A journey through our accommodations so far in Kgalagadi & Namibia

One of the most fantastic locations, on the top of a mountain,
Kaokoland, Namibia, 2024.

We spent a lot of time in our rooftop tent on the Land Cruiser,
Here at Nossob 4x4 Eco Trail, South Africa, 2024.

Bagatelle Kalahari Lodge Campsite (no. 1)

Sunset campsite 1, Bagatelle Kalahari Lodge, Namibia, 2024.

Located on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, this campsite offers excellent facilities. There’s a covered area where you can set up your rooftop tent, along with a large covered terrace with a concrete deck, access to an outdoor wash/kitchen area, and a water hose for refilling your vehicle’s water tank (if you have one). The water for showers is heated by solar energy, and there’s both a shower and toilet in a neat little indoor building with a large table for placing your luggage. Everything was very clean, tidy, and well-maintained. Camping guests have free access to the Bagatelle Kalahari Lodge, where they can use the pool, bar, and restaurant. We dined at the restaurant one evening and used the pool – the service was excellent. A kudu even visited us by the pool! You can also sign up for activities like stargazing through a telescope and various drives.

We dined at the restaurant one evening!

We stargazed through a telescope and 
took this picture of the moon.

On the downside, our campsite (and most others) wasn’t very private. Other campers drive by on a road below your site, and you can see the main road leading to and from the lodge. But overall, it’s a lovely place to camp if you’re traveling north or south and need to break up your journey while still enjoying good facilities.

Kalahari Game Lodge Campsite

The last campsite. Namibia, 2024.

We stayed here twice, for a total of 3 nights. On the first two nights, en route to Kgalagadi, we had the last campsite, which was very private and located directly by the dried-up riverbed. On the last night, we stayed at the second-to-last site, which was also excellent. Kalahari Game Lodge Campsite was one of our favorite places, especially due to its incredibly beautiful location by the dried-up riverbed, offering lovely shade from large acacia trees. There’s a large concrete deck under a covered area, and a shower and toilet screened from the deck. There’s lighting powered by solar cells, but no charging facilities. Water is heated by a donkey boiler. While we were there, we tried the excellent 4x4 trail (link report) and dined at the very small restaurant (which must be booked in advance) – simple but great. The lodge had free, decent (but somewhat slow) internet. We’d happily stay here again. The manager was very friendly and accommodating.

Mata Mata Campsite

Sunset Mata Mata Campsite

Extremely clean and well-maintained communal facilities, with the ablution block particularly spotless and well-kept. The shop was surprisingly well-stocked, and you could buy internet access for both Mata Mata and the nearby Kalahari Tented Camp. The internet worked fine for basic tasks but not for streaming. We ordered delicious freshly baked rolls and bread from the shop, which were ready for pickup that evening (highly recommended). The border crossing from Namibia to South Africa was completely smooth, with minimal wait time. The officials were friendly and professional. Overall, Mata Mata was a great experience, and we’d gladly return.

Kalahari Tented Camp

An extraordinary experience and location! It was unique to sit on our own terrace in the middle of the national park, overlooking the dried-up riverbed with wildlife and a magnificent sunset. The manager was extremely helpful. We had a lovely cabin (wilderness camp) with a bathroom and toilet, plus a well-equipped kitchen area with all necessary facilities, including a gas stove and fridge, as well as all kitchen utensils. You bring your own food to cook in the kitchen. There was also a small swimming pool, which we didn’t use this time.

Sunset from our terrasse at Kalahari Tented Camp,
South Africa, 2024.

Nossob 4x4 Eco Trail

Navigating Big Bertha sanddune,
Nossob 4x4 Eco Trail,
South Africa, 2024

An exceptional trip with 3 nights camping in the wilderness at different “campsites” in the open nature of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. You can read much more about our experience here, where I describe the journey day by day (link report), and here, where I provide more general information about the trip (link info). Highly reccommended experience!

Twee Rivieren Rest Camp Campsite

Spotted hyena with a cub near,
near Twee Rivieren Camp,
South Africa, 2024. 

