Botswana/Namibia/Zimbabwe Trip September 2013

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Fri Feb 22, 2013 9:18 am

Im planning a trip in September, what started as a fishing trip is now more an adventure trip,

We will travel to Botswana via Martins Drift up to Francis town and overnight at Nata lodge, from there up via Ngoma to Island View lodge on the Zambezi river for a couple day's tiger fishing.

From there back via Ngoma and Kazungula to Vic Falls for white water river rafting, bungy jump and a heli trip over the falls.

From there I want to go back to Botswana via Kazungula and trek back down to Elephant sands via Hunters Road.

Hunters road I want to do over 2 or 3 days, camping at the water holes. question is is it safe to do so? I heard we might have to stay clear of the Hwange game rangers?

I have searched for trip reports of hunters road, but do not find much

FJCruiser-ZN · Post by **FJCruiser-ZN** » Fri Feb 22, 2013 11:43 am

Hi Wayne

I'm planning a simmilar trip towards the end of the year. (December 13)

I'll be following your thread with interest, and will try to add as I stumble across any information.

I'm working on an expansion project at Moropule, half way between Gaborone and Francestown, so I'm halfway there.

T

Bernie · Post by **Bernie** » Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:44 pm

Wayne,
I have just got back from Zim....stay next to the river. The rest is a waste of time. The animals are in protectect areas, next to the Lake and next to the river. Fishing and the falls are always good.
If you want to do the Hunters road September is a good time....no rain. I would ask the guys at Elephant Sands for assistance as the road starts or end near them. Call me so that we can chat 0829987766...Bernie

roscoeZA · Post by **roscoeZA** » Tue Jul 23, 2013 7:13 pm

Hi Wayne,

I'm wanting to do Nam & Bots in Sept as well from about mid-month, gimme a shout!

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 8:16 am

roscoeZA wrote:Hi Wayne,

I'm wanting to do Nam & Bots in Sept as well from about mid-month, gimme a shout!

We are going from 22 September to 28 September.

THe plan has changed a bit, We are not going to Zim anymore. We will head up via Martins Driff up to Kubu island, then up to elephant sands, then up to Kasane and up via Ngoma to Island view lodge for some tiger fishing, then back down to Chobe overnight, then natalodge and back home

I have not booked anywhere besides Island view lodge to secure a boat, and the places we are set to visit might also change if we feel like staying longer at a spot.

thime is closing in so its getting the last things done and ready

Bulletjie-3 · Post by **Bulletjie-3** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 8:41 am

Ons ry ook daardie tyd en van die kampplekke is vol bespreek.

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 8:45 am

Bulletjie-3 wrote:Ons ry ook daardie tyd en van die kampplekke is vol bespreek.

Watter camp plekke besoek julle?

Bulletjie-3 · Post by **Bulletjie-3** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 9:17 am

Elephant Sands, Senyati en Kubu

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 9:27 am

Bulletjie-3 wrote: Elephant Sands, Senyati en Kubu

Ek kry nie antwoord op Kubu nie, en wag op elephant sands

watter datums?

ons sal tussen 22-25 by kubu en elephant sands wees

Aquanaut · Post by **Aquanaut** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 10:53 am

There is also a very nice camping area called Woodlands, they are about 10km outside Francistown to the North, so if you find Nata too close on your journey down and you still have a couple of hours of day light to play with, consider spending the night or two at Woodlands, Good facilities and not too expensive either.

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 11:00 am

Aquanaut wrote:There is also a very nice camping area called Woodlands, they are about 10km outside Francistown to the North, so if you find Nata too close on your journey down and you still have a couple of hours of day light to play with, consider spending the night or two at Woodlands, Good facilities and not too expensive either.

I have been there before, nice spot

We are going to wing it! If I get up and just want to sit and have beer all day long then so be it, if someone in the group wants to go somewhere else, well then drinking beer all day wins......

Thunder02 · Post by **Thunder02** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 12:23 pm

Legend35-ZN wrote:Hi Wayne

I'm planning a simmilar trip towards the end of the year. (December 13)

I'll be following your thread with interest, and will try to add as I stumble across any information.

I'm working on an expansion project at Moropule, half way between Gaborone and Francestown, so I'm halfway there.

T

We will also be heading out that way around the 16 Dec,but going first to Rhino sanctuary onto Kubu,then heading north into Zambia.The route back will be via hunters.
May see you along the way

Thunder02 · Post by **Thunder02** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 12:26 pm

WayneSchalk wrote:
Bulletjie-3 wrote: Elephant Sands, Senyati en Kubu
Ek kry nie antwoord op Kubu nie, en wag op elephant sands

watter datums?

ons sal tussen 22-25 by kubu en elephant sands wees

Just arrive at Kubu,plenty camping.nothing there which i love,just nature.

optirite · Post by **optirite** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 12:33 pm

WayneSchalk wrote:
Aquanaut wrote:There is also a very nice camping area called Woodlands, they are about 10km outside Francistown to the North, so if you find Nata too close on your journey down and you still have a couple of hours of day light to play with, consider spending the night or two at Woodlands, Good facilities and not too expensive either.

