Tsamma Kalahari 4x4 Trail Tsamma is a desert water-melon that is being used by the Bushmen of the area to extract water for drinking.

There are so many pictures that Vinkie had a very difficult task in selecting the good ones. The actual trail started at Hotazel (pr. Hot-As-Hell, and it is) but the real business started a day earlier in Johannesburg. Vinkie towed a friends Suzuki Jeep with his Hilux up to Hotazel.

The first afternoon and the next morning was spent conquering the dunes before the convoy left. Here Vinkie is assessing the dune. It does not look very imposing but poor Vinkie just could not get up this one. Every year a dune-climbing competition is held here (and at another place, see later pictures). The sand is deep and soft.

The first evening was spent lazing around and preparing for the rest of the trip. The first morning after the dunes saw us in the dry Gama-gara river to Tsineng.

Another view of the desert from the top of a dune.

The 3rd day started at the Heuningvlei Game Ranch and following the riverbed of the Moshwaneng river to one of the only permanent waterholes in the Kalahari. Vinkie refreshed himself at this waterhole.

André Maritz in his Hilux.

At the Heuningvlei (tr. Honey-wetland pan) pan is this cave that is full of honey-bee nests. Local folklore says that only the local tribe chief is allowed to extract honey from here once a year.

Vinkie thought this was a pretty picture from a dry riverbed.

The Heuningvlei pan is completely dry apart from the one end where the cave is.

In some cases the roads were long, sandy and very hot.

This picture was taken from a trig-beacon that is some 30 feet above the desert.

There was some time to view the local game. These are Springbok.

Near Freylinckspan is some of the highest dunes in the Kalahari.

A dune climb is in order. Vinkie could not even make it halfway up this dune. He took the round-about route.

The only dude who could make it up here was Rusty (renamed to Kalahari Harry) with his 4.0 lt Jeep Wrangler.

The view from the top of the dune.

Vinkie coming down.

The 4.0 Jet going up quite spectacularly. He is currently only one of four people that could get up this dune. The others are a Defender 90 2.8i with traction control, a Land Cruiser with a Hilux body on top and

The loo at the Heuningvlei Game Ranch

The facilities on the dune at Rooibokpan Game Ranch (tr. Impala-pan).

Kalahari Harry reminiscing about his next move?

The Rooibokpan Game Ranch overnight stop is situated on top of a sand-dune with a great view.

The desert wind creating some magic.

This waterhole's depth could never been gauged.

Kalahari Harry did have his problems. His mussis was responsible for this mishap.

Some other means of transport was also available.