Camping in the Central Kalahari
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 พ.ค. 2024
- The Central Kalahari Game Reserve, or CKGR, is located in central Botswana. This is the largest and by far the most remote reserve in southern Africa and the second largest in the world. It covers a whopping 52,000 square km.
Crossing the Central Kalahari has been a long-time dream of mine. March 2020 would see us cross the reserve from North to South. Join me as I review Kori, Sunday pan, Letiahau, Xade, Bape, Molose and Khutse!
A special thanks to Edward Bath Overlanding (bit.ly/3ah09HJ), 4x4 Ventures (bit.ly/2NNlQFV) and My Life in Africa (bit.ly/2JqCERU) for joining me on this trip and Ed and Ryan for sharing some great footage!
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#camping #botswana #ckgr
Join me as I go camping in the Central Kalahari; an experience I won't soon forget!
Your videos are the reason I haven't gone insane during this lockdown, thank you!
Glad to hear it! I'm going nuts here, can't wait to get back out there!
Hello and thanks for your great videos here on TH-cam. My wife and I miss Africa very much. Currently no travel possible from Germany due to the pandemic. Your videos and those of your gang, 4X4ventures, Edward Bath, and My Life in Africa, are a consolation during this time. I hope you all get through this time well. Thanks for your effort, greetings George
Thanks George, appreciate the kind words and thanks for watching! Here's hoping we can get over this craziness soon 👍
took me down memory lane - one of the most beautiful parts of the world - well done on capturing the trip
Thanks Karl!
Imagine how that area looked like 50 years ago. Hardly any road, no tourist and with much more game.
It was fantastic and really a great experience. Enjoy
I would've loved to see that! I must say it's still an adventure even now though. I think we probably saw 3 other cars in 12 days.
Great stuff Chris ! Rapidly becoming one of my fav TH-camrs. No fluff- to the point and informative. Excellent 👍
Wow, thanks Alan!
Spectacular! Such an amazing view of the CKGR. Loved it!
Thanks a lot!
...the wildlife in such healthy condition, as for the Giraffe standing in the golden grassland, iconic! X
Magic! I really enjoyed this one!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Absolutely "AWESOME " video Chris 👍👌✌⛺🐾
Thanks Herbert! 👍
Christoff, mate!
Thoroughly enjoyed your vid. Just so relaxed and enjoyable.
I've just lit the fire here in my lounge - it is colder than a witch's tit here north of Auckland.
But my heart is warm - overflowing with the sights and sounds of Botswana.
I was booked on Qantas to fly to South Africa on 16 April, but the China virus dealt to me.
So here I am, in cold and lonely (but beautiful NZ), dreaming of the Kalahari.
You are keeping me sane, mate! Thank you and God bless,
Dave
Thanks Dave, glad you enjoyed it! It's freezing over here as well. We're still stuck in lockdown here so would also rather be in the CKGR right now!
thank you, I love your videos...
Thanks for watching!
This is great content, informative and entertaining. Thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to visit the CKGR soon.
Thanks Ferdi! Definitely not a place you're going to forget anytime soon!
Awesome information and great photography. Thanks for the upload.
Thanks Dries!
Excellent video Chris, well done on the editing and the quality of the material. Keep it up.
Thanks Chris!
Great vid Christoff, really enjoyed it with comprehensive feedback.
Thanks Deon, glad you enjoyed it!
Yes man! Lekker vid Chris, so useful. Can't wait to get back there to camp out some of those hidden gems you reviewed. Keep sending it!
Thanks Gerbrandt!
Well that was amazing!!! thank you very much:D I get more fired up for a self drive trip each time I watch these episodes from you guys. Thanks from Aus
Thanks Vik! A self-drive trip to Botswana never disappoints 😉
Great video, thanks for sharing, very informative!
Thanks Martin!
Excellent footage Christoff! Definitely inspired to follow in your footsteps
Thanks Suven!
Oh wow, really loved watching this. I miss and long for Africa so much! To see the sunset and hear the lions roar whilst sitting around a fire.... nothing better !! Thanks so much for sharing with us, your adventure !
