Nossob to Twee Rivieren — Kgalagadi Transfrontier Fossil Riverbed Drive
Lions in the sand, no guardrails, no excuses.
The Nossob River hasn’t flowed reliably in living memory, but it runs thick with wildlife. The 170-kilometre sand track between Nossob Camp and Twee Rivieren follows the dry riverbed south through the heart of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park — the unfenced wilderness straddling South Africa and Botswana. Cheetah are common on the open red dunes flanking the road. Black-maned Kalahari lions patrol the pan waterholes at Rooiputs and Cubitje Quap. The track itself is corrugated calcrete and loose red sand, with deep soft patches at every waterhole approach that will bury an underpowered vehicle to the axles without warning.
This rates Moderate to Difficult depending on recent rains and your tyre pressure discipline — drop to 1.4 bar on the sand and don’t be proud about it. Stock 4WD is the absolute minimum; a locking rear diff or traction control helps enormously. No self-drive access to the Botswana side without prior wilderness trail permits, which must be booked through SANParks months in advance. South African side camping at Twee Rivieren and Nossob is bookable via the SANParks reservation portal. Fuel available at both camps. Carry water. May through August is prime; December through February is stifling heat with possible closures.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 106 mi / 170 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3150 ft |
| Best season | May-August |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with low-range |
| 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 Official Page SANParks Reservations Portal |
| 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 200 or 4Runner handle this route without a lift?
Yes — stock 4WD with low-range is the minimum and will get you through. The Nossob riverbed is deep sand in sections, so airing down to 18-22 PSI is not optional, it's survival. A suspension lift helps with visibility and clearance on eroded cutbanks but isn't required.
When is the Nossob riverbed track actually passable?
May through August is the window — cooler, drier, and the sand is more manageable. Summer (November–February) brings extreme heat topping 45°C and occasional flash flooding that closes the riverbed entirely. SANParks can close sections with zero notice after rain, so check conditions directly with the park before you depart.
Do I need a permit to drive this route, and how far in advance do I need to book?
Yes — park entry permits and accommodation or campsite reservations are both required through SANParks. This park books out months in advance for the May–August peak window; last-minute entry is rarely possible. Book through the SANParks Reservations Portal well ahead or expect to be turned away at the gate.
What's the hardest section of the drive and what actually makes it difficult?
The deep, loose sand stretches in the mid-section of the Nossob riverbed are where rigs get stuck — it's not technical rock work, it's sustained sand driving that punishes anyone running too much tire pressure or who hasn't driven sand before. Factor in that if a lion is bedded down in the track, you wait — wildlife always has right of way and you do not leave your vehicle.
How much fuel do I need to carry, and is there any resupply between Nossob and Twee Rivieren?
Nossob Camp has a fuel station but supply is inconsistent — fill every time fuel is available and don't gamble on it. The 170 km between Nossob and Twee Rivieren has zero resupply, and slow sand driving burns fuel harder than tarmac ever will. Carry a minimum 20-liter jerry can as backup.
Trail track
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