Urikaruus Wilderness Camp in Kgalagadi to Close for Vital Upgrades, Reopening Mid-September 2025
South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that the iconic Urikaruus Wilderness Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park will undergo essential maintenance from 11 August to 15 September 2025. This temporary closure aims to preserve and enhance the camp’s unique facilities, with bookings reopening from 16 September 2025, just in time for the peak dry season when wildlife viewing is at its best.
Situated along the dry Auob River, Urikaruus is widely regarded as one of the most exclusive and sought-after wilderness retreats within the Kgalagadi. The camp’s design is intimate and immersive, featuring just four elevated riverside cabins connected by wooden walkways. These unfenced cabins offer guests uninterrupted views of a private, floodlit waterhole that draws a rich variety of wildlife around the clock. Visitors frequently witness majestic lions, elusive hyenas, graceful antelope, and a vibrant array of bird species right from their decks, making it a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Geographically, Urikaruus is nestled between the Twee Rivieren and Mata Mata rest camps, approximately 72 kilometers—or about a two-hour drive—from Twee Rivieren along the scenic Auob River road. This location provides a perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. All guests must check in at Twee Rivieren, which also hosts the nearest shop and fuel station, before proceeding to the camp. While the route to Urikaruus is navigable by regular passenger vehicles, the park’s sandy and sometimes rough terrain means a high-clearance or 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended for a smoother and safer journey.
Access to the camp and its surrounding roads is strictly limited to overnight guests, ensuring a tranquil and private wilderness experience free from day visitors. This exclusivity, combined with the camp’s unique architecture and prime wildlife viewing opportunities, cements Urikaruus as a jewel in the Kgalagadi’s tourism offering.
For those planning visits during the maintenance period, SANParks suggests considering alternative accommodations within the park. Options such as Twee Rivieren Rest Camp, Grootkolk Wilderness Camp, Kalahari Tented Camp, and Bitterpan Wilderness Camp provide a range of experiences from self-catering chalets to more rustic wilderness stays. Nearby lodges like Kgalagadi Lodge and !Xaus Lodge also offer comfortable alternatives just outside the park boundaries.
Urikaruus’s scheduled maintenance aligns with SANParks’ broader commitment to maintaining and upgrading its facilities across South Africa’s national parks. Past refurbishments in other parks, such as Kruger, have demonstrated how such investments enhance visitor satisfaction by improving infrastructure, accommodation quality, and overall guest experience. While specific details of the Urikaruus upgrades have not been disclosed, travelers can expect improvements that will preserve the camp’s unique character while ensuring it meets modern standards of comfort and safety.
August and September mark a prime season for visiting the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, as the dry conditions concentrate wildlife around water sources like the Auob River. This period offers exceptional game viewing, with predators such as lions and cheetahs more visible against the sparse vegetation, alongside abundant herbivores and diverse birdlife. The camp’s floodlit waterhole is a particular highlight, providing guests with unparalleled opportunities to observe nocturnal wildlife activity in a natural setting.
Travelers should prepare for the park’s rugged environment by ensuring their vehicles are suitable for sandy and uneven roads, carrying sufficient water and supplies, and adhering to park regulations designed to protect the fragile ecosystem. The exclusivity of Urikaruus, combined with its breathtaking location and wildlife encounters, continues to make it a top choice for discerning visitors seeking an authentic Kalahari wilderness experience.
As the camp reopens in mid-September, it will once again welcome guests eager to immerse themselves in one of Africa’s most captivating wilderness destinations. The temporary closure is a timely investment in preserving the camp’s legacy and ensuring it remains a premier offering within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park’s growing tourism portfolio.
