Elevated above the red sands of the Kalahari and suspended in time is Bitterpan an exclusive, stilted camp overlooking a waterhole.
Bitterpan is situated in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the middle of the wilderness opening up a new 4x4 route through the Kalahari dunes from Nossob to Mata-Mata and the Kalahari Tent Camp. It is on a ONE-WAY route starting from Nossob.
It is approximately a 2-hour drive from Nossob to Bitterpan, while from Bitterpan to Craig Lockhart in the Auob tourist road takes another 2 hours, and thereafter 15 minutes to Mata Mata, or a 2-hour drive to Twee Rivieren.
It is strictly a 4x4 route, but large 4x4s such as Unimogs (heavy vehicle 4x4) are not allowed.
A six-metre lookout tower allows exceptional views over the pan, waterhole and across the dunes.
Guests should consider staying at Nossob before their departure for Bitterpan.
Please Note
The camp and its access road are strictly for the use of its residents only.
Visitors must supply their own firewood or charcoal.
Visitors must supply their own drinking water.
No trailers (even 4x4 trailers) will be permitted.
Visitors should be aware that there is limited driving opportunity once at the camp. Only a one-way 15 km game drive, however visitors staying longer than one night may use the escape route to Moravet to go onto the tourist routes and back.
The entrance and exit roads (and the 15 km game drive) are strictly one-way.
No fuel and no shop, nearest facilities at Nossob and Mata Mata.
NB: This camp is NOT fenced; a ranger is based at the camp at all times.
4 x 2 bed units each with a loose standing bathroom, with a shower, washbasin and toilet. The accessible unit with appropriate ablution facilities are available for visitors with mobility impairment.
There is a communal kitchen and barbecue area.
Bedding, towels and cooking and eating utensils are provided
There is gas for hot water and cooking and solar for lighting.
The walls of each unit are made of reeds and canvas, whereas the roof is a corrugated iron sheet, covered with reeds.
The camp is built on stilts with a wooden walkway adjoining the units.
Important Notice
1. Accommodation rates do not include Conservation Fees which are payable at the entrance gates.
2. Please ensure that you are familiar with the Rules & Regulations of National Parks before making a booking.
Reed Cabin (RC2): 2 single beds, 4x4 access only, no trailers allowed, Check in at Nossob Rest Camp, Communal kitchen and braai area, Gas and solar energy, Gas fridge / freezer, No additional persons allowed, No children under 12 allowed, No smoking, Separate bathroom with wc and shower, Un-fenced camp, Utensils.
Reed Cabin (RCZ2): 2 single beds, 4x4 access only, no trailers allowed, Check in at Nossob Rest Camp, Communal kitchen and braai area, Gas and solar energy, Gas fridge / freezer, No additional persons allowed, No children under 12 allowed, No smoking, Separate bathroom with wc and shower, Un-fenced camp, Unit accessible to the mobility challenged, Utensils.
- No cancellation fee will be incurred for cancellations made after payment of first deposit up to and including 46 days prior to arrival.
- Cancellation fees equal to 50% of the total reservation cost is payable in a case of cancellation made between 45 days and 30 days prior to arrival.
- Cancellation fee equal to 100% of the total reservation cost is payable in a case of a cancellation made between 29 days prior to and date of arrival
- 100% of the total cost for any non-arrival/no-shows
Reservation made within 45 days prior to arrival is payable within 24 hours from the day reservation is made.
- Conservation levy is always excluded from the booking amount and needs to be settled on arrival.
It is your responsibility to check if the reservation is correct. Should the reservation be incorrect, please contact our office immediately.
If the arrival date of the itinerary is postponed prior to or on date of arrival and then cancelled at a later stage, the fees that applied at the time of amendment will be enforced if the amount is greater than the new cancellation fees.
Cancelling or downgrading of a reservation 45 days prior to or on arrival will result in cancellation fees according to a sliding scale (based on the total reservation cost) which varies between 50% and 100%.
Should the reservation not be taken up on the arrival date the accommodation will be held until 09:00 the following day after which the reservation will be cancelled and the deposit, where applicable, forfeited.
