The original inhabitants of southern Africa, the San People of the Kalahari, have lived for millennia as skilled hunters, gatherers and trackers, relying on their deep knowledge of the land and its inhabitants to sustain themselves and their communities. One of the most remarkable legacies of these indigenous people is their ability to thrive in one of the harshest environments on earth – a testament to the power of resilience and resourcefulness.

The third leg of our adventure wonder destination has brought us to the same rugged landscape that the San call home – The Kalahari.

We were immediately struck by the vastness of this rugged landscape. The Kalahari is a region that spans over 900,000 square kilometres and is characterized by its Camel thorn trees and red sand dunes, sparse vegetation, and rocky outcrops. We soon realized why this region is considered one of the most challenging environments for any adventurer to tackle. The terrain here is incredibly diverse, with steep slopes, rocky outcrops, deep sand, and loose gravel making driving conditions treacherous and unpredictable. The sand dunes here are particularly challenging, with their constantly shifting and unstable nature making it difficult to maintain traction and control. The Kalahari is also known for its deep sandy riverbeds, which can be nearly impossible to cross without the right vehicle. Moreover, the intense heat and arid conditions of this desert environment can quickly sap your strength and leave you vulnerable to dehydration and heat stroke.

But the vast expanse of the Kalahari promises us untold wonders and challenges so we get ready to take on this harsh and beautiful landscape, armed with nothing but our highly capable Scorpio N and a thirst for adventure! May the legacy of the San people and their spirit guide us on our adventures.

Our destination for the day was Witsand Nature Reserve, situated in the heart of the Northern Cape Kalahari. This unspoilt wilderness is home to seven species of animals and towering 60-meter-high dunes that stretched as far as the eye could see. The powder-soft sand beneath them looked inviting, but we knew that it was going to be the Scorpio N’s toughest challenge yet.

Before we began our adventure, we released the tire pressure on our Scorpio N’s, this is a critical step when tackling dunes, as it helps to increase the surface area of the tires and provides better traction in the sand. Driving on sand dunes is a unique challenge, unlike anything else we have experienced. The shifting sands make it difficult to maintain traction and control, while the steep inclines and sudden drops require precise and careful manoeuvring.

As we drove deeper into the desert, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer beauty and untamed nature of this incredible landscape. As avid adventurers, we have each been fortunate enough to explore some of the most beautiful and challenging landscapes. But nothing prepared us for the awe-inspiring experience of the “roaring dunes” of Witsand. These dunes, unlike any others in the world, emit a low, rumbling sound that is reminiscent of a lion’s roar. It’s no wonder that they are known as the “natural lion”.

However intimidating they sounded, the Scorpio N navigated the shifting sands with ease. There was nothing quite like the feeling of conquering the thick dunes with the Scorpio N. With its powerful mHawk turbodiesel engine and advanced technology, this vehicle was the perfect tool for tackling the treacherous terrain of the desert.

The Scorpio N’s lighter suspension and variable dampers meant that the ride was smooth and comfortable, even as we tackled some of the steepest inclines and deepest valleys. With the help of the 4XPLOR’s intelligent terrain management technology, we were able to easily switch the car into low range to help us through the thickest parts of the sand. The vehicle’s powerful engine roared like the dunes as we pushed it to its limits, effortlessly climbing up and over the massive dunes that stretched out before us. As we crested each peak, we felt the thrill of the adventure coursing through our veins.

We tackled the challenges of the Kalahari with confidence and ease, knowing that we had the best vehicle for the job! We knew that this incredible experience was one that we would never forget. For it is here, in the heart of the Witsand Nature Reserve, that the “roaring” dunes of the Kalahari truly come to life.

As the sun set behind us, casting a golden glow over the endless expanse of sand and sky, sitting on top of a dune, with our toes buried in the warm, powdery sand, we reflected on our conquests of the day. The Scorpio N had proven itself to be a true off-road champion, conquering the sand in a way that no one expected. Even our guide, who was used to visitors attempting the sand dunes, was impressed by the Scorpio N’s capabilities.

The rugged terrain of the Kalahari, we were reminded of the importance of spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, and embracing the thrill of the unknown. And we knew that, with the Scorpio N at our side, there were still many more adventures to come.