The Roaring Kalahari Route is in a relatively crime free area. However, being remote with a sparse population, you could be stranded for hours should you break down. Always carry sufficient drinking water with you in case of emergencies. The area is also malaria free.

Road Travel
With the exception of main roads, which are tarred, most others are gravel. It is not necessary to own a 4x4 vehicle but it is advisable to ask locals about the condition of the roads. Drive cautiously on gravel roads, between 70 to 80 km/h with tyres deflated to 1,8 bars. Always be on the look-out for stray animals. Night driving is not advisable. Though fuel is widely available in most towns, we recommend filling up before travelling long distances. Also be aware that fuel in the outer lying areas is often only available during normal business hours, and often not on a weekend. On major routes and in bigger towns, petrol stations are open 24 hours a day.

The Towns
Upington and Kuruman are the two major centres and to a lesser degree Kathu, Kakamas, Keimoes and Griquatown. The other smaller towns usually stock most essentials such as fuel and foodstuffs but, because of remoteness, should not be relied upon.

Telephones
The international dialling code for South Africa is 027. The first 0 in the local dialling code falls away eg 053 833 1434 becomes 027 53 833 1434. Cell phones (mobiles) have no signal in the more remote parts, but usually have reception near towns.

The Weather
The Kalahari’s weather is typical of desert and semidesert areas. It is a large, dry region with fluctuating temperatures. The scant annual rainfall (50-400mm) is unreliable and very much lower than evaporation and, in January, afternoon temperatures are usually between 33-40° Celsius. Winter days are warm - the onset of night brings dew and frost to supplement the low rainfall. Generally, though, take it that you’ll enjoy hot summer days and warm company and in winter, chilly nights.