Visitor information

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Please note that the Kalahari Meerkat Project can only be visited by researchers, Earthwatchers and film crew, and only by previous appointment. However, we encourage our visitors to combine a stay in the project with a visit to the numerous attractions in the region.

The area surrounding the Kalahari Meerkat Project is serviced by three major towns: Upington, Kuruman and Kathu. This area hosts many fabulous tourist attractions and activities including beautiful natural wonders such as the fresh water spring in Kuruman, Augrabies waterfalls, a raptor route for the bird enthusiasts, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier park with its untamed wildlife.

In addition there are many adventure sports and tours offered by a variety of companies and game lodges. All of these attractions are accompanied by luxurious but affordable accommodation and catering set against the beauty of the Kalahari desert. Details and more information can be obtained from the tourism centre of the Kalahari:  roaringkalahari.co.za and greenkalahari.co.za.

Please check out the following links for attractions in the region which can be combined with a stay in KRR:

Augrabies Falls National Park
Upington
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Kuruman Raptor Center
Namaqualand (especially in desert flower season, Jul-Sep)
and other sights of the Northern Cape

Please note that distances in the Northern Cape are huge - you wouldn't visit any of these attractions in a day trip. Please consult with the travel agent of your choice.

Getting to the Kuruman River Reserve

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There are daily flights by South African Airways through Johannesburg and Cape Town to Upington. The project site is 3 hrs by car from Upington Airport. We will arrange pick-up from the airport with you.

Note for Earthwatchers: You will be picked up at Upington Airport from the daily JNB-UTN flight, and will be brought back to Upington in time to catch the daily UTN-JNB flight.


Accommodation in Upington

Small and beautiful guesthouses:
Bain's House (highly recommended)
Nirvana Guesthouse
Le Must River Residence and Manor
La Bohème Guesthouse

Hotels:
Desert Palace
Protea Hotel and Protea Oasis

Booking agencies for other accommodation:
places.co.za
sa-venues.com
wheretostay.co.za

Birding

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Staying in Kuruman River Reserve for just a few days, you will get familiar with such spectacular birds as the Crimson-breasted Shrike, Southern Pied Babbler, Fork-tailed Drongo, or the Giant Eagle Owl. But the KRR and the Southern Kalahari in general are a true paradise for the birding enthusiast.

On a survey between February 2000 and February 2001, our birding expert Simon Davies observed 158 species of birds on the KRR farmland only, plus 64 more in Kuruman, Upington and Augrabies.

Download the full bird list here.

Health information

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We advise that you contact your physician before travels to Southern Africa.

Diseases prevalent in our region include rabies, tuberculosis, tick fever, but short-term visitors (e.g. Earthwatch volunteers, film crews) do not require vaccination. Malaria is not a problem in the Southern Kalahari, except after several consecutive wet years.

Other health hazards include snakes, scorpions and spiders. All visitors will get a security/health briefing, including reaction to snakebites and scorpion stings, after arrival in KRR. The tap water at KRR is save to drink.

Volunteers and independent researchers will receive further information after registration.