Koppieskraal Kameelplaas

Koppieskraal Kameelplaas, located in the Western Kalahari of South Africa's Northern Cape, is a unique farm with a rich history dating back to 1934. The property has been owned by three generations of the Knoesen family and is home to South Africa's only camel dairy, as well as a Meat Master sheep herd.

The farm's camel history began in the early 1900s when mounted police used camel caravans to patrol the Kalahari. After 4x4s replaced the camels, Jannie Knoesen acquired them for the farm. His son Willie joined in 1977, focusing on sheep farming. In 2015, facing drought conditions, Willie and his son Hans diversified into camel milk production, establishing Camel Milk South Africa in 2016 and developing the Afriqueen skincare range.

The property offers two distinct camping experiences: Farini's Lost City and Koppieskraal Pan. The Lost City features camping among black boulders, where guests can enjoy solitude with only dassies and local wildlife for company. The Pan camping area is situated on a 10,000-hectare salt pan, offering an unprecedented level of isolation and unobstructed views.

The farm boasts remarkable biodiversity, including Verreaux's eagles and 140 other bird species. Visitors can explore various hiking trails and witness unique natural formations. Located 120 kilometers from the Kgalagadi National Park, the farm provides an ideal stopover for park visitors.

During school holidays, guests can participate in a Camel Experience, which includes meeting the camels, learning about their history, and sampling camel milk products. The farm maintains strict conservation practices, particularly regarding the preservation of the pan's natural surface, and operates with consideration for the extreme Kalahari weather conditions.

MTN is the only available mobile network on the property, and while the access road is navigable by sedan vehicles, higher ground clearance is recommended. Basic amenities such as water refills and firewood are available, and the farm accommodates a limited number of guests to maintain the area's tranquility and natural integrity.