SANParks.org Forums

Thanks TobieO,

Good to know it can be done as Sanparks are giving me a bit of uphill when I try to book it that way.

Hi,

The online booking system does not allow accommodation to be booked at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp and Gharagab on consecutive nights. It produces a warning saying it is not possible to travel between these camps in one day. It does not have the same problem with Mata Mata and Gharagab. Is it physically possible to travel between these two camps in a day? Has anyone here attempted it?

Thanks
Wayne

Hi gb225450,

I have done Grootkolk to Mata Mata in a day and the distance is about the same as Gharagab to Mata Mata so it will be doable.

Remember that getting from Gharagab to Lijersdraai is 4x4.

Be prepared for a long drive. You could have many nice sightings along the way so factor this in.

Also, when are you in KTP - The days are much longer in Summer than in Winter. In Summer (Nov-Dec) gates are open 5.30 am to 7.30 pm wheras in Winter the times are 7.30 am to 6.00 pm, so factor this in too.

Hi, thanks for the reply. I will be doing it in May so will have 11 hours. I will keep looking to see if anything becomes available at Nossob but it is good to know that it is technically possible.
Thanks

You welcome and have a great time

Keep looking and a cancelation may come up

I have done Gharagab to Mata Mata a couple of times - a long drive, but possible - just start as soon as gates open and you will be fine.

Lucky you Berkhead! Why in such a haste? Gharagap to Tweerivieren can be done, a bit shorter than the other way around. Just remember you are crossing the dunes on the way out back to Nossob - Union's End road and that might take a bit extra time.

Enjoy it - Gharagap for President!

We have booked to go to Bitterpan in April 2013. Never done this road before. Have a 4x4 Any tips in travelling this most welcome

A 4x4 is all you need to get to Bitterpan. Very thick sand. Enjoy.

So I assume I need to be fully kitted out with sand tracks, shovels etc

Hi there Debbyhug,

Having all the rescue equipment is always good, but for the Bitterpan road it would be just too much equipment. For the month that you will be visiting the sand will not be that loose so all you would need is enough momentum to get you over the dune, there is one spot where the sand can be tricky but again if you have the momentum it shouldn’t be a problem. Once you tackle a dune just go low range 3rd gear.

Enjoy

KG

Thanks that makes me feel a whole lot better about doing this trip. We have a Suzuki Vitara with low range. So now can enjoy this bush experience.

Well seeing as offroading is something I do a lot I may offer some advice here.

I was at Bitterpan recently and I must admit that I was a bit upset to find the slopes of the dunes in the condition they are in.

Most of the dunes have deep(ish) ruts caused by overinflated tyres and wheel-spin. These ruts have now become cross axles which causes your vehicle to sway from side to side.

It's not too bad at the moment but it will get worse if visitors aren't encouraged to adhere to the following:

1. Purchase a tyre pressure meter and deflate your tyres to 1 bar in front and, depending on your load, 1 - 1.2 at the back. Tyre pressure is the key to sand driving;
2. Engage 4L (Low Range) and drive in either 1st or 2nd gear up the dunes;
3. Should you get stuck, which I doubt will happen, reverse and attempt the dune again with a LITTLE more speed. Do not spin your wheels thinking you will get out as you will only dig yourself in deeper;
4. Engage 4H (High Range) once your reach the plato but keep the vehicle in 4 wheel-drive to limit damage to the road.

I don't think sand ladders or shovels are necessary at all but at if you have the gear take it with.

Driving that road in 2 wheel drive with tyre pressure at 1.5 is what's causing the cross-axles and the deteriaration of the road.

I was a bit surprized by the Sanparks staff member who advised me to deflate my tyres to 1.5 bar. This is way too stiff.

My 2.28 cents worth.

Many thanks for the advice, which was exactly what I was hoping for. Have done a 4x4 course but not done much driving, so your advice was spot on.

Debbyhug,

If you cannot make it to the top a dune you can reverse and have a second go. Close to camp one reach a deep sandy intersection were you need to turn right and not stop to give it a thought. If you get stuck here it will be difficult to get out by just reversing.

Some call it Willem se draai named after the camp attendant at Bitterpan. Make sure Nossob radio through to Bitterpan so that he knows you are on your way and when to expect you to arrive just incase you get stuck along the way.

Most drivers find it easy but many got stuck as well. Hope you journey is safe. When traveling the route I made used of my cellphones Garmin maps but lost the route about 20 km before Bitterpan. If you can get Tracks4africa maps it will help to make quick decision when the road suddenly split. The road is straight forward but I would say a GPS will just give you that peace of mind that you are on the right track.