CATEGORY:DESCRIPTION:NOTE:
Category/Style GeneralAn average campsite with most necessities in place, catering to most people.
SurfaceMostly grassMostly grassed, with occasional barren patches.
ShadeWell shadedEspecially over the campsites.
Ideal for Which Tent TypesGround/Dome tentsNot ideal for rooftop tents or very large family tents.
Caravan/RV FriendlyYesSome sites are slightly larger and can allow for a single RV or caravan.
ElectricityYesRegular 220V SA plug point, point per site – short or no extension required.
Vehicle Requirements/RestrictionsNoneYou may be happy with a little bit of clearance for the access road but it’s not critical.
Bicycle and/or Motorbike FriendlyYesMountain Biking routes on-site. Motorbikes are welcome.
Campsites Spacing/Distance to NeighboursMinimalSites are immediately adjacent. Hardly any distance between neighbours. Many sites have a separating “wall”of bamboo to allow for a modicum of privacy.
Campsite SizeVariable, approximately 30m2Perfect for 2, good for 4, tight for 6 (unless children are part of the group).
Features
Amenities/Extras
AblutionsShowers, toilets, hot waterIn fairly good condition, and clean.
Shop Items/PurchaseablesTown is about 4km away.
Type of CampersAnyMost types of campers will be comfortable.
Quiet Time EnforcementNoTown is about 4km away.
Braai/BBQ FacilitiesYes
Built-up Spaces & FeaturesBuilt shading
Access RoadsTar most of the way, some gravelThe last 2.5km to site entrance is uneven gravel, but manageable for any vehicle with some clearance.
Internal RoadsGravelInternal roads are in decent shape and almost all cars and trailers/caravans can manage.
Gate Timesn/aArrange for late arrival, if necessary, but not preferred.
Office HoursMon-Fri, 15:00 – 17:00You may reach them at other times, but these are the formal office hours.
Nearest TownKeimoes (town), Upington (city)Most things can be gotten in Keimoes, but for more unusual requirements, and COVID testing, you would need to go to Upington.
Water (Facilities & Condition)YesTaps available at sites, and bathrooms and wash-up area all offer running & hot water. Water not confirmed as potable – bring own drinking supply.
Management & UpkeepFairly goodThe manager comes around to greet on your first day. Sometimes the ablutions do require a little maintenance, but for the most part, everything works.
Open to Public and/or Day VisitorsYes
Family FriendlyYesThere are activities for kids.
Kids’ ActivitiesYesKids play area, fishing, cycling, river tubing, swimming.
Child SafetyFairly goodThe fishing dam is easily accessible and at ground level, so small children will need to be watched. There are no dangerous predators, however as with most camping, especially in the Northern Cape, one cannot rule out snakes and scorpions.
Pet FriendlyYesBy prior arrangement only.
WildlifeYes, limitedSmall mammals (e.g. mongoose), birdlife.
Fenced/UnfencedUnfencedFencing is not of import in this location.
Climate/Weather NotesHigh temperaturesHeat can be excessive in summer months.
Distance to Closest Major Attraction(s)An hour or more awayAugrabies Falls – 82 km
Kgalagadi Tr. Park – 295 km
LightingYesEach site has a light.
Swimming PoolYes
On-Site ActivitiesYes, various4×4 Trail, Walks & Trails, Fishing, Mountain Biking,
Nearby ActivitiesYes, variousNational Parks within a few hours’ drive.
Wine Tasting.
Riemvasmaak Hot Springs.
*Active* Social Media ProfilesNone of noteFacebook page is extremely infrequently active.
Websitewww.kalahariwater.co.za/
Email Addressinfo@kalahariwater.co.za
Contact Number+27 54 561 2404CELL: +27 82 495 7999
Contact PersonHéléne Karsten
Most Effective Booking MethodEmailAlso phone to confirm.
NotableDam pumpSometimes the dam pump goes on at night and this can be a disturbance.
OTHERBookings via SafariNowNot always reliable. Confirm directly with establishment.
OTHER
Kalahari Water Resort (Dam Campsites) – Keimoes, Northern Cape

General Write-Up

Kalahari Water is a staatmaker (reliable) campsite, one of the few in the Northern Cape that boasts loads of grass and shade. The bathrooms are adequate, and if people remember to switch off the lights & close the doors in the evenings, can be very comfortable (otherwise, bug city). For the most part, the ablutions and facilities are managed and well taken care of, but you may occasionally find a shower-head missing. This can be an inconvenience when the campsites are full. The owner/manager comes around to meet & greet occasionally, though not consistently. It’s a great out of the way little spot to camp on your way to Augrabies Falls, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, or to Namibia. There’s a bit of fishing to be had in their dam, around which the campsites are situated. For the most part, noise is not an issue, but they do occasionally have the dam pump switching on at night, which may disrupt your personal peace & quiet. Best to choose a campsite that’s located far from it.

We frequent Kalahari Water as a very suitable stopover for Northern Cape and Namibian trips, and can recommend it. Not a resort of the Forever Resorts calibre, but has all the basics that you need, and is definitely fine for a stop-over/midway break.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *