Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park wilderness camp closes for annual maintenance

update (07 August 2026): The annual maintenance work at Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp has been successfully completed. Bookings reopen from tomorrow, 08 August 2026. 

Travellers planning a visit to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park should note that South African National Parks (SANParks) has temporarily closed Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp for its annual maintenance programme. The camp will remain closed from 21 July to 09 August 2026 and is scheduled to welcome guests again from 10 August 2026.

While the temporary closure may require some visitors to adjust their itineraries, routine maintenance is an important part of keeping the park's wilderness camps in good condition and ensuring they continue to offer a safe and comfortable stay.

About Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp

Kieliekrankie is one of Kgalagadi's most sought-after wilderness camps. Perched on top of a red Kalahari dune around 50 km from Twee Rivieren Rest Camp, it consists of just a handful of elevated, self-catering cabins connected by wooden boardwalks.

The camp is renowned for its sweeping views over the Kalahari, spectacular sunsets and exceptional stargazing. With no shops, restaurants or fuel available, guests need to arrive fully self-sufficient, making Kieliekrankie a favourite among travellers looking for a quieter, more immersive wilderness experience away from the larger rest camps.

Wildlife such as gemsbok, springbok, ostrich, black-backed jackals and birds of prey are regularly seen in the surrounding area, while lions and cheetahs are occasional highlights for lucky visitors.

Planning your visit

If your stay at Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp falls within the maintenance period, you'll need to make alternative accommodation arrangements. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park offers several other rest camps and wilderness camps, although availability can be limited, particularly during the popular dry winter season.

Travellers planning visits from 10 August 2026 onwards can expect Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp to be operating as normal once the maintenance work has been completed.

As always, it's worth checking the latest accommodation status before travelling, especially if you're visiting during peak season or have bookings at one of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park's smaller wilderness camps.

 

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: SANParks announces maintenance at Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp! [update]

update (27 October 2025): SANParks has announced that the much-needed maintenance at Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has been successfully completed. The camp is now open and ready to welcome guests once again. 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that essential maintenance and upgrades will be carried out at Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park from 07 October to 27 October 2025. The work is part of SANParks’ ongoing infrastructure improvement programme aimed at maintaining the high standards of visitor comfort and safety across all its facilities.
During this period, (minor) disruptions may occur as contractors complete necessary repairs and upgrades to ensure the camp remains a world-class wilderness experience.

About Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp
Perched high on a red sand dune overlooking the Kalahari’s vast arid landscape, Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp offers one of the most breathtaking views in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Located approximately 50 km south of Twee Rivieren Rest Camp, the camp is accessible only by 4x4 vehicle and provides a truly remote and tranquil escape into the desert wilderness.
The camp features four self-catering units and a dedicated dune cabin for people with limited mobility, each equipped with solar power, gas facilities, and private decks with panoramic views. A small waterhole below the camp attracts wildlife such as springbok, gemsbok, red hartebeest, and even elusive predators like leopard and cheetah, offering excellent game-viewing opportunities from the comfort of your veranda.
Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp is one of six wilderness camps in the park, each designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding dunes while minimizing environmental impact. The camp’s eco-friendly setup – relying on solar energy and natural materials – exemplifies SANParks’ commitment to sustainable tourism in fragile desert ecosystems.

 

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