SANParks.org Forums

I am new to forum communications. In fact, this is my first visit ever and I am hoping you regulars can help.

We are a retired couple and being avid wildlife and photography enthusiasts, travel extensively in this regard. We normally visit Etosha every year but as we have never been to KTP, decided to give it a try due to the distances and costs of travel to Etosha.

After booking camping sites at TR and Mata Mata for August, and only then reading the Forums, I am left with a dilemma as to whether we are doing the right thing as our mode of transport and accommodation is a motor home. The vehicle is in fact a converted Opel Movana panel van which in itself should be no problem as it has the viewing height and construction equivalent to most 4x2 bakkies (our previous vehicle was a 4x2 DC bakkie). This vehicle is the GM equivalent to the Toyota Quantum bus commonly used in the taxi industry. The interior fittings are robust and with care in both packing and travelling, we have never encounted any previous problems having travelled long distances on gravel roads that we would certainly hesitate to take our sedan car on.

Having read the forums, it would appear that the KTP roads are something else to be reckoned with hence our present dilemma.

Acquaintances who have visited KTP tell us that we should have no problems, however suggested the Nossob road might not be too suited. In view of this, we booked from 15th, 2 nights TR, 3 nights Mata Mata, then 1 night TR as a trial visit with the idea that should the roads be unsuitable, we would abort the rest of the trip and visit the flower area instead.
I would value any input given to help us decide whether or not to abandon this trip.

hello CliveK and a very warm welcome to the forum.
I must admit I had a good chuckle when I read your last few sentences..I promise you that you will not leave KTP earlier....you will not want to leave it at all.
The roads are corrugated but with deflated tyres it is much easier to handle ..I am sure your vehicle will handle the roads.
We have just got back from our trip ...my 18th..and we had some awesome sightings...some of the best ever. You can read about it here
Having been to Etosha myself a few times I feel you will enjoy KTP...in some ways it is similar but in others very very different.
Go ahead with your trip..you will not be sorry !!!!
But you could very well end up being addicted !!!!

A very warm welcome to the forums CliveK You certainly came to the right place for advice

Thanks Caracal and Dotty for your encouraging responses.
It felt so good to be in the company of other wild life enthusiasts and you certainly have succeeded in giving us the inspiration needed. Will however, travel cautiously as advised.
Read your report Caracal. What an amazing trip. Enjoyed your pictures and sense of humour!!
I too, in all my travels, had never seen a caracal and then BOOM, two in one day at Addo a few weeks ago.
Hopefully this trip will be the first of many more. Counting the days now.

The roads you'll travel are, well, not perfect, but easy to do with the motorhome. The Nossob road is a different story indeed.
Actually the roads are not that different from Etosha. Maybe a little more corrugated. So indeed let out the tires, and you'll be fine.

If you decide to to the duneroads you'll have to watch out a little, there are some patches of loose sand around.

I wonder what you'll end up preferring, Etosha or KTP....

CliveK...welcome to the forum from me as well. We went to KTP in 2008 and I was hooked on it then...can't wait to return in Nov this year.
We have just returned from Etosha, so I feel a bit qualified to compare the two.
We found Etosha to abound with animals..especially the large herds of grazers. Etosha also has some different creatures from KTP- ie rhino and elephant. KTP is even more arid and it held more intrigue with the predators...avian and mammalian alike. Both areas, Etosha and KTP, are very much worthy of many visits...and I think there is a slightly different 'emphasis' in each place- or that is what our experience showed us.
Not sure about your vehicle question, but most responses seem to think you will be fine with caution. Definitely do not attempt the road to Bitterpan...it is a bit of a challenge, although a really fun one.
All the best with your travels...I'm sure you will enjoy.
Feel free to read my account attached to my signature for our KTP experience.

Thanks again Siobain, DuQues and KTF Hooked for your warm welcome and valued input.
I feel so much more confident from all your responses and will follow your advice.
Read your report KTF Hooked. A wonderful experience to share with us all. It is indeed a privilege to observe the interactions and behaviour of the various species and we are always grateful to those empowered to preserve and protect them.
Can't wait for this new and unique experience.

CliveK, a word of warning - you will become a KTP addict.

I have been to KTP in all sorts of vehicles over the past 27 years, from standard sedans, station wagons, to 4x2 and 4x4 bakkies and SUVs. Have seen all sorts of cars there too. If you deflate your tyres to 1.6 bar and drive slowly, and sensibly, you should have no problems.

So go and enjoy yourself, and if you are feeling adventurous, go for Nossob as well, my favourite camp.

Welcome to the forum CliveK.

From one oldie to another, a robust vehicle is what is needed. Just be in no hurry. Deflate the tyres to about 1.6 and take out your dentures.
Nossob area can be the best, and Marie se draai in particular will be 'kind' to your vehicle.

Go for it, you only live once, but be warned, you will want to return.

See also my (dated) TRs.

Thanks Billyf and Bush Baptist for your valued input.
Dotty was right when she said “you have come to the right place”.
Was able to find a campsite at TR for an extra day and confidently booked it!!! Will heed all your advice though.

CliveK, you will LOVE KTP!! Just take it easy and get into the slow lane of life, it's amazing how being forced to slow down and appreciate all the little things around you can have such a profound effect on you. KTP has a way of prodding you to stop and take stock - enjoy the opportunity to do just that. The sightings are great but the solitude and it's affect on your psyche will be what you will remember ... it's this (and the big cats ) that keep us all hooked and hankering to return.

Have a fantastic time ...... and don't forget, the KTP junkies need to hear all about it!!!!

Thank you too icurrie. This is exactly what I am looking for.
Thanks again for all the previous help and encouragement. Will certainly report back my findings and some pictures too. Waiting in anticipation now.