About this place
Grootkolk is a tiny, remote wilderness camp in the far north of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a short distance from Union's End where South Africa, Botswana and Namibia meet. Just a few desert cabins of sandbag and canvas look out over a floodlit waterhole, and the camp takes only a small number of guests, which keeps it quiet and intimate.
This is unfenced Kalahari at its most elemental. The waterhole draws game through the day, and the area is well known for its lions and other predators, so movement around camp is best kept to a minimum after dark. Gemsbok, springbok and wildebeest are common in the surrounding dunes.
There are no shops or fuel here, so guests must arrive fully self-sufficient. Solar power and a shared kitchen cover the essentials. In return you get one of the most isolated and atmospheric stays in the park, with vast skies and near-total silence.
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Availability
Any available room
2 rooms, sleeps 2 to 2
Check-in
Select date
Check-out
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October 2026
November 2026
A night is shown as unavailable only when every room is taken.
Where you'll sleep
Choose a room type. We confirm availability with SANParks once you send your dates.
Desert Cabin SC2
Communal kitchen · Own hotplate
2 guests
Sleeps up to 2 adults. Base rate covers 2 adults. Features - 2 single beds - Communal kitchen and braai area - Gas fridge / freezer - Hotplate - No additional persons allowed - No children under 12 allowed - No smoking - Provide own drinking water and firewood - Sink - Utensils - WC and shower
Desert Cabin SC2Z
Accessible unit · Own hotplate
2 guests
Sleeps up to 2 adults. Base rate covers 2 adults. Features - 2 Single beds - Accessible to mobility challenged - Gas fridge / freezer - Hotplate - No additional persons allowed - No children under 12 allowed - No smoking - Sink - Utensils - WC and shower
Nature
What lives at Grootkolk Wilderness Camp
23 animals, 97 birds and 3 trees and plants recorded here or nearby.
These are records, not promises. Wild animals and birds move, so sightings are never guaranteed.
Important information
Check-in and check-out
Check-in Time
14:00 - 18:00
Please arrange your arrival within this time window. If you need to arrive outside these hours, please contact the host in advance.
Check-out Time
By 10:00
Please ensure you check out by this time to allow for cleaning and preparation for the next guests.
Cancellation and changes50% refund 30+ days
Refund schedule
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Please note that some accommodations may have their own specific cancellation policies that differ from our standard policy. These will be clearly indicated on the accommodation's page or during the booking process.
For any questions regarding cancellations or to request a cancellation, please contact our customer support team.
Pet policyNo pets
Pet policy
Pets are not allowed
Travel insuranceInformation only
Spekboom does not advise on, recommend, or sell insurance.
For information only: Expatriate Group provides travel, health and life cover for international travellers and can generate a quote online. Any policy is arranged and managed entirely by Expatriate Group.
See travel insurance quotesSpekboom Tree (Pty) Ltd is not a financial services provider and does not provide, recommend, or arrange financial or insurance products or advice. Expatriate Group (ref 30286D) is authorised and regulated to provide any quote, advice, or policy. Spekboom introduces interested customers to Expatriate Group and may receive a commission if cover is taken out through this link.
Before you book
Payment terms
Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
Cancellation PolicyStrict
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Note: The 2.5% conservation contribution, payment processing fees, and any applicable referral commissions are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Conservation contribution fees (2.5%) support conservation and community projects in the destinations you visit. Payment processing fees are absorbed by Spekboom for completed bookings, but cannot be recovered once a booking is cancelled. Referral commissions, where applicable, are paid to the referring party upon booking confirmation.
Payout Protection: Guest payments are held until the free cancellation window passes. This protects guests who cancel within their cancellation window and ensures hosts receive guaranteed payouts after the cancellation period ends.
House rules
Guests are expected to respect the house rules of each accommodation. These rules will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Liability
Spekboom acts as an intermediary between guests and accommodation providers. While we strive to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any discrepancies or issues arising from the accommodation itself.
By making a booking through Spekboom, you agree to our Terms of Service (Version 3.5). You acknowledge that: (1) the 2.5% conservation contribution and payment processing fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation (Spekboom absorbs payment processing fees for completed bookings); (2) Spekboom acts as an intermediary platform governed by South African law. For the complete terms and conditions, please visit our full Terms of Service page.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Grootkolk Wilderness Camp located?
Grootkolk Wilderness Camp is in Northern Cape, South Africa. The map on this page shows the area.
How many guests can Grootkolk Wilderness Camp accommodate?
SC2 (DESERT CABIN) sleeps 2 and SC2Z (DESERT CABIN) sleeps 2.
How do I book Grootkolk Wilderness Camp?
Pick dates on this Spekboom page and request availability. We confirm with SANParks, they assign the unit, then you pay on Spekboom. Nearby Spekboom stays book the same way if you want to mix nights inside the park with a stay outside.
Book your stay
Request to book. Send your dates and we will confirm availability with SANParks.
Nothing is charged until the host says yes
Staying at more than one place?
Want to find out more?
Ask Dassie anything about this place or the area.