Nossob River Valley 4WD Track — Nossob Camp to Twee Rivieren via the Kgalagadi Fossil Riverbed
Lions in a dry riverbed. Africa's best slow drive.
The Nossob River hasn’t run with water in living memory, but it still draws everything in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to its dry sand bed. This track runs the Nossob Valley south from Nossob Camp to Twee Rivieren — the main gate and park HQ — along a sandy two-track that follows the Botswana–South Africa border for roughly 160 kilometres. Predator density along this corridor is exceptional: lions patrol the riverbed at dawn, cheetah work the dunes on both flanks, and the raptor watching from the roadside is among the best on the continent. You drive through it, not past it.
The track is deep Kalahari red sand and demands a capable, air-down 4WD — 20–22 psi is standard. There are no fuel points between Nossob Camp and Twee Rivieren, so calculate carefully. The park enforces strict self-sufficiency: you cannot leave your vehicle except at designated points, and no off-road driving is permitted anywhere. Book accommodation or campsites at SANParks well in advance, especially for school holidays. May through September is the sweet spot — cooler, excellent predator activity, and manageable sand conditions. This is one of the finest raw wildlife drives in southern Africa.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 99 mi / 160 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3150 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with low-range and recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Upington, Northern Cape |
| Land manager | SANParks (South African National Parks) / DWNP Botswana |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | SANParks — Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park SANParks — Kgalagadi Activities & Roads |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser or Defender handle this track without a lift?
Yes. Stock high-clearance 4WD with low-range is sufficient — the challenge is soft deep sand, not rocks or ledges. A lifted rig won't give you an advantage here; airing down to 18-22 PSI front and rear will matter far more.
Is the Nossob track open year-round and what happens if it rains?
The track is typically open year-round, but the rainy season (October–April) can make sections impassable and SANParks will close roads without notice after heavy rain. May through September is the dry season — cooler temps, firmer sand, and far better wildlife visibility along the riverbed.
Do I need separate permits for both the South African and Botswana sides?
Yes. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park spans both countries and a standard SANParks entry permit covers the South African side, but you need a separate DWNP permit for any travel into the Botswana portion. Book both well in advance — Kgalagadi allocates very limited daily entry numbers and camps fill months ahead, especially May–August.
What's the hardest section of this route and what does it actually demand?
The deepest loose sand typically occurs in the mid-section of the fossil riverbed between Nossob and Mata-Mata turn-offs where wind-blown dune sand spills into the track. It's not a technical obstacle — it's a sustained sand-driving endurance section where momentum and correct tyre pressure are everything. Get it wrong and you're digging, not winching.
How much fuel do I need to carry and where can I refuel?
Nossob Camp has fuel, and Twee Rivieren at the southern end has fuel — but supplies are not guaranteed and the pumps run dry without warning. Carry enough to do the full 160 km plus a 50 km emergency reserve. There is zero cell service along the entire route, no assist vehicles, and help is measured in hours or days.
Trail track
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