Widely considered the first "true" special by fans, the Botswana Special (Series 10, Episode 4) saw the trio attempt to cross Botswana from the Zimbabwe border to the Namibia border in cars bought for less than £1,500.
The boys (Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May) are dropped into the heart of Africa with a simple challenge:
1963 Opel Kadett , affectionately nicknamed "Oliver". top gear desert
The Top Gear and The Grand Tour specials featuring desert landscapes are some of the most iconic episodes of the series, often defined by the trio's struggle against extreme heat, shifting sands, and highly unsuitable cars. These "desert specials" range from the salt pans of Botswana to the vast, towering dunes of Namibia. Iconic Desert Specials 16 sites Sahara Special (TGT) - Top Gear Wiki Trivia * This is the penultimate episode for the Grand Tour and marketed as their biggest journey yet. * At 2 hours 17 minutes, th... Fandom Top Gear: Botswana Special - Wikipedia Top Gear: Botswana Special. ... Top Gear: Botswana Special is a full-length, special edition episode for BBC motoring programme To... Wikipedia Top Gear: Middle East Special - Wikipedia Top Gear: Middle East Special. ... "Top Gear: Middle East Special" is a 76-minute-long extended episode of Top Gear series 16. The... Wikipedia Show all Botswana Special (Top Gear S10E04) The Route
From the salt flats of Botswana to the war-torn dunes of Iraq, here is a definitive look at the top desert adventures that defined the era. 1. The Botswana Special: The One That Started It All Widely considered the first "true" special by fans,
The final obstacle was a river crossing. Clarkson’s Lancia was on its last legs, held together by optimism. May’s Mercedes was damaged. Hammond, determined to save Oliver, made a heroic crossing.
To add difficulty, the producers created the a deep muddy trench. They also added a time constraint: if they didn't reach the Namibian border by sunset, the cars would be left behind. These "desert specials" range from the salt pans
The three hosts each chose a vehicle suited to the task: