Plizio Visual Lab

Nossob River

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Nossob River is a major dry river in southern Africa, forming the international border between Botswana and South Africa within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Spanning approximately 740 kilometers, it originates in Namibia and flows southeasterly to its confluence with the Auob River. Geomorphologically, the Nossob is famous for its wide, sandy bed that remains bone-dry most of the time; significant surface flow is recorded only about once a century, with the most recent occurrences in 1974 and 2000. Despite the lack of flowing water, the riverbed is ecologically vital as the deep root systems of Camel Thorn trees (Acacia erioloba) reach the groundwater, providing shade and sustenance. The valley acts as a natural corridor for predators such as lions and leopards, as well as vast herds of antelope. Historically, the river marked an important boundary in colonial history and is now a symbol of successful transboundary conservation efforts.

Location: Botswana
Top sights: Marie se Draai Waterhole · Kaspersdraai Waterhole

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	29	28	26	22	18	13	13	15	20	24	26	28
Rain mm	46	40	36	30	7	2	0	0	2	13	22	33

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The riverbed clearly runs directly through the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, accessible via park entrance gates. A reliable high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is functionally necessary to safely navigate the sandy tracks.

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Best season

The cooler, dry winter months definitively between May and September offer the most comfortable climate for wildlife viewing. Summers are intensely hot, and occasional heavy rains can suddenly make the tracks muddy.

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Terrain & paths

The environment consists directly of a wide, sandy, and mostly completely dry riverbed gently flanked by scattered camel thorn trees. The surrounding landscape basically features rolling red sand dunes and sparse savanna grass.

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What to bring

Essential items robustly include a wide-brimmed hat, high-factor sunscreen, and abundant daily drinking water. Binoculars and a genuinely good camera with a zoom lens are deeply vital for spotting distant wildlife.

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Parking

Visitors universally remain inside their specific vehicles while exploring, parking only at safely designated rest camps. Exiting the physical vehicle formally outside these specific secure areas is strictly prohibited.

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Safety

Dangerous wildlife, definitively including lions and leopards, roam entirely freely physically throughout the riverbed area. The immense ambient heat and pure isolation make sudden vehicle breakdowns a serious safety concern.

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Time needed

Driving completely along the winding riverbed can take literally anywhere from a few hours to several long days. Many distinct visitors choose to intentionally spend three to five days traversing the route between different camps.

Geography

Coordinates

-25.50000, 20.70000

Facts

The total length of the Nossob is approximately 740 km.
It defines the border between Botswana and South Africa.
The riverbed is typically dry, with floods being centennial events.
It is located within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Camel Thorn trees thrive along the bed by tapping into groundwater.
The name originates from the Khoekhoe language, meaning 'black river.'

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kalahari National Park98 km · SEExplore →

Kgalagadi109 km · SExplore →

Kalahari142 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Nossob River (2)

Marie se Draai Waterhole 🌿 nature

This viewpoint overlooks the dry Nossob riverbed and is known for excellent sightings of springboks and predators at the waterhole.

Kaspersdraai Waterhole 📍 landmark

The solar-powered Kaspersdraai Waterhole provides life-saving water to desert animals in the dusty Nossob valley.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Nossob River run?

It forms part of the border between Botswana and South Africa in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

When did the river last flow?

Major floods occur only about once or twice per century.

Which animals are often seen in the dry riverbed?

Oryx, springbok, and Kalahari lions use the open terrain.

Are there camps along the Nossob?

Yes, Nossob Rest Camp is a well-known station for tourists.

What does the name Nossob mean?

The name comes from the Nama language and means 'Black River'.

Nossob River: where is it located?

Nossob River is located in Botswana.

Nossob River: what is there to see?

Highlights include Marie se Draai Waterhole, Kaspersdraai Waterhole.

Nossob River: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.

Nossob River: why is it worth visiting?

The Nossob River is a major dry river in southern Africa, forming the international border between Botswana and South Africa within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

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