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Polentswa Wilderness Trail: A 4x4 Adventure in the Kalahari

Experience the solitude and raw beauty of the Kalahari on this challenging 4x4 wilderness trail through Botswana's Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

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The Polentswa Wilderness Trail is a challenging 4x4 route in the Botswana section of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. This 257km trail offers a remote wilderness experience with minimal human intervention, linking various pans and showcasing Kalahari wildlife.

A brief summary to Polentswa Wilderness Trail

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Local tips

  • A 4x4 vehicle is essential for traversing the sandy and challenging terrain of the Polentswa Wilderness Trail.
  • Bookings are essential and must be made in advance through the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
  • Be self-sufficient. There are no supplies available on the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi, so bring your own fuel, drinking water, and food.
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Getting There

  • Self-Drive

    The Polentswa Wilderness Trail is typically accessed from the South African side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park via the Twee Rivieren gate, or from Botswana via the Two Rivers, Mabuasehube, or Kaa gates. From Twee Rivieren, it's approximately 222km along the Nossob Valley to Polentswa. Note that the last 2km to Polentswa requires a 4x4. Park entry fees are approximately BWP 20 per day for non-resident visitors, BWP 4 per day for vehicles, and BWP 10 per person per night for the tourism levy. These fees are subject to change.

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Discover more about Polentswa Wilderness Trail

The Polentswa Wilderness Trail is a 257 km 4x4 route through the heart of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in Botswana. This trail provides a unique opportunity to experience the raw beauty and solitude of the Kalahari, traversing an area largely unchanged for generations. The trail is known for its challenging terrain, including soft sand dunes and areas of tall grass. Access is controlled to ensure exclusivity, with only a limited number of vehicles allowed per day. Along the route, you'll encounter various pans, some vast and open, others smaller and scattered, attracting a diverse array of wildlife. Wildlife sightings are common, with opportunities to spot majestic gemsbok, blue wildebeest, springbok, and various predators, including lions and hyenas. Birdwatchers will find Polentswa a haven, with migratory birds passing through the area. The Polentswa Wilderness Trail offers a true bush camping experience, with campsites that are unfenced, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the wilderness.

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