Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Exciting upgrades and new facilities planned by SANParks!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced several important infrastructure projects and maintenance plans that will enhance the visitor experience in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, one of Southern Africa’s most beloved wilderness destinations. From improved rest camp facilities to new picnic spots and road upgrades, travelers can look forward to even better amenities in the near future.

Twee Rivieren Rest Camp – Brand-new ablution facility
- Twee Rivieren Rest Camp: Construction of new ablution facility begins in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park! (06 October 2025) -
As part of SANParks’ ongoing Infrastructure Development Plans, construction of a brand-new ablution facility at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp is set to begin within the next few months. This modern facility will replace the existing ablution block for campers, ensuring greater comfort and convenience for visitors staying at the national park's largest rest camp and administrative headquarters. The exact start date will depend on the finalization of contractor appointments.

Craig Lockhart Campsite – progress nearing completion
The Craig Lockhart campsites, located close to Mata Mata Rest Camp, are already about 60% complete. Construction is actively progressing, and SANParks will continue to provide updates as the project moves closer to welcoming visitors.

New picnic sites at 14th Borehole & Bedinkt
Two new picnic sites are under construction at 14th Borehole and Bedinkt, further expanding the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park's visitor-friendly facilities. These rest stops will provide travellers with more opportunities to pause, relax, and enjoy the untouched beauty of the Kgalagadi.

Dawid Kruiper Camp – procurement underway
The development of the upcoming Dawid Kruiper Camp is moving forward. SANParks has confirmed that procurement processes are being finalized, and a new tender process will begin soon. Once contractors are appointed, more details about the construction timeline and facilities will be shared.

Mata Mata Road upgrades
Visitors driving between Kamqua and Mata Mata Rest Camp can expect road upgrades to commence shortly. The project will target the worst-affected road sections, making the route smoother and more accessible for travellers.

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Upgrade projects announced for Nossob Rest Camp!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that a series of upgrading projects will soon be carried out at Nossob Rest Camp, one of the most popular camps in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The improvements are scheduled to begin on 12 September 2025 and are designed to enhance both visitor comfort and overall camp facilities.
The swimming pool at Nossob Rest Camp will receive upgrades to its fence and shade structures, but guests can rest assured that the pool will remain open during the work. Additional projects include the installation of wooden latte panels between units 1 - 4 for improved privacy, new information nodes at the bird hide for a more interactive wildlife-viewing experience, and the introduction of portable potty dumping facilities at the camping site ablution block - a welcome addition for self-drive campers.

About Nossob Rest Camp
Situated deep in the heart of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Nossob Rest Camp is famous for its remote setting and outstanding wildlife encounters. The camp lies on the banks of the usually dry Nossob Riverbed and is particularly popular with visitors eager to spot predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. Birdwatchers will also find Nossob Rest Camp a delight, with the nearby bird hide offering excellent opportunities to observe raptors and smaller desert-adapted species.
Facilities at Nossob Rest Camp include a shop, fuel station, swimming pool, picnic areas, and a range of accommodation options, from self-catering chalets to campsites. The camp is also one of the few in the park with limited electricity, making it a key stopover for travelers exploring the rugged wilderness of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

With these upcoming upgrades, SANParks is continuing its commitment to improving guest experiences while maintaining the authentic wilderness character that makes Nossob Rest Camp a must-visit destination in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

 

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Temporary closure of Gharagab Wilderness Camp for maintenance! [update]

update (08 October 2025): SANParks has confirmed that the maintenance at Gharagab Wilderness Camp has been completed and that the Camp is officially open for bookings from today, 08 October 2025. 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Gharagab Wilderness Camp, one of the most remote and sought-after camps in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, will be temporarily closed from 15 September 2025 until 08 October 2025 to undergo essential maintenance. The camp is scheduled to reopen on 08 October 2025, when it will once again welcome visitors for bookings.

Located in the far northern wilderness of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, close to the border with Botswana, Gharagab Wilderness Camp is a true gem for nature lovers seeking exclusivity and solitude. The camp offers just four elevated, canvas-and-wood cabins, each with breathtaking views over the rolling dunes of the Kalahari. As a wilderness camp, Gharagab Wilderness Camp has no electricity, limited facilities, and no shops, ensuring a fully immersive and off-the-grid safari experience. Wildlife sightings are frequent, with opportunities to spot predators such as lion, leopard, and cheetah, as well as iconic desert-adapted species like gemsbok, springbok, and brown hyena.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, straddling South Africa and Botswana, is renowned for its vast red sand dunes, dramatic skies, and rich wildlife diversity. Rest Camps like Gharagab Wilderness Camp offer visitors a unique way to experience the park in an intimate setting, away from the busier main rest camps.

 

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Namibia: New sections of Dr Hage G. Geingob Freeway officially open to traffic!

The Namibian Roads Authority (RA) has confirmed that motorists can now use the newly completed sections of Phase 2A and 2B of the Dr Hage G. Geingob Freeway, formerly known as the Windhoek – Hosea Kutako International Airport Road.
The entire freeway is a 45-kilometre dual carriageway, connecting Windhoek’s Central Business District (CBD) with Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH). This makes it one of Namibia’s largest and most significant road infrastructure projects, with an estimated total cost of N$3 billion.

