Question 1

Is the Central Kalahari suitable for a self-drive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, although some experience driving through deep sand is recommended. It is a fantastic destination if you are an experienced self-drive traveller. Do bear in mind that you will drive almost exclusively on deep sandy tracks and must be completely self-sufficient (it is recommended that you take 5 litres of water per person per day). Good preparation is therefore essential. For our  Namibia & Botswana – The Desert Journey  we recommend a  Toyota Land Cruiser . Thanks to its high ground clearance, reliable four-wheel drive and powerful engine, this is the ideal vehicle for conditions in the Kalahari. Depending on the time of year you wish to visit the Kalahari, a Toyota Hilux is also possible.

Question 2

What animals can you expect to see in the Central Kalahari?

Accepted Answer

The Central Kalahari is known for its  black Kalahari lions , but you can also find cheetahs, brown hyenas, leopards, giraffes, gemsbok, springbok, wildebeest, jackals and numerous birds of prey. Do not expect huge concentrations of animals like in Chobe. It is precisely the searching, driving across the vast plains and the tranquillity that make a safari here so special.

Question 3

What are your favourite camps in the Central Kalahari?

Accepted Answer

In the sample trip  Desert Journey  we have included  Piper Pan  and  Passarge Pan because we consider these two very beautiful pans. But Sunday Pan and Leopard Pan are beautiful too. Depending on which entrance you use to enter the Central Kalahari and where you travel on to afterwards, we look at campsites that make sense along the route. The average speed in the Kalahari is around 20 kilometres per hour, so you cannot simply drive from one pan to another.

Question 4

Is the Central Kalahari difficult to reach?

Accepted Answer

Yes. That is precisely what makes this destination so special. The distances are vast, facilities are scarce and you drive for long days on sandy roads. Good planning, sufficient fuel and the right vehicle are essential. During a  Travel Consult  we discuss in detail how to prepare for this.

Question 5

Which Beyond Routes journey includes the Central Kalahari?

Accepted Answer

The Central Kalahari is part of our  Namibia & Botswana The Desert Journey . This route has been specially designed for adventurous travellers who want to experience the most remote and impressive landscapes of southern Africa.

Question 6

Why visit the Central Kalahari with Beyond Routes?

Accepted Answer

The Central Kalahari is not a destination you can simply drive to. The deep sandy roads, vast distances and lack of facilities make good preparation essential.  We have visited the Central Kalahari several times, both in our own   Toyota Land Cruiser   and previously in a hired   Toyota Hilux . As a result, we know from personal experience what it is like to drive through deep Kalahari sand for days on end, where the challenging sections are and how best to prepare for them. We also work with local partners who know the Kalahari inside out. Should you unexpectedly need help along the way, we know whom to contact and can work together to find the best solution. During a  Travel Consult  we discuss, among other things: which vehicle best suits your route,  how to drive safely through deep sand,  when to reduce your tyre pressure,  how much fuel and water to take with you  and how to prepare for one of the most remote areas of southern Africa. Precisely because we have experienced the area ourselves several times, we can help you with practical advice that you are unlikely to find in a guidebook.

Question 7

Do you have mobile phone coverage in the Central Kalahari?

Accepted Answer

No, in large parts of the Central Kalahari there is  no mobile reception . That is part of the charm of this remote area, but it also requires good preparation. We therefore always recommend taking some form of satellite communication with you. These days, the latest  iPhones  have satellite functionality for emergencies. If you often travel to remote areas or are going on a longer self-drive trip, a  Starlink Mini  an excellent solution. This allows you to send messages, navigate and, if necessary, contact the emergency services or us in many parts of the Kalahari. During a Travel Consult, we are happy to discuss which means of communication best suit your trip.

Question 8

Can I visit the Central Kalahari with a Suzuki Jimny?

Accepted Answer

Technically, it is possible, but  we do not recommend it  and therefore do not include the Suzuki Jimny in our trips to the Central Kalahari.  The main reason is the   limited range . Distances in the Central Kalahari are vast and there are no petrol stations. In addition, a car uses considerably more fuel in deep sand than on tarmac or gravel roads. As a result, the actual range may be significantly lower than you expect in advance. A larger 4x4, such as a  Toyota Land Cruiser , also offers more comfort, stability and load space for extra fuel, water and camping equipment. This makes a big difference when staying in a remote area for several days.  For our   Namibia & Botswana Desert Journey   we recommend a Land Cruiser. Depending on the length of the trip, a Toyota Hilux is also an option. During a  Travel Consult  we always consider the route, the length of the trip and your travel style to determine which vehicle best suits your plans.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve