Duration
8-Day
Accra, South Africa
8-Day Kalahari Guided Self-Drive Budget Camping Tour
Overview
Visit Kgalagadi where the red dunes and scrub fade into infinity and herds of gemsbok, springbok, eland and blue wildebeest follow the seasons. This is where imposing camelthorn trees provide shade for huge black-maned lions and vantage points for leopards and many raptors. Explore Augrabies, called "Aukoerebis" or a "place of great noise" by the Khoi people, as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterised by the 18km abyss of the Orange River Gorge.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Upington to Upington (Town)
Via Kgalagadi TP, Augrabies Falls NP
Country & park
South Africa
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
12 years
Activities
game drives & evening/night game drives
Accommodation
Budget camping Inside Kgalagadi TP – Day 1: Dinner Included – Day 2-4: Breakfast & Dinner Included - Inside Kgalagadi TP
Meals
Day 1: Dinner Included; Day 2-4: Breakfast & Dinner Included; Breakfast & Dinner Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
ZAR
Rates
Rates Per Person
ZAR
Start datesSingle2+ people
Nov 1, 2025 - Oct 31, 2026
R 95,554 ZAR
R 47,678 ZAR
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is not available to groups larger than 10 people.
This tour is offered in South African Rand (ZAR).
This tour accepts children who are 12 years and older.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
South Africa
Start
Upington (Day 1)
Day 1-4
Kgalagadi TP
Day 5-7
Augrabies Falls NP
End
Upington (Town) (Day 8)
Tour Features
Participation camping
Guests must assist with camp chores. See the first day description for more info.
Guided self-drive
Drive a vehicle yourself and travel in convoy with your tour guide in another vehicle. Rental vehicle is included.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
12
Minimum age of 12 years
The minimum age for this tour is 12 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives & evening/night game drives
Game drives: open-sided 4x4 vehicle & self-drive
Getting around: self-drive
Book your own international flights when using this operator
Clients collect and return their self-drive vehicle at the airport
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1-4
Budget camping Inside Kgalagadi TP – Day 1: Dinner Included – Day 2-4: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Inside Kgalagadi TP
Day 1: Dinner Included; Day 2-4: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 5-7
Budget camping Inside Augrabies Falls NP – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Inside Augrabies Falls NP – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 8
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
Clients collect their self-drive vehicle at the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Arrive in Upington, meet your guide and drive in convoy to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
You either collect your vehicle when you fly to Upington for the start of your tour or you drive on your own to Upington if you already have a vehicle. You will meet your guide in Upington. We drive in convoy to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. As we drive northwards, the Kalahari will start to reveal herself to you. She will welcome you with views of red dunes and salt pans next to the road. The Kalahari Desert is a large, semi-arid sandy savannah in Southern Africa, extending for 900,000 sq. km. It covers much of Botswana, as well as parts of Namibia and South Africa. A 4x4 vehicle is best suited for the road and trail conditions you will experience on this tour. Rest assured, your guide is fully qualified to assist you with any 4x4 challenges that you might encounter. Please note: Refer to our company profile for a summary of the benefits of driving your own vehicle. Inside Kgalagadi TP Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Kgalagadi TP Meals: Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 2
Explore the Kgalagadi around the Twee Rivieren Camp
Join an early morning drive on an open game-viewing vehicle. The professional field guide will provide information about the animals, birds, vegetation, and more during the drive. After the morning drive, we explore the Kgalagadi to the north of the Twee Rivieren Camp. Learn about the Nossob and Auob Rivers and how often they are in flood. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park lies in the large sand-filled basin in the west of the Southern African subcontinent, known as the Kalahari. It covers almost one-third of the area and forms what may be the largest sandveld area in the world. In 1999, Botswana and South Africa signed a historic bilateral agreement whereby both countries undertook to manage their adjacent national parks, the Gemsbok National Park and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park as a single ecological unit. In 2000, Southern Africa’s first peace park, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, was formally launched by presidents Mogae (Botswana) and Mbeki (South Africa). Inside Kgalagadi TP Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Kgalagadi TP Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 3
Drive to the Mata Mata Camp and back
We follow the Auob River to the Mata Mata Camp. This is a slow drive visiting the waterholes along the river. Each waterhole will offer its own surprise. The Kalahari will reveal more of herself as we drive, who knows what animals and birds we will see on the dunes next to the river! After stretching our legs at the Mata Mata Camp, we follow the Auob River back to the Twee Rivieren Camp. The Kalahari will definitely surprise us along the way. Inside Kgalagadi TP Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Kgalagadi TP Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 4
Explore the Kgalagadi around the Twee Rivieren Camp
We explore the Kgalagadi to the north of the Twee Rivieren Camp. The Leeudril 4x4 loop is on the menu for today. This is an interesting 4x4 trail crossing the dunes. Along this trail, you will experience more of the remoteness of the Kalahari. Join a sunset drive on an open game-viewing vehicle. The professional field guide will provide information about the animals, birds, vegetation, and more during the drive. This is also an opportunity to spot some of the nocturnal animals. Inside Kgalagadi TP Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Kgalagadi TP Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 5
Drive from the Kgalagadi TFP to the Augrabies Falls NP
We say goodbye to the Kgalagadi TFP and drive to the Augrabies Falls NP via Upington. Augrabies is derived from the Nama word as the Khoi people would refer to “Aukoerebis” meaning the "place of great noise." This refers to the Orange River water thundering its way down the 56m spectacular main waterfall. The ancestors of modern history have inhabited the area surrounding the Orange River since the Early Stone Age. During this time, there is evidence that early man had developed weapons for hunting animals like hippopotamus. They knew to establish themselves near good water sources like the Orange River. During the Middle Stone Age, man had created more formal work tools and began to utilise fire. The Late Stone Age, which dates back 22,000 years, is characterised by tools that are smaller than the previous periods. Inside Augrabies Falls NP Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Augrabies Falls National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Augrabies Falls NP Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 6
Explore the Augrabies Falls NP
You join a day drive in an open game-viewing vehicle. The professional field guide will provide information about the animals, birds, vegetation, etc. during the drive. Stand next to the waterfall and "feel" the mighty Orange River being forced into and thundering down the 56m waterfall. We use the rest of the day to explore more of the national park. Inside Augrabies Falls NP Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Augrabies Falls National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Augrabies Falls NP Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 7
Visit Riemvasmaak hot springs
Today we drive to the Riemvasmaak hot springs. The road winds through the most amazing rock formations of all shapes, sizes and colours. The hot springs are one of the must-visit hot springs in South Africa. They were formed from volcanic eruptions that occurred centuries ago. Riemvasmaak (pronounced "rim fus maack") means "tighten the strap" or "tied with straps". Riemvasmaak is 75,000 ha of sheer mountain desert wilderness located between the Orange and the dry Molopo Rivers. It is a wilderness born from violent volcanic activity millions of years ago, but it is a land of beauty that takes on spiritual proportions. Here you can relax in the hot springs dwarfed by 80m-high granite cliffs or simply set your soul free to soar with the black eagles through the lunar landscape. Inside Augrabies Falls NP Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Augrabies Falls National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Augrabies Falls NP Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 8
Continue with the rest of your journey
Today we drive back to Upington. This is your last day in the Kalahari region of South Africa. Next to the road, you will see the grape and related farming that is thriving in this harsh environment. You hand back your 4x4 vehicle to the rental company and as our time together draws to a close, we say goodbye to our new friends and head back home. You will continue your journey to your next destination on your own, whenever you feel ready to leave. We hope that you will cherish the unforgettable memories you have made during your time with us and that you will have plenty of beautiful photos to share with your loved ones and friends. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Upington (Town) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. Clients return their self-drive vehicle at the airport.
Included
Rental vehicle
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Roundtrip airport transfer
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Upington
Book your own international flights when using this operator
Fly to/from Upington Airport (UTN - Check price)
Clients collect and return their self-drive vehicle at the airport
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Bonsai-SA 4x4 Adventures and Tours
5.0 operator rating
19 reviews
Our guided self-drive 4x4 adventures and tours allow you access to remote areas in national parks and reserves across South Africa that many visitors do not frequent. Our tours' main thrills are the surrounding wilderness, the remoteness and the seclusion of travelling through rarely-seen areas. When guided, the tour guide and field guide(s) (when applicable) will provide the necessary interpretation en route and ensure your safety.
Office In
South Africa
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 1997)
Tour Types
Guided self-drive budget & mid-range tours
Destinations
Eswatini, South Africa
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Calm, decisive, leader, real overlander.
The tour is in a beautiful area of the Kruger Park. It will improve, deeper into the rain season. Touring next to the river, is a privilege. I prefer "wild camping" and it is exactly that. Making camp and breaking up again is part of the experience and relaxing. Planning your own menu and food, is part of the challenge. We did not persè saw many animals, but is part of the risk, like going fishing. Next time you may be lucky. I will definitely try another similar tour. We had an excellent tour guide and it makes the experience even more memorable. Thank you, Johan, for a well planned tour, staying close to us and be one of us.
Rip Wyma · South Africa
Bonsai-SA is a competent, experienced and well organised4x4 tour operator.
We joined Johan from Bonsai-SA on a 3 day off-the-beaten track 4x4 wild camping tour in the unspoilt Phalaborwa area of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. The tour was well organised, the group small enough to get personal attention and the Park's supplied guide was knowledgeable and friendly. I can whole-heartedly recommend the adventure. This was our second tour with Bonsai-SA and hope to do more.
Thinus N · South Africa
The guides is very well educated and helpfulz
This was an amazing experience. We enjoyed every minute. It was fun and scary sleeping next to the wild animals
Dimitri Lontos · South Africa
A very nice and knowledgeable gentleman who prepared the tour very well and communicated well
Johann took us on a tour called "Berg to Bush". It was kind of a practical training on how to use the Toyota on very off road -like tracks through wonderful nature with stunning views. We loved to be off the beaten track and not seeing other tourists. It made us feel like we were exploring this area ourselves. Johann is a wonderful host who looks after his "guests" well. He is very punctual and adapted the tour flexibly to our requests. He communicated very well weeks before the tour and during the trip itself as well. He was a knowledgeable instructor on 4 wheel driving off road. The campsite where we were could have used some refurbishing but there is a beautiful log cabin place near a stream which is definitely very nice. We would definitely recommend our trip to friends.
Benedikte · India
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in South African Rand (ZAR).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 12 years and older.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Budget camping Inside Kgalagadi TP – Day 1: Dinner Included – Day 2-4: Breakfast & Dinner Included - Inside Kgalagadi TP. Meals: Day 1: Dinner Included; Day 2-4: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Upington
How does the quote request work?
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators () Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Bonsai-SA 4x4 Adventures and Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Bonsai-SA 4x4 Adventures and Tours.
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