WELCOME TO KALAHARI TRAILS,
MEERKAT SANCTUARY
Just 35 kilometres from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Kalahari Trails is easily reached via the tarred R360 through Askham, approximately 210 kilometres from Upington. Askham serves as the final supply point before entering the park area, offering fuel, basic groceries and dining options — a convenient and reassuring stop before heading into the wilderness.
Situated midway between established lodges near the park turn-off, Kalahari Trails lies in a quiet, low-density rural area known for its safety, minimal traffic and strong tourism presence. The property is owner-managed, with a consistent on-site presence to ensure guests are warmly welcomed and that assistance is readily available whenever needed, providing added peace of mind for international and local travellers alike.
Officially recognized by the Ministry as a Meerkat Sanctuary, Kalahari Trails is a privately owned nature reserve with a long-standing focus on conservation and ethical wildlife care. Each meerkat in our care is carefully tracked, with full photographic records documenting their lives and releases back into the wild, allowing guests to witness the ongoing impact of our sanctuary work. Guests can enjoy guided nature walks, including the opportunity to observe habituated meerkats in their natural environment, along with other low-impact activities that celebrate the unique ecology of the Kalahari.
Surrounded by red dunes, open skies and abundant wildlife, Kalahari Trails offers space, silence and a deep connection to the land. It is an ideal base for nature lovers, photographers, eco-tourists and Kgalagadi visitors seeking a secure, tranquil retreat and an authentic Kalahari experience.
Kalahari Trails evolves thoughtfully, shaped by conservation, respect for the land, and long-term stewardship. These principles were established here decades ago and continue to guide the sanctuary today. More than a place to stay, it is an ongoing journey. As the sanctuary continues to grow, so too do the opportunities to experience the Kalahari in meaningful ways, guided by local knowledge and time spent on the land. For those who are curious, there is always more to discover.
We are very excited to introduce our brand-new accommodation, Prof’s Chalet, a special tribute to my incredible mom, the legendary Prof Anne Rasa.
This newly renovated chalet is a beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home comfortably sleeps 7 guests, with 2 double beds, 1 single bed, and a bunk bed. It features a fully equipped kitchen with scullery, a spacious living area, and a lovely outdoor braai patio with stunning views of the Kalahari, making it the perfect getaway for families or friends traveling together.
To celebrate our opening, we’re offering a special rate until mid-January: only R2500 per night for the whole chalet! After that, the rate will be R3500 per night.
We’re confident that this will be a favourite for many, and we can’t wait to welcome you!
The stars were, of course, the Meerkats, along with Marli’s warmth, good humour, friendly nature and the wealth of info she shared with us.
TOTALLY WORTH STAYING HERE!!!!!!
Being up close and stroking, and then feeding Spike, was just THE most amazing experience. I only wish we could have stayed longer for the walk with them the next day, but sadly we needed to get back to Cape Town.
I told Richard, there is something about this place, it is a presence that you can feel. Something extraordinary special. His answer. It is magic, sometimes I get a glimpse of it, my mother has found it. The secret of the Kalahari. . Will you find it? Maybe you need to go and see. Then the Meerkats, each one with its own personality, the interaction with them will stay with you forever. The guesthouse is a great opportunity to meet new friends. Beautiful campsites, some with its own ablution block. Then the tree camp for the more adventurous travellers. Next time I will take a big group to experience this life-changing environment. A must-see.
We arrived very late having originally booked in for camping, but decided that fixed accommodation was probably a better idea. I’m glad we did as the rains were very heavy that night! We were greeted very promptly and given a choice of rooms. We stayed in the one at the end with double bed and bath. Honestly the rooms do need a bit of tlc, but we definitely weren’t complaining as the price was extremely reasonable and the rooms were clean and comfortable. Our friends stayed in one of the other rooms with shared bathroom. Again, clean and comfortable. There is a shared kitchen with all of the usual amenities, although we didn’t stay long enough to use them. Plus a small shop selling a few basics (beer included!). We did manage to see the meerkats the following morning which was very special and I would have loved to have stayed longer to explore. This is a good place to stay if you are pushing on from Upington and want to be at the park gates first thing in the morning.
There were loads of scorpions when we were there, so wear shoes.
We felt extremely welcome here and would like to return and spend a bit longer to do one of the nature trails. Thank you for a lovely stay.
We loved staying at Kalahari trails. We actually cancelled bookings in Kgalagadi to stay there a bit longer. We camped at the new campsites, which was amazing. The campsites are not too close to each other so you get that feeling of remoteness and only hear the sounds of nature and not your neighbours conversations. Each campsite has its own ablutions which is a great idea. Richard and Mareli was gracious hosts and with the interaction with there Meerkats, made it a stay to remember. What an awesome place.