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome video! I miss the Kalahari so much!
Thanks Christoff! I wouldn't mind being back there now either!
You are so smart. Time well spent!
Absolutely, the Kalahari is an amazing place to spend your time in!
Awesome video Chris! Really enjoyed this one 🙌
Thanks mate! Can't wait for the next trip!
Excellent episode Chris, and what a trip this was. Great visuals and the VO information is spot on. Amazing place the Central Kalahari is. Now just to get past the lockdown. Can’t wait to see your next one.
Thanks Ryan! Can't wait for this lockdown to end!
This is honesty thee best informative video i have seen about CKGR. Thank you for the video.
Thanks Prudence!
Great video thanks for sharing. Make me yurn for the bush during these crazy covid times.
Thank you! You and me both!
Nice one Chris, those Painted Dogs - wow!
Seeing the camps at Khutse and Molose brought back great memories.
Keen to do this trip again!
Thanks John!
Great footage Christoff! Absolutely magic scenery! Definitely no place like Africa!
Thanks Byron!
Fantastic scenery 👍🏻good company👌🏻
Always a great combo 👍
Was there at corigas nr.1 will soon go again love your video's keep the good work up 😂
Amazing video as always, such beautiful views of nature. This the type of video that really makes you glad you live on this beautiful African Continent. And also makes you want to get out there into nature really bad. Great stuff !
Thank you very much! We're indeed fortunate to call Africa home!
Great video! Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Wonderful indeed!!
I love all your videos.
Cheers from Philadelphia, US
Many thanks Esteban!
Another great video well done 👏
Thanks Garry!
Remember doing this in 1996 or so, when you needed a permit! So looking forward to going back... In those days, there were no set camps, or discernible tracks!
Even with camps and tracks it's still an adventure, definitely go back!
Looks like an amazing trip! The footage is awesome and for a moment my laptop felt like it was my car’s windshield. It’s such an immersive experience watching your videos.
It was epic! Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!
Really enjoyed the video, thank you very much for posting. My company does diamond prospecting in the CKGR (and elsewhere) and like many, the CKGR is one of my favourite places on the planet.
@Lungelo Mathenjwa Thank you for the opportunity to make a comment. I have three things I would like to say. First, my company is an explorer not a miner; second, I come from a rich legacy of diamond explorers who discovered Orapa and Jwaneng mines and in partnership with the visionary leadership of Sir Seretse Khama and the Batswana took Botswana from the poorest country in Africa to one of the richest and a model of government and development not only in Africa but around the world; thirdly, there is already a diamond mine in the CKGR which is sadly on care and maintenance at Ghaghoo (Gope). I think you will find this has an absolute minimal environmental footprint and does nothing to detract from others enjoying the CKGR as an area of outstanding natural beauty. Hope this helps?
Thanks for sharing. One park in Botswana we have not yet visited - so great info.
Thanks for watching! My favourite park in Botswana!
Awesome vid!
Thanks Con!
Awesome video man!
Thanks Stefan!
Great report. Will visit CKGR in November 2023!
It’s an amazing place, enjoy!
Because of lockdown I I am not allowed to come in Botswana , I have to report this travel from France , I was suppose to be in CKGR in June
I hope situation will be better in septembre ... but not sure
Sorry to hear that! We can't cross the borders either at the moment. It looks like Botswana will open their borders early 2021, let's hold thumbs!
Awesome Chris, what an episode, and what an adventure. The CKGR, TICK. Where to next and always look forward to your next episodes. Keep well and lekker adventuring with you mate 🤟
Thanks mate! Was an amazing trip, looking forward to the next one with you gents!
nice one guys
Thank you!
Great video to watch. I would like to go camping in Botswana early next year. I have done camping 🏕 exercises on my Farm in Limpopo and it has been an experience.
Thanks! You won’t be disappointed, I love Botswana!
We were at Tau Pan in Dec 2019 before the world went off the rails. That was our second time in the Kalahari. We would love to do a self drive in the future.
