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

Day 4 - 7

Kgalagadi TP Kgalagadi Lodge

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.
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.

Around Lunchtime

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

Chalet

You're going to be staying with us at Augrabies Falls Rest Camp. It's an excellent base for getting to know the region and getting ready for what comes next.

The camping site, with more than half of the campsites set in a wonderfully shady area. The campsites have electricity and besides the usual ablution facilities, there is also a communal kitchen, laundry and ironing room.

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