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Northern Cape

Kgalagadi 4x4 Camping

Camping
4x4 Tour
4 Nights
exclusive tour by bonsai-sa

Lion on the hunt

On the lookout for prey

Oryx at a waterhole

Ground squirrel relaxing in the sun

Trail across the red dunes

OVERVIEW

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park 4x4 Tour

Where the red dunes and scrub fade into infinity and herds of gemsbok, springbok, eland and blue wildebeest follow the seasons, where imposing camel thorn trees provide shade for huge black-mane lions and vantage points for leopard and many raptors... this is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

trail across the dunes
sunset

Kalahari is derived from the Tswana word Kgala, meaning "the great thirst", or Kgalagadi, meaning "a waterless place". The Kalahari has vast areas covered by red sand without any permanent surface water. One of the unique facts about it is that most of the desert is not considered a real desert, due to the amount of rainfall the area receives. The Kalahari Desert has been home to the native San Bushmen for over 20,000 years. It is the second-largest desert in Africa.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park lies in the large sand-filled basin in the west of the Southern African subcontinent, known as the Kalahari. It covers almost one-third of the area and forms what may be the largest sandveld area in the world.

In 1999, Botswana and South Africa signed a historic bilateral agreement whereby both countries undertook to manage their adjacent national parks, the Gemsbok National Park and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park as a single ecological unit. In 2000, Southern Africa's first peace park, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, was formally launched by presidents Mogae (Botswana) and Mbeki (South Africa).

Kindly note that the roads in the Kgalagadi are not sedan friendly and that sedan vehicles find it difficult to cope with the road conditions and that some roads might not be accessible when wet, although management intervenes to maintain the roads on a regular basis. You will drive in your own 4x4 vehicle and you must make provision for your own provisions, including tents and camping gear, sufficient supply of water, firewood and food.

A qualified 4x4 and overlanding adventure guide will lead the trail and will also assist with 4x4 aspects when necessary.

This is an ideal opportunity to combine 4x4 travelling, outdoor camping and game viewing. The convoy stops regularly for environmental, historical and cultural interpretation or to share special experiences and photographic opportunities.

The tour is aimed at true bush lovers and ones who enjoy the wilderness and is not designed as an obstacle course or endurance test.

Only 20% deposit confirms the booking!

The final 80% is payable 30 days before the tour date. SEE MORE INFO

TOUR FEATURES & FAQs

4x4 | Camping

Have a look at the tour features and some of the frequently asked questions

A 4x2 vehicle is not suitable for the road conditions on this tour.
Vehicle Type: 4x4
YES + (info)
A 4x4 vehicle is suitable for the road conditions on this tour.
Only off-road all terrain tyres; no on-road tyres. Only tyres with a sidewall profile of 65 and more. This trail is very rocky and incorrect tyres increase the risk of tyre damage. The area is very remote and it is not easy to obtain tyres when damaged.
Only off-road all terrain tyres; no on-road tyres. Only tyres with a sidewall profile of 65 and more. This trail is very rocky and incorrect tyres increase the risk of tyre damage. The area is very remote and it is not easy to obtain tyres when damaged.
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The total length of the off-road trailer/caravan may not to exceed 4,2m. The smaller the better.
The total length of the off-road trailer/caravan may not to exceed 4,2m. The smaller the better.
It is possible that vehicles will be scratched as we are in nature. It will be nothing serious.
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camping
ACCOMMODATION TYPE

Camping

Fenced with ablution facilities

Electricity is available at the camps. You must make provision for your own provisions, including tents and camping gear, sufficient supply of water, firewood and food.

TOUR SIZE

Place for only 5
4x4 vehicles on the trail

A minimum of three (3) vehicles is required for the tour to take place.

We can also assist you with additional bookings before and/or after the tour.

TOUR ITINERARY

Our Traveling Plans

We did a lot of research to bring you an exciting itinerary

Day 1

You will meet your guide at 12:00 in Upington. The meeting place will be confirmed before the start of the tour. We visit a supermarket to buy snacks and refreshments for the drive to the Kgalagadi. Set up your camp for the duration of the tour.

Day 2

Explore the Kgalagadi to the north of the Twee Rivieren Camp. Learn about the Nossob and Auob Rivers and how often they are in flood.

Day 3

Follow the Auob River to the Mata Mata Camp. This is a slow drive visiting the waterholes along the river, each offering its own surprise. After stretching our legs at the Mata Mata Camp, we follow the Auob River back to the Twee Rivieren Camp. The Kalahari will definitely surprise us along the way.

Day 4

We explore the Kgalagadi to the north of the Twee Rivieren Camp. The Leeudril 4x4 Loop is on the menu for today. This is an interesting 4x4 trail crossing the dunes. Along this trail, you will experience more of the remoteness of the Kalahari.

Day 5

Kgalagadi to your next destination (on your own).

itinerary elephant
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED

Plan For This Tour

Have a look at what is included and excluded in this exclusive tour

INCLUDED
  • Accommodation (camping) for two adults
  • Trail fee for one 4x4 vehicle with a maximum of two adults
  • Conservation fees for two adults
  • Hand-held radios
  • Professional trail guide(s) where applicable
  • Qualified 4x4 and overlanding adventure guide
EXCLUDED
  • Fuel
  • Toll fees
  • Snacks and beverages
  • Food (on all days, except cave braai)
  • Medicine
  • Camping equipment
  • Drinking water (on all days)
  • Fire wood
  • Cost of additional activities
  • Additional accommodation before and after the tour
  • Additional adults - maximum two - will be charged extra
  • International flights
  • Domestic flights
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Tips
  • Vehicle
TRAIL GRADING

Grade 2

We use the following TRAIL GRADING.

Maintained dirt roads: these roads are graded and maintained year round. Typical non-paved country roads.

Easy 2WD/4WD: feature trails with obstacles that are easy to navigate. In optimum weather conditions, these trails may not require the continual use of 4WD.

Standard 4WD trails: demanding trails on which 4WD is required. You will encounter a variety of more difficult challenges (loose rocks, large potholes, steep inclines/declines and large rocks) on these trails. Possible with stock 4WD vehicle; however, traction device, off-road tyres and low air pressure are recommended. Higher than stock ground clearance is advisable. Low range often used. Moderate experience and driving skills advised. Paint damage and/or possible rocker panel damage is likely.

Difficult trails: these trails traverse very rugged terrain and low range 4WD is required. Higher than stock ground clearance is required. Aggressive tread and low air pressure are required. Traction devices, as well as lift and larger tyres are highly recommended. These trails require above average off-road driving skills. Hi-lift jacks and winches would also be helpful. Paint damage and possible vehicle body and/or mechanical damage are likely.

Impassable trails: these trails are for the extreme four-wheeler only. These trails require highly modified vehicles, including lift, excellent articulation, traction devices front and rear, large tyres with aggressive tread, winches and hi-lift jacks. A high level of off-road driving skills is required. Paint damage is virtually guaranteed, while body and/or mechanical damage is very likely. Roll-overs will be more common on these trails and a winch will be used on at least one obstacle.

BOOKING

Make This Tour a Reality!

A 20% deposit confirms the booking and the final 80% is payable 30 days before the tour date.

Terms and conditions will apply.

The link will redirect you to the Calendar and Bookings page. Navigate to the specific date and make the booking.

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