Advice wanted for crossing western part of Ntwetwe pan (Botswana) please
darrenarmour
I’m planning to drive from Orapa to Gweta across Ntwetwe this September. Anyone done it? Any advice?
I’m happy with the need for extra water, food, GPS, the usual stuff.
How is the route compared to Khubu to Gweta which seems more popular (not done that route either). There’s very little information on this route and it looks like it could be very interesting, dramatic, etc.
I was planning to stop at Gabasadi Island for a stopover (even considering it overnight). Then keep heading north and visit Chapman’s and Green’s Baobabs, before finishing in Gweta.
I'm getting mixed responses on what this trip would be like and even if it's possible, such as:
"I've never driven starting from the Orapa side, but part way along that road you will find signs from the concession holder saying it is not a through road and no trespassing. It is a fine enough road, but the portion that I have driven is not nearly as interesting/scenic as the Khubu/Gweta route. The map makes it look like a track across the pans, but in reality the pans thin out into scrubland east of the park boundary."
This is the sign they are talking about:
Other responses include:
"Check with local authorities or recent overlanding groups for current track conditions before setting off. After rainfall, conditions can change dramatically, and some sections around the pans become impassable or closed. The section marked with the red X is likely the most challenging. Depending on the season, it can have deep sand, mud, or even water if there has been recent rain.In the dry season, it’s usually passable with a high-clearance 4x4, proper tyres, and lowered tyre pressures for the sand.Goodluck "
"As for Gabasadi Island, I think it’s an excellent place to overnight if your group is properly equipped.
Any advice, guidance, and especially recent experience of this leg/trip would be invaluable! Thank you in advance.