Useful info for Botswana

[TRON]

First Central Kalahari then Maun, Moreni, Savuti, Ihaha then down to Elephant Sands then home. 12 days

Thanx MyHindra, the reason I ask is that if your route was via Francistown to somewhere north then IMHO the Martinsdrift post access, using KwaNokeng for road permits, is quicker if you take the MD via Kgagodi route (all tar) and miss Palapye with its long stretch of 60 mph. Except at the start or end of school holidays and over public holidays or long weekends.

[lekhubu943]

Just to add info to this thread:

1. Martinsdrift is a truck nightmare, never have I seen so many trucks there and other travelers commented on the same. Truckers apparently do not want to use Beitbridge anymore because of chaos due to a burnt down customs building. For the first time in 20 years, Martinsdrift took us 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. One hour and 15 minutes of that was to pay road taxes at the little window. In the past commercial traffic paid at another office in the rear of the building. I don't know if it is a permanent arrangement, but when we crossed last Friday, all the truck drivers paid at the little window inside the building. My suggestion would be to arrange with KwaNonkeng for the pre-payment of road taxes.
2. Make sure you have your children's unabridged birth certificates: we were asked for it on Botswana and SA side on both exit and return.
3. The road between Francistown is busy with trucks, avoid if possible. We were stunned to find all the circles in Francistown gone, but the traffic is still a nightmare.
4. There are sections of tar missing closer to Nata especially over bridges and some road works. They are paving, yes with paving bricks, sections of damaged road. Not going to last with all the traffic and trucks, IMO.
5. Between Nata and Gweta, there are sections with potholes, but it is drive-able, just don't rush and give yourself enough time. Our average was about 70 kmph.
6. From about Phuhududu entrance gate of MNP towards Mopipi there are huge potholes which starts abruptly. These are craters and vehicle breakers. Travel slow.
7. On 24/08 the Boteti was flowing strong at Mopipi.
8. We found 50 ppm diesel everywhere and all card machines at fuel stations worked.
9. Gweta's fuel station is open, but runs out of fuel regularly. They have 2 tiny above ground tanks, so not really a surprise.
10. Observe speed limits through villages. At Dukwe village there is along stretch of 80. DO NOT speed up until you have passed the 120 notice.
11. Stop at open vet gates, even if there is nobody there. Especially when there is a cop 300m down the road.

[ZeemanDanie]

Hi, we are planning trip to Swakop after which we will be joining group for touring to Kunene. Is it worthwhile to travel directly to Swakop via Botswana or is it better to go Upington and then Namibia. We basically have two days to get from Pretoria to Swakop. Any pointers perhaps. Thanks you.

[Lizette Swart]

Hallo Danie,

If you only have two days go via the Trans-Kalahari i.e. via Botswana. Overnight in Kang with a long haul to Swakop the next day. Else Pretoria to Buitepos on day 1, with a shorter haul to Swakop the 2nd day.

Travel safe

Lizette

[RoelfleRoux]

Please do not drive the Trans-Kalahari in the dark. That road is full of cattle at night.

[ChrisFors]

Hi All, does anyone have any information about buying SIM cards in BW. We are planning on spending a few weeks travelling, would it help to buy a local Pay-as-you-go chip? and are they easily available?Thanks Chris

[carlp]

They are easily available at any Choppies stores. Recharge at any FNB ATM etc

[Komper]

We are heading into Africa from Cape Town via Botswana in two weeks time. Any recommendations for secure overnight accomodation in or near Gaborone?

[Lizette Swart]

We are heading into Africa from Cape Town via Botswana in two weeks time. Any recommendations for secure overnight accomodation in or near Gaborone?

Hi Komper,

Try Mokolodi https://tracks4africa.co.za/listings...rve-campsites/

Regards

Lizette