Kgalagadi routes and overnight accommodation

[Jean Struweg]

Hi Gents

We are heading for Mata-Mata in about a month, towing a Bush Lapa Miskruier.

Google Maps suggest (from Jhb) N14 to Kuruman, Hotazel, van Zylsrus, Askham, Tweerivieren.

On my previous 3 trips to KTFP we went via Upington, but Goolgle does not even regard it as an alternative.

Any comments on the above route, or alternative suggestions?

Secondly, I doubt that we will make Mata-Mata in a day from Jhb, any suggestions for an overnight stop? Not camping, and with secure parking.

TIA

Cheers

Jean

[Andreas Cierpka]

Hi, 

Arrived in JNB, Pickel up the rental car and left for 

Next day easy drive to Twee Reveeren. Could have made it to Mata Mats.

Regards,

Andreas Cierpka

Heinrich-Böll-Str. 12

85386 Eching

Am 19.05.2025 um 09:53 schrieb Jean Struweg <jean.s...@gmail.com>:



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[Louis Jooste]

Hi Jean.

We camped at Kgaligadi lodge some time back. 5 min outside the gate at  Twee Rivieren.

https://kgalagadi-lodge.co.za/

Louis

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[et...@yebo.co.za]

Hi Jean

 

I cannot report on the road from Hotazel vai Van Zylsrus to Askham, but have always seen reports on how bad it is.  Going via Upington is best and it’s a good place to pick up supplies you might have left at home.

Red Sand near Kuruman but on the Kathu side provide secure campinhh facilities but we have always lodged there rather than setting up camp. Nice restaurant and pub on site.

HenryT

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[Kelvin James]

Hey Jean,

I was there in January.

Some of the roads on that route you are suggesting are hectic.

We did Pretoria to Red Sands Lodge first night (chalets and camping are both excellent).

Second and third night at Kgalagadi Lifestyle Lodge only 4 kms or so from Twee Rivieren gate. This place is *highly* recommended, mate. The food and local Kgalagadi beer in the restaurant are also superb. On way to KLL we did all our shopping at the new shopping mall just south of the Upington airport (Kalahari Mall). Fantastic place to stock up with every conceivable store under one roof. We did 5 countries and took 2 months to do it and this mall was head and shoulders above all others on the trip.

Next day is in at TR and then tootle up to Mata Mata.

Should be epic - enjoy.

Cheers

Kelvin

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[Hennie Rautenbach]

Red Sands had security issues a while ago. Not sure if these were resolved...

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[Hennie Rautenbach]

Old thread but cautions are well heeded !

https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/336298-Kuruman-safety-warning/

Regards

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[Hannes Thirion]

Jean,

I would rather use T4A than Google Maps for route planning. The route via Hotazel is the shortest route but not the fast.  Route via Upington faster and beter due to corrugated route that may cause breakdowns. 

Kuruman / Red Sands overnight you will still have a long drive to Mata Mata the second day. Rather overnight in Upington,  plenty lodges. Or at Molopo Kalahari Lodge near Tweerivieren Gate. 

Regards,

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Hannes Thirion

[Jean Struweg]

Thanks for all the feedback gents!

Please keep the suggestions coming.

Cheers,

Jean

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[Manfred Bollner]

We have driven Askham-Vanzylsrus in March 2024. It was the most horrible public road I have ever driven. Not doable in a Sedan. We lost one tyre on the Hilux. Horrible corrugations with big, sharp stones. At that time they startet a rebuild form Vanzylsrus to the west. No idea how far they have come. I would go via Upington.