Covid Regulations - KTP

[Pikasso]

Hello everyone !

I was reading with great interest this topic from which I understand that most of the border posts between South Africa and Botswana are closed. However, on the internet Botswana Tourism page, which, I assume, is an official page, all the borders seem opened, and there is not even the slightest alert about a possible closure. https://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/info/ports-entry
Can someone tell me more ? Is there another official web page managed by the Botswana Government where I could have the latest and most accurate information ?
I am preparing my next trip due to take place in January 2022, from France to JNB then Mabua. Ideally I would like to cross at McCarty's rust/Tshabong. If unavailable, what would your suggestion be, from JNB ? An even more difficult question, on the return leg, how do you get your PCR test out of Mabua to cross the border at the closest post available ?



Thanks a for the help you may give me... hopefully my message in English is understandable...

[NTRyan]

@Pikasso

We live in Johannesburg and are going to Mabua at the end of December until mid January.
The current situation (from what we have researched and also been told thus far) is that most of the border crossings on the South African side are closed.

Due to the above, we will be using the Skilpadshek/Pioneer border post, as it is currently open (roughly 300km from Johannesburg).
From here the route in Botswana is via Jwaneng, Sekoma, Khakhea, Kokotsha and then the cutline road to the Mabua gate.

When returning, we intend to use the same route but will drive to Lobatse to hopefully carry out a PCR test, as there is a Diagnofirm branch at Lobatse.
I have tried contacting Diagnofirm to determine if a PCR test can be done at the Lobatse branch. I am still waiting on their feedback.
If this cannot be done, we will have to drive to Gaborone to have a PCR test done.
Whether the testing is done in Lobatse or Gaborone, our intention will be to stay over to wait for results and then leave the following day once received.

If anyone else can give further information or provide an easier solution, that would be very helpful.
We have decided not to travel the Twee Rivieren, Nossob route to Mabua so if anyone has input, please make it related to going via the Botswana border posts?

Cheers

[Pikasso]

Thanks a lot NTRyan. I assumed there was a testing center in Tsabong. From your post I must draw the conclusion that I was wrong. This makes things even more complicated...
Why did you give up the Twee Rivieren solution ?


And, if I read your correctly, it is because of the RSA side that the borders are closed ? The Bots side would be otherwise working ? Thus the Botswana Tourism web page would not be that wrong, though leading to a dead end ?

[NTRyan]

No problem at all. We have also been trying to get accurate info so where we can help others, we will gladly do so.

There may well be a testing station at Tshabong but from our findings and what has been told to us, the McCarthy's Rest border post is closed and so that rules out going via Tshabong for us (if the border post is open, we will definitely consider this as an option).

In terms of the Botswana border posts being open but not the SA counter parts, I cannot give a definitive answer. There were a few discussions surrounding this where it was mentioned but either way, it becomes a mute point if one is open and the other closed as you won't be able to cross over.

There were a few factors we considered in terms of choosing our preferred route:

1. To go via Twee Rivieren would mean having to stay over one or even two additional nights before getting to the Mabua section and Khiding, which is our first camp. It would then be the same on our return leg of the journey, thus adding additional days to the trip which unfortunately, we cannot include.

2. Bookings for Nossob and Matopi were not possible.

3. The distance becomes fairly extended and there would be some long consecutive days of driving which could be spent at the Mabua camps and their surrounding areas.

4. We have done the Twee Rivieren route and would like to go a different route this time around for the experience.

[NTRyan]

Just to add to the previous message sent, Diagnofirm have subsequently responded.
PCR testing is available at their Lobatse Depot, with results being available within a 24 hour period.

[Pikasso]

Thanks for these new answers which are very helpful. I think your plan is the best and could only be improved on the return leg if there was a test center in Tsabong so that we could be tested there, drive to Lobatse, and wait for the result there. This way we could save a few hours... hopefully somebody will confirm that Tsabong has such a facility, If not I will check myself on the way in.

Thanks again !

Pika.

[lekhubu943]

According to the list of labs on Diagnofirm's website, there is no depot or lab in Tsabong.

Sometimes I suspect that the geniuses in the SA government have simply forgotten that some smaller border posts are still closed.

[Pikasso]

Thanks Lekhubu. This situation must be a nightmare for the people living in Tsabong who were used to go to Kuruman easily, for us it is only an inconvenience...

This Diagnofirm is the only operator in Botswana ?

[lekhubu943]

...This Diagnofirm is the only operator in Botswana ?

I think Lancet does PCR tests as well, but they are mostly in the bigger towns which Tsabong is not.

[rossmacg]

@Pikasso

We live in Johannesburg and are going to Mabua at the end of December until mid January.
The current situation (from what we have researched and also been told thus far) is that most of the border crossings on the South African side are closed.

Due to the above, we will be using the Skilpadshek/Pioneer border post, as it is currently open (roughly 300km from Johannesburg).
From here the route in Botswana is via Jwaneng, Sekoma, Khakhea, Kokotsha and then the cutline road to the Mabua gate.

