The Kalahari Hiking Traverse is a moving-base walking trip through red dunes, salt pans, dry riverbeds and black-rock koppies of the northern Kalahari. It is not a self-guided backpacking trail: the route is supported, with transport between areas and overnight stays at lodges or game reserves.
Each walk has a different desert character, from wide white pans to dune crests and the rocky formations known locally as the Lost City. The journey is designed as a combined hiking and natural-history experience, with guided activities and wildlife viewing alongside the walking.
Hike directions
Arrival is at the starting lodge near Askham, after which the group moves between the walking areas of the Kalahari Red Dune Route.
The full programme comprises five short-to-medium walks. The source lists stages of 14 km, 15 km, 8 km, 10 km and 5 km. These include a salt-pan and game-reserve walk, a route through the black koppies of the Lost City, a dune-top hike at Dreghorn, and a final guided walk on the Kalahari trails before the group continues toward the Kgalagadi area.
Daily routes and their order can change with weather, land access, wildlife movements and operator logistics. This page should therefore describe the traverse rather than present a fixed navigation track; confirm the current itinerary directly with the operator.
What to expect
There is little ascent, but soft sand, long exposed stretches and very high temperatures can make the walking more demanding than the distances suggest. Participants should be capable of covering a 15 km day without a shorter fallback option.
Expect open Kalahari scenery: red dunes, salt pans, acacia woodland, dry drainage lines and distant koppies. Some itinerary elements are separate guided activities rather than hiking, including wildlife or game-drive experiences. Keep food secured and follow guide instructions in areas where game may be present.
Carry sun protection, plenty of water, a broad-brimmed hat, breathable layers, sturdy walking shoes, warm clothing for cool evenings and a small day pack. Conditions and hydration requirements should be checked before departure.
Accommodation
The route is lodge-based rather than camp-based. The group changes venues through the trip, with accommodation in the Kalahari/Red Dune Route area. Room allocations, meals, transfers and any park access arrangements are operator matters and must be reconfirmed at booking.
About the area
The northern Kalahari is defined by wind-shaped red sand, broad pans and huge skies. Walking here is about slow travel through a landscape that can look simple from afar but is full of tracks, small-scale life and changing light. Respect private-land permissions and protected-area rules; the route crosses a mix of reserves and privately managed terrain.
Address and contact details
Meeting area: Askham / northern Kalahari, Northern Cape.
The exact starting lodge, transfer plan, route permissions, departure dates and booking contact must be confirmed directly with the operator.