Key sections now open

• Section 2B: Extends from the Dordabis Interchange to Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH). This section has been fully completed and is now open to traffic, easing access for both domestic and international travellers.
• Section 2A: A 10-kilometre stretch between the Sam Nujoma Interchange and the Otjihase Interchange at Finkenstein has been opened. The RA has announced that the remaining portion of this section is expected to be completed by the end of September 2025.
• Airport Roundabout: The new roundabout connecting Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) to the freeway became operational at the end of July 2025, ensuring smoother traffic flow for passengers and logistics.

Background
The freeway was renamed the Dr Hage G. Geingob Freeway in August 2024 to honour the late President Hage Geingob, who passed away earlier that year. The renaming ceremony coincided with what would have been his 83rd birthday and highlighted his legacy in promoting infrastructure as a driver of economic growth.

Construction of the freeway began in phases:

• Phase 1 and 2 were initiated between 2016 and 2020, funded by the Namibian government.
• Phase 3 commenced in 2022, supported by a Chinese government grant and an African Development Bank loan.

When fully completed, the freeway will:

• Reduce travel time between Windhoek and Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) from around 45 minutes to just 25 minutes.
• Improve regional integration by linking Windhoek to the Trans-Kalahari Corridor, enhancing trade with South Africa and Botswana.
• Support tourism by providing faster and safer access for international visitors arriving at Namibia’s main airport.

Economic Impact
The N$3 billion investment reflects Namibia’s commitment to modernizing its transport infrastructure. According to the RA, no cost overruns have been reported, and the project is progressing within its planned budget. Once fully operational, the freeway will not only benefit travellers but also strengthen Namibia’s role as a logistics hub in southern Africa. 

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Angola: TAAG Angola Airlines delays international flight move to new Luanda airport!

TAAG Angola Airlines has officially announced a postponement of its move of all international flights from Luanda’s Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (LAD) to the brand-new Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN). The transfer, which was originally scheduled for 15 September 2025, will no longer go ahead on that date, marking yet another shift in Angola’s ambitious airport transition timeline.

Background: Angola’s new aviation gateway
Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN), located about 40 km southeast of Luanda, is set to become one of the largest and most modern aviation hubs in Africa. Designed to handle 15 million passengers annually, the facility is expected to boost Angola’s role as a strategic connector between Africa, Europe, and South America.
Originally, the Angolan government planned to complete the migration of all international flights from 01 June 2025, but that target was pushed back to October 2025 due to incomplete infrastructure and operational challenges, particularly regarding road access and logistics.

TAAG’s shift in timeline
In June 2025, TAAG Angola Airlines had reassured passengers that all its international flights - including routes to Lisbon, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lagos, Windhoek, São Tomé, and Maputo  - would be transferred to the new airport from 15 September 2025, with Brazzaville and Kinshasa already operating from AIAAN.
However, the airline has now officially postponed this transfer due to "the ongoing optimisation of operational conditions for the transfer", aligning more closely with the government’s October 2025 timeframe. No new fixed date has been announced yet.

What passengers need to know:

• Until further notice, all TAAG Angola Airlines international flights will continue to depart and arrive at Luanda’s Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (LAD).
• Travellers booked for flights after 15 September 2025 should check for updates directly with TAAG Angola Airlines.
• A new transfer date will be communicated once it is agreed with Angolan transport authorities and other stakeholders.

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Kruger National Park: SANParks announces upgrade to Mopani Rest Camp facilities!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that essential renovations will soon begin at Mopani Rest Camp in Kruger National Park. Starting next week, contractors will commence upgrades on the HSM office and the reception ablution facilities.
During the renovation period, all reception services will remain fully operational for guests and day visitors. However, visitors are kindly advised to make use of the day visitor ablution facilities for the duration of the refurbishment.

About Mopani Rest Camp
Mopani Rest Camp, located on the banks of the Pioneer Dam in the northern region of Kruger National Park, is a popular choice for travellers seeking a quieter, less-crowded safari experience. The camp is renowned for its breathtaking views of the dam, excellent birdwatching opportunities, and diverse wildlife sightings, including elephant, buffalo, hippo, and crocodile.
Accommodation at Mopani Rest Camp ranges from comfortable bungalows and luxury guesthouses to safari tents, making it suitable for both families and seasoned safari-goers. The camp also features a restaurant with sweeping dam views, a swimming pool, and well-stocked shops.

 

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Kruger National Park: Swimming pool updates from Satara & Olifants Rest Camps!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the swimming pool at Satara Rest Camp in Kruger National Park will be closed for maintenance from 16 September 2025. The pool is expected to reopen on 16 November 2025. During this period, guests are advised to plan accordingly and consider alternative activities within the park.
In contrast, the swimming pool at Olifants Rest Camp has recently completed its maintenance and is now fully operational again.

About Satara Rest Camp
Satara Rest Camp is one of the busiest and most popular camps in Kruger National Park, situated in the central region of the park. The camp is renowned for its excellent game viewing opportunities, especially for predators like lions and cheetahs, due to the open savannah terrain. Accommodations range from bungalows to campsites, catering to various preferences and budgets. The camp also offers amenities such as a shop, restaurant, and guided safari tours.

About Olifants Rest Camp
Olifants Rest Camp is perched atop a hill, providing guests with breathtaking panoramic views of the Olifants River below. The camp's elevated position makes it a prime spot for wildlife viewing, particularly elephants and other riverine species. Accommodations include bungalows and a guest house, all designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. In addition to the swimming pool, guests can enjoy a restaurant, shop, and guided safari experiences.

 

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