TODAY THE STRIP OF LAND ALL ALONG THE Zimbabwean border of Botswana is known as Hunter’s Road. This was the name given to the wagon road which was used extensively in the latter half of the 19th century to move trade goods from South Africa to the banks of the Zambezi River at Kazungula.

There is some dispute as to whether the current track is the original Hunter’s Road or just part of it. Today the road is a wide swath of ground right on the border which has been cleared of vegetation and doubles as a 4x4 track. In places it is very sandy, but it is quite manageable.

Hunter’s Road consists of large sections of black cotton soil which, when wet, can cause vehicles to
bog down completely. In addition, the elephant tracks make big holes in the soil, these need to be negotiated with care. In the wet season this road can become a handful, it’s not a route you want to drive solo.

It stretches from Kasane in the north, to just north of Nata in the south. The off-road track along the border runs parallel to the A33 and passes through many hunting concessions, forest reserves and tribal trust land or villages.

These days, many of the wilderness areas are managed by community trusts, who typically partner with tourism operators in order to raise funds for community development. Tourism in this area is mostly run by local lodge owners and tour guides with concessions.

Although you may drive through the forest reserves and hunting concession areas, bush camping is not allowed. After heavy rains road conditions may deteriorate markedly, so it’s always best to inquiries about the state of the road before you head off this way.

Anti-poaching patrols operate in these areas, they have a zero-tolerance attitude - make sure you’re not mistaken for a poacher! Plus, if you do wander off the track there’s chance you might unknowingly cross the border into Zimbabwe and be stopped by their authorities for illegal entry.

Hunter's Road have nothing more to offer except game drives. There are no shops, banks or even a police station. (Jan-16).

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