Awe-inspiring Mabuasehube 4×4 Trail in Botswana

Here I am, perched on my trusty bakkie, gazing out at the magnificent Mpayathutlwa Pan. Its Setswana name translates to ‘the stomach of the giraffe,’ and when you take a moment to observe, you can see why. This pan resembles a stretched-out, oval-shaped stomach, with a graceful curve that vanishes into the cluster of camel thorn trees on my right.

So, here’s the thing about the name – I reckon it comes from the shape. You know, that’s what I assumed when me and my buddies asked the guy at the Mabuasehube Gate. He had this big smile on his face, but I don’t think he was really paying attention to me. I mean, our noisy engines interrupted his lunch, and trust me, none of us wanted to hang around that hot, empty gatehouse. But, you know, he quickly let us pass. No computers, no online forms to fill in – just this massive, beaten-up book that had a few names of vehicles written in it. That’s how they do things on the Botswanan side of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. It’s all calm and easygoing, with simple rules and plenty of time to sit back, relax, and take in the magnificent views.

And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like watching the sunset from Mabuasehube campsite number 2. It’s a scene that’s etched in my memory forever. Photo by Chris Davies.

As I stand here, watching the sun dip below the horizon, Mpayathutlwa Pan stretches out in front of me, shimmering in the fading light. It’s not as big or as dazzling as the Makgadikgadi salt pans up north, but it has its own charm. The pans in Mabuasehube are smaller, only a few football fields in size, and Mpayathutlwa is covered in scrub and grass. But the horizon still paints a beautiful picture, with dark storm clouds gathering above.

A little further out, in the middle of the pan, I spot three oryx and a lone red hartebeest grazing. They seem calm and content, unaware of the lion tracks we recently passed on the road. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone out here in the wilderness. The wildlife can be both mesmerizing and dangerous.

As night falls, I know I’ll be sticking close to the campfire. It’s a comforting source of warmth and light, keeping the darkness and uncertainty at bay. The crackling flames provide a sense of security in this vast and untamed landscape. I’ll listen to the night sounds, the distant calls of animals, and let the serenity of the wilderness wash over me.

Here at Mpayathutlwa, our camp is simple and rustic. We have basic amenities, including a single tap, a pit loo, and a shaded wooden A-frame. But don’t let that fool you – we’re well-prepared for our adventure. Despite the sun setting and casting long shadows on our solar panels, our freezer is still running smoothly, and I even have ice in my drink. And if I want to freshen up, I can take a hot shower thanks to the gas shower built into the side panel of our bakkie. This might not be what you typically think of as roughing it, but it’s an experience you won’t forget.

But forget about showers for now. There’s so much to get excited about! Tomorrow, we’re taking on the Mabuasehube Wilderness Trail. This amazing adventure starts right down the road. It’s a 175-kilometre journey that will take us two days to complete. And get this – we’ll be driving in a 4×4! How cool is that?

The trail stretches from Botswana to South Africa, running from east to west through the park. It’s a remote and wild route that will really get our hearts pumping. We’ll start on the eastern bank of the Nossob River and finish on the western bank. It’s like crossing borders without even needing a passport!

Now, let me tell you about our first overnight stop. We’ll be camping at Mosomane Pan. And when I say camping, I mean it in the wildest sense possible. There are absolutely no facilities here. It’s just us and the untouched beauty of the wilderness. And the best part? Only one group can book the trail at a time, so we’ll have this whole place to ourselves. Talk about a private paradise!

I’m so drawn to this route and this part of the world because of the sense of being alone in it. The Mabuasehube Wilderness Trail isn’t meant to be a difficult challenge, but rather an opportunity to immerse ourselves as deeply as we can in the Kgalagadi during the limited time we have. The tracks in this area are sandy, with a few small dunes to navigate, but our 4×4 vehicles have handled them effortlessly so far. The access road to the park already had some thick sand, but the vehicles had no trouble at all. It seems likely that they’ll make tomorrow’s trail a breeze too.

