The Kalahari
Adventure Safari
This is one of the two rugged tour programs we offer only for the 'brave at heart'. The program is special because it includes the 'Gemsbok Wilderness Trail'. The Botswana Park Authority only issues ONE permit per day for ONE group of people with a minimum of two and not more than five 4x4 vehicles, to avoid 'mass tourism' in this fragile ecosystem. Maybe this tour is exactly what you are looking for?
There is NO infrastructure on this 3 day 4x4 trail. We must carry all needed equipment with us. NO water available during the whole tour at the places where we overnight. The privilege of being the only people on the trail, and not sharing it with other people will influence the tour price.
Tour Program
Day 1: We leave Upington early in the morning and drive via Twee Rivieren to the entrance gate of the Kgalagadi National Park, up to Rooiputs on the Botswana side. Facilities in Rooiputs are very basic. Each campsite has an A-frame shade construction, long drop toilet, but NO water. Camping in the wild of the Kalahari with NO protective fencing. Nothing to worry about though, as you’ll have a well-experienced tour guide who can handle the situation. Enjoy dinner around the fire while listening to the typical Kalahari sounds of the night. Don't be surprised if you hear the call of a Kalahari lion, hyena or black-backed jackal during the night.
Overnight stay: Camping at Rooiputs (no water)
Meals: Full board
Day 2: After breakfast and breaking up camp, the safari tour will lead you further via Nossob Camp (possibility to have a shower) up to Polentswa Pan where we will set up camp in the wild. Brunch on the way. Maybe we will run into one of the famous black-maned lions of the Kalahari today.
Overnight stay: Camping at Polentswa (no water)
Meals: Full board
Day 3: At Polentswa the Gemsbok Wilderness Trail starts. The route today leads us on heavy 4x4 tracks deep into the heart of the Kalahari up to Setsatswe Pan. At the edge of this saltpan we will set up our camp for the night. A lot of animals visit this pan to lick the essential salts.
Overnight stay: Camping at Setsatswe (no water)
Meals: Full board
Day 4: Our route today continues further on the spectacular 4x4 Gemsbok Wilderness Trail. You will discover more about the secrets of the healing plants used by the Bushmen. About halfway there we'll reach Kaa where we can enjoy a shower, because water is available. After lunch we continue on the track to Lang Rambuka where we will set up our camp again on the edge of this spectacular salt pan.
Overnight stay: Camping Lang Rambuka (no water)
Meals: Full board
Day 5: After breakfast we will tackle the last stretch of our 4x4 route. Before we reach the gravel road near Liljersdraai on the South African side of the Park, we’ll have to master a tricky big sand dune, which is called 'the mother of all the dunes'! At Liljersdraai we will drive south towards Nossob Camp. Setting up camp in the fully equipped camping ground of Nossob camp. OPTIONAL: Night drive with spotlight, organised by the park authority.
Overnight stay: Camping at Nossob
Meals: Full board
Day 6: Maybe we would have heard the roaring of the 'king of the Kalahari' all through the night as Nossob is lion territory. Today we may be fortunate to have a closer look at these noisy guys. After breakfast you'll have the last opportunity to see something special as we head back to Twee Rivieren. Maybe we'll also spot a cheetah? We leave the park and drive back to Upington where we will arrive in the late afternoon.
Overnight stay: Double room in Upington
Meals: Full board
Day 7: After breakfast you will be taken to Upington Airport for your flight.
Participants: minimum 2 people
Further notes: Staying in the Botswana wilderness is only possible if we are fully self-contained and independent. We have to compromise on comfort. Limited water consumption. Luggage: Only necessary clothes can be taken and must be packed in a soft travel bag. All other luggage will be stored safely in Upington. Equipment: All our 4x4 vehicles are in top condition and equipped with GPS, radio and compressor. Our camping equipment is also only the best. The drivers are specially trained.
