Drive South Africa

Khutse Game Reserve falls directly across the Tropic of Capricorn, a 2,500km2 bump that extends off the southern border of the much larger Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The largest is at Khutse Pan with 10 separate campsites and the remaining camping areas are strung out along a single oval-shaped loop, which the only game-drive route inside the reserve. Khutse is great for wild, isolated camping and as a staging post for those braving the long track north into the Central Kalahari. There’s also a trail heading north from the park into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, but it’s very overgrown and extremely sandy, and not recommended unless you’re really looking for adventure.

Leaving through Khwai Gate you’ll pass the community-run Khwai Development Trust, before turning north towards Savuti and into Chobe National Park. From about 50km north of Maun, you’re essentially in one vast wildlife reserve that extends 250km north to Kasane, and roughly 500km east-west, from across the delta all the away into Zimbabwe. It’s about two hours from Maun to Moremi’s Maqwee Gate and then another two to three hours to Third Bridge depending on what you see on the way. North of Khwai Gate, the road can get flooded, but the track improves as you head away from the Khwai River.

The quickest way to get hold of an ambulance is to phone the South African Ambulance Call Centre at 10177.You will be asked for the following information:Your phone number (just in case you get cut off the line)Where the accident has happened (this includes the street name and nearest intersection)Details of how the accident happened, how many people are injured, and whether there is a fire or notFrom the information you give, the dispatcher will then send trained paramedics to the scene to helpHelping those who are injuredYou should always do what you can to help those who have been hurt in an accident. The only time it’s okay to do this is if the car is on fire and you aren’t able to get hold of a fire extinguisher to kill the fire. If the person injured isn’t conscious, try and open their mouth and make sure there isn’t anything blocking their throat so that air can enter their lungs.

A savvy road-user is always be prepared. When using the road as a motorist it’s important to understand that you may be involved in a car accident at any stage, and being prepared for it will reduce the amount of stress the situation brings. You should always have these things in your car: Having these things readily available will mean that you can clear up all that needs to be taken care of in the quickest time possible so that a regular flow of traffic can resume as soon as possible.