Gobabis to Ghanzi – A journey through the heart of the Kalahari The road from Gobabis in eastern Namibia to Ghanzi in western Botswana is more than just a border-to-border drive; it is a journey through the semi-arid beauty of the Kalahari, dotted with cultural gems, wildlife encounters, and wide open skies. Starting in Gobabis, known as the “Cattle Country Capital”, travellers can explore the town’s friendly markets, local craft shops and the historic Gobabis Museum. The area is also home to numerous game farms and lodges, offering the chance to spot antelope, giraffes and birdlife before heading east. With stops such as the Harnas Wildlife Foundation and encounters with both natural and human communities, travellers experience a side of Namibia that is off the beaten track yet enriching. Leaving Gobabis, the B6 highway leads towards Buitepos, the Namibian border post. This stretch is a peaceful drive through savannah plains, dotted with acacia trees and the occasional wildlife sighting along the roadside. About 110 km from Gobabis lies Buitepos, which is a good place to stretch your legs and browse local curios. Crossing into Botswana at the Mamuno border post, the landscape subtly begins to change. The road to Ghanzi cuts through the western Kalahari, with its iconic red sand, camelthorn trees and sweeping horizons. Ghanzi itself is often called the “Gateway to the Kalahari” and serves as the centre of cattle farming in Botswana. Along the way, travellers can enjoy several attractions and experiences. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate visiting private game farms and nature reserves in the area, where species such as kudu, oryx, springbok and ostriches roam freely. Birdwatchers will find the region rich in raptors, especially during the cooler early morning hours. For those interested in the Kalahari’s unique ecosystem, guided desert tours provide insight into how people and wildlife have adapted to this seemingly harsh environment. Whether passing through as part of a longer journey to the Okavango Delta or taking time to explore, the drive from Gobabis to Ghanzi offers a blend of pastoral charm, cultural heritage and desert beauty. It is a route where the journey itself is as memorable as the destination, with every kilometre revealing more of the Kalahari’s quiet magic. Exploring Ghanzi Located 211 km from Buitepos and 285 km from Maun, Ghanzi is the administrative centre of the Ghanzi District and an important refuelling and overnight stop between Windhoek and Maun. Ghanzi offers travellers an authentic taste of desert life and culture. Known for its cattle farming and vast landscapes, it is also the centre of the San community, making it a hub for cultural exploration. Ghanzi serves as a convenient stopover for those heading to the Okavango Delta, providing the chance to experience the quiet beauty of the Kalahari and its expansive red sands. Whether it is wildlife, culture or crafts, Ghanzi offers a unique blend of experiences that bring the Kalahari’s magic to life. Ghanzi to Maun – The gateway to the Okavango Delta The journey from Ghanzi to Maun is a classic route for travellers eager to explore Botswana’s heartland and the edge of the Okavango Delta. Stretching approximately 400 km, this road offers sweeping Kalahari landscapes, wildlife encounters and cultural experiences that capture the essence of rural Botswana. Departing from Ghanzi, travellers are immediately surrounded by wide-open plains, iconic camelthorn trees, and the red sands of the Kalahari Desert. Just outside town, the Kuru Art Project is a worthwhile stop. This initiative supports the marginalised San community, particularly in D’Kar, helping to improve lives and preserve cultural traditions through art. The San artists’ works - bold oil paintings, lithographs, linocuts, and etchings - feature animals, plants, asymmetrical designs and stories. Their internationally acclaimed pieces have been exhibited in more than 15 countries. Lake Ngami lies not too far from the main road between Shakawe and Maun, though many travellers pass it by. The road to the lake is sandy and a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Lake Ngami is an endorheic lake north of the Kalahari Desert, seasonally filled by the Taughe River, an offshoot of the Okavango system. Although unprotected, it falls within the Okavango Delta Ramsar Site. However, low rainfall and reduced flows in the delta system now prevent regular flooding. As you continue towards Maun, the road winds through vast cattle farms and wildlife-rich private reserves. Travellers can spot springbok, oryx and kudu grazing along the roadside. Birdwatchers will be rewarded with sightings of raptors and other desert-adapted species, particularly in the early morning. Private game farms en route offer guided walks or safari drives, giving travellers a closer encounter with Botswana’s wildlife before reaching the delta. The town of Nokaneng is another recommended stop, located near the southern tip of the Okavango Delta. From here, visitors can explore the Boteti River and its floodplains, which attract large gatherings of water birds, elephants and hippos, particularly during seasonal floods. Finally, Maun emerges on the horizon: The gateway to the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. The Ghanzi-Maun route delivers a journey through Botswana’s striking landscapes, cultural immersion, and a wildlife adventure rolled into one. Exploring Maun Beyond serving as a logistical hub for flights into the delta, Maun offers local markets, craft centres and cultural tours that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s traditions and lifestyle. One of the town’s main attractions is the opportunity to embark on excursions into the Okavango Delta. Visitors can take scenic flights over the delta’s winding waterways, enjoy guided mokoro (dugout canoe) trips, or join game drives in nearby Moremi Game Reserve to spot elephants, lions, hippos and countless bird species. For those interested in crafts and culture, Maun boasts several local markets and craft centres showcasing traditional baskets, carvings and jewellery made by local artisans. Cultural tours provide further insight into the lifestyle and traditions of the indigenous communities who call the delta home. From Maun to Tsodilo Hills - A journey through history and wilderness The route from Maun to the Tsodilo Hills and onwards to the Mohembo Border Post into Namibia is an unforgettable adventure, blending the natural beauty of northern Botswana with some of its most significant cultural and historical landmarks. A highlight is Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rock art. The hills contain more than 4 500 individual paintings, some dating back over 20 000 years, created by the San people. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the site, learn about its spiritual and cultural significance, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Wildlife such as small antelope and diverse birdlife also inhabit the area, creating a perfect mix of culture and nature. Continuing towards the border, the road winds through remote Kalahari landscapes, scattered settlements, and expansive cattle farms. Travellers can stop at local villages to experience traditional crafts, sample local cuisine, and learn about the lifestyle of rural communities. The final stretch leads to the Mohembo border, offering a gateway back into Namibia’s Kavango regions. The journey from Maun to Tsodilo Hills highlights the contrast between the lush waterways of the delta and the arid savannahs of the west, making it a truly memorable adventure for travellers seeking history, culture and nature in one route.
