Our June 2010 Botswana Trip (LowRange) Part 1
We have just returned from a wonderful two week trip through Botswana. Our convoy consisted of 5 families with one trailer and 4 off-road caravans hauled by the Pajero, 3 Toyota’s and a Land-Rover. The Group included 8 kids aged between 3 and 9 which had to be kept safe and entertained throughout.

After crossing the border at Stockpoort without incident, we headed to Khama Rhino Sanctuary where we spend the first 2 nights. The second day was spent exploring Khama, which turned out to be a very worthwhile experience.
101 Campsite at Khama.JPG
On day 3 we headed for the long haul into Central Kalahari where we put up camp at Kori Campsite at Deception Pan. This was our base for the next few days from where we explored the Northern parts of CKGR. I was pleasantly surprised with CKGR, which was definitely the highlight of the trip for me.
102 On route in CKGR.JPG
103 CKGR1.JPG
104 CKGR2.JPG
105 CKGR3.JPG
106 Road to Sunday Pan.JPG
107 Cosy campsite at Kori - Deception Pan.JPG
108 Deception Pan.JPG
109 Jackal feeding on dead lion.JPG

On leaving CKGR we headed North to Maun where we spend the next 2 nights at Island Safari lodge to replenish stock and get the batteries recharged.
110 Driving the cutline to Makalamabedi.JPG
From Maun we headed into Moremi where we spent some time at both Xakanaka and Kwai Camp. The water level in the Moremi is apparently the highest in 30 years with many tracks being flooded. The main tracks to the camps were however passable.
Johan
Gen 4 GLX 30th Anniversary Edition (Gravel :mrgreen: )
VW Tiguan 2.0TDi (Tar ;))
Bushlapa Boabab 4.2 in tow
Re: Our June 2010 Botswana Trip (LowRange) Part 2
At Xakanaka we where caught off-guard when an Ellie appeared from the Mopani bush without warning while we were putting up camp. Everyone scattered for the closest vehicle and we waited patiently for it to wander off again.
111 Visitor at Xakanaka.JPG
112 Main track to Xakanaka.JPG
113 Boat trip from Xakanaka.JPG
At Kwai camp we had this visitor just after all the kids were put to bed and we all relaxed around the campfire. It caused quite a stir in camp and my freezer has some bite-marks now as a reminder of this trip.
114 Visitor at Kwai Camp.JPG
115 Lion at Nxai.JPG
From Kwai we headed to Makgadigadi –Nxai Pan. We used the second day here to pay a visit to the infamous Baines Boababs.
116 On Route to Baines Boababs.JPG
117 Baines.JPG
118 Road to Nxai Pan.JPG
Johan
Gen 4 GLX 30th Anniversary Edition (Gravel :mrgreen: )
VW Tiguan 2.0TDi (Tar ;))
Bushlapa Boabab 4.2 in tow
Re: Our June 2010 Botswana Trip (LowRange) Part 3
From Nxai we headed to Kubu Island for the second last night. The long dusty haul was rewarded by a magnificent sunset after we had put up camp at the spectacular campsite1.
119 Eastern Track down to Kubu.JPG
120 Village on route to Kubu.JPG
121 Pajie at Kubu.JPG
122 Full moon at Kubu.JPG
123 Campsite 1 at Kubu.JPG
124 Trusty wheels.JPG
On the last day we left the pans on the track south, a bit worried about reports that it was not passable, but fortunately it had dried up sufficiently for us to cross without incident. There was however evidence that people got terribly stuck some time earlier.
125 Convoy at Kubu.JPG
126 Leaving the pans.JPG
127 Track South from Kubu.JPG
Apart from some repairs that had to be done to the trailer and a minor collision between one of the caravans and another traveler who refused to leave the tracks on the sand track leading from CKGR, our trip was without incident or breakdowns.
Johan
Gen 4 GLX 30th Anniversary Edition (Gravel :mrgreen: )
VW Tiguan 2.0TDi (Tar ;))
Bushlapa Boabab 4.2 in tow
Re: Our June 2010 Botswana Trip (LowRange) Part 1
Lowrange

Welcome back! Excelent trip it seems and wonderfull photos!

But is it really necesarry to post it on a Monday morning to all guys like myself slogging away for the whole school holiday and in dire need of a trip!? :lol:

CATS
2009 Pajero 3.2 DiDc Lwb GLS (Gen4) - Casper (Starting to grow on me)
2001 Pajero 3.2 DiD Lwb GLS Manual (Gen3) - Snoopy (SOLD but not forgotten)
2008 Pajero 3.2 DiDc Lwb GLS Auto (Gen4) - Silvester (SOLD)
Image
User avatar
Affiliate Member
Re: Our June 2010 Botswana Trip (LowRange) Part 1
ThePajeroMan
Re: Our June 2010 Botswana Trip (LowRange) Part 1
Lowrange

Great stuff, thanx for the pic's
Re: Our June 2010 Botswana Trip (LowRange) Part 1
Great pics .....


..... but that does not change the fact .....



..... that I hate you! (for posting it whilst I can't go there!) :D

I love Botswana!
Gerhard Fourie
If you want to shoot somebody, make sure you aim at his head, not your own foot.
Me
Image
Re: Our June 2010 Botswana Trip (LowRange) Part 1
CATS wrote:Lowrange

Welcome back! Excelent trip it seems and wonderfull photos!
I agree, very jealous
CATS wrote:But is it really necesarry to post it on a Monday morning to all guys like myself slogging away for the whole school holiday and in dire need of a trip!? :lol:

CATS
Cats, I'll hold him down, and you bliksem him :mrgreen:

I am very envious.

Lowrange,
How many days did you go for? How many Kilo's per day?
Re: Our June 2010 Botswana Trip (LowRange) Part 1
KaiV wrote: Lowrange,
How many days did you go for? How many Kilo's per day?
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

We spend 14 nights, did about 3600Km and moved camp 7 times. Got an average of 6Km/l :( , .

Johan
Johan
Gen 4 GLX 30th Anniversary Edition (Gravel :mrgreen: )
VW Tiguan 2.0TDi (Tar ;))
Bushlapa Boabab 4.2 in tow
Re: Our June 2010 Botswana Trip (LowRange) Part 1
Lowrange

A stupid question about your trip. If I wanted to do the exact same trip as yours in December, would it be possible? I assume it will be very hot, but my question relates more to road conditions and weather in the form of water.

If I understand it correctly Botswanna rainy season is November-January which could lead to muddy tracks but the Delta actually flood in the winter months of June-August making it impossible to visit certain parts close to there. Do I have it right or am I totally off track?

CATS
2009 Pajero 3.2 DiDc Lwb GLS (Gen4) - Casper (Starting to grow on me)
2001 Pajero 3.2 DiD Lwb GLS Manual (Gen3) - Snoopy (SOLD but not forgotten)
2008 Pajero 3.2 DiDc Lwb GLS Auto (Gen4) - Silvester (SOLD)
Image
Post Reply