This was one of the more “boring” places. You immediately get the sense that it’s a transit point for the whole Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. However, the ablution block was spotless, and we had a decent meal at the simple on-site restaurant. The shop had a smaller selection than Mata Mata, and the service wasn’t quite as friendly as what we experienced at Mata Mata. The same goes for the gas station. The reception staff, where you check in, were very friendly and efficient. Overall, it was an okay experience, but there’s room for improvement in the service department.

Bagatelle Game Ranch

stunning infinity pool with views
 of a large pan and a waterhole,
Namibia, 2024

A very luxurious new place, set apart but connected to Bagatelle Kalahari Lodge. The place feels new everywhere, though maybe not as personal. The rooms, however, are lavish, with all facilities and exceptional quality throughout. We had an amazing meal in the restaurant, overlooking the pool, with very friendly service. There’s a stunning infinity pool with views of a large pan and a waterhole. Bagatelle Game Ranch is a great place near Windhoek for either the first or last stop on a tour around Namibia, just before or after Windhoek.

NamibRand Family Hideout Campsite (Venus)

NamibRand, Namibia, 2024.

Venus Campsite facilities,
NamibRand, Namibia, 2024.

One of the absolute camping highlights of the trip and, in general, one of the highlights of our six trips to Namibia. You can read our travel report with photos here (link report).

Desert Breeze Lodge Villa

The Villa, Desert Breeze, Namibia, 2024.

A fantastic, large 3-bedroom villa with its own fireplace, a spacious living room, and two bathrooms. It also had a large terrace with views of the Swakop River and an outdoor kitchen on the other side of the villa. There was also a private minibar. The staff were incredibly friendly and service-minded, helping with everything – including when our transfer to the catamaran tour didn’t show up. They resolved it with a few phone calls. We highly recommend this place, and the villa is ideal for a large family or 2-3 couples traveling together (though there are "only" two bathrooms).

Blog author, Sandwich Harbour,
Namibia, 2024.

In Swakop, we took a lovely, highly recommended tour to Sandwich Harbour, which you can read all about here (link report), and had an amazing catamaran tour! Sailing in Walvis Bay was surprisingly exciting. 

The Tug from the old pier,
Swakopmund, Namibia, 2024.

We enjoyed a great seafood dinner at the historic The Tug and another wonderful seafood meal at the modern Ocean Cellar. We also had sushi at Andy’s(?) Restaurant. All three were fantastic in their own way. At The Tug, we sat with white tablecloths in the top room with a 360-degree view. As we had mentioned we were celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary, we received exceptional service. Ocean Cellar was much more modern in style, with fantastic seafood and a lovely view of the bay, also with excellent service. Swakop is the place for dining out!

Madisa Campsite

Sunset campsite 1, Madisa Camp,
Namibia, 2024.

An incredible location surrounded by impressive rock formations, right by a dry riverbed. We had campsite 1, which felt like the best spot (at least it felt that way to us). There was a massive shade tree where we ate dinner, which we cooked on the braai. The toilet and shower were in a tree tower (for the sake of the elephants), and there was a donkey boiler for hot water. At sunset, we climbed the nearby rocks and enjoyed the sunset over the cliffs, which was a great experience. However, the road from Uis to Madisa was in exceptionally poor condition with massive corrugation – some of the worst we’ve experienced in Namibia to date on our six trips, but that’s another story.

Etendeka Overnight Walking Trail

Wife and friends,
Etendeka Overnight Walking Trail,
Namibia, 2024.

One of the highlights of the entire trip. You can read our travel report here (link report).

Khowarib Lodge Campsite

Campsites were in serious need
of maintenance, Khowarib,
Namibia, 2024.

All in all, a lovely place where we had the Riverside Campsite 7. The campsites themselves were in serious need of maintenance. The walls had partially collapsed, and some campsites had fallen partially into the river. Trash bins weren’t emptied automatically, and the ash from fire pits wasn’t removed. There was litter in the ravine, likely blown down from overflowing trash bins at the campsites, either knocked over by the wind or animals. The ablution block was okay with hot water but not of the highest standard. The pool area was better maintained, and the pool was great in the heat. The "restaurant" at the campsite was surprisingly well-stocked with a very skilled chef and an extremely friendly waiter/receptionist. They were exceptionally accommodating. This made up for many of the other shortcomings at the place. On the other hand, we also ate at the lodge and found the meal quite underwhelming. 

One morning, we took a nice 1-hour walk
up the ravine along the riverbank,
Namibia, 2024.

