Experience the remoteness of the Kalahari

The Kalahari Desert is a large semi-arid sandy savanna in Southern Africa extending for 900,000 square kilometres (350,000 sq mi), covering much of Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa. A semi-desert, with huge tracts of excellent grazing after good rains, the Kalahari supports more animals and plants than a true desert, such as the Namib Desert to the west.

The climate of the Kalahari is subtropical (average annual summer temperature of 40°C or more, average annual winter temperature below 18°C).

The native flora includes acacia trees and many other herbs and grasses.

The Kalahari is home to the lion, cheetah, African leopard, spotted hyena, brown hyena and African wild dog. Birds of prey include the secretarybird, martial eagle and other eagles, the giant eagle owl and other owls, falcons, goshawks, kestrels, and kites. Other animals include wildebeest, springbok, gemsbok and other antelopes, Cape porcupines and ostriches.

Highlights

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Augrabies Falls National Park

Map

South Africa

Start Point: Upington

Day 1 - 3

Augrabies Falls NP Augrabies Falls Rest Camp Budget Camping

Day 4 - 7

Kgalagadi TP Kgalagadi Lodge Budget Camping

Day 8

Upington (No accommodation)

End Point: Upington

Day 1

Augrabies Falls National Park

When you first set eyes – or ears – on the explosive Augrabies Falls, you’ll undoubtedly know how it acquired its Khoisan name, which means ‘Place of Great Noise’. The surrounding national park protects a scenic landscape of granite gorges and domes populated by giraffes, zebra and antelope.

Klipspringer and quiver trees stand in stark silhouettes against African skies in this unique geological environment, where only those who can adapt ultimately survive. The Park is home to the majestic Augrabies Falls, which freefalls 56 meters into the spectacular 18km gorge below.

Modern ancestors have inhabited the area surrounding the Orange River since the Early Stone Age. During this time, there is evidence that early man had developed weapons for hunting animals like hippopotamus. They knew to establish themselves near good water sources like the Orange River. During the Middle Stone Age, man had created more formal work tools and began to utilise fire. The Late Stone Age, which dates back 22,000 years, is characterised by tools that are smaller than the previous periods.

Activities Day 1

Morning

You either collect your vehicle when you fly to Upington for the start of your tour or you drive on your own to Upington if you already have a vehicle.

Around Lunchtime

You will meet your guide before 12:00 in Upington. Depending on your accommodation the previous night, the time and place will be confirmed before the start of the tour.
We visit a supermarket to buy snacks and refreshments for the drive to Augrabies., Upington

Rest of Day

Drive in convoy on tarred roads to the Augrabies Falls National Park. Next to the road, you will see the grape and related farming activities that are thriving in this harsh environment.

Evening

You have the choice of preparing your own food or eat at the local restaurant., Augrabies Falls Rest Camp
Discuss the planning for the days ahead of us over dinner., Augrabies Falls Rest Camp

Accommodation Day 1

Augrabies Falls Rest Camp Budget Camping

Stay at Augrabies Falls Rest Camp Budget Camping with us. It's an excellent place to stay as you enjoy this leg of your trip.

Day 2

Augrabies Falls National Park

In close proximity to Upington, Augrabies Falls National Park is situated on the banks of the mighty Orange River. The Khoi people called it “Aukoerebis”, or “place of great noise, as the powerful flow of water is unleashed from its rocky surroundings.

Activities Day 2

Early Morning

Prepare your own breakfast or have breakfast at the local restaurant., Augrabies Falls National Park Rest Camp

Morning

Join a day drive on an open-game view vehicle. You will be transported on an open-game view vehicle from your camp of residence or entrance gate for an approximately three-hour drive. An experienced guide will interpret the natural bush as well as offer further insight into the ways of the national park.

Activities are for people aged 12-65. Guests over the age of 65 require a letter from a recognised medical practitioner, not older than 30 days, confirming their health.

Rest of Day

Stand next to the waterfall and "feel" the mighty Orange River being forced into and thundering down the 56m waterfall.
Relax next to the swimming pool., Augrabies Falls National Park Rest Camp
We use the rest of the day to explore more of the national park., Augrabies Falls National Park

Evening

You have the choice of preparing your own food or eat at the local restaurant., Augrabies Falls National Park Rest Camp

Accommodation Day 2

Augrabies Falls Rest Camp Budget Camping

Enjoy staying at Augrabies Falls Rest Camp Budget Camping as your base while you're here.

Day 3

Augrabies Falls National Park

The Augrabies Falls is a waterfall on the Orange River, the largest river in South Africa. Since 1966 the waterfall, set in a desolate and rugged milieu, is enclosed by the Augrabies Falls National Park. The falls are around 183 feet (56 m) in height. Some sources cite an approximate height of 480 feet; this is actually the height from the base of the canyon to the top of the walls, not that of the falls themselves.

Activities Day 3

Early Morning

Prepare your own breakfast or have breakfast at the local restaurant., Augrabies Falls National Park Rest Camp

Rest of Day

Today we drive to the Riemvasmaak hot springs. The road winds through the most amazing rock formations of all shapes, sizes and colours. The hot springs are one of the must-visit hot springs in South Africa. They were formed from volcanic eruptions that occurred centuries ago.

