Kalahari Safaris - Desert Explorers
Kalahari Safaris - Desert Explorers
4.5
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"Kalahari Safaris - Tours & Travel to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Parts Of South Africa & Namibia. We are strategically located in Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa. All our guides have the same thing in common: Their love of the Kalahari, mixed with a generous portion of pride in their South African heritage, and a willingness to show of our beautiful country to our guests…We will share with you, the hidden secrets of the magical Kalahari. Together we will figure out the secrets of the predator tracks in the sand roads – which animal has hunted here? And after a day rich in discoveries on a unique African Safari, we will watch the sun go down over the ancient Acacia trees. UNWIND…FIND YOURSELF… AND ENJOY YOUR STAY!"
Upington, South Africa
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
100 reviews
Excellent
87
Very good
6
Average
2
Poor
3
Terrible
2
piel b
3 contributions
Jun 2021
Fantastic Kgalagadi tor with Pieter! We stayed at Garagap, and incredibly 15 lions visited us during the night, waking Pieter up. He was very apprehensive about this visit, as lions don't have hands, so they 'feel' with their teeth, this time testing our car's tires! Oh dear, minus 2 flat tires Pieter eventually scared the lions away, as we are far from Nossob 160k and even further from Upington where we can repair the tires 600km away! Pieter fixed one tire, and the next day we luckily reached Nossob, where Pieter could find a spare tire from Nossob management. At Garagab we saw in the space of one hour a female lion, brown hyena, spotted hyena, as well as the 'jackpot' - a lovely male leopard! That made our day, as leopard are really shy. To book at Garagab you must do the deed at least one year (or more) before your trip. We did a 15 day tour, I believe the longer the better! Many game drives later (we drove more than 6000 km!!!!) we were totally at peace from 'old Mother Kalahari' as Pieter calls the Kgalagadi. Pieter were up very early to prepare meals so we could depart when the gates open, I timed him, ALWAYS exactly on time (which we discussed the previous evening around our camp fire) Thanks Pieter, we look forward to our next trip soon! Best wishes, Linda, Lia, Casey, Leandie, Ron and Frank
Written 25 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveler09739931875
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Friends
Lizmarie, the managing director of Kalahari Safaris and Johan our guide and accompanier for 10 days of safari this April 2024 made our wish for visiting for the second time the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park come true.
Johan is South-African, thus his native language in English, and it was so easy to relate to us and communicate effectively.
Before our trip, which was actually scheduled the last minute, Lizmarie provided with all necessary information and logistics, well-prepared, professional and planned to ensure informed decisions.
During the trip (a group of 3) Johan proved to be an amazing host, and the whole safari was outstanding in all respects.
We tried 1 lodge inside the park and 2 different unfenced campsites for wildlife camping (he had everything packed for a ‘luxury’ camping incl. beds, tables, etc., in the trailer), to cater for our needs and desires.
He was extremely knowledgeable about all sights (carnivals, small animals, birds, etc.) in the park. He was tracking animals so we knew what was coming in our way. He got us everywhere in the park safely and responsibly, keeping us fed and taken care of at the same time. We were amazed by his knowledge of the park’s facts and figures.
The whole safari experience was an amazing one, as we saw pretty much everything that lives in Khalagadi, from lions to cheetahs, giraffes, jackals, all antelope species, birds, etc.
The whole trip was accommodated based on our needs, it was flexible enough even on sight, and reasonably priced. We highly recommend Kalahari Safaris and Johan as a truly honest and discreet guide as he really made the experience of our safari a trip we will never forget. I hope will be see each other again in another tour.
Johan is South-African, thus his native language in English, and it was so easy to relate to us and communicate effectively.
Before our trip, which was actually scheduled the last minute, Lizmarie provided with all necessary information and logistics, well-prepared, professional and planned to ensure informed decisions.
During the trip (a group of 3) Johan proved to be an amazing host, and the whole safari was outstanding in all respects.
We tried 1 lodge inside the park and 2 different unfenced campsites for wildlife camping (he had everything packed for a ‘luxury’ camping incl. beds, tables, etc., in the trailer), to cater for our needs and desires.
He was extremely knowledgeable about all sights (carnivals, small animals, birds, etc.) in the park. He was tracking animals so we knew what was coming in our way. He got us everywhere in the park safely and responsibly, keeping us fed and taken care of at the same time. We were amazed by his knowledge of the park’s facts and figures.
The whole safari experience was an amazing one, as we saw pretty much everything that lives in Khalagadi, from lions to cheetahs, giraffes, jackals, all antelope species, birds, etc.
The whole trip was accommodated based on our needs, it was flexible enough even on sight, and reasonably priced. We highly recommend Kalahari Safaris and Johan as a truly honest and discreet guide as he really made the experience of our safari a trip we will never forget. I hope will be see each other again in another tour.
Written 21 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Herbert W
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Family
Kalahari Safaris in Upington organized a 4-day tour in the Kgalagadi Transfrontierpark for us (3 adults). Johan, our driver, guide and chef, picked us up in Upington in a very comfortable Toyote Fortuner and led us through parts of the immensly large park with a lot of commitment and knowledge. Johans great commitmend and his great willingness to help contributed a lot to the sucess of the trip. The open, interesting conversations with him also helped us to learn more about South Africa.
We trully recommend KalahariSafaris. Lizmarie + Johan, thank you very much
We trully recommend KalahariSafaris. Lizmarie + Johan, thank you very much
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travels4849
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia66 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
I found via the interest a quick package to do a safari in the Kalahari via Kalahari Dafaris. Pieter was quick to respond and the booking process fairly easy. We were greeted by Johan who would be our guide driver cook and basically everything for the tour. We went to visit the Augrabies water fall which one a highlight for me. The accommodation were fine nothing fancy but nice. The temperatures in Jan are very hot so having a air conditioned room was great. The next few day were spent based out of Tween Rivieren where the accommodation are rustic and marginal. We had strange weather with huge storms which were some sight to see. The months were terrible and very pesky but Johan was a wonderful cook and guide and always made the most of it. The park was not on the caliber of Chobe or Pilensnerg but we did spot a cheetah and some lion etc.. I think you need to have more time to drive further in the park to spot more wildlife. Overall I was happy with the trip, it was interesting to see the Kalahari.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flyer58869029922
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Solo
Johan, our guide from Kalahari Safaris picked us up in Upington at 8h30 in a very comfortable Toyota Fortuner 4x4 and made us discover the most unforgettable journey into wild areas of South Africa, Botswana and Namibia : Kgalagadi Transfontier Park, Lüderitz, Fish River Canyon, Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, Namaqua National Park and Augrabies Falls National Park. From start to finish, every moment was filled with beauty and enthusiasm. Johan contributed to the success of this trip by sharing his knowledge and good mood with us. In addition, accomodations and food were up to the task.
In conclusion, this trip was an incredible adventure filled with unforgettable experiences. We highly recommend it to anyone with a passion for travel and seeking to explore the diverse beauty that Southern Africa has to offer.
Georges and Irène
In conclusion, this trip was an incredible adventure filled with unforgettable experiences. We highly recommend it to anyone with a passion for travel and seeking to explore the diverse beauty that Southern Africa has to offer.
Georges and Irène
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea
3 contributions
Sept 2020
It was a great experience. We spent 4 days in the park and had the most amazing guide, Johan. He made the experience so much better and took very good care of us.
We camped at mata mata, stayed at a chalet in KielieKrankie and a private camp at Twee Rivieren. For city folks like ourselves, camping was harsh. The camp's wonderful, but we are simply not used to it. We will definitely go back but opt for chalets only, as it requires less effort and simplifies the logistics. However, if you are a camping aficionado, please be reassured, all camping facilities are great.
In terms of animals, we saw a wide variety of them, including a cape fox, a leopard, and 2 cape cobras. If you have the opportunity to do an evening safari (open jeep) at any of the camps, our suggestion is to try your luck, you might be surprised.
We camped at mata mata, stayed at a chalet in KielieKrankie and a private camp at Twee Rivieren. For city folks like ourselves, camping was harsh. The camp's wonderful, but we are simply not used to it. We will definitely go back but opt for chalets only, as it requires less effort and simplifies the logistics. However, if you are a camping aficionado, please be reassured, all camping facilities are great.
In terms of animals, we saw a wide variety of them, including a cape fox, a leopard, and 2 cape cobras. If you have the opportunity to do an evening safari (open jeep) at any of the camps, our suggestion is to try your luck, you might be surprised.
Written 1 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
piel b
3 contributions
Sept 2021
Many thanks to Pieter Hanekom, owner of Kalahari safaris, for our lovely Kgalagadi tour! Our bookings were great, payment went fast and secure, and our trust in Pieter was confirmed by his fast and precise answers via email. The full tour went very well, the sightings we had were incredible, and Pieter's knowledge were up to date - we had the most amazing time! We stayed in lovely chalets, rustic but clean and fully equipped.Pieter made us feel at home the whole time, and hid food is great, he also tells the funniest stories we ever heard.
Thank you Pieter, we will be back next year!
Anni/Sal/Mike/George/Leon / Andrew/ Mark/Estelle/and 7 kids!
Thank you Pieter, we will be back next year!
Anni/Sal/Mike/George/Leon / Andrew/ Mark/Estelle/and 7 kids!
Written 10 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zimof1
Purrmerend624 contributions
Mar 2020
Last March we had a fantastic tour with Johan to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. We did choose Kalahari Safaris as communication with Pieter was very smooth. He did reply to our mails very fast. So we could not wait to start our tour. Johan is a very knowledgeable guide and a very pleasant person to hang around with. As we had a lot in common we talked a lot and had good laughs! Meals were tasty and Johan knows how to build a good braai :)
Written 2 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind review!
Best regards,
Pieter
Written 26 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
atravelynn
Cudahy, WI1 144 contributions
Mar 2022
Pieter worked incredibly hard to make everything a success on this special safari.
He was up early preparing breakfast so we could depart right when the gates opened, then he was driving many hours each day while putting his spotting skills to work for wildlife sightings. He made tasty lunches and suppers and then cleaned everything up, which provided me maximum time at the hides and watching wildlife around the campgrounds. I stayed in chalets at Twee Rivieren, Mata Mata, Kalahari Tented Camp, Gharagab Wilderness Camp, and Nossob.
Pieter Hanekom is knowledgeable and highly enthusiastic about all aspects of the Kgalagadi and very good company. It was an excellent 10 days in the beautiful Kgalagadi, thanks to Pieter!
He was up early preparing breakfast so we could depart right when the gates opened, then he was driving many hours each day while putting his spotting skills to work for wildlife sightings. He made tasty lunches and suppers and then cleaned everything up, which provided me maximum time at the hides and watching wildlife around the campgrounds. I stayed in chalets at Twee Rivieren, Mata Mata, Kalahari Tented Camp, Gharagab Wilderness Camp, and Nossob.
Pieter Hanekom is knowledgeable and highly enthusiastic about all aspects of the Kgalagadi and very good company. It was an excellent 10 days in the beautiful Kgalagadi, thanks to Pieter!
Written 23 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for a lovely review, we had a great time! But then its easier to do a good tour if your guest is as lovely as you are!
Thanks again!
Best regards,
Pieter
Written 5 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pamela D
Philadelphia, PA9 contributions
May 2023
We did a 10 day trip starting in the Kalahari and ending in the Eastern Cape (Makhanda) with Johan and we could not have asked for a better experience or introduction to this diverse area. Johan worked tirelessly to ensure we not only saw the wildlife (black-maned lions, cheetah, all manner of Gemsbok, Springbok, Blesbok, Steenbok, mountain Zebra to name but a few) but also enabled us to understand how they thrived in this arid landscape. We saw and learned so much in the time we spent on this tour. Johan was a superb guide, telling stories (one needs to get accustomed to his sense of humor, less you think he's serious :D), imparting knowledge and cooking amazing braai dinners-- we were treated royally on this excursion. Lizmarie (owner) orchestrated every aspect of our trip perfectly and was always available via email or text to answer any questions before and during the trip. If you're looking to visit this part of South Africa (and you should!) do not hesitate to book a tour with Kalahari Safaris. We will definitely return.
Written 22 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, do you organize also 1 day Safari or 2days and 1 night Safari? Which are the price?
Written 11 May 2019
Tsholofelo M
Johannesburg, South Africa
Hi there could you please give me more information if I want a tour for 3 people (prices, and the times).
Thanks
Written 22 February 2019
we depart any date that suits you best, and price per person Tour 3 is R8700
Regards,
Pieter
Written 26 February 2019
I would really know what a day tour to the Kglagadi Transfrontier park include from Upington.
And a tour to witsand.
Ellen Cupido
Written 22 October 2018
Hi Ellen,
We do not do day tours to Kgalagadi or Witsand, as you spend 7 hours just getting there and back, and end up doing maybe an hour or two doing game drives. So you will experience very little (if any) wildlife.
Written 23 October 2018
poplap77
London, United Kingdom
KITTYKAT is obviously a fraud and seems to make a living writing bad reviews! What a total disgrace you are - making a joke of the United kingdom!
Written 17 May 2018
KITTYKAT has been reported to the relevant staff at Tripadvisor - I believe this review is fraught with the most blatant untruths I have ever seen! I went with Kalahari safari day tours, and none of the events KITTYKAT propagates is true. I feel this review (compared to the other excellent reviews) is in bad faith and leaves a lot to be desired
Written 26 October 2018
kittykat are you being honest here? Or are you being paid for writing bad reviews?
Written 11 May 2018
coinie
Woollahra, Australia
zitavskeho: are you sure you went with Kalahari Safaris and not another company?
Written 10 May 2018
coinie
Woollahra, Australia
Are you for real? If you are too soft for Africa why don't you rather stay at home at the RITZ HOTEL?
Written 10 May 2018
p0epe
London, United Kingdom
is it legal for kittykat to write bad reviews on tripadvisor for payment?
Written 27 April 2018
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