I can't wait to get back there as well! Self-drive is definitely they best way to experience it 👍
Nice!
Thanks Shaun!
wow dude. you make me jealous. :D. Well put together vid. That is Africa
Thanks Mnr!
Great stuff! Helps a lot - currently planning on another trip and first time to the CKGR in December and now bumped into your videos. Love it! Keep 'em coming. Oh, and I love hearing your beautiful South African accent. :-D
Thanks Sam! Enjoy your trip!
Love it!
Thanks Paul!
@@GetOutGO A question if I may, how much fuel does one need to take onboard in order to get between the farthest fuel stops? I'm considering the trip towing a camp trailer...
cheers
@@Paul-RSA Hi Paul, it’s around 650km between Rakops and Lethlakeng (fuel stops). Lots of low range driving between Piper and Molose though so work on 1k km (incl game drives) on your worst fuel consumption. I used 155l diesel between Rakops and Molepolole (Lethlakeng was closed).
@@GetOutGO Great thanks for the detailed response, appreciate it!
Lekker Christoff!!
i like your narration style sweet,short to the point. i always feel you know much about your subject and yet you dingle a carrot so that i want more of you.
Thanks Zalisile!
So much quality of content for such a small youtuber. Your content is worth going live on TV channels!
😯 thanks, much appreciated!
@@GetOutGO I just bought the same car you have here in India with the idea of using it for over landing like you. Although India doesn’t have camps like in Africa and Australia for 4x4 enthusiasts.
01:14 ''remember, there is no mobile reception in the reserve''
LEKKA! thats what its supposed to be about!
New subscriber here, fellow Saffa living, 4wding and wild camping in the UK
Swing by and say hello - cant wait to go through your archive
Cheers
Chris
Also, Im a total Suzuki fan but have gotten so totally bored with all the damn Jimnys that plague almost all SA / Southern African 4x4 channels lately! Nice to see other vehicles ...
Yup, if isolation's what you're after, this is the place to be! Thanks for watching, hope you enjoy!
@@GetOutGO cheers man
Thank you Christoff for your excellent video, very informative and inspiring. How difficult is navigating the CKGR? Need for special GPS? And what would you recommend as the best time of the year to visit? Thanks again
Thanks Peter! I’d recommend T4A (tracks4africa.co.za) on a Garmin. My personal preference is Mar - Jun
Really enjoyed this , thank you , what time of the year was this
Glad you enjoyed it! This was March
I have been through Botswana with my super link tautliner Scania going to Congo to deliver a load. Was my first time in Botswana and Zambia and Congo. But i always want to go back to Botswana for a overlanding tour. Because just what i saw by driving with the truck, man Botswanan is beautiful.
Now we do go camping and 4x4ing in south africa on weekends as we get chance. So i all ready have a basic idea of rough camping. Is there any place where i can look up what you take on a overlanding trip for instance central kalahari. I am use to just 2 to 3 days away camping rough in the bush, and you do not even need a fridge for such a short time. Great videos as always
I have a video coming out next week Tue going through my setup if you're interested 😉 It depends how far, where and how long you want to go. Central Kalahari for instance we crossed the entire reserve North to South and the trip was 11 days. I had +/- 5l water pppd, enough fuel for 1200km, dry food and fridge-freezer for cold storage. To power the fridge I have a dual battery system and solar power. If you're just going away for a couple of days for instance you might get away with a cooler box (a rotational molded one like Rogue or Romer) but for long term overlanding I highly suggest getting a fridge-freezer. This does mean additional expenses like a dual battery system unfortunately.
Awesome video. Loved the longer version. It does help with future bookings. I'm keen on Kalahari. Do you need a 4x4 or can you do it with a 2x4 to your camp sites?
Thank you! In the winter you could probably get to some of the camps close to the gates but in the wet season or to cross the reserve you're going to need a 4x4
@@GetOutGO thank you Christoff
Wonderful video. This has been on my bucket list for many years now. Can you give any advice as to how to book a trip like this? Who does one contact? Are there travel agents that can do it all for you?
