Kalahari Cliffs Camp

Kalahari Cliffs is the name of a magnificent stretch of rocky mountainsides with a 1km river frontage on the edge of the red desert. It is about 7km from Kakamas on the N14 national road from Upington to the West Coast and only 35km from Augrabies Falls.

On the farm are the ruins of the 1914-15 forts built by Boer rebels  and Namibian Germans opposing South Africa’s entry into World War 1 on the side of the British. The so-called Maritz “tickey rebellion” was finally suppressed in this area.

Also on the property are the historic “water tunnels” which are regarded as national heritage. Dug by Cornish miners more than 100 years ago, the tunnels carry the irrigation furrow from a major weir upstream through the mountains to the vineyards below.

Kalahari Cliffs is a portion of the old farm called Baviaanskranz (Baboon Cliffs). The distinctive red granite on the farm gives its name to a class of the rock called Baviaanskranz granite. Just upstream of us is the Neus Gorge, and this provides a great half-day run through an amazing

We have a few vineyards at the base camp itself, so pop in during February! It’s a short drive in and soon you are breathing the fine air slightly scented by the musty reeds flanking the Orange below. Tents are set with spectacular views of the river and surrounding country. There is a beautiful grassy patch for campers and caravaners, and another rustic campsite set in the hills looking towards Neus gorge. Take a dip in the river or walk along the irrigation canal which winds through the hills.

From base, we may venture out for half-day rafting and canoeing trips, or go flyfishing, mountain biking and hiking in the rugged hills. We also use this as the marshalling point for longer trips downriver. Our local representative, Craig Eksteen, runs whitewater rafting and canoeing trips on the Orange, ranging from a morning to several days. See the Orange River photo galleries. He also conducts Kalahari safaris. He can tell you about the area and point you in the direction of must-visit places like the Riemvasmaak hot springs.

• How do I get to Kalahari Cliffs ?

The turnoff is approx 6km on the tarred road to Upington, half a km past the Vergelegen Restaurant on the other side of the road. The track to the farm is suitable for any car. Go through a gate and turn sharp left, follow the road and turn left next to the palm trees. Cross the furrow and look out for the entrance to Mr Peet Viljoen’s farm. He is the current owner (we are leasing and will subdivide in order to own). I will send you his phone number by email. Go in and introduce yourself. He will show you the way and probably join you with the key to open the gate. The campsite is very comfortable with grass and trees. There is no drinking water and there are no ablutions or any other facilities. You may swim in the canal or in the river. Walk up to the top of the mountain behind for spectacular views of the river and surrounding country. Visit Riemvasmaak – a day trip which does require a fairly rugged vehicle.