If you would like to contact us to book this tour or if you would like to discuss or want to modify any itinerary to suit your needs then you can e mail us on: eleccon@global.co.za
Adventure Safari
This is one of the two rugged tour programs we offer only for the 'brave at heart'. The program is special because it includes the 'Gemsbok Wilderness Trail'. The Botswana Park Authority only issues ONE permit per day for ONE group of people with a minimum of two and not more than five 4x4 vehicles, to avoid 'mass tourism' in this fragile ecosystem. Maybe this tour is exactly what you are looking for?
There is NO infrastructure on this 3 day 4x4 trail. We must carry all needed equipment with us. NO water available during the whole tour at the places where we overnight. The privilege of being the only people on the trail, and not sharing it with other people will influence the tour price.
Tour Program
Day 1: We leave Upington early in the morning and drive via Twee Rivieren to the entrance gate of the Kgalagadi National Park, up to Rooiputs on the Botswana side. Facilities in Rooiputs are very basic. Each campsite has an A-frame shade construction, long drop toilet, but NO water. Camping in the wild of the Kalahari with NO protective fencing. Nothing to worry about though, as you’ll have a well-experienced tour guide who can handle the situation. Enjoy dinner around the fire while listening to the typical Kalahari sounds of the night. Don't be surprised if you hear the call of a Kalahari lion, hyena or black-backed jackal during the night.
Overnight stay: Camping at Rooiputs (no water)
Meals: Full board
Day 2: After breakfast and breaking up camp, the safari tour will lead you further via Nossob Camp (possibility to have a shower) up to Polentswa Pan where we will set up camp in the wild. Brunch on the way. Maybe we will run into one of the famous black-maned lions of the Kalahari today.
Overnight stay: Camping at Polentswa (no water)
Meals: Full board
Day 3: At Polentswa the Gemsbok Wilderness Trail starts. The route today leads us on heavy 4x4 tracks deep into the heart of the Kalahari up to Setsatswe Pan. At the edge of this saltpan we will set up our camp for the night. A lot of animals visit this pan to lick the essential salts.
Overnight stay: Camping at Setsatswe (no water)
Meals: Full board
Day 4: Our route today continues further on the spectacular 4x4 Gemsbok Wilderness Trail. You will discover more about the secrets of the healing plants used by the Bushmen. About halfway there we'll reach Kaa where we can enjoy a shower, because water is available. After lunch we continue on the track to Lang Rambuka where we will set up our camp again on the edge of this spectacular salt pan.
Overnight stay: Camping Lang Rambuka (no water)
Meals: Full board
Day 5: After breakfast we will tackle the last stretch of our 4x4 route. Before we reach the gravel road near Liljersdraai on the South African side of the Park, we’ll have to master a tricky big sand dune, which is called 'the mother of all the dunes'! At Liljersdraai we will drive south towards Nossob Camp. Setting up camp in the fully equipped camping ground of Nossob camp. OPTIONAL: Night drive with spotlight, organised by the park authority.
Overnight stay: Camping at Nossob
Meals: Full board
Day 6: Maybe we would have heard the roaring of the 'king of the Kalahari' all through the night as Nossob is lion territory. Today we may be fortunate to have a closer look at these noisy guys. After breakfast you'll have the last opportunity to see something special as we head back to Twee Rivieren. Maybe we'll also spot a cheetah? We leave the park and drive back to Upington where we will arrive in the late afternoon.
Overnight stay: Double room in Upington
Meals: Full board
Day 7: After breakfast you will be taken to Upington Airport for your flight.
Participants: minimum 2 people
Further notes: Staying in the Botswana wilderness is only possible if we are fully self-contained and independent. We have to compromise on comfort. Limited water consumption. Luggage: Only necessary clothes can be taken and must be packed in a soft travel bag. All other luggage will be stored safely in Upington. Equipment: All our 4x4 vehicles are in top condition and equipped with GPS, radio and compressor. Our camping equipment is also only the best. The drivers are specially trained.
If you would like to contact us to book this tour or if you would like to discuss or want to modify any itinerary to suit your needs then you can e mail us on: eleccon@global.co.za
