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Situated along the dry Nossob Riverbed, it serves as the main gateway to the park’s striking red dunes and expansive semi-desert wilderness. The camp blends modern amenities with the authentic atmosphere of the Kalahari, making it a popular choice for both first-time visitors and seasoned safari travellers.

Facilities at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp include a reception area, shop, fuel station, restaurant, information centre, and swimming pool, as well as the park’s Interpretation Centre, which showcases the unique wildlife, ecosystems, and cultural heritage of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

 

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Accommodation upgrades announced for Twee Rivieren Rest Camp! [update]

update (08 April 2025): The upgrading went well and is completed. The interior of some of the chalets Twee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park were upgraded during February - March 2025. 

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park management (SANParks) has announced that four accommodation units at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park are set to be upgraded. The upgrading will commence on 24 February 2025 and should be completed by 31 March 2025.

Twee Rivieren is largest rest camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and its administrative headquarters. The camp is situated on the banks of the dry Nossob riverbed. Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp and in the surrounding areas. Besides the new Interpretation Centre, Twee Rivieren Rest Camp has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.  

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Temporary swimming pool closure at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp! [update]

update (30 January 2025): The repairs to the swimming pool at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park have been completed. The swimming pool is operational again.

The management of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (SANParks) has announced a temporary closure of the swimming pool at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp for essential repairs. The pool will be out of service from 27 January 2025 to 29 January 2025, and is scheduled to reopen on 30 January 2025.

Twee Rivieren is largest rest camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and its administrative headquarters. The camp is situated on the banks of the dry Nossob riverbed. Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp and in the surrounding areas. Besides the new Interpretation Centre, Twee Rivieren Rest Camp has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.  

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Early closure of Twee Rivieren shop & restaurant on 6 December 2024!

The management of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has announced that the shop and the restaurant at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp will be closing earlier than normal on 06 December 2024. This is due to the National Park's annually Awards function:

• Twee Rivieren Shop will be open from 07:30 to 18:00 on 06 December 2024
• Twee Rivieren Restaurant will be open from 08:30 to 18:00 on 06 December 2024

Twee Rivieren is largest rest camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and its administrative headquarters. The camp is situated on the banks of the dry Nossob riverbed. Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp and in the surrounding areas. Besides the new Interpretation Centre, Twee Rivieren Rest Camp has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. 

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Twee Rivieren Rest Camp is currently running very low on ULP fuel! [update]

update (02 October 2024): The management of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has informed the public that that the fuel situation at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp has been resolved.

The management of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park yesterday (29 September 2024) announced that Twee Rivieren Rest Camp is currently running very low on ULP fuel (unleaded petrol). Travellers are advised to fill up their vehicles with unleaded fuel outside the National Park in the town of Askham, which is located about 200 km north of Upington at the junction of the R31 and the R360 roads, or at Nossob Rest Camp or Mata Mata Rest Camps inside Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The issue should be resolved by Wednesday (02 October 2024) at the latest. 

Twee Rivieren is largest rest camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and its administrative headquarters. The camp is situated on the banks of the dry Nossob riverbed. Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp and in the surrounding areas. Besides the new Interpretation Centre, Twee Rivieren Rest Camp has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: No ULP fuel currently available at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp! [update]

update (04 May 2024): The management of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has announced that unleaded fuel is available again at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp!

The management of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has announced that there is currently no ULP fuel (unleaded petrol) available at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp. Travellers are advised to fill up their vehicles with unleaded fuel outside the National Park in the town of Askham, which is located about 200 km north of Upington at the junction of the R31 and the R360 roads, or at Nossob Rest Camp or Mata Mata Rest Camps inside Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Twee Rivieren is largest rest camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and its administrative headquarters. The camp is situated on the banks of the dry Nossob riverbed. Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp and in the surrounding areas. Besides the new Interpretation Centre, Twee Rivieren Rest Camp has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

South Africa: SANParks to upgrade the pathway to the bird hide in the Twee Rivieren Rest Camp! [update #2]

update (16 April 2024): The upgrading of the walkway to the bird hide at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park complete! The walkway is now also wheelchair friendly. For pics, click here!

update (08 March 2024): The upgrading of the walkway to the bird hide at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is currently 50% complete! For pics, click here!

The South African National Parks (SANParks) Management of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has announced that it will be conducting maintenance on the pathway to the bird hide in the Twee Rivieren Rest Camp to improve accessibility and make it more disable-friendly. The maintenance is expected to take a couple of months. The bird hide was officially opened in September 2019. The entrance to the facility is in front of Twee Rivieren Rest Camp's Chalet No. 01.
Twee Rivieren is largest rest camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and its administrative headquarters. The camp is situated on the banks of the dry Nossob riverbed. Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp and in the surrounding areas. Besides the new Interpretation Centre, Twee Rivieren Rest Camp has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: No power supply at two rest camps for three days at the end of August 2023!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that Twee Rivieren Rest Camp and Nossob Rest Camp in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park will be without power for some time at the end of August 2023. This is due to the yearly maintenance of the transformers at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp and the mini substations ("minisubs") at Nossob Rest Camp. The maintenance will take place from 28 August 2023 to 31 August 2023 between 07:30 and 17:00. All related services will be affected as follows:

• 29 August 2023: Power Shut down at Nossob Rest Camp
• 30 August 2023: Power Shut down at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp
• 31 August 2023: Reception at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp will be affected

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: SANParks is launching the brand new Twee Rivieren Interpretation Centre!

