Trans-Kalahari Highway
Kalahari crossing on sealed road through the deep desert
The Trans-Kalahari Highway stretches 1,400 kilometers of mostly sealed road across the heart of the Kalahari Desert, but don’t let the pavement fool you — this is serious overland territory. From Gaborone, the route cuts northwest through Ghanzi and on to the Buitepos border crossing into Namibia, passing through some of the most remote country in southern Africa. The road itself is good, but fuel stops are critical waypoints — Sekoma, Ghanzi, and Mamuno become lifelines when the next gas station is 200 kilometers away through endless thornveld.
This is an easy to moderate route suitable for any vehicle, but preparation is everything. Carry extra fuel, water, and spares — cell service disappears for long stretches, and help can be hours away. The dry season (May to September) offers the best conditions, though summer storms can create localized flooding. What you get is the quintessential African overland experience: vast landscapes, scattered cattle posts, and the kind of solitude that makes you understand why explorers came here. Wild camping is possible along the route, but respect local communities and livestock areas.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 870 mi / 1400 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4265 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Gaborone, Botswana |
| Land manager | Botswana Department of Roads |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive this route in a regular car?
Yes, the Trans-Kalahari Highway is fully sealed tarmac suitable for any vehicle including sedans and 2WD cars.
Is the highway safe to drive during rainy season?
The sealed road is passable year-round, but May-September offers cooler temperatures and less rainfall for more comfortable desert crossing.
Do I need permits to drive the Trans-Kalahari Highway?
No permits required for the highway itself, but you'll need valid passport and vehicle documentation for border crossings into Namibia.
What's the most challenging part of this route?
The main challenge is the sheer distance between fuel stops - some stretches exceed 200km between towns with services.
How far can I drive between fuel stations?
Fuel stops are roughly every 150-250km, so carry extra fuel if your vehicle's range is under 400km to avoid being stranded in the desert.