Tinus, did you tow anything on your trip? Did you do a lot of extra game viewing?
no but a heavy roof rack and full car .....speak to dawidt he has done a lot of towing around there his feul figures will be more accurate
when i went infront not part of convoy it got as good as 4km per liter in the sand
The trip sounds great a few helpful pointers as we have traveled most of your proposed route. Try to stay 2 nights in one place as some of the driving you propose to do is long and grinding in the sand.The Moremi Savuti area is well known so that should not be a problem,there is a new area at South gate called black pools which is good and does not get as crowded as the rest of Moremi. By staying there helps with the drive to Savuti as it is thick sand and will take you about 6 to 7 hours or longer if towing . I would definitely spend 2 nights in Savuti and cut Chobe down to 2 nights as you wont have time to do any game drives in Savuti and they are worth it!! Regarding Kafue we were there in September last year and I would also spend an extra day here as the distances are great.I would recommend Kaingu camp they have a new site all by itself, ask them for it it is right on the river with full private ablutions Two days here to unwind is great and you can do a river cruise. Then I would go south to Nanzhila Plains camp a truly awesome area wide open plains an lots of game,be careful of the 5 honey badgers that come into camp!! You can then exit in the south and it is an easy 3 hour drive to Livingstone.The Xade to Kutse part of your trip will be the most arduous regarding soft sand driving we have done it to Pipers and averaged 3km/L. I would spend 1 night at Bape as a stop over and 2 nights at Molosepan and 2 nights at Moreswe Pan then onwards ,you can save a night here.
I hope this will be of help to you
Regards
Paul
Louis, if you can afford to stay at Ihaha, I would definately rcommend that as you can start your game drives earlier that way. That area must be the best place in the world to see ellies.
Also, while in the area do try a sunset cruise. Personally I would sacrifice time in Moremi for time in Savuti and Chobe...
Thanks, Paul and Peter. Exellent advice, exactly the type of guidance I was looking for.
Have started wondering whether I shouldn't sacrifice the Central Kalahari bit at the end and rather spend more time in Zambia / Okavango elta or Caprivi? Eg visiting the Liuwa Plains in Zambia?
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Louis Hay
2010 Patrol 4.8 GRX
I do think you can rationalize a bit. There's no such thing as quality time...
Nt that all these destinations aren't worth a visit, but rather do one properly and do the next one another time?
I agree with Peter your proposed trip is very hectic,a few more ideas for you. Luiwa plains is a no no at that time of the year we were there late November and it is a trip all by itself.
I would look at spending more time in Kafue we stayed at Mcbrides in the northern part and the boat trips and game was good I would suggest that you go there first from Kabwe then to Kaingu and then to Nanzhila plains 3 nights Mcbrides 2 Kaingu and 3 Nanzhila. After that you could go to Sioma and stay at Katuli pools we were the first visitors there in over a year great place to unwind road is not bad,from there to Katima then to either Nambwa or Mudumu (in the Caprivi opposite kwando in Bots) for a few nights both places are great. Then amble towards Mahango and spend a few nights there and then home via Drosky etc.
I hope this will help as I have been to all these places and by spending time at each you will have time to reflect!!
Thinking the bit up to Kabwe is fairly fixed now. Still working on the 2nd half.
Some more questions:
1) Does 500km sound about right from Maun to Kasane (excl game viewing trips)?
2) I plan on max 40l/100km towing for this bit in 1), should be sufficient? I normally get 23-25l/100km on highway towing at 120km/h. So 135l + 6 jerrycans should do it.
3) Hoping to stay in Black Pools (Moremi), Savuti and Ihaha (Chobe). Any specific sites to ask for?
4) Do most sites in Moremi / Savuti / Chobe have water (eg for dishes / showering)?
5) Thinking of fitting a winch (given that we will be traveling alone)? 9000lbs enough with a snatch block?
6) Is it worth lugging my high-lift jack along?
7) Thinking of hiring a satelite phone? If yes, where? Would then need numbers to call in case of emergency...
8) are there areas where you are allowed to pick up wood in Moremi / Savuti / Chobe?
9) Thinking of staying in a lodge in Livingstone, any ideas?
10) Any ideas/contact details for a small houseboat on the Zambia side of Kariba?
11) Can one pay for fuel with credit cards, or cash only?
12) Is a plane trip over the Okavango Delta worth it?
Sure I will have more questions as time goes by... Thanks for all the help so far, and in advance to future help!
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Louis Hay
2010 Patrol 4.8 GRX
1) Probably OK? Can't remember what distance we did.
2) I think that should be OK, but that won't leave much margin.
3) In Savuti, try to get one of the ones on the river, but further from the ablutions. They run a gennie at the ablution block at night.
4) There should be water at the ablution blocks.
5 and 6) I would rather take just the jack and a big base plate.
7) I don't think this is necessary unless you travel off the beaten paths?
8) No.
11) Some larger garages take cards, but cash is much safer.
12) Definately and unequivocally. The best money you will spend on the whole trip.
