Nossob 4×4 Eco Trail

The Trail

The Nossob 4×4 Eco trail is a 4×4 trail that runs between two of the most popular rest camps in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – Twee Rivieren and Nossob. The trail offers a slower paced alternative route to the usual riverbed road between the two camps. It meanders through the undulating dunes of the South African section of the park and offers an incredible 4×4 trail and wildlife experience.

The trail takes 4 days and 3 nights of self-sufficient 4×4 driving to complete this trail, alongside an appointed and qualified guide from San Parks. You will set off on Monday and finish on the Thursday. The total distance of the trail is 214km and each day you will travel around 50km to 60km.

During the odd months (i.e. January, March, May, etc) the trail starts from Nossob and during the even months it starts from Twee Rivieren, so depending on which direction you want to travel (north to south or south to north), you will need to plan and book accordingly. Remember that if you’re ending the trail at Nossob, it’s probably a good idea to stay a night there or potentially one of the other northern camps in the park as it’s quite a long drive back to Twee Rivieren.

The Camps

The trail consists of 3 different camp sites which you will stop over night at. They are:

• Witgat
• Rosyntjiebos
• Swartbas

These camps are very basic and completely wild with no fences. They offer long drop toilets and bucket showers, just like most of the other wild camps in the Kgalagadi. For the duration of the trail, you will be responsible for your own catering. This includes water for drinking, washing up and showering. Make sure you pack enough food and water to last for the full 4 days on trail.

Additionally you will need to pack your own firewood. Each vehicle should carry 1 bundle of firewood in the summer and 2 for trails in the winter. The camp sites do not have braai grids, so bring your own grid.

Best Time To Do The Trail

My personal opinion is that the best time to visit the Kgalagadi is during autumn and spring where the weather is not as extreme as during the summer and winter. During the summer, it’s extremely hot with temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees celsius. Whereas in the winter, while the day time temperatures are usually warm, at night time it gets extremely cold, sometimes even reaching negative double digits. So my recommendation is to book during March/April/May or September/October/November. The trail is closed over Christmas and New Years.

The Wildlife

If you’re like me, the highlight of your 4×4 trail is the wildlife that you encounter. While nothing is guaranteed out there in the wild, the Kgalagadi never seems to disappoint, and especially in the wilder parts of the park like the 4×4 trails.

You can encounter a variety of wildlife on the trail. From the larger predators like lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena to eland, springbok, wildebeest and the most incredible birds and raptors. Then of course you have the opportunity to see meerkats, jackals, bat-ear foxes and so much more. I’ve also often come across cape cobras, puff adders and mole snakes in the park too. All in all, you won’t be disappointed with the wildlife viewing.

Trail Difficulty

The Nossob 4×4 Eco trail is a guided trail and you will complete the trail alongside a qualified guide. That means that this trail is beginner friendly and in my opinion, a great trail to do if you’re just starting out 4x4ing and overlanding. With that said, it’s also a great trail for experienced overlanders given the wildness of the Kgalagadi and the sandy dunes.

Vehicle Requirements

A 4×4 vehicle with low range is a prerequisite for this trail and you will not be allowed to do the trail without one. A diff-lock is not required.

Tyre pressure should be 1.5 bar or below. You should also carry enough fuel for at least 300km keeping in mind your fuel consumption will be a lot heavier on a 4×4 trail. Both Nossob and Twee Rivieren have filling stations.

It’s highly recommend to use protection against grass and grass seeds. There have been a number of cases of grass seeds getting in to radiators and vehicles catching alight in the Kgalagadi.

Your vehicle should be kitted out enough for you to camp out of for the duration of the trail. Make sure to bring recovery equipment too.

Book the Nossob 4×4 Eco Trail

As with most bookings in the Kgalagadi, you will need to book this trail in advance. Bookings are hard to come by if you leave it to the last minute. You may get lucky, but chances are slim.

A trail will have a minimum of 2 vehicles and a maximum of 5 vehicles. There will additionally be a guide with their vehicle. You are allow a maximum of 5 occupants per vehicle.

The cost of the trail is R3762.25 per vehicle (as per September 2023). This does not include the daily conservation fee which is charged per person. If you have a Sanparks Wildcard, you wont need to pay the conservation fee.

To book the trail, you will need to contact the Kgalagadi office via phone or email.

Phone: +27 54 561 2000
Email: ian.heyns@sanparks.org

FAQ

Can I bring a camping trailer or off-road caravan on the trail?

No, trailers and caravans are not allowed on the trail.

Is the Nossob 4×4 Eco Trail different to the Kalahari Wilderness Eco Trail?

No, they are the same thing. The Nossob 4×4 Eco Trail was previously known as the Kalahari Wilderness Eco Trail.

Is this trail kid friendly?

Yes, but only children over the age of 12 are allowed on the trail.

How many people are allowed in my vehicle on the trail?

There is a maximum of 5 occupants per vehicle allowed.

Will my vehicle get scratched and damaged on this trail?

This trail is not extremely technical and consists of mostly sandy conditions. Vehicle damage is unlikely but there are parts of the trail where you may encounter branches and shrubs that may scratch your vehicle if you are not careful.

Are there fences at the camps on the trail?

No, the camps are completely wild and there is a change of large predators like lions, cheetah and leopard coming through camp. You need to be aware and alert at all times.

Do I need to bring my own radio for communication?

No, hand held radios are provided for all vehicles participating in the trail.