Welcome to Koppieskraal Kameelplaas
Wild camping in the Kalahari
Experience solitude, escape, expanse, beauty and endless nature tucked away in the Western Kalahari
Who We Are
Tucked away in the Western Kalahari in South Africa, lies a truly unique part of God’s creation. This barren and dry land is home to the only camel dairy in South Africa and serves as the inspiration of Afriqueen, our camel milk skincare range.
Farmed by the third generation of the Knoesen Family, it is also home to a Meat Master sheep herd. Birders appreciate the Verreaux’s eagles and 140 other bird species. The unusual natural scenery includes a vast clay pan as well as natural skyskrapers and rock formations. Various hiking trails are available.
Be sure to include a stay at Koppieskraal Kameelplaas as part of your next trip to the Kgalagadi National Park.
Accomodation
wild camping
Activities
Birding and Hiking
Working Farm
camels and sheep
Kgalagadi National Park
120km away
What we Offer
Farini’s Lost City
Camp between the black boulders of Farini’s Lost City of the Kalahari. Listen to the call of the dassies and enjoy the abundant birdlife.
Koppieskraal Pan
Camp on a 10 000 HA salt pan surrounded by nothing at all. Enjoy complete silence and experience an unpolluted night sky.
Farini’s Lost City
7 Reasons to unplug and camp in the Lost City
- Experience incredible off-grid camping between mysterious black boulders
- The wind, rocks & curious dassies will be your only companions
- Watch the sun set more than 20kms away while sipping on a glass of wine
- Listen to the early morning call of the dassies
- Hear the barking gecko at night
- Go for endless walks amongst the stone formations
- Expect a visit from our friendly sheep or camels
Koppieskraal Pan
7 reasons to camp on Koppieskraal Pan
- You are tired of cramped & crowded campsites
- Camp on a 10000 ha dry salt pan surrounded by nothing at all
- No walls, no vegetation, no neighbours!
- See the sun rise many kilometers away
- Experience absolute silence – no sounds other than your own
- Walk for kilometers in any direction and stay within viewing distance of your tent
- Play soccer in the moonlight
Make A Booking
Farini’s
Lost City
R400
For first 2 guests,
R200 pp for each additional guest.
No Ablutions, Electricity or Water
Koppieskraal Pan
R400
For first 2 guests,
R200 pp for each additional guest.
No Ablutions,
Electricity or Water
Koppieskraal Pan
R500
For first 2 guests.
R200 pp for each additional guest.
Basic Ablutions
No Electricity
Our Story
Koppieskraal Farm has been in the Knoesen family since 1934
In the early 1900’s, caravans of camels were used by the mounted police to patrol the greater Kalahari area. Once 4x4s replaced camels as the police ‘mounties’ transportation, they were sold to farmers in the area. The original Knoesen owner, Jannie Knoesen eagerly snapped up the opportunity to provide a sanctuary to these stately beauties. When his son, Willie Knoesen, joined him on the farm in 1977, the farm continued to flourish, with sheep farming proving to be a steady and reliable source of income.
In 2015 an endless drought prompted the family to investigate alternative sources of revenue. Willie’s son, Hans, assisted his father in the search for a solution, and stumbled across camel milk in the process. After extensive research, they soon realized the enormous potential roaming freely in their backyard, and so our camel journey kicked off. Camel Milk South Africa was established in 2016 and produces camel milk powder which is distributed nationally. The camel milk is also used in our Afriqueen skincare range. We would love to share the beauty of these majestic creatures and the land they roam with you.
Our Gallery
Feel the earth under your feet, and unplug from life. Experience the raw beauty of the sun-drenched Kalahari and make unforgettable memories at Koppieskraal Kameelplaas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which camp site should I choose?
Both the Lost City and Koppieskraal Pan are magical. If you have enough time on your trip, spend a night at each. If not, pick either one to set up camp, and visit the other for sundowners, that way you will get to experience both.
Do you offer camel rides?
No, unfortunately due to Health & Safety risks, we do not offer camel rides, but we do have an amazing Camel Experience which you can book during the school holidays.
How long does it take to reach the farm from Askham?
It takes approximately one hour if you have a vehicle with ground clearance.
Can I reach the farm in a sedan vehicle?
The last 40 kilometres to the farm is on gravel road. It is possible to do the trip in a sedan, but you will have to drive slowly.
How far is the Kgalagadi National Park from Koppieskraal Kameelplaas?
The distance is 120 kilometres. Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes drive.
Can we camp on the pan when it is wet?
Any rainfall exceeding 3 mm can change the pan into a mud bath and unsuitable for any vehicles (even 4×4) to go on to. An alternative campsite will be provided, but it may not be possible to provide a campsite with ablutions.
How far is Rietfontein Border Post?
The distance is 40 kilometres but a one hour drive.
Can we refill our water on the farm?
Yes, absolutely. Please enquire when you arrive.
Do you sell wood?
Yes, please state that you would like to order wood and we will include the price in your reservation. Cost is R100 for 25kgs.
Is there cell phone reception?
Please note there is ONLY MTN signal on most of the farm – no other networks, not even Vodacom.
Get in Touch
Enquiries:
+27 (0)73 367 6803
bookings@kameelplaas.co.za
Business Hours:
Monday to Friday
09:00 – 17:00
WEATHER WARNING: Please note that we have extreme temperatures (up to 45 degrees in summer, cold nights in winter). Check the weather prediction for wind speed. The wind gathers speed over the vast emptiness of the pan.
SPECIAL REQUEST: When driving on the pan, please stay on the dedicated tracks and try not to leave any new tracks. We endeavour to preserve the pan in it’s natural state and try to avoid at all costs creating new markings on the surface.
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Tour Includes
- Meet our beautiful camel mamas up close
- Learn all about the 100 year history of the camels on our farm
- Enjoy a tasting experience (coffee, tea to be enjoyed with a taste of fresh camel milk, savoury appetizers, Kalahari dates & camel milk ice cream)
- A visit to the Afriqueen shop – the only authentic Camel Milk Skincare range in South Africa!