I have been there before, nice spot

We are going to wing it! If I get up and just want to sit and have beer all day long then so be it, if someone in the group wants to go somewhere else, well then drinking beer all day wins......

Woodlands sucks!!! If in Francistown then rather look for the Cresta Manang (spel?) lodge for a stop over. Alternatively drive past Woodlands to the first vet fence and turn right. It takes you up to the edge of the pans and if you follow the track you end up in the most beautiful Fever tree forest with green grass to bush camp on.

Elephant Sands Rocks.
Planet Baobab Rocks.
Nata lodge Cool but rather go Elephant Sands.

Kubu ... just pitch if need be. We did in August 2012, paid there and had no problems. If there is a problem then from Kubu take the Nata track and a couple of kays along is the community campsite with cold beer and swimming pool.

Another option could be to go via Khama Rhino sanctuary. Stunning self drive game drives and LOTS of game. However the restaurant burnt down a short while ago (not a bad thing as their food was *a*) so you must do your own cooking. Got swimming pool too but not always blue.

In Kasane rather stay at Thebe Lodge and camping than at Chobe Safari lodge. Chobe Safari Lodge is expensive and have very little control over their campsites. Thebe has nice sites and their restaurant is good and cheap. The Kasane Spar had lazy aged rump and t-bones dirt cheap.

Another nice place to buy meat is at Sandy's Butchery in Palapye, across the main road from the BP. South African guy that is very helpful and understands about a good t-bone.

Petrol and diesel is about R3 cheaper per litre in Botswana and most garages accept Visa card. If you enter via Martin's drift then fill up at the Kwa Nokeng garage, some 200 meters from the border post. They are often on the pans and will know the condition of the roads and the pans too.

What other advice do you need?

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 12:42 pm

How do I make the time go by faster?!

Or do I tell SWAMBO I am going to the shop and just hit the road........

Thunder02 · Post by **Thunder02** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 1:38 pm

WayneSchalk wrote:How do I make the time go by faster?!

Or do I tell SWAMBO I am going to the shop and just hit the road........

The long way round

Bulletjie-3 · Post by **Bulletjie-3** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 1:43 pm

@Neil, you must enjoy it. It will be my first time up there.

@Wayne. Kubu is nie baaaaie haastig nie.
Ons gaan mekaar raak loop by Ele Sands.
Laar weet my dan gaan ek ook winkels toe ......

Thunder02 · Post by **Thunder02** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 2:34 pm

Bulletjie-3 wrote:@Neil, you must enjoy it. It will be my first time up there.

@Wayne. Kubu is nie baaaaie haastig nie.
Ons gaan mekaar raak loop by Ele Sands.
Laar weet my dan gaan ek ook winkels toe ......

Once you've been,you can't stop going back

Always something new to see,enjoy the trip

mushroom · Post by **mushroom** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 12:18 pm

Woodlands sucks!!! If in Francistown then rather look for the Cresta Manang (spel?) lodge for a stop over.

Agree with Mike on that one, we stayed at the Cresta Marang hotel campsite in F'town - very lekka, stay away from Woodlands. I also agree on the Khama rhino idea, its a lekka place, with the best boababs in the campsites. JHB - Khubu is quite a haul, but if your'e up for it then let her rip....

Why not camp a night at Ihaha in the Chobe park, I booked 3 nights in Nov 2013 only two weeks ago - so there seems to be space - that place is magical, all the animals come to you, and you have the river in front of your campsite. It is on the way back from Katima anyway, and only 45 kliks out of Kasane

Thunder02 · Post by **Thunder02** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 12:25 pm

mushroom wrote:Woodlands sucks!!! If in Francistown then rather look for the Cresta Manang (spel?) lodge for a stop over.

Agree with Mike on that one, we stayed at the Cresta Marang hotel campsite in F'town - very lekka, stay away from Woodlands. I also agree on the Khama rhino idea, its a lekka place, with the best boababs in the campsites. JHB - Khubu is quite a haul, but if your'e up for it then let her rip....

Why not camp a night at Ihaha in the Chobe park, I booked 3 nights in Nov 2013 only two weeks ago - so there seems to be space - that place is magical, all the animals come to you, and you have the river in front of your campsite. It is on the way back from Katima anyway, and only 45 kliks out of Kasane

Last time round,also had a bad experience at woodlands,the locals seemed to invite themselves into the campsite,wouldn't be a problem if they where sober.

They will not see me their again

Owners didn't seem to care,owned and run by south Africans.

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 1:01 pm

25 Days to go

Adventures4Christ · Post by **Adventures4Christ** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 1:08 pm

Amazing trip can I come with again

For the helicopter contact United Air Charter, we did it two weeks ago and they have an adventure flight with the typical army chopper and open doors!!!!!!!!
Ngoma is the most amazing border post I have ever seen!!!! Get the camera's ready!

Elephant Sands is also a great stop over, you won't get closer to elephants in the wild as you will there, unless you riding one

Hunters road is not suggested to camp along side the road unless it is with a lodge or something! Also you are not allowed to just pull over and camp in Botswana any more, if they catch you could make it a bit difficult! Done it before, no problem but just know it is a risk you taking!
Also Hunters road is maybe a bit over rated, just a lot of sand and difficult road, not once have we not found a broken down trailor or carvan or landy

they full on that road, well those brave enough to tackle it

I would rather spend some more time else where but like I said it will be an adventure driving it just for the 4x4 testing and seeing the odd animal and elephant!

WayneSchalk wrote:Im planning a trip in September, what started as a fishing trip is now more an adventure trip,

We will travel to Botswana via Martins Drift up to Francis town and overnight at Nata lodge, from there up via Ngoma to Island View lodge on the Zambezi river for a couple day's tiger fishing.

From there back via Ngoma and Kazungula to Vic Falls for white water river rafting, bungy jump and a heli trip over the falls.

From there I want to go back to Botswana via Kazungula and trek back down to Elephant sands via Hunters Road.

Hunters road I want to do over 2 or 3 days, camping at the water holes. question is is it safe to do so? I heard we might have to stay clear of the Hwange game rangers?

I have searched for trip reports of hunters road, but do not find much

Thunder02 · Post by **Thunder02** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 1:23 pm

WayneSchalk wrote:25 Days to go

,three months still to go

mushroom · Post by **mushroom** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 3:07 pm

60 days to go.....

Guys, this is ridiculous, we should arrange a dinkum trip next year, and whoever wants to join along the way etc is more than welcome....we are clearly in to the same kinda thing. You tend to try those far out tracks when you have the comfort of another vehicle...I've had to drive past those too often....

Bulletjie-3 · Post by **Bulletjie-3** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 3:28 pm

24 days !!!!!

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 3:32 pm

My trip was almost no more, last week Thursday when I got home I was greeted by an empty home. They broke in and cleaned my house out.

But hey why worry now, there is nothing left to steal. lucky the did not touch my van

and the insurance will take care of the rest

But my trip almost here so come what may, I am going to have a BLAST

Bulletjie-3 · Post by **Bulletjie-3** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 3:37 pm

Ag nee man jammer om te hoor.
Wanneer ry julle?

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 3:40 pm

Bulletjie-3 wrote:Ag nee man jammer om te hoor.
Wanneer ry julle?

21 September 2013 destination: Kubu island

Sun Chaser · Post by **Sun Chaser** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 6:09 pm

Enjoy the trip guys, We've just had the pleasure of returning from Namibia and Botswana 2 weeks ago. From Amanzi trails at the Orange River to Quiver tree forest, Harnas Lion Foundation, Tsumkwe, Khadoum National Park (seriously bad road out north), Ngepi, Mamili, then Island View Lodge , were I managed to catch my first Tigerfish They said the fishing is going to be picking up in the next 2 months, then on to Thebe river safari lodge in Boatswana, Senyati Safari camp, then back to Namibia for 2 nights at Nambwa community rest camp, with Elephant eating 3 metres from the front of the bakkie at sunset, then to Samsitu River camp in Rundu, .very nice camp sites on the river and on to Weavers rock camping on the way to Windhoek.
Don't bother booking in at Chobe Safari Lodge, there is a huge lodge being built right opposite the campsite and we heard from some guys that stayed there, its like staying in a building site. Kasane has grown so much in the last few years. when staying at Senyati, which is awsome, nice and quiet and just far enough out of town.We had the pleasure of seeing loads of elephant and around 300-400 buffalo came to the watering hole both nights we were there.
All in all a very leka trip.
Hope you all have a safe trip up and back.
Cheers
Ian

subok · Post by **subok** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 6:14 pm

7 days to go for us! Oomspuyt and Nitehawk & fams. Still a lot to pack and prep! Problem is, once you get there the time goes past so fast! Khama, Kubu, Nxai, Moremi & back.

Hilux D4D
ORRA X130
4x4AG GP0228

Niel · Post by **Niel** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 11:18 pm

Looking forward to the trip reports

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Wed Aug 28, 2013 7:38 am

Remember the camera!

I bought one for the trip, sad to say that's also gone after the robbery

Jis listening to everyone going and coming back makes me very exited!!!!!

Ian where is the trip report?

Sun Chaser · Post by **Sun Chaser** » Wed Aug 28, 2013 5:56 pm

Will try next month, internet connection a bit slow at work.

Sorry to hear about the burglary Wayne, hope insurance sorts you out before the trip.

Adventures4Christ · Post by **Adventures4Christ** » Wed Aug 28, 2013 8:44 pm

mushroom wrote: 60 days to go.....
Guys, this is ridiculous, we should arrange a dinkum trip next year, and whoever wants to join along the way etc is more than welcome....we are clearly in to the same kinda thing. You tend to try those far out tracks when you have the comfort of another vehicle...I've had to drive past those too often....

Tell me when and how many and I will arrange the rest..........many connection in our system and I might even get some sponsors

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 8:38 am

Jis as the days goes by things are falling in place, final checks and last minute changes being made to the van. this weekend I opted to do the brakes, the old ones had a bit left but not going to chance it.

Unfortunately the strike in the motor industry is having its effect on me, I need a brake fluid reservoir cap, and a new V belt, (the old one looks ok, but also not taking that chance)

18 day's come baby come!!!!!

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 9:17 am

The highlight for me will be the hunt for a tiger!

Thunder02 · Post by **Thunder02** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:03 am

WayneSchalk wrote:The highlight for me will be the hunt for a tiger!

come December

mushroom · Post by **mushroom** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 1:11 pm

Tell me when and how many and I will arrange the rest..........many connection in our system and I might even get some sponsors

[/quote]

I certainly will

Wayne, sorry to hear about the break-in dude...but hey, youre almost off....

...lucky bugger....

ENJOY

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 3:06 pm

mushroom wrote:Tell me when and how many and I will arrange the rest..........many connection in our system and I might even get some sponsors

I certainly will

Wayne, sorry to hear about the break-in dude...but hey, youre almost off....

...lucky bugger....

ENJOY

[/quote]

GeorgeJvR · Post by **GeorgeJvR** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 3:18 pm

come December

[/quote]

I feel the same :evil:

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Thu Sep 05, 2013 4:16 pm

16 Dae!!!!

die bakkie staan en idle al, heheheh

ek moet se die beste koop was die C-Tek Dual, met die son paneel op glo ek nie ek sal sommer sonder krag gaan sit nie, my yskas is vol bier en hy loop 3 weke al wat ek seker net 1 keer 'n week ry en die res van die tyd kry hy so bitjie son. Dis met 2 x 102Ahr deep cycle's in

Bulletjie-3 · Post by **Bulletjie-3** » Thu Sep 05, 2013 5:22 pm

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Post by **Haboob** » Thu Sep 05, 2013 6:49 pm

Dis met 2 x 102Ahr deep cycle's in

Wayne, you riding around trying to sell batteries...or is that how you smuggle them into neighbouring countries...

Your van looks great, Sorry to hear about your Burglary...

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Mon Sep 09, 2013 12:55 pm

Die trip moet nou kom!!!!

als is nou gedoen op die bakkie so nou spandeer ek onnodig geld op "nice to have's"

hier is 'n foto van die nuwe awning, maar ek moet se dis bakgat

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Mon Sep 09, 2013 12:56 pm

Die is my toppie, hy is so bitjie naar omdat hy nie kan saam nie

Thunder02 · Post by **Thunder02** » Tue Sep 10, 2013 12:23 pm

WayneSchalk wrote:Die is my toppie, hy is so bitjie naar omdat hy nie kan saam nie

He is not the only one

Taljaag · Post by **Taljaag** » Tue Sep 10, 2013 12:31 pm

Kan ek saam gaan.Ek belowe ek sal nie raas nie

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Mon Sep 16, 2013 11:58 am

5 days

van is packed......has been for a while

Thunder02 · Post by **Thunder02** » Mon Sep 16, 2013 12:23 pm

WayneSchalk wrote:5 days

van is packed......has been for a while

Ja Ja ja

Lucky bugger

WayneSchalk · Post by **WayneSchalk** » Thu Sep 19, 2013 11:22 am

So the long wait is almost over!

The van is packed, tomorrow it is packing the last couple of things, filling the water tank, have a pizza and hit the sack early.

For everyone that is on the roads for the long weekend, take it easy, drive safe and keep the camera ready!!!!!

Thunder02 · Post by **Thunder02** » Thu Sep 19, 2013 12:15 pm

Have a safe one