KALAHARI SAFARI
A guided self-drive overland tour through the Kalahari region and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Trip Overview
Experience a true sense of stillness and the mystique of the Kalahari. On this specially designed tour we explore the beauty of the awe-inspiring Kalahari and the raw grandeur of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Look forward to spectacular game viewing with a chance to encounter the famed black maned lions and get up close with a mob of meerkats. Pack your camera and binoculars because this region is home to 40 raptor and vulture species making it a prime birding location.
We spend time with the ‡Khomani San and learn from a San tracker to identify tracks and plants in the area. Other activities on tour include a visit to the Lost City of the Kalahari, sunset drinks on the red sand dunes and a night drive in the Nossob area.
The route includes a combination of rustic and established campsites. Two campsites have no facilities as we travel off the beaten track to camp on a 10 000 ha pan and also set up camp amidst red sand dunes on a private farm. All other camps have running water, showers and flush toilets. We stay at all the main camps within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park where power is provided.
This trip is ideal for people who prefer to travel at a leisurely pace, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts or anyone keen to explore the rustic gems of the Kalahari.
There is nothing like feeling the red sand between your toes and giving yourself the chance to breathe. Take in the beauty of the sun-drenched Kalahari and let Endless Africa guide you to your next unforgettable adventure.
`Duration
12 days , 11 nights
Activities
Game viewing, night drive, meerkat encounter experience, ‡Khomani San tracking experience, camel farm tour, visit the Lost City of the Kalahari.
Trip Capacity
Maximum 5 vehicles
Accommodation
Combination of rustic & established campsites
Starting Point
Van Zylsrus, Northern Cape
Route Description
The trip starts in the small oasis of Van Zylsrus in the Northern Cape. From there we travel west to Askham on gravel via the R31 to a private farm. To reach camp, we will need to drive a short distance on sand. We then make our way to the Molopo River and drive in the dry riverbed to the Askham area. From Askham we hit the tar north towards the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. All roads within the park are gravel or sand and guests are welcome to explore on their own time and pace. As we exit the park we travel south towards the Rietfontein region, the roads will include gravel, tar, sand and pans.
The majority of this route is driven on gravel roads. This route is suitable for any 4×4’s including 4×4 trailers and 4×4 bush caravans. If you are not towing, a 4×2 vehicle with diff-lock will also be suitable for this trip.
- Endless Africa welcome gift bag.
- All bookings for overnight campsite accommodation and camping fees.
- All entry fees, *conservation fees and permits for day and night activities which include: SANPARKS night drive, meerkat encounter experience, ‡Khomani San tracking experience, camel farm tour, scorpion hunt (Oct tour only) and a visit to the lost city of the Kalahari.
- Route planning, organisation and tour design.
- Selected meals and drinks as indicated in itinerary.
- A CATHSSETA registered overlanding 4×4 expedition tour guide. (Meet your guide Juba)
- A Qualified Wilderness First Responder (First Aid Level 3).
- Two way VHF radio communication for the duration of the trip.
- All Firewood
- A signature Endless Africa experience that makes a visit to this region genuine and memorable.
* Discounts on conservation fees will apply to guests with Wild Cards.
Travel Insurance, Own Vehicle & Fuel, Camping Equipment, Transfers to starting & end points, Selected Meals.
2022 DATES
18 – 29 September 2022 (FULLY BOOKED)
5 – 16 October 2022 (1 VEHICLE SPOT LEFT)
2023 DATES
30 March – 10 April 2023
15 May – 26 May 2023
Day 1:
The group meets at 11:00AM at Van Zylsrus in front of the Van Zylsrus Hotel. We enjoy lunch and drinks at the quirky hotel before departing as a group to our first campsite. There will be an opportunity to refuel before starting with the tour. It will be a short hour drive on gravel and some sand to the first campsite on a private farm and we will then set up camp amidst the rust red sand dunes. Guests take in the beautiful scenery and get to know fellow travellers around the campfire. Your guide will give a detailed trip briefing and discuss the upcoming details of the trip.
(Lunch included)
Day 2:
After a hearty breakfast provided by Endless Africa, we make our way down to the Molopo River. We drive west in the Molopo riverbed towards Askham. Guests get an opportunity to explore the small town of Askham and stock up on provisions if needed. From here we take a short drive to meet up with the ‡Khomani San where they will share some of their knowledge of the veld, which include tracking and plant identification. We set up camp in a rustic bush camp and ‡Khomani San will cook dinner for the group in a traditional manner.
(Breakfast & Dinner included)
Day 3 – 5
We travel to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and check in at reception. Our campsite for the next two days is Twee Rivieren. Guests have the opportunity to explore this region of the park or relax in camp during our stay. Brunch is provided at Melkvlei on Day 4. At night we gather around the fire for a bring & braai to share stories about the day’s sightings.
(Brunch included on Day 4)
Day 5 – 8
We travel north to Nossob, our second camp within the park. We spend 3 nights here to take full advantage of the excellent game viewing opportunities in the area. Guests will also get to enjoy a SANPARKs night drive to witness nocturnal animals. Brunch is provided on Day 6 at Lijersdraai and on our last night at Nossob a dinner will be provided by Endless Africa in camp.
(Brunch included on Day 6, Dinner included on Day 7)
Day 8 – 10
We travel west to the next camp Mata Mata. Guests have the opportunity to explore this region of the park, visit the hide, or relax in camp during our stay. Brunch will be provided at Kamqua picnic spot on Day 9.
(Brunch included on Day 9)
Day 10
We travel from Mata Mata and exit the park at Twee Rivieren gate and travel to Kalahari Trails our next camp. Guest will enjoy sunset on a red sand dune and hunt for scorpions at night ( October tours only)
(Dinner included)
Day 11
Guest enjoy a morning walk with meerkats before we travel to our next location. We spend the afternoon visiting the lost city of the Kalahari and set up camp a 10 000ha pan where we will enjoy a bring & braai.
Day 12
We spend our last morning touring a camel farm before Endless Africa bids guests farewell.
This itinerary is subject to change if deemed necessary. For bookings or more trip details send an email to explore@endlessafrica.com
E.&O.E. and T&C’s apply
Recommended items to bring along for this trip:
- Reliable 4×4 vehicle or 4×2 with diff-lock ( if not towing).
- Own power supply for charging fridges, camera batteries and lights should you wish to have power at the remote campsites ( 4 nights)
- Compressor (pump) and pressure gauge if available.
- Fuel
- Water, meals, drinks and snacks for meals not provided on tour.
- Ice
- Camping gear & cutlery
- Binoculars and camera
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes to wear at night and during activities.
- Sunscreen and Hat
- Headlight or Torch
- Bathing Suit
- Please enquire for rates at explore@endlessafrica.com or call +27 82 433 0284
KALAHARI SAFARI
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and surrounds