  |
|
|
|
Camping at Mabuasehube Reserve, Southern AfricaTravel and Camp in Botswana's Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Accommodation at Mabuasehube is limited to camping. Visitors must be self- sufficient in respect of drinking water, food and fuel. Using a 4X4 is strongly advised.
The access roads to Mabuasehube Nature Reserve in the South Western corner of Botswana are sandy and at places deep two wheel tracks. A vehicle with sufficient ground clearance and preferably with four wheel drive capabilities is strongly recommended. The roads inside the Reserve range from broad, corrugated sand to tracks with high grassy centres. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in Africa - South Africa and BotswanaMabuasehube Game Reserve forms part of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, one of the largest cross border National Parks in the world (approximately 37991 km2) according to the 2004 South African National Parks Official Information Brochure titled "Kgalagadi Trans- Frontier Park". It is a arid region dotted with salty clay pans. These pans will hold water for months after rain has fallen and could, in dryer months be bare or lightly covered in grass. Watering holes for the wildlife can be found at Mabuasehube, Mpayathutlwa and Lesholoago. These shallow wells are usually at the edge of the pans. They assist in sustaining the animals the drier months adding to the visitor's viewing experience. A variety of animals like Oryx, Kudu, Springbuck, Steenbuck, Duiker, Blue Wildebeest, Lion, Spotted and Brown Hyena, Warthog, Bat- eared Foxes, Cheetah, Leopard, Jackal and many more small creatures inhabit the area. Birdlife is prolific and birds of prey are a common site in the Reserve. Accomodation at Mabuasehube in BotswanaEach of the salty clay pans at Lesholoago, Mabuasehube, Monamodi, Bosobogolo, Mpayathutlwa(sometimes spelled Mpaathutlwa), Khiding and Malatso hosts at least two campsites overlooking the pan. No other form of accommodation is available. Only one party is allowed at a campsites and privacy is a given. The campsites are unfenced and without electricity, ensuring a truly wild experience. An A-frame shelter provides shade while most - not all - sites have a cold water shower, pit latrine and a basin for washing dishes. It is advisable to enquire upon booking which of the camps have working boreholes, as these are sometimes out of order for extended periods of time resulting in a campsite without water. There are no shops, no restaurants and no amenities close by. The closest town is Tsabong which is approximately 110 kilometers away. Visitors need to be completely self - sufficient when visiting these campsites. The water supplied at the campsites are not suitable for human consumption and enough drinking water must be brought along. Water suitable for human consumption is sometimes (not always) available at the entrance gate. Take enough spare fuel to facilitate a return trip and plenty spare for game drives. No fuel is available at the Reserve and the sandy roads deplete fuel supplies quicker than usual. Essential Checklist for Camping at Mabuasehube in Botswana· Enough drinking water for the duration of the stay and an extra day's supply · Sufficient fuel for driving there and back · A sturdy tent · Food for at least a day more than the planned duration of the visit · A strong flashlight for the evenings · Wood or charcoal for cooking the meat as collecting wood inside the Reserve is prohibited · Store all food inside the vehicles as not to attract unwanted visitors to the tent or campsite · Avoid walking away from the lighted area in the dark as animals have much better night vision than humans and the Kalahari Lions are ferocious. · Wear closed shoes or boots during the warmer months to avoid scorpion stings and snake bites. Bookings are essential and can be made at The Parks and Reserves Reservation Office, Tel. +267 371 405 or fax +267 318 0775
The copyright of the article Camping at Mabuasehube Reserve, Southern Africa in Camp Sites is owned by Yolande Pienaar. Permission to republish Camping at Mabuasehube Reserve, Southern Africa in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
