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Tourism

Adventure and Wilderness Trails

Deep in the heart of Botswana’s side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park the Polentswa wilderness trail is available through an area that has remained unchanged from the days of our forefathers. For some 257 km of track, on which only 4×4 vehicles may travel for two nights and three days, those who wish to experience a sense of solitude and freedom in the wilderness will find only minimal signs of human intervention. The trail sometimes passes through areas of tall grass and sometimes over dunes of soft sand. The route links various pans, some plain and some spectacular. Kalahari wildlife can be seen in varying concentrations along the trail and lion may explore camps at night.

The Mabuasehube wilderness trail runs through the centre of the Botswana part of the park from the Mabuasehube area of the park to Nossob rest camp. This is a two-day, one-night trail over 155km.

The Kaa game-viewing trail is a roughly circular route starting and ending at the Kaa entrance gate, consisting of a total distance of 191km with camping spots along the way.

The trails must be booked through the Botswana Reservations Office and only one group, of not fewer than two and not more than five 4×4 vehicles, is allowed to start on each trail on any given day to ensure exclusivity.

A further two access routes linking the Nossob riverbed with the entrance gates on the Botswana side alternatively at Kaa and Mabuasehube are also accessible. The distance from Nossob to Mabuasehube is 170km and from Kannaguass to Kaa 81km. Both routes can be driven in both directions.

On the South African side the Nossob 4×4 guided ecotrail runs into the magnificent Kalahari duneveld and allows for up to five 4×4 vehicles per trail. The route runs over three days and four nights and is an excellent way to experience the Kalahari’s tranquillity.

Tourism Opportunities

In Botswana, unfenced wilderness camping facilities are available on the eastern side of the Nossob River, at Two Rivers, Rooiputs and Polentswa.

For details and reservations, contact Botswana Parks and Reserves Reservation Office (Department of Wildlife and National Parks) at:

  • Postal Address: PO Box 131, Gaborone, Botswana
  • Telephone: +267 3 918 0774
  • Fax: +267 3 918 0775
  • Email: [email protected]

On the South African side there are three rest camps, at Twee Rivieren, Nossob and Mata Mata, and six unfenced wilderness camps, at Gharagab, Kieliekrankie, Urikaruus, Kalahari Tent Camp, Bitterpan and Grootkolk. A new upmarket camp for fly-in tourists is being planned near Twee Rivieren. Camping sites are only available at Twee Rivieren, Nossob and Mata Mata, while a restaurant is available at Twee Rivieren.

Bookings for interpretive activities can be made at Twee Rivieren, Nossob and Mata Mata.

For reservations, contact SANParks at:

  • Postal Address: PO Box 787, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
  • Telephone: +27 (0)12 428 9111
  • Fax: +27 (0)12 426 5511