Nossob River Valley Track — Nossob Camp to Twee Rivieren via Kgalagadi Fossil Riverbed
Lions in the road. Sand in the diffs. Pure Kalahari.
The Nossob River hasn’t run with surface water in over a century, but it’s still the lifeblood of the Kgalagadi’s central corridor — a broad sandy channel flanked by grey camel thorn acacias and dry grass where lions sleep in the road at midday without giving you a second glance. The track between Nossob Camp and Twee Rivieren hugs this fossil riverbed for nearly 160km, passing windmill-fed waterholes at Cubitje Quap, Leeudril, and Kaspersdraai. These are mandatory stops — both for water-dependent wildlife and for orientation in a landscape that looks identical in every direction. Cheetah, wild dog, and brown hyena are regular sightings here; this is one of the best predator-watching corridors on the continent. The drive can be done in a day but deserves two.
Sand is the challenge — deep, loose Kalahari sand that will swallow under-inflated tyres and bury an unprepared vehicle to the axles. Deflate to 20-22 PSI for the sandy sections. A high-clearance 4WD is required inside the park; this is not optional — rangers will turn you back at the gate. All driving must be done between sunrise and sunset; no night driving is permitted and the rule is enforced. Permits and park entry fees are required — book well in advance through SANParks, particularly for South African school holiday periods. Nossob Camp has fuel (limited), a small shop, and comfortable chalets and camping. Twee Rivieren has more full facilities. Best season May through September for wildlife density and firmer track conditions.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 99 mi / 159 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3250 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa |
| Land manager | SANParks – Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | SANParks – Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park SANParks – Reservations and Permits |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum vehicle needed to run Nossob to Twee Rivieren?
High-clearance 4WD is non-negotiable — the track is soft Kalahari sand the entire way and will swallow two-wheel-drive vehicles. Locking differentials or a vehicle with good low-range gearing helps significantly, especially in the fossil riverbed sections. Run lower tire pressure (around 1.5–1.8 bar) to stay on top of the sand.
When is this track open and what does weather do to it?
The track runs best May through September during the dry season — cooler temps, firmer sand, and peak predator activity near the dry riverbeds. Summer (November–March) brings heat exceeding 45°C and occasional rain that can make sections impassable; SANParks may close the track without warning after heavy rainfall.
Do you need a permit to drive this route?
Yes — you need a valid Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park entry permit and a confirmed accommodation or camping reservation through SANParks before you arrive. Day visitors without overnight bookings are not permitted to drive between Nossob and Twee Rivieren. Book well in advance; this park fills up fast, especially for peak season.
What's the hardest section of the track and what should I expect?
The fossil riverbed sections are the most technically demanding — deep, loose sand with no firm base and no alternative line if you get stuck. The challenge isn't technical rock work, it's momentum management: if you stop, you dig in. Recovery gear (sand tracks, hi-lift jack, shovel) is essential, and you need to be comfortable doing a self-recovery solo because help is not coming quickly out here.
Is there fuel or water available between Nossob Camp and Twee Rivieren?
Nossob Camp has fuel and potable water — fill everything before you leave because there is nothing between Nossob and Twee Rivieren for the full 159km. There is zero cell service on this route, so if you run dry or break down, you're waiting on another vehicle to pass or for your overdue check-in to trigger a response from park management.
Trail track
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