But that’s tomorrow. Right now, the sun is almost gone. We need an early start, so I should probably get moving – time to go light the fire. But first things first: I could really use some more ice for my drink.

How to get there

When I consider a Johannesburg-to-Kgalagadi round trip in less than five days, I realize that it wouldn’t be much fun. However, if you take some extra time on the Botswanan side, you’ll have the place practically to yourself. Sure, it lacks facilities and the nearest proper toilet is miles away, but that’s exactly what a fully equipped 4×4 vehicle is designed for.

Now, let’s talk about the Mabuasehube Wilderness Trail. It’s a two-day 4×4 route that starts in the Mabuasehube area in Botswana and ends near Nossob rest camp in South Africa, with an overnight stop at Mosomane Pan. Keep in mind, Mosomane has absolutely no facilities, so you need to bring everything you need and rely on a GPS to even know when you’ve arrived. The trail only allows one group booking at a time and costs 200 pula per person on top of the regular park entrance and vehicle fees. Don’t forget, a 4×4 vehicle is essential for this adventure.

Let’s also discuss camping.

When it comes to the Botswanan side

There are seven rest camps in the Mabuasehube area. Three of them have waterholes, specifically the Mabuasehube and Mpayathutlwa pans, as well as the Mabuasehube Gate.

1. The Mabuasehube Gate comes with an ablution block, while the other two have pit latrines and a single tap at each stand.

2. Mabuasehube offers four stands for you to choose from. The first campsite provides stunning views from a low ridge, situated to the west of the pan. Campsites two and three are conveniently located together towards the south. Lastly, the fourth one can be found on the low eastern side.

3. Mpayathutlwa comes with three well-spaced stands, positioned along the northern side of the pan.

The Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks takes care of bookings. For the year 2014, the park entrance fee is 20 pula per person per day, with an additional 4 pula per vehicle per day. Additionally, it costs 30 pula per person per day to camp. If you’re under 15 years old, you get a 50% discount on these fees.

To make a booking: Call +267 318 0774 or email [email protected]
On the South African side

Powered stands at Nossob and Twee Rivieren cost between R220 and R265 for two people, depending on the season. Additional adults are R72 each, and children under 12 are R36. SA residents pay R66 per day for park conservation fees, while those under 12 pay R33, and Wild Card holders enter for free. The prices are subject to annual fee increases. You can find SANParks’ latest tariffs here.

To make a booking: Call +27(0)12 428 9111 or visit www.sanparks.org
What we drove

I recently had the pleasure of trying out two different vehicles from AVIS Safari Rentals. They had a Ford Ranger diesel available in two versions: an automatic 3.2-liter SuperCab and a manual 2.2-liter Double Cab. Both of these vehicles were equipped with amazing features like traction control, trailer sway control, electronic tire pressure monitors, and stability programs. The tires were BFGoodrich all-terrain, and the suspensions were upgraded to handle the additional weight of all the equipment.

Speaking of equipment, these vehicles were loaded with everything you could possibly need for a great safari adventure. They had solar panels, a 90-liter fridge/freezer combo, a gas-heated shower, an 80-liter water tank, a shade awning, a fully fitted kitchen, a braai kit, a recovery kit, linen, towels, a table and chairs, and so much more! Basically, they had all the essentials covered, so all you had to worry about was stocking up on food.

The SuperCab version of the vehicle had an awesome pop-up roof tent that was incredibly convenient. It literally took just 10 seconds to open and close, making it perfect for getting ready quickly for an early morning game drive. It added a whole new level of comfort and ease to the safari experience.

Now, let’s talk about the costs.

Renting a car for a safari adventure in Southern Africa can cost anywhere between R1,300 to R2,100 per day, depending on the time of year and type of vehicle you choose. This price includes comprehensive insurance and unlimited mileage, ensuring that you have peace of mind while exploring the stunning landscapes of South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Namibia.

When it comes to making a reservation, you can easily arrange pick-up and drop-off in major cities across these countries. The process is hassle-free, and you can rest assured that you will be well taken care of during your journey.