The Regional Communications Manager: Arid Parks at South African National Parks (SANParks), Genevieve Maasdorp, announced in the SANParks - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park facebook group that the Twee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park will be uncharacteristically busy and somewhat noisy on 18 July 2023 from 12:00 and on 19 July 2023 between 15:00 - 16:00. SANParks launching the brand new Twee Rivieren Interpretation Centre that will add value to visitor's experience and showcase the rich culture of the ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site.
Twee Rivieren is largest rest camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and its administrative headquarters. The camp is situated on the banks of the dry Nossob riverbed. Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp and in the surrounding areas. Besides the new Interpretation Centre, Twee Rivieren Rest Camp has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Shortage of unleaded fuel at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp! [update]

update (20 February 2023): The situation has been resolved. Adequate unleaded fuel is available again.

According to a posting by Regional Communications Manager: Arid Parks at South African National Parks (SANParks), Genevieve Maasdorp, in the SANParks - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park facebook group, Twee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is currently experiencing a low shortage of unleaded fuel. Travellers are advised to fill up their vehicles with unleaded fuel in Askham or at Nossob Rest Camp or Mata Mata Rest Camps. The provider of the are aware of the shortage and it is expected that the problem will be resolved soon. We'll keep you posted!

The Twee Rivieren Rest Camp is situated on the banks of the Dry Nossob Riverbed. It has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception. The town of Askham is located about 200 km north of Upington at the junction of the R31 and the R360 roads.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: A new Interpretation Centre for the for the ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site has been opened at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp!

A new Interpretation Centre for the or the ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site has been opened at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The centre is currently open to the public from 07:00 until 18:00 every day.
Twee Rivieren is largest rest camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and its administrative headquarters. The camp is situated on the banks of the dry Nossob riverbed. Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp and in the surrounding areas. Besides the new Interpretation Centre, Twee Rivieren Rest Camp has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Swimming pool at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp to close temporarily!

The Park Management of South African National Parks' (SANParks) Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa's Northern Cape has announced that the swimming pool at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp will be temporarily closed from 11 July 2022 until 31 August 2022 due to maintenance repairs. The swimming pools at Mata-Mata Rest Camp and Nossob Rest Camp will remain open.
Twee Rivieren Rest Camp is Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park's largest rest camp and administrative headquarters. It is situated on the banks of the Dry Nossob Riverbed.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Park shops to close during the day at the end of March 2022!

According to a posting by Regional Communications Manager: Arid Parks at South African National Parks (SANParks), Genevieve Maasdorp, in the SANParks - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park facebook group, financial year end stocktaking needs to be performed at all shops in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The operating hours of the shops at Mata-Mata Rest Camp, Nossob Rest Camp and Twee Rivieren Rest Camp will therefore change between 28 March 2022 and 31 March 2022.

• Mata-Mata Rest Camp: Shop will be open from 07:30 - 09:00 and again from 15:00 - 19:00 on 28 March 2022
• Nossob Rest Camp: Shop will be open from 07:30 - 09:00 and again from 15:00 - 19:00 on 29 March 2022
• Twee Rivieren Rest Camp: Shop will be open from 15:00 - 19:00 on 31 March 2022

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Shortage of unleaded fuel at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp! [update]

update (26 January 2021): Unleaded fuel has been delivered to the Twee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the limit of only 20l per vehicle has therefore been lifted.

According to a posting by Regional Communications Manager: Arid Parks at South African National Parks (SANParks), Genevieve Maasdorp, in the SANParks - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park facebook group, unleaded fuel is currently rationed to 20l per vehicle at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. This is due to a non-delivery of unleaded fuel to the Rest Camp. Travellers are advised to fill up their vehicles with unleaded fuel at Mata Mata Rest Camp or Nossob Rest Camp. Diesel is unaffected by the shortage at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp. 

The Twee Rivieren Rest Camp is situated on the banks of the Dry Nossob Riverbed. It has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception. The town of Askham is located about 200 km north of Upington at the junction of the R31 and the R360 roads.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Shops at main rest camps to close during the day at the end of March 2019 due to stocktaking!

According to South African National Parks' (SANParks), stocktacking will commence at the shops in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park's main rest camps in March 2019. The operating hours of the shops at Mata-Mata Rest Camp, Nossob Rest Camp and Twee Rivieren Rest Camp will therefore change between 25 March 2019 and 27 March 2019.

• Mata-Mata Rest Camp: Shop will be open from 07:30 - 09:00 and again from 16:00 - 19:30 on 25 March 2019
• Nossob Rest Camp: Shop will be open from 07:30 - 09:00 and again from 16:00 - 19:30 on 26 March 2019
• Twee Rivieren Rest Camp: Shop will be open from 07:30 - 09:00 and again from 16:00 - 19:30 on 27 March 2019
  

The shops will be closed from 09:00 until 16:00 on the respective dates.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: No diesel at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp! [update]

update (12 February 2019): Diesel is available again!

According to a posting in the SANParks - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park facebook group by the Regional Communications Manager: Arid Parks at South African National Parks (SANParks), Genevieve Maasdorp, there is currently no diesel at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Visitors using Diesel vehicles are advised to fill up at the town of Askham before entering the park.



The Twee Rivieren Rest Camp is situated on the banks of the Dry Nossob Riverbed. It has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception. The town of Askham is located about 200 km north of Upington at the junction of the R31 and the R360 roads.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: No diesel at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp! [update]

update (30 November 2018): Diesel is available again at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Please note that a ratio has been implemented for Diesel at Nossob Rest Camp and Twee Rivieren Rest Camp to 40l per vehicle as Total did not deliver the full amount as was requested. We'll keep you posted!

According to a posting in the SANParks - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park facebook group by the Regional Communications Manager: Arid Parks at South African National Parks (SANParks), Genevieve Maasdorp, there is currently no diesel at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park due to delivery problems. South African National Parks (SANParks) is working on the situation and hopes to resolve it as soon as possible. We'll keep you posted!



The Twee Rivieren Rest Camp is situated on the banks of the Dry Nossob Riverbed. It has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception.