Touring Northern Namibie + Off roading

[michacoetzee]

My friend Johan and I (Age group 50 +) both have Pajero 3.2 GLS LWB vehicles towing offroad trailers (Eco 4 and Vernter Offroad)
(The same) Two other couples usually joined us the last two years, making it 4 persons per vehicle (Average Age group +- 50)
We have been travelling together the last three years.(April / May) We toured the coast line from Port Nolloth all the way to Port Elizabeth, then to Mozambique(Inhambane) and lastly to Botswana (Moremi, Chobe and Savute in the wet) up to Vic falls (Have many photos and videos of the last two trips )
For our yearly holiday in April 2010 we intend to drive through Botswana western panhandle through the Caprivi, down the Kaudum (Tracks 4 Africa states no trailers!?) pass through Etosha up to Epopa and drive down toward Swakopmund through the Kaokoland along the Huarusib and Huaneb rivers.
Not over Van Zyl’s pass to Warkquelle.(Off-road)
Total time in hand +- 4 weeks
We take our time,(walk every obstacle especially murky waters) keep to the tracks, go slow and do not take chances.
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My Pajero is fitted with a 50 mm lift kit, larger tyres (BF Goodridge AT)and and air suspension.
It also has a Front Runner long range tank and mounted T-Max compressor .
I am in the process of buying a winch(8000 to 9500 Lb Warn- or equivalent) to be fitted behind the bumper.(Is it REALLY needed?)
The trailer has a skid plate which is fitted to the trailer tow hook to enable it to be unhooked and pulled through the obstacle using your towrope or winch (Be it thick sand, mud or rocky surfaces--- works like a charm) On a downhill the trailer has to be supported with a snatch strap by a second vehicle from both the rear recovery points to prevent possible and dangerous run-away and also to prevent trailer from swaying from side to side. (No person permitted to be in front of trailer during this operation) The snatch strap gives enough flex to cope with the jerking motion.

We bought our Pajero to have a reliable and comfortable journey while exploring beyond the normal.
As we intend to enjoy it for at least the next 10 years (God willing) we have to look after it as our baby and not put un-necessary strain on the vehicle.
That is why it is crucial to know the limitations of your vehicle and what you can and can not do. (We are learning every day)
My wife and I have both done the Mitsubishi off-road course at De Wildt as well as advanced driving courses at BMW’s driving academy. We have attended a few Guided off-road tracks to learn more about serious offroading and their dangers. (Still scared of side elevations arround 30 deg)
We would still like to do an advanced recovery course or two.

Do you have any recent updates on the road conditions of the off-road sections especially the Kaudum and Kaokoland?
Will two vehicles be safe enough for this excursion?
Where to do a recovery course (Very reputable and hands on)
Wiil three to four nights be sufficient for Kaokoland crossing ?(By-passing Van Zyls pass)
What about sleeping outside official campsites in Kaokoland? (If you have to)
Who to contact to do the trip through Kaudum and Kaokoland?
Has anybody done this trip?
What will the winch when fitted behind the bumper do to the air flow to the coolers?
Any other suggestions will be much appreciated.

Hoping to be a active part of the club as I really love the Pajero and the outdoors (Camping)
Greetings Mike