Question 1

Is the Central Kalahari suitable for a self-drive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, although some experience of 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, it is the ideal vehicle for the conditions in the Kalahari. Depending on the time of year you wish to visit the Kalahari, a Toyota Hilux may also be possible.

Question 2

Which 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 countless 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 journey  Desert Journey  we have included  Piper Pan  and  Passarge Pan because we think these are two very beautiful pans. But Sunday Pan and Leopard Pan are beautiful too. Depending on which entrance you use to enter the 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 spend long days driving on sandy roads. Good planning, sufficient fuel and the right vehicle are essential. During a  free travel consultation  we will 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 simply drive to. The deep sandy roads, vast distances and lack of facilities make thorough 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, 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 who to call on and can work together to find the best solution. During a free travel consultation we will discuss, among other things: which vehicle is best suited to your route, how to drive safely through deep sand, when to lower your tyre pressure, how much fuel and water to take 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 offer practical advice that you are unlikely to find in a guidebook.

Question 7

Do you get mobile reception 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. The latest  iPhones  now have satellite functionality for emergencies, but please note that these do not yet work in Africa. You can also hire a satellite phone. If you travel to remote areas more often or are going on a longer self-drive trip, a  Starlink Mini  is an excellent solution. This allows you to send messages and navigate from many places in the Kalahari and, if necessary, contact the emergency services or us. During a free travel consultation, we would be happy to discuss which communication tools best suit your trip.

Question 8

Can I visit the Central Kalahari in 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 its  limited range . Distances in the Central Kalahari are vast and there are no petrol stations. In addition, a vehicle uses considerably more fuel in deep sand than on tarmac or gravel roads. As a result, the actual range may also 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  free travel consultation  we always consider the route, trip duration and your travel style to determine which vehicle best suits your plans.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve