YOUR MANDATORY PLUS ONE
The park’s isolation and lack of infrastructure makes it a hardy task for any 4×4 driver, and one that should never be attempted alone. Though many other publications see this as an exaggeration, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism stipulates that no less than two reliable 4×4 vehicles are allowed to venture into the park together.
Make sure that between the two or more vehicles you have enough emergency supplies, including spare tyres, towrope and a repair kit. Entering the park also means that you have to be completely self-sufficient. Though there are two campsites within the park boundaries where water is available you can never be too certain, so make sure that you have ample H20 and enough fuel to complete your journey.
Keep in mind that you will be travelling through thick sand which burns more fuel and that petrol vehicles often use double the amount of fuel under such conditions. Refuelling is only possible at Tsumkwe to the south of the park and at Bagani, Divundu and Rundu to the north and northwest.
ENOUGH TALK, LET’S ROUGH IT!
TNN recently sat down with avid Namibian traveller, Jaco Venter, who braved the Khaudum wilds during August. Here is his ideal travel itinerary with some much needed tips for survival!
JACO’S FIVE DAY KHAUDUM ADVENTURE
DAY 1:
Set off from Windhoek heading north. There are many interesting stopovers worth exploring along the 780km route to Khaudum. Check out the Kavango woodcarver’s market in Okahandja and grab a freshly baked brötchen at the Dekker Bakery in Martin Neib Avenue. On your way toward Otjiwarongo, spot the twin peak Omatako Mountains on your left. If you’re up for a bit of a detour, the Cheetah Conservation Fund is just 42km outside of town. It is a wonderful conservation effort and cheetah rehabilitation centre. Your next stop, Otavi, is a good place for a quick lunch. Visit the Camel Inn Restaurant and Bar for the best slapchips (fries) you’ll ever have! About 151km east of Otavi, passing through Grootfontein, is Roy’s Camp where you can spend your first night. The campsites are equipped with hot showers and cooking and washing facilities.
DAY 2:
Have an early breakfast and let your day’s adventures begin! Tsumkwe, the gateway to Khaudum, is a quick two-hour trip via tar road from Roy’s. Here you can book an excursion to visit a traditional San community or just stock up on supplies at the Tsumkwe General Dealer and fill your tanks, as this is the last time you’ll be able to do this for quite some distance. From here it is a 60km trek to Sikereti, your first campsite inside the park. You will enter through the southern park gate. The park entrance fee is N$10 for Namibian residents, N$ 30 for SADC residents and N$ 40 for foreign visitors. The gravel road to the campsite is reasonably well-maintained, the last such road you will encounter for the duration of your stay in Khaudum… Set up camp here after using your remaining daylight hours to check out some waterholes, such as Soncana or Tsoanafontein.
DAY 3:
Spend the day exploring the Nhoma Omuramba and the surrounding waterholes. According to Jaco the southern part of the park yields the most wildlife sightings during the dry winter months. Be prepared to encounter large herds of 20 to 30 roan. His group even came across a herd of more than 50! Elephant are also a popular sighting around waterholes as they enjoy playing in the mud baths. The older dames look on as the young calves chase Meyer’s parrots and roll around getting dirty. Your third day should be a relaxed and easy-going one. Jaco says that on his trip lion tracks could be seen at many of the waterholes but they had too little time to leisurely explore or have a “stakeout”. So, waiting patiently in your vehicle at a waterhole that looks promising might yield spectacular results. Make your way back to Sikereti Camp before dark and spend another night under the Namibian stars.
DAY 4:
Make the long arduous trip across the park to the northern campsite. Unfortunately the road between the two campsites is terrible. You won’t be able to travel more than 20-30 km/h so be patient and take it slow and enjoy the wonderful, truly wild place you find yourself in. Along the way keep to the eastern route that passes Baikiea, Tari Kora, Leeupan and Tsau. This route has less sand and promises more wildlife sightings. The northern campsite was recently privatised. Khaudum Campsite has 6 sites under camelthorn trees, overlooking the beautiful Xaudum Omuramba. Each site has a braai area, shading and its own private bathroom facilities with warm water. Booking in advance is essential. For more information on the campsite visit www.travelnewsnamibia.com/news/news-camping-in-khaudum/.