8-day, 7-night Trans-Kalahari Self-Drive Tour
Join A Guided Self-Drive Adventure Across the Heart of the Kalahari.
Follow the ancient course of the Molopo River as it winds from the Orange River deep into the Kalahari. Along the way, experience the wild beauty of the Kgalagadi, the vast red-dune landscapes, and the remote pan country of Koppieskraal and Hakskeen.
This unforgettable journey truly crosses the very heart of the Kalahari—rich in stories, landscapes, and timeless wilderness.
Join Thirstland Self-Drive Tours on an unforgettable self-drive journey between Augrabies and Van Zylsrus (or vice versa), exploring some of the most iconic and remote landscapes of the Kalahari. This immersive 8-day, 7-night experience combines guided self-driving, rich storytelling, wildlife encounters, and nights spent at exceptional Kalahari camps.
Each day reveals new Kalahari highlights as we travel between carefully selected camps, sharing the region’s history, landscapes, and unique character along the way.
We stay at six different camps over the course of the tour; each located at a distinct Kalahari hotspot—ranging from river canyons and open pans to red-dune settings.
Self-Drive Experience
This is a guided self-drive tour, where participants drive their own vehicles between camps while following the lead guide. Along the way, we stop at points of interest for stories, history, scenery, and wildlife viewing.
A 4×4 vehicle is required. If towing a trailer or caravan, it must be suitable for off-road and 4×4 conditions.
Please note: Vehicle rental options (equipped with camping gear) are available in Upington. Upington airport offers daily return flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg. Thirstland Self-Drive Tours can assist with vehicle rental arrangements.
Upcoming dates:
2026
27 September – 4 October
14 – 21 November
2027
2 – 9 October
20 – 27 November
“The only man I envy is the man who has not been to the Kalahari… For he has so much to look forward to.”
Itinerary
Day 1:
The group meets at Augrabies Falls National Park at 17:00. After introductions and a tour briefing, we enjoy our first dinner together before settling in for the night, preparing for the adventure ahead.
Day 2:
After exploring the dramatic landscapes of Augrabies, we travel towards Riemvasmaak, passing Vredesvallei and the confluence of the Molopo and Orange Rivers. The route offers striking rock formations and arid scenery.
At Riemvasmaak, the afternoon is yours to explore—visit the hot spring, tackle 4×4 trails, or hike into the Molopo River canyon.
Dinner is self-catered this evening; firewood and a braai grid are provided. We end the night around the campfire in the canyon.
Day 3:
We wake to birdsong and the quiet of the Molopo canyon. After coffee, we travel along the Molopo River, stopping at historic sites and scenic viewpoints while learning about the region’s stories and past.
We stop at Noenieput, pass through classic red-dune country, and visit Koppieskraal, home to South Africa’s only camel-milk dairy.
We camp on Koppieskraal Pan, enjoying a spectacular sunset and a truly memorable night under endless stars. Dinner is self-catered; firewood and a braai grid are provided.
Day 4:
We greet the sunrise over the pan before crossing Hakskeenpan en route to Rietfontein, where we explore the pioneering history of the Kalahari.
From here, we drive through striking red dunes of the Mier District to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, settling in at Kgalagadi Lifestyle Lodge, just 5 km from the Twee Rivieren gate.
The afternoon is free for a park visit. Park entry fees are included.
Dinner is enjoyed at the lodge.
Day 5:
A full day is spent exploring the Kgalagadi at your own pace, with exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities along the riverbeds.
Park fees are included.
Dinner is again enjoyed at Kgalagadi Lifestyle Lodge before returning to camp for the night.
Day 6:
After sunrise overlooking the Nossob River, we travel to Chayah Wildlife Rehab to experience the incredible work they do for the wildlife of the Kalahari. From Chayah its onwards to Askham to refuel and restock supplies—no visit is complete without Diamond T’s famous milk tart.
From Askham we continue to Gemsbokkie, where we camp between camelthorn trees and red dunes. Dinner is served around the fire, accompanied by the sounds of the Kalahari night.
Day 7:
Our final travel day follows the Molopo River, which forms the border with Botswana. We stop along the way to take in the scenery and enjoy lunch overlooking the river.
In Van Zylsrus, there is time to explore before a sundowner and our final shared dinner at camp.
Day 8:
We wake beside the Kuruman River and enjoy a final breakfast together. After farewells, the Trans-Kalahari Self-Drive Tour comes to an end.
“You cannot rush the Kalahari – it forces you to slow down.”
Highlights during the Trans-Kalahari Self-Drive Tour with Thirstland Self-Drive Tours:
• Augrabies Falls & the Orange River
• Riemvasmaak hot spring
• Kalahari history and storytelling
• Koppieskraal Pan & camel-milking experience
• Hakskeenpan & Rietfontein
• Classic red-dune landscapes
• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
• Molopo, Nossob, Auob & Kuruman Rivers
• Askham & Van Zylsrus
• Authentic Kalahari hospitality and cuisine
Accommodation And Dining
Kalahari camps
We stay at a variety of campsites, each unique:
• Camping in the Molopo River canyon at Riemvasmaak
• Camping between red dunes and Camelthorn trees
• Camping on an open pan under vast skies
Guests must bring their own camping gear, whether using ground tents, rooftop tents, camping trailers, or off-road caravans. Please note that any trailer or caravan must be fully off-road capable.
Ablution facilities are available at all the campsites we stay at. All comes with flush toilets and hot water showers.
Meals & Drinks
Included:
• 5 dinners
• Coffee, tea & beskuit each morning
• House wine served with included dinners
Not included:
• Breakfasts and lunches (except where stated)
• 2 dinners
• All additional drinks
Dinners range from hearty cooked meals to traditional braai evenings, enjoyed around the campfire.
Reservations And Bookings
All reservations must be paid in full 30 days before your arrival for the tour. The tour takes place for a min of 10 guests to a max of 20 guests.
Prices for 2026
R8500 per person
Prices for 2027
R9500 per person
Cancellation Policy
50% of the total amount within 6 months prior to departure.
75% of the total amount within 3 months prior to departure.
100% of the total amount within 30 days prior to departure.
What is included
• 5 dinners (with house wines)
• 2 breakfasts
• Coffee, tea & beskuit each morning
• Firewood & braai grid for 2 dinners
• Park entry fees
• Camping fees
• 2-Way radio’s for duration of tour
CATHSSETA-qualified guide
What is excluded
• Additional snacks, drinks, and water
• Ice
• Camping equipment
• Fuel and vehicle-related expenses
• Transport (self-drive tour)
• Souvenirs and gratuities where applicable