Tour
4
The Kalahari Adventure Safari
This is one of the two rugged tour programs we offer only for the
“brave at heart”. This 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 eco system. Maybe
this tour is exactly that 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 Lilersdraai 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 Lijersdraai 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.
Additional Program:
4x4 Training
 We
offer you a basic training in driving a 4x4 (with diploma) during
this tour. We will tell you more about the secrets of handling a
4x4 vehicle in desert conditions. What is possible? What are the
limits? You will be very proud when you master your first dune under
the guidance of an expert. |
