Trans-Kalahari Track
Ultimate Kalahari desert crossing
The Trans-Kalahari Track cuts through 1,200 kilometers of unforgiving desert between Botswana’s Maun and Namibia’s Windhoek, following ancient cattle post routes and colonial survey lines. This isn’t a marked trail — it’s a collection of sandy tracks, farm roads, and GPS waypoints that demand serious navigation skills as you cross the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Ghanzi farmlands. The infamous Kuke Fence crossing marks the halfway point where many expeditions have turned back after getting lost in the maze of cattle tracks.
This is proper expedition territory requiring self-contained camping for 4-5 days, with fuel for 800km without resupply and water for a week minimum. The sand gets deep and soft, especially after rains, so deflated tires and sand ladders aren’t optional — they’re survival gear. Dry season (May-September) offers the best conditions, but even then expect to dig out at least once. What you get is absolute solitude in one of Africa’s last great wilderness areas, plus serious bragging rights among the overland community.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 745 mi / 1200 km |
| Duration | 4-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4100 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Maun, Botswana |
| Land manager | Botswana Department of Wildlife |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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 4Runner handle the Trans-Kalahari Track, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get you through, but deep sand sections will punish anything without a proper recovery kit, sand tracks, and a hi-lift. A roof rack or trailer for extra fuel and water isn't optional — it's survival gear on a 1,200km desert crossing.
What months is the Trans-Kalahari Track actually driveable?
May through September is the dry season and the only realistic window. October onward brings rains that turn the Kalahari's sand tracks into impassable mud, and summer heat can hit dangerous levels for both vehicle and occupants.
Do I need a permit to drive the Trans-Kalahari Track through Botswana?
Yes — permits are required through sections managed by the Botswana Department of Wildlife, including any portions crossing Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Sort paperwork in Maun before you head out; there's no fixing it mid-route.
What's the hardest section of the route and what should I expect?
The deep sand corridors through the Central Kalahari are relentless — long stretches of soft, corrugated sand requiring sustained low-range driving and constant tyre pressure management around 18-20 PSI. Navigation is a real challenge here; tracks split and fade, and a GPS loaded with offline maps isn't a luxury.
How much fuel range do I need, and where can I resupply across the 1,200km?
Plan for a minimum 800km fuel range between reliable fill-ups — some remote stops exist but can't be counted on for supply or fuel quality. Carry jerry cans, filter your fuel, and treat every resupply point as optional, not guaranteed.
Trail track
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