Thank you! I usually book directly. For the CKGR you need to book through DWNP and Bigfoot tours (DWNP can be challenging). You can use a travel agent like Ultimate Routes as well explore@ultimateroutes.co.za. Speak to Lea and say Christoff referred you ;)
Fantastic vid Christoff, thank you. May I ask for your opinion, please. We are visiting CKGR in May 2021 and have 3 camps on our short list, namely; Piper Pan, Kori #3 and Sunday Pan. Of the 3, we want to choose 2, but can't decide. Many thanks. Neal
Thanks Neal! All three are great camps. I like Kori #3 and Sunday Pan #2, Piper had more game when we were there so if I HAD to choose, personally I'd go for Kori and Piper.
Thank you, Christoff. Appreciated. Hope you get back to Bots soon!
Christoff would I be able to do say the North (Deception ..Would love Piper but that is a dream without 4x4) in my Hilux 2.5 D4D 4 x2 plus Diff lock towing muy rugged Summit Everest trailer?? Its on my Bucket list ..Regular Rooiputs and Polentswa camper 70 yrs old ..CKGR is my Wish list no 1 ..Just worried about deep sand ..Your video shows the road as hard good surface ??
Hi Peter, the road from Rakops to Matswere gate and Matswere to Deception has some pretty thick sand. I'm not sure a 4x2 towing a trailer would make it, sorry
Hi Chris - thanks for a great video. In your opinion could this trip be undertaken solo assuming a decently equipped 4x4 ?
Hi Jeff, crossing the whole reserve you mean? Technically possible obviously but I wouldn’t recommend it. If you’re going to do it, I would strongly recommend a satphone, some form of SAR service (like GEOS) and enough provisions (water and fuel especially). To give you an idea we did not see another vehicle in 3 days between Xade and Molose.
@@GetOutGO Thanks Chris
I still want to do this trip as well. We went there a few years ago, but only from the south and to Khutse and Molose for 3 days. What was your average petrol consumption through the CKGR?
Hi. My ave was around 8 km/l but the Xade and Bape went down to about 6 km/l, lots of thick sand, low range.
Thanks Christoff ek gaan naar by afrikaans bly ek kry skoon hoendervleis dan was jy saam n klomp great ouens wow wow
Hierdie was verseker n baie lekker trip saam met die ouens!
Nice videos - is your cars suspension upgraded to OMU?
Thanks 👍 my suspension is Ironman4x4 coils and shocks
Hi Christoff, great video. Quality of video and edit great. Check our video, group of friends we did the Savuti and 3rd Bridge. Great fun. We heading back in the new year. Happy travelling.
Thanks, much appreciated! Awesome, I'll check it out!
Excellent Christoff, love what the four of you guys bring to the enjoyment of others, especially your reviews, add enormous value to future bookings. In a way I am very sad, we would have left for CKGR in 10 days. Next year 😉💪🏻
Thanks Dirk, only a pleasure! Sorry to hear that, I can only imagine how many travel plans have been cancelled. Hopefully we can get out there again soon!
Could you give a full route map and comments ??
Hi Alan, I'm still working on this and will make it available on Patreon. It will probably be a GPX file generated out of Basecamp.
How much fuel did you use on the trip? Do you have long range tanks?
Mine, around 300l (2800km round trip). I have a 70l main tank, a 43l long range fuel tank and I had two jerrycans as well. North to South is around 750km between fuel stops in the CKGR (Rakops - Molepolole) but I'd say you need enough fuel for around 1200km to cross the reserve and include game drives.
what dates did you go
Just needed to read, March 2020.
No worries Johann 😉 Yes, our trip was from 9 to 22 March 2020
1:60 haven;t seen much water in the last 15000 years. What do you know about even hundred years mate? Talk only about what you know please.
Deception valley is a dry riverbed formed around 15-16000 years ago. This is according to geologists mate, not something I just thumb-sucked. Feel free to google it
Why drive on-top of eachother???? What a waist....................
Uhm it's called filming... I'm sure you don't want to sit and watch empty space for 2min between cars?