In case you have any questions or need further assistance, you can reach out to Avis Safari Rental at Tel 011 392 5202 or on Cell 084 200 4030. You can also visit their website at www.avissafarirental.com to explore more options and find all the information you need before embarking on your safari adventure.

Now, let’s talk about some important things you need to know before starting your safari. First and foremost, as a South African citizen, you can obtain a free 90-day visa at the border. So, there’s no need to worry about any additional paperwork or fees for entry.

When it comes to paperwork for the rental vehicle, Avis Safari Rental takes care of all the necessary documentation, ensuring a stress-free experience for you. However, you should keep in mind that you’ll need about R200 per vehicle for taxes and insurance purposes.

Food is another important aspect to consider during your safari. At the border, you might undergo inspections for meat and dairy products. To avoid any issues, it’s best to stock up on groceries at Shoppers Supermarket in Tsabong. This modern supermarket offers a wide variety of products, making it convenient to gather all the supplies you need for your journey. Just remember to skip the pies there, as they might not be the best Botswana has to offer.

Lastly, let’s talk about border control. It’s essential to follow all the rules and regulations at the border crossings. These regulations can change frequently, so staying up to date is crucial. By taking these precautions and being prepared, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey as you explore the wonders of Southern Africa on your safari adventure.

I’m going to tell you about my experience on the Mabuasehube Wilderness Trail in South Africa. It was such an incredible adventure! I had to check in at Nossob Rest Camp, but immigration was actually taken care of at Twee Rivieren. Just so you know, the border is open from 7 am to 4 pm. If you want to, you can also leave the park at Twee Rivieren and stay in Botswana. There’s a road that goes along the Nossob River and then turns east, following Botswana’s southern border. From there, you can use any border post to go back to South Africa.

I started my journey by entering Kgalagadi through the Mabuasehube Gate. The campsites at Mabuasehube were amazing! They were spread out nicely and offered a lot of privacy. It was so nice to have my own space. Plus, they had hot water, which made it really easy to clean up after a day of exploring.

During the summer, the rains would gather over Mabuasehube, creating a beautiful and dramatic scene. I loved watching the storm clouds roll in and experiencing the power of nature. And when night fell, it was such a peaceful experience at the Mabuasehube campsite. The stars were so bright and the sounds of the wilderness were calming.

The best part of the trail was the entrance to the Mabuasehube Wilderness Trail. It felt like stepping into a whole new world. The green Kalahari was absolutely stunning, especially in the summer when everything was in full bloom. It was a sight I’ll never forget.

Overall, my time on the Mabuasehube Wilderness Trail was unforgettable. The beauty and tranquility of the place left a lasting impression on me. If you enjoy being in nature and experiencing the wonders of the wild, you’ll love this trail. It’s a true escape from the busyness of everyday life.

If you’re planning to embark on the Mabuasehube Wilderness Trail, there are a few things you should be aware of. First, the trail features some sections with deep sand, particularly towards the end. However, for most of the way, the sand is hard-packed and firm, making it easier to navigate.

As you make your way along the trail, you’ll come across the campsite at Mosomane pan. It’s a great place to set up camp and take in the stunning surroundings.

Keep an eye out for the ground squirrels that will keep watch over the camp at Mosomane. They add a lively touch to the wilderness experience.

When the sun begins to set, be prepared for the breathtaking sight of long shadows stretching across the Mosomane pan. It’s a truly mesmerizing scene.

Don’t be surprised if you spot a gemsbok galloping across the pan. These elegant creatures are a common sight in the area.

If you’re an early riser, you’ll have the opportunity to witness a beautiful dawn start from Mosomane pan. It’s a magical way to begin your day.

As you move towards the western part of the trail, be prepared for sandy terrain and a couple of tricky dune tracks. It may require a bit more effort, but the reward is worth it.

When you reach Nossob rest camp, make sure to visit the hide. It offers a great vantage point to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.