One morning, we took a 1-hour walk up the ravine along the riverbank. It was a fantastic experience and highly recommended. Be sure to watch your step for snakes and scorpions. We saw a snake skin on the path. On the way back, we followed the car track, which was a quicker return.

Ogongo Hot Springs
was a disappointment, see below.
Namibia, 2024

We also took a trip to the Ogongo Hot Springs, which was a major disappointment. The campsite there wasn’t well-maintained, and the water was filthy, with visible animal droppings. Not very pleasant when swimming. Avoid submerging your head and consider whether it’s worth the trip. The guard at the site wasn’t very welcoming. This was our second visit (the first being in 2009), and it’s clearly deteriorated since then. We won’t be returning.

Puros Bush Lodge Campsite (no. 6)

Last campsite with fantastic location,
Puros, Namibia, 2024.

The kitchen area was a "cave"
under a huge tree, Namibia 2024.

We got the last campsite, which was very secluded and furthest from the lodge. The location was fantastic, with large trees and small sand dunes scattered around. The kitchen area was a "cave" under a huge tree, where you could sit "sheltered", and the same applied to the shower and toilet, which were like two separate caves among the branches. This meant there was free access for critters, but that’s part of the charm and didn’t bother us. You just need to be careful, especially after dark. On the second day (we stayed for two nights), the water supply failed, and it never came back. This was a downside to an otherwise perfect experience but didn’t ruin the overall positive impression.

The roads in Puros didn’t match up well with Tracks4Africa, and there was very deep powder sand in several areas, which you have to pass through in the riverbed. We needed traction control several times and almost got stuck. This is not a place for 2WD!

We tokk an extreeme route from Khowarib to Puros, the Hoanib Riverbed 4WD Trail. Read our report about this trail here (link)

Etaambura Camp

You can also read our more comprehensive travel report from Etaambura Camp and see more pictures here at this link (link)

Situated on top of a mountain in the very remote Kaokoland
with views of "sacred mountains", Etambura Camp,
Namibia, 2024.

Location, location, location! Situated on top of a mountain in the very remote Kaokoland with views of "sacred mountains". The communal building was unique, and each small tent cabin had equally breathtaking views. You feel close to heaven – but also very far from civilization. On the approximately 4-hour drive from Puros, we didn’t encounter a single oncoming car (!), but we passed through rocky desert, mountains, and sand areas. At one point near Puros, we were 7 km off the track shown on Tracks4Africa, following an unmarked trail, though it was going in the right direction. Fortunately, we were in two Land Cruisers, fully equipped, including a satellite phone, but there were still some nervous moments!

The drive up to Etambura is quite extreme!
Namibia, 2024.

The drive up to Etambura, perched on an isolated mountaintop, is quite extreme! 4L and traction control with a sheer drop on the right side of the track. In some places, the road was almost completely eroded away on the right side. It didn’t help that the handbrake on our Bushlore Land Cruiser was practically useless, so the plan in case of an unexpected stop was to use the footbrake and put four large stones under the tires. Fortunately, we didn’t need to, though we were generally a bit disappointed with the quality of our Bushlore Land Cruisers, which felt worn out. After a few trips up and down the mountain over the next few days, we gained more confidence (and even made it to 2nd gear!).

Nearby marble quarry, Namibia, 2024.

We took a trip to the nearby marble quarry and walked around. It was a nice little 2-hour excursion, and we also took a very long and extreme round trip to "red drum" and "blue drum". It became the wildest 4WD experience we’ve had to date, which I’ll write about separately.

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. 

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park - a natureserve the size of Denmark!

Kgalagadi, a hidden gem in Kalahari Desert 

Son relaxing at Gharagab Wilderness Camp,
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, 2015.

Everything is just bigger in Africa. Today, we are at the Mata Mata border post about to venture into Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a vast wildlife preserve and conservation area in southern Africa nearly the size of Denmark at 38,000 square kilometers! We are in the border area between Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. The park is largely situated within the southern Kalahari Desert, characterized by impressive and beautiful red dunes, sparse vegetation, occasional trees, and the hallmarks — the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob Rivers. These rivers are said to flow only about once per century. However, water flows underground, providing life for grass and trees growing in riverbeds. Additionally, the rivers may flow briefly after large thunderstorms.