When returning, we intend to use the same route but will drive to Lobatse to hopefully carry out a PCR test, as there is a Diagnofirm branch at Lobatse.
I have tried contacting Diagnofirm to determine if a PCR test can be done at the Lobatse branch. I am still waiting on their feedback.
If this cannot be done, we will have to drive to Gaborone to have a PCR test done.
Whether the testing is done in Lobatse or Gaborone, our intention will be to stay over to wait for results and then leave the following day once received.

If anyone else can give further information or provide an easier solution, that would be very helpful.
We have decided not to travel the Twee Rivieren, Nossob route to Mabua so if anyone has input, please make it related to going via the Botswana border posts?

Cheers

Thank you for this info above. WE have a trip to Botswana planned for April and with the Border closures we now have to go in Via Ramatlabana, on the exit out , we are going to go to JHB so would the Sklipadshek be a better option for us. thanks in advance.

[Caracal]

I may be wrong, but as far as I am aware, when crossing from Botswana into SA, there are rapid tests done at Kopfontein, Ramatlabama, Skilpadsnek and Groblersbridge. No need to get a PCR test. We were told this in April 2021 when exiting Botswana at Ramatlabama. Im not sure of the status currently. Maybe call the border posts themselves and enquire.

[NTRyan]

In terms of distance, the Skilpadshek route is technically shorter than the Ramatlabama route back to JHB.
However, I am not sure what each route is currently like in terms of road conditions and settlements along the way.
These can impact travel time as opposed to comparing just on distance.

Maybe someone who has travelled these routes recently can comment?

In terms of rapid testing being allowed at the border as opposed to a negative PCR certificate being required, there is mixed feedback.
Some have said they were not asked for a negative PCR test and others were.
Personally, unless there is a press release or valid statement from the powers that be stating no PCR test certificates are required to cross over, I would rather have one to avoid any delays and frustration with officials.

[Gabba]

Hi,

After the president of Botswana's speech last night I wonder if visiting Kgalagadi and booked at Rooiputs if a vaccine certificate will be required.

See full speech here : https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum...97#post4786797

This from the speech :

.....
26. (e) To enhance our protection at ports of entry, we will without fail ensure strict enforcement of the 72hour negative PCR policy. Furthermore, a valid vaccine certificate will be required on arrival.
....

Anybody has info on this?

[Sheldon93]

Hi,

After the president of Botswana's speech last night I wonder if visiting Kgalagadi and booked at Rooiputs if a vaccine certificate will be required.

See full speech here : https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum...97#post4786797

This from the speech :

.....
26. (e) To enhance our protection at ports of entry, we will without fail ensure strict enforcement of the 72hour negative PCR policy. Furthermore, a valid vaccine certificate will be required on arrival.
....

Anybody has info on this?

We are taking printed copies just to be safe. I don't know officially though, sorry.

Edit: There is a version 2 certificate so it's best to download the new one.

[oradba69]

There is a version 2 certificate so it's best to download the new one.

Apologies. Do you maybe have a link for this?

[Sheldon93]

Apologies. Do you maybe have a link for this?

I came across the news in one of the Covid threads and those move so quickly I can't find it now. Here is the link for the government website https://vaccine.certificate.health.gov.za/

They've added a watermark and a few other things. It also says version 2 when you download it.

[lekhubu943]

Good news for KTP/Mabua travelers.

Bokspits is open as of the 2nd. Let's hope TR and McCarthy's rest follow soon.

[Kudus]

Hi,

After the president of Botswana's speech last night I wonder if visiting Kgalagadi and booked at Rooiputs if a vaccine certificate will be required.

See full speech here : https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum...97#post4786797

This from the speech :

.....
26. (e) To enhance our protection at ports of entry, we will without fail ensure strict enforcement of the 72hour negative PCR policy. Furthermore, a valid vaccine certificate will be required on arrival.
....

Anybody has info on this?

Will also like to know. I’m not exiting Botswana side but camping Bots side and exiting SA again. Really hope they allow us in.

My wife and I have certificates but not the children

[Aga]

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Dear valued guests, please note the following when visiting #KgalagadiTransfrontierPark:

Arrangements as on the 16th February 2021 for
Reservations at one of the Botswana Camps and
South African Rest Camps whilst entering at
Twee Rivieren .

Border Posts :
 Botswana and RSA : All border posts remain closed. Guests will therefore need to enter and exit to & from
the same country . However movement between the camps inside the Transfrontier Park will be allowed providing the COVID-19 rules below are adhered too .
 Namibia : The border post at Mata Mata remains
closed.

COVID-19 Regulations :
 RSA : On entering each of the main camps , guests
must be scanned and recorded . The wearing of
facemask over mouth AND nose is compulsory in
all public areas . Sanitising stations are provided at
all entrance doors and the use thereof is compulsory .
 Botswana : Guests must have a COVID-19 negative
test on entering which is less than 72 hours old .
Guests with bookings at any of the Botswana camps
must report to their OH&S Officer on arrival at Twee Rivieren .
 Namibia : The border post at Mata Mata remains
closed.

Regards, Park Management

This posted this morning on Facebook by the KTF communications manager.

Good day! Am I right that all the borders post are open now? QR codes and tests are required?

[lekhubu943]

Tweerivieren en Mata-Mata border posts are still closed.

Bokspits opened about a week or so ago.