Saturday 14 September 2024

Nossob 4×4 Eco Trail, a 214 km adventure in the desert!


The day after Tomorrow, we start on the Nossob 4x4 Eco Trail that winds its way between two of the most frequented rest camps within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – Twee Rivieren and Nossob. We will leave the traditional riverbed route connecting the two camps, and drive through the undulating dunes of the South African sector of the park. We expect a an unforgettable adventure with a blend of new 4x4 experience and excitement in combination with wildlife encounters.


The trail that winds its way
 between the undulating dunes for 214 km


The trail requires four days (three nights) of challanging 4x4 driving on a small trach through the Kalahari dunes, accompanied by a certified guide from SANParks. We will cover a total distance of 214km, with daily travel spanning approximately 50km to 60km.



Tracks4Africa App map.
You can see the three campsites


The wilderness campsites

We are going to spend the night at three distinct campsites, the three green tents on the map above, from the top:

  • Swartbas
  • Rosyntjiebos
  • Witgat

These campsites are rugged and compleetely unfenced, blending seamlessly into the wilderness of the Kgalagadi. They only provide very basic amenities such as long-drop toilets and bucket showers, akin to other wilderness camps in the park. Throughout the trail, we will be responsible for our own meals and drinking water and must bring ample supplies of food and water to survvive the four-day journey in the dunes.

Also, we have to bring our own firewood and braai equipment (grids etc.)


Sunset yesterday, Mata Mata Restcamp,
South Africa, 2024.


Optimal timing for trail travel?

September is an ideal time to embark on the trail, as it falls within the spring/early summer period. Generally, consider going during March/April/May or September/October/November.

If you consider to go, please note, it's essential to have a 4x4 vehicle with low range capability; otherwise, you will not be permitted to undertake the trail. However, a differential lock is not required. Adjust your tire pressure to 1.5 bar or below and ensure you carry sufficient fuel for at least 300km, considering the heavier fuel consumption typical of 4x4 trails. Both Nossob and Twee Rivieren have filling stations. Additionally, it is highly recommended to protect your vehicle against grass and grass seeds. There have been instances of grass seeds infiltrating radiators, leading to vehicle fires in the Kgalagadi.


Blogauthor, adjusting the tyre pressure
Namibia, 2024.


You can find a lot of practical information about the Nossob 4x4 Eco Trail on this homepage Link And the formal Sanparks page Link

We will post a full day by day experience report, when we are done with the trail and have internet again. 

2 comments:

  1. Hi Troels & Pia, thanks for a wonderful trip on the eco route. We made great new friends and experienced nature in it's true form. Safe travels...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for good company! All the best T & P

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your comment, I return as soon as we have internet again