Sparse vegetation, occasional trees,
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, 2015.

In 2015, my son and I took a father-son trip to the area (link post). I fell completely in love with the area and promised myself that I would return with my wife in the future. And now we are here, very excited to visit the park and try the Nossob Eco 4x4 trail, popular among 4x4 enthusiasts (see later posts).

Wildlife and predetors

Ostriches, Kgalagadi, 2015.

We also look forward to enjoying the nature and wildlife. According to Wiki, Kgalagadi has abundant wildlife with over 470 documented species, including large predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, spotted hyenas, and brown hyenas. But also smaller mammals including African wildcats, bat-eared foxes, Cape foxes, black-backed jackals, caracals, genets, honey badgers, as well as meerkats and mongooses.

Brown hyenas, Kgalagadi, 2015. 

Cape fox, Kgalagadi, 2015

My son and I saw many interesting species last time we visited and had the "pleasure" of lions outside the tent (link blog).

Lions, Kgalagadi, 2015

You can also see large ungulates [hovdyr], such as blue wildebeests, gemsboks, springboks, steenboks, southern giraffes, common elands, greater kudus, warthogs, klipspringers, and red hartebeests.

It is also a bird lover's paradise, Kgalagadi, 2015.

And over 30 reptile and amphibian species, including venomous snakes such as the Cape cobra, horned adder, puff adder, and black mamba. So watch where you walk and what you touch! You also find, for example, leopard tortoises, various agamas, geckos, sand frogs, and African bullfrogs.

Since 2005, the protected area has been considered a Lion Conservation Unit and a lion stronghold in Southern Africa. Fortunately, we are in a rooftop tent, but even that is not a 100% guarantee, as you can read in this "scary" post (link blog).

The Weather

We are visiting in September and expect a mean temperature of 18°C (64°F) with lows/highs of 8-29°C. However, extremes measured are between -5 and 38°C, respectively! See climate data for Kgalagadi at this link (link). And come prepared with plenty of water and the right equipment. Also, because help might be hours to days away given it's a wilderness the size of Denmark

Facilities

Kalahari Tented Camp, Kgalagadi, 2015.

First of all, book well in advance! There are very few places to stay in the park, and they sell out one year in advance the moment they are released. Join the Kgalagadi Facebook groups to learn the tricks of securing accommodation. You can stay in the three tourist lodges called "rest camps," which are serviced lodges with amenities such as air conditioning, shops, and swimming pools. Alternatively, and much better in my opinion, opt for the reasonably priced wilderness camps in the park. The wilderness camps provide excellent shelter; for example, see our experiences and pictures from Gharagab (link blog) and Grootkolk (link blog). You have to supply your own food, drinking water, and firewood! (Basically everything). Read more about the park and booking at Sanparks link

Source: Kgalagadi_map.pdf (sanparks.org)

I Kalahariørkenen med 1 par underbukser hver

På den gode side, håndbagagen nåede frem…

Twee Rivieren, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Kalahari, Sydafrika. Den 21. november 2015.

 

Sønnike ved game sighting board
Twee Rivieren Rest Camp

Så nåede vi frem til ”Twee Rivieren Rest Camp” i Kgalagadi efter ca. 250 km`s kørsel stik nord. De blev tilbagelagt i vores hvide Toyota Hilux SRX 4x4, som vi fik udleveret i Upington Lufthavn. Det har været 30 ganske anstrengende timer. Afgangen fra København blev forsinket halvanden time, og vores bagage med al udrustningen nåede i sidste ende ikke frem. Den befinder sig 1000 km. øst for os i Johannesburg (?!) Vi har ””heldigvis”” prøvet været i samme situation en gang før, så det lader vi os ikke slå ud af!

Vi har i stedet lavet en række fantasifulde aftaler med forskellige aktører. Nu håber vi, at vi rent faktisk modtager vores bagage om senest to dage, på det tidspunkt yderligere 150 km. mod vest langs det tørre Aoub flodleje. Efter dette punkt er det ikke realistisk at se bagagen igen, da vi så kører yderligere ca. 8-10 af et spor mod nord, hvor vi skal opleve 3 dage i de mest øde egne af Kgalagadi nationalparken.