Riemvasmaak (pronounced "rim fus maack") means "tighten the strap" or "tied with straps". Riemvasmaak is 75,000 ha of sheer mountain desert wilderness located between the Orange and the dry Molopo Rivers. It is a wilderness born from violent volcanic activity millions of years ago, but it is a land of beauty that takes on spiritual proportions. Here you can relax in the hot springs dwarfed by 80m-high granite cliffs or simply set your soul free to soar with the black eagles through the lunar landscape.

Evening

You have the choice of preparing your own food or eat at the local restaurant., Augrabies Falls National Park Rest Camp

Accommodation Day 3

Augrabies Falls Rest Camp Budget Camping

You'll stay with us at Augrabies Falls Rest Camp Budget Camping.

Day 4

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The Kalahari Desert is a large semi-arid sandy savannah in southern Africa, covering 900,000 square kilometres (350,000 sq mi) and covering most of Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa.

Kalahari is derived from the Tswana word Kgala, meaning 'the great thirst', or Kgalagadi, meaning 'a waterless place'; the Kalahari has vast areas of red sand without any permanent surface water.

A semi-desert with vast areas of excellent grazing land after good rains, the Kalahari supports more animals and plants than a true desert, such as the Namib Desert to the west. Rainfall is low and summer temperatures are very high. The driest areas typically receive 110-200 millimetres (4.3-7.9 in) of rain per year, and the wettest areas just over 500 millimetres (20 in). The surrounding Kalahari Basin covers over 2,500,000 square kilometres (970,000 sq mi) and extends into Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, and into parts of Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Activities Day 4

Morning

Prepare your own breakfast or have breakfast at the local restaurant., Augrabies Falls Rest Camp

Rest of Day

Drive in convoy on tarred roads to the Kgalagadi. As we drive northwards, the Kalahari will start to reveal herself to you. She will welcome you with views of red dunes and salt pans next to the road.

Evening

You have the choice of preparing your own food or eat at the local restaurant., Kgalagadi Lodge Restaurant

Night

It seems as if the stars are so close that you can touch them., Kgalagadi Lodge

Accommodation Day 4

Kgalagadi Lodge Budget Camping

You're going to be staying with us at Kgalagadi Lodge Budget Camping. It's an excellent base for getting to know the region and getting ready for what comes next. The 4-star camping area has campsites with private ablution facilities, all with luxury bathrooms including shower, outside dishwashing facility, and power sockets.

Day 5

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The Kalahari Desert is a large semi-arid sandy savannah in southern Africa, covering 900,000 square kilometres (350,000 sq mi) and covering most of Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa.

Kalahari is derived from the Tswana word Kgala, meaning 'the great thirst', or Kgalagadi, meaning 'a waterless place'; the Kalahari has vast areas of red sand without any permanent surface water.

A semi-desert with vast areas of excellent grazing land after good rains, the Kalahari supports more animals and plants than a true desert, such as the Namib Desert to the west. Rainfall is low and summer temperatures are very high. The driest areas typically receive 110-200 millimetres (4.3-7.9 in) of rain per year, and the wettest areas just over 500 millimetres (20 in). The surrounding Kalahari Basin covers over 2,500,000 square kilometres (970,000 sq mi) and extends into Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, and into parts of Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Activities Day 5

Early Morning

Prepare your own breakfast or have breakfast at the local restaurant., Kgalagadi Lodge Restaurant
Join an early morning drive on an open-game view vehicle. Morning drives leave a half hour before official gate opening times, which vary according to the time of year, which means you will be the only guests driving around at that time. The drive’s duration is 3 to 3.5 hours and you will be able to watch the sunrise over unspoilt bush. On your morning drive you will be able to enjoy the tranquility of the sunrise. You will be transported on an open-game view vehicle from your camp of residence or entrance gate for an approximately three-hour drive. An experienced guide will interpret the natural bush as well as offer further insight into the ways of the national park or nature reserve.

Activities are for people aged 12-65. Guests over the age of 65 require a letter from a recognised medical practitioner, not older than 30 days, confirming their health.

Morning

After the morning drive, we explore the Kgalagadi to the north of the Twee Rivieren Camp. Learn about the Nossob and Auob Rivers and how often they are in flood., Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Kgalagadi offers premium mammal viewing destinations anywhere because of the sparse vegetation and concentration of animals in the dry riverbeds of the Auob and Nossob Rivers.

Rest of Day

Relax next to the swimming pool., Kgalagadi Lodge

Afternoon

Explore the Kgalagadi to the north of the Twee Rivieren Camp., Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has a list of approximately 280 species of birds, of which only about 92 are resident, meaning they live there year-round; the rest are migratory or nomadic species that come and go with the seasons.

Evening

You have the choice of preparing your own food or eat at the local restaurant., Kgalagadi Lodge Restaurant

Night

Relax and enjoy the sounds of nocturnal birds and animals., Kgalagadi Lodge

Accommodation Day 5

Kgalagadi Lodge Budget Camping

You're going to be staying with us at Kgalagadi Lodge Budget Camping. It's an excellent base for getting to know the region and getting ready for what comes next.

