Hilux 4x4 Forum

Hi all,

we are planning a trip to kubu island and we need some advice.
This is going to be our first overland trip so I have searched the net but can't find exact answers.

1. What is the best route from JHB to kubu. We would like to spent two nights at Khama rhino sanctuary on the way up. Which border crossing would be the easiest and obviously which route the best.

2. How many nights would you recommend staying at kubu island. I spoke to one bloke over the weekend who said no more than one night. Not to sure why he said that.

3. We have a 2 year old son. Can he come along. I haven't seen anything to do with age but have seen some routes don't allow toddlers to join.

Any other useful advice will be greatly appreciated.

Regarding your toddler just be careful with regards to malaria. To get to kama sanctuary either Martins drift or the gabs border post. But would personally take the Martins drift border then it is a straight shot of about 100 km to palapye where karma sanctuary is situated. Sorry no advice about kubu.

There are no facilities , no water only a long drop. One night is enough.

" Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson described the island as "just about the most astonishing place I've ever been" on the November 4, 2007 episode"

Use it do'nt use it

ha ha, thanks Batavia. Cant ignore the wise words of Mr Clarkson

bullit wrote:ha ha, thanks Batavia. Cant ignore the wise words of Mr Clarkson

Is that not a bit of an oxymoron using Wise and Clarkson in the same sentence?

Obelix and Dogmatix wrote:

bullit wrote:ha ha, thanks Batavia. Cant ignore the wise words of Mr Clarkson

Is that not a bit of an oxymoron using Wise and Clarkson in the same sentence?[/quote

Very true. Got me there. You could argue though that in his own special way. He was "wise"

Hi, as far as Kubu, spend two nights, gives a person time to explore the island and surroundings.
Kids are allowed everywhere in Bots, so take your son with, my personal experience, we do not take Malaria tablets,
Spray tents before you go to sleep, and spray neck and ankles, most of all enjoy the trip, if you can cross at Zanzibar and not Martins drift, too many trucks and buses.

If you do not mind approx 40 k gravel on Botswana side, we normally use Stockpoort border. Busiest was one car before me. Always through both sides in 20-30 minutes max.
In my view, stay 2 nights to have one full day at Kubu.
Not sure when you plan to go, but even in late May it was rather hot during the day, so best time to explore early morning and late afternoon. Also to do that road on consecutive days may be a challenge with a small kid.
Remember there is NOTHING other than filthy long drops, so be prepared.

Ryan
Be wise like Mr Clarkson and look past the long drop and you will see. (tic)

Agree with Dennis, Stockpoort is very quiet and the gravel road is very good.

Thanks for the comments guys

Whats the general consensus about traveling alone. I've heard some horror stories of people getting stuck in the pans. We are planning on going at this alone is that a good idea?

What should be taken when traveling alone?

Cheers.
Or is it

Adding to Ryan's question - traveling North from Maun, via the sand roads to Kasane .... how safe to do this alone.

Also from Kgalagadi, from Nossob North towards Maun. How safe to do these roads alone ?

Neighbour is going in JUNE

Check with petermorrie on the community website, he is living in Lethlakane, they also have a blog somewhere with weather info.
He will be able to give you up to date info on the status of the pans.

bullit wrote:Thanks for the comments guys

Whats the general consensus about traveling alone. I've heard some horror stories of people getting stuck in the pans. We are planning on going at this alone is that a good idea?

What should be taken when traveling alone?

Cheers.
Or is it

When do you plan on going? In rain season, yes. big problems, but in dry season no problem, I did a trip in September 2 or 3 years ago. No problem, spent one night. And then headed up to Chobe.

The plan is to got early August. So he rain shouldn't be a problem.

bullit wrote:The plan is to got early August. So he rain shouldn't be a problem.

I think 2 maybe 3 nights will be good. If you have all the kit to take with you. The only facilities there is a long drop, so a shower and pottie is a must.

Unfortunately we stayed only one night. And we had a dust storm. So no pictures of the stars.

Sent from my SM-G900H using Tapatalk

Hello all,

Just to let you know we arrived back from Botswana last night. Kubu was amazing and lived up to all the hype.

Thanks to all for the contributions.

Where is the pics?

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Ha ha.

There are over 1000 on the camera once we have done the download. I will do an upload.

looking forward to those pics ,I trust u guys had an awesome time !!

Ryan, I can tell you virtually everything you want to know about Kubu, getting there and out again but there is no single answer. So much depends on your circumstances. Kubu is a VERY special place and although quite desolate does provide a rewarding experience.

Firstly, using Martin's Drift border is a very popular choice but can be very time consuming when buying your road permits etc. I, and most regular visitors, almost always use Stockpoort which is usually in and out within 15 - 20 minutes, but as has been said before, you do have 60km of gravel to travel on. Shouldn't be an issue and allows you time to chill and adapt to a slower pace after the SA leg up to the border.

Khama is always a nice stopover but mostly for one night. There are a few smaller, shorter drives but nothing that will keep you busy for an entire day. On the other hand, if you've had a 2 year old in the car for a whole previous day, maybe the rest will be good. Try to get into camp by about 3pm so that you can select one of the nicer private sites. Set up under a tree to provide much needed shade the next day.

August should be fine to travel to Kubu but you need to be cautious and stay on the main tracks. There are wet areas that can destroy your trip entirely. I usually advise "newbies" to travel with another vehicle and preferably someone who is experienced.

Many people will advise you to NOT travel with a 2 yr old. It's your choice but remember the risks and take the necessary precautions. My son started overlanding with us as a toddler and took his first trip to Kubu at only 4 months old. He survived, but we had the wisdom of knowledge and experience.

Please feel free to contact me directly if you want more advice.

Hallo Marc, praat van ondervinding, 4x4 ondervinding of pan ry ondervinding.