For at øge sandsynligheden for at bagagen rent faktisk når frem, har vi lavet et bonussystem for de involverede parter (undtagen os!). Det kommer til udbetaling når/hvis vi rent faktisk modtager bagagen. En pekuniær bonus har det erfaringsmæssigt med at øge motivationen gevaldigt på disse kanter, om end folk af natur forekommer meget venlige og imødekommende.

Vores nuværende meget reducere udrustning består af; rejsedokumenter, kamera, iPhones, div. adaptere, hver en bog, medicintaske og en ultrabærbar PC´er. Hertil hver 1 sæt sokker, 1 sæt underbukser, 1 sæt benklæder, en skjorte og sønnike havde pakket en varm trøje i håndbagagen.

Power shopping i Upington Mal

Proviant til turen

Far med smarte koboltblå badebukser

For en sikkerheds skyld har vi lynshoppet de mest nødvendige ting i Upington Mal. Det er den hurtigste shopping tur, jeg har prøvet til dato. Vi skulle være fremme ved porten til nationalparken før mørkets frembud, herefter er lågen lukket. Køb af ekstra tøj tog ca. 10 minutter inklusive afprøvning – det kan være det ser ud derefter. Specielt mine koboltblå knælange badebukser, som formentlig har været stor mode engang i 1980´erne. Ud over håndbagage er vi nu i besiddelse af; tandpasta, termokande, Svitzerkniv, lommelygte, solbeskyttelse, vaskepulver og hver en ekstra skjorte. Hertil hver et par badebukser, som vi kan have på, når vi vasker vores underbukser :-) Vi har også købt rigeligt brænde, vand og fødevarer til hele turen – vi behøver dybest set ingen anden bagage.

Indgangsporten til Kgalagadi

Twee Rivieren er indgangsporten, når man kommer fra syd (Upington), og den fungerer som det administrative hovedkvarter. Lejeren ligger på bredden af den udtørrede Nossob flod. Det er angiveligt den eneste lejr med 24 timers elektricitet og mobiltelefon forbindelse. Herudover har Twee Rivieren reception, butik, brændstof, restaurant, informationscenter og swimmingpool. Den rene luksus i forhold til de Wilderness Camps vi skal bo på den kommende tid.



Twee Rivieren kort, kilde sanparks.org

Link til planlagt rejserute

Rejserute og lejrpladser "far & søn tur" Kalahariørkenen 2015

"Planlægning af rejsen er halvdelen af fornøjelsen"

Rejserute "Kgalagadi" nationalparken, herefter
6) Augrabies Falls National Park
7) Yellow Aloe, Clanwilliam
8) Vineyard Hotel, Cape Town

"Lejrpladser sætter sig på en egen måde fast i erindringen, som om man havde levet der i lange tider, og man husker undertiden længe en enkelt kurve af sine vognspor i græsset på sletten, som om det var et tegn, der havde haft betydning i ens liv" 

Karen Blixen, Den Afrikanske farm, 1937.

På vej til Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana, 2013 

Vores planlagte lejrpladser:

Twee Rivieren Rest Camp, 1 dag.

Indgangsporten til Kgalagadi når man ankommer fra syd - i vores tilfælde Upington lufthavnen. Her er administrativt hovedkvarter, reception, butik, restaurant, brændstof og pool. De fleste (som os) bruger Twee Rivieren som gennemgangs lejr, men nogle der bruger Twee Rivieren som base til udforskning af den sydlige del af Kgalagadi. Ikke mindst da de mindre wilderness camps hurtigt bliver udsolgt (book > 6 mdr. i forvejen). Der skulle være mange fugle og dyr nær campen.

Link til planlagt rejserute
Link til beskrivelse Twee Rivieren Rest Camp

Kalahari Tented Camp, 2 dage.

Eksklusiv "getaway" med udsigt fra egen veranda til vandhul i Auob flodens udtørrede flodleje. Kanvastelte i rustikke farver og interiør bygget på træplatform med gangbroer imellem. Til dels af sikkerhedsmæssige årsager. Som en særlig luksus er der swimmingpool(!) Godt udgangspunkt for udforskning af den vestlige del af parken. Tæt til Mata Mata Rest Camp på Namibias grænse, hvor der er flere faciliteter.
Link til vores beretning fra Kalahari Tented Camp

Link til planlagt rejserute
Google billeder fra Kalahari Tented Camp

Grootkolk Wilderness Camp , 1 dag.

Så starter ekspeditionen for alvor efter den luksuriøse indledning! Efter en lang dags kørsel langs Nossobflodens udtørret flodleje nås "Grootkolk", som ligger i den nordligste og mest øde del af Kgalagadi i Kalahariørkenen. Lejeren ligger isoleret og afsides på toppen af en af de for Kalahari karakteristiske røde sandklitter. Her er kun selskab af stilhed og stjerner. Nå ja - og dyr - som der står "this camp is NOT fenced, dangerous animals high risk". Teltene er bygget af sandsække og kanvas. Det er klogt at blive indenfor om natten. Der er solpaneler til lys og grillsted på verandaen til medbragt brænde/kul.
Link til vores beretning fra Grootkolk Wilderness Camp

Link til planlagt rejserute hertil (pyha)
Link til beskrivelse Grootkolk

Gharagab Wilderness Camp, 2 dage.

Det fortsætter mindst lige så "vildt". Nu skal vi til det mest ekstremt beliggende sted på vores tur. Gharagab ligger isoleret i den nordligste del af Kgalagadi nationalparken i Kalahariørkenen. På toppen af en rød sandklit, med udsigt til et vandhul, i midten af ingenting, fjernt fra alt. Der er dog 3 andre telte og en opsynsmand. Adgangsvejen er et 30 km langt udfordrende "one way" 4x4 spor (youtube video), efter man har forladt det udtørrede flodleje. Pludselige vejrændringer kan også være en udfordring, da vi er der i "regntiden" (youtube video) Husk: VAND, diesel, GPS, brænde, mad o.s.v.
Link til vores beretning fra Gharagab Wilderness Camp  

Link til planlagt rejserute hertil (pyha x 2), dog skal vi fange lidt mere østligt spor mellem "punkt 3" og "punkt 6" på ruten. Vi forhører os grundigt i Grootkolk - der er ikke mange servicestationer (årtiets underdrivelse)
Link til Google billeder fra stedet
Link til beskrivelse af Gharagab

Ta Shebube Rooiputs, 2 dage.

Så er der dømt luksus igen efter en meget lang tur gennem ørkenen. "All inclusive" luksus camp med mad, drikke og aktiviteter inkluderet. Eksempelvis campens egen stjernekikkert og plungepool. Det bliver en behagelig kontrast til Gharagab - og den lange hårde tur hertil. 

Link til planlagt rute hertil (pyha x 3). Dog forventes en rute direkte mellem punkt 3 og 4 (østligt). Sporet kan ses i stor forstørrelse på kortet eller på SANparks officielle kort over nationalparken. Vi forhører os grundigt i Gharagab. Det gælder om at køre den rette vej på grund af det begrænsede antal tankstationer... ;-)
Link til vores beretning fra dette sted
Link til Google billeder fra stedet
Link til Ta Shebube hjemmeside

Augrabies Falls National Park, 2 dage.

På vejen vejen til Cape Town er første stop Augrabies Falls National Park, som dækker 820 km² langs Orange floden. Vandfaldet er 60 metres højt og meget højlyd i regntiden. Navnet betyder "stedet med høj lyd".  Ud over vandfald, sprækkedal og dyreliv, er parken også berømt for de mange Aloe dichotoma træer, på engelsk "quiver tree", som tåler det tørre klima. I parken skal vi først og fremmest vandre på de afmærkede stier.
Link til vores beretning fra dette sted

Link til planlagt rute.
Link til beskrivelse Augrabies Falls National Park

Quivertree Forest, Namibia, 2009

Quivertree Forest, Namibia, 2009

Yellow Aloe, Clanwilliam, 1 dag.

Stop-over i, håber vi, hyggeligt guest house på vej til Cape Town. Det ser ud til at være et godt sted at slippe af med det sidste støv :-)
Link til vores beretning fra dette sted

Link til planlagt rute
Link til hjemmeside Yellow Aloe

Vineyard Hotel, Cape Town, 3 dage.

Arbejde for mig, afslapning for sønnike på hotellet. Skulle der være noget støv tilbage...

Link til planlagt rute
Link til Vineyard Hotel