Kalahari Game Lodge 4x4 Trail

Kalahari Game Lodge 4x4 Trail,
close to starting point start, red dunes ahead!
Namibia, 2024.

I deflate all four tyres, reducing the pressure from 1.8 bar, suitable for gravel roads, to 1.4 bar, which is better for sand tracks and dunes. Some even go as low as 1.2 bar. Low tire pressure is crucial when driving in sand. Lower pressure flattens the tyre, giving the vehicle better traction. However, it also makes you more vulnerable to sidewall cuts, where the bulging sides of the tire can be slashed by rocks. Fortunately, we have two spare tires, a puncture repair kit (screwdriver and rubber plugs), and a high-lift jack.

Low tyre pressure at 1.4,
Kalahari Game Lodge 4x4 Trail,
Namibia, 2024.

The main concern is getting stuck on the 23.5 km trail that winds through the Kalahari dunes. We’ve arranged with the reception at Kalahari Game Lodge that they will come looking for us if we don’t return in time for dinner. We also have a satellite phone.

Should we get stuck, we’re equipped with a winch and sandboards to place under the wheels – something we missed dearly when we were stranded 120 km from the nearest help on the Skeleton Coast (link to post).

Start of trail after climbing
 the banls of Aoub River, 
Kalahari, Namibia, 2024.

The trail turns out not to be particularly difficult. The trick is to maintain speed over the dunes. If you can’t make it all the way over, don’t spin the wheels; instead, let the vehicle roll back down the dune and make a better approach. It’s important to stop at the top, as the trail sometimes takes sharp turns right after the peak – something you don’t want to discover at high speed.

My wife and I takes a break on dune
after some nice peaks and turns!
Kalahari Game Lodge 4x4 Trail,
Namibia, 2024.

We see quite a few animals along the way, including giraffes, red hartebeest, oryx, and, of course, springbok.

Gemsbok (Oryx), an iconic antelope in Kalahari.
Adapted to the harsh, arid environment without
 need for direct water sources by obtaining
 moisture from its food. Namibia, 2024.

Finally, we reach the Aoub riverbed again, where we descend a steep slope, letting the car brake itself in first gear.

Back at our campsite, it’s time to inflate the tyres again so we’re ready for gravel roads tomorrow, as the adventure continues into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (link to blog).

Inflating the tyres again at Campsite
after nice experience, 
Kalahari Game  Lodge 4x4 Trail,
Namibia, 2024.

We highly recommend the Kalahari Game Lodge 4x4 Trail to anyone with some off-roading experience. The most important things to remember are to reduce tyre pressure before starting and avoid getting stuck in the sand by spinning the wheels. Let the reception know when you’ll be driving and when you expect to return.