Day 6

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Where the red dunes and scrub fade into infinity and herds of gemsbok, springbok, eland and blue wildebeest follow the seasons, where imposing camel thorn trees provide shade for huge black-mane lions and vantage points for leopard and many raptors... this is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Kalahari is derived from the Tswana word Kgala, meaning "the great thirst", or Kgalagadi, meaning "a waterless place". The Kalahari has vast areas covered by red sand without any permanent surface water. One of the unique facts about it is that most of the desert is not considered a real desert, due to the amount of rainfall the area receives. The Kalahari Desert has been home to the native San Bushmen for over 20,000 years. It is the second-largest desert in Africa.

Activities Day 6

Early Morning

Prepare your own breakfast or have breakfast at the local restaurant., Kgalagadi Lodge Restaurant

Rest of Day

We follow the Auob River to the Mata Mata Camp. This is a slow drive visiting the waterholes along the river. Each waterhole will offer its own surprise. The Kalahari will reveal more of herself as we drive, who knows what animals and birds we will see on the dunes next to the river!
The Kalahari will reveal more of herself as we drive. Who knows what animals and birds will we see on the dunes next to the river?, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
You never know what animals will be around the next bend in the road. Always keep your camera ready., Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
After stretching our legs at the Mata Mata Camp, we follow the Auob River back to the Kgalagadi Lodge. The Kalahari will surprise us along the way., Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Evening

You have the choice of preparing your own food or eat at the local restaurant., Kgalagadi Lodge Restaurant

Night

Relax and enjoy the sounds of nocturnal birds and animals., Kgalagadi Lodge

Accommodation Day 6

Kgalagadi Lodge Budget Camping

You're going to be staying with us at Kgalagadi Lodge Budget Camping. It's an excellent base for getting to know the region and getting ready for what comes next. The 4-star camping area has campsites with private ablution facilities, all with luxury bathrooms including shower, outside dishwashing facility, and power sockets.

Day 7

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park lies in the large sand-filled basin in the west of the Southern African subcontinent, known as the Kalahari. It covers almost one-third of the area and forms what may be the largest sandveld area in the world.

Activities Day 7

Early Morning

Prepare your own breakfast or have breakfast at the local restaurant., Kgalagadi Lodge Restaurant

Morning

We explore the Kgalagadi to the north of the Twee Rivieren Camp., Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The Leeudril 4x4 loop is on the menu for today. This is an interesting 4x4 trail crossing the dunes. Along this trail, you will experience more of the remoteness of the Kalahari.

Rest of Day

Relax next to the swimming pool., Kgalagadi Lodge

Afternoon

We explore the Kgalagadi to the north of the Twee Rivieren Camp., Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Evening

You have the choice of preparing your own food or eat at the local restaurant., Kgalagadi Lodge Restaurant
Always be prepared for the unexpected., Kgalagadi Lodge

Accommodation Day 7

Kgalagadi Lodge Budget Camping

You'll stay with us at Kgalagadi Lodge Budget Camping.

Day 8

Your last day with us

As our time together draws to a close, we say goodbye to our new friends and head back home. You will continue your journey to your next destination on your own, whenever you feel ready to leave. We hope that you will cherish the unforgettable memories you have made during your time with us and that you will have plenty of beautiful photos to share with your loved ones and friends.

Activities Day 8

Early Morning

Prepare your own breakfast or have breakfast at the local restaurant., Kgalagadi Lodge Restaurant

Morning

Today we drive back to Upington. This is your last day in the Kalahari region of South Africa., Upington

Afternoon

You hand back your 4x4 vehicle to the rental company. We say goodbye in Upington and you continue your journey., Upington

Ready to Share

8-Day Kalahari - Kgalagadi and Augrabies 4x4 Mid Range

Experience the remoteness of the Kalahari

Highlights

Augrabies Falls National Park

Activities Day 1

Morning

Around Lunchtime

Rest of Day

Evening

Augrabies Falls Rest Camp Budget Camping

Augrabies Falls National Park

Activities Day 2

Early Morning

Morning

Rest of Day

Evening

Augrabies Falls Rest Camp Budget Camping

Augrabies Falls National Park

Activities Day 3

Early Morning

Rest of Day

Evening

Augrabies Falls Rest Camp Budget Camping

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Activities Day 4

Morning

Rest of Day

Evening

Night

Kgalagadi Lodge Budget Camping

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Activities Day 5

Early Morning

Morning

Rest of Day

Afternoon

Evening

Night

Kgalagadi Lodge Budget Camping

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Activities Day 6

Early Morning

Rest of Day

Evening

Night

Kgalagadi Lodge Budget Camping

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Activities Day 7

Early Morning

Morning

Rest of Day

Afternoon

Evening

Kgalagadi Lodge Budget Camping

Your last day with us

Activities Day 8

Early Morning

Morning

Afternoon

Pricing

Detailed Price Information

Overview Tour

8 Days / 7 Nights

8-Day Kalahari - Kgalagadi and Augrabies 4x4 Mid Range

From Price

Included

Excluded