The desert is hot:
Obvious, absolutely, but many planning a trip here underestimate the heat and what it can do to you if you are not prepared. When travelling here, especially if you are one of the wild ones taking on a summer tour, having enough water and knowing when to stop in the shade and just relax is vital. The desert is going to teach you to slow down, as you just can’t be on the roads or out in the sun once it starts climbing.
Since there are no taps along the road to provide water, you need to pack enough to ensure your survival. Alternatively, you can sign up for a Kalahari safari and let your guides worry about the amount of sustenance you will be needing, but even in this case, it won’t hurt to bring along some extra.
The heat is not just dehydrating, it can also test you physically and mentally. It will drain your energy and leave you feeling very weak if you are really unfit, and if you should travel here when it is midsummer, the heat could leave you hallucinating, seeing mirages and other things that are just not there.
Stay hydrated always and try to keep cool as much as possible. Remember, this is a rugged camping destination so there is no air conditioning and there are no swimming pools.
More than one country:
The Kalahari, as already mentioned, spans out over Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. Depending on where you are planning your tour, or where your guided tour is taking you, you might need to bring along all of your identity documentation as there might be a border crossing on your journey.
You are also entering a place of camaraderie and teamwork. The few people that you are coming across during your travels should always be shown respect and given help if needed. Always keep a look out for your fellow traveller. It is so easy to run into trouble here, and if you see someone in danger or someone asks for help, do what you can to assist them.
Book a Namibia Tour:
Except for those few adventurers who are chasing that thrill, and who have the experience to make it out in the wild, travelling in the Kalahari and being completely self-reliant (and knowing what you need in order to be self-reliant) is not for everyone. But that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on seeing such a spectacular place!
There are many Kalahari tour providers who are more than ready to take guests into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in vehicles kitted out just for such an adventure. The tours include the help of a guide who has the knowledge and experience to navigate the desert and to know what to pack in order to keep you going throughout the trip.
Booking a Kalahari tour is one of the best ways to see the desert. It will be the less stressful option and it will give you time to simply enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the desert.
Travelling on a tour is also ideal because the guides know the area and they know where to travel so that you don’t miss a thing. They will keep you safe on the road, and share insight into the land and the things you will see.
On a side note, tour companies can be a vital link in your travel plans when you are in a foreign country. They can help you with various arrangements and they can assist you in your planning so that you have everything covered. Think of them as a companion. Their planning staff might be virtual, but their presence can be both welcoming and comforting when you are in a strange new place.