Maun to Tsumkwe via Dobe border post

[PamH]

Hi Everyone, First time poster here. I am hoping to get some information on the road conditions from Maun (or more specific Nokaneng and Tsumkwe, past the Dobe border post.A friend and I will make a road trip soon (Dec 22 - Jan 23) in Botswana and Namibia.We would like to travel from Maun to Tsumkwe in a day going past the Dobe border post. We are aware its a decent stretch, but I have read several blogs/post of people who did it several years ago. Our main concern are the current road conditions between Nokaneng and the border post. I have tried to look up information, but I can only find old post on it. So has anyone recently traveled on this road or is someone familiar with the conditions in dec/jan? Any information is welcome! Thanks in advance ! Pam

[bvandyk]

Haven't done it in many years.
Nokaneng to Dobe could take more than 5 hours in rainy / muddy conditions. But last time I did it they were mining in the area which means the road is quite good and a fast drive without issues. Bit sandy the last stretch just before you get to Dobe.

From Dobe to Tsumkwe is good gravel road. Be sure to stop over at the Baobabs in the Naye-Naye area just before Tsumkwe.

All in all your trip should easily be doable in a day.

[PamH]

Thanks for the quick response.

We will be driving a Toyota Landcruiser, hopefully that will be helpful. Guess it will be a very early leave from Maun haha.

[Mike N]

Thanks for the quick response.

We will be driving a Toyota Landcruiser, hopefully that will be helpful. Guess it will be a very early leave from Maun haha.

Have you considered stopping over at Drotsky's Caves (Gcwihaba Caves) on the way to Tsumkwe? Worth the extra night and exploring the caves next morning. Turn off on cut-line just north of Tsau, then at the left turn (light blue line below) you go over a sand ridge (only 4x4 little stretch) and on to Drotsky's Caves. Next morning get a guide at the cave entrance and explore the caves for a few hours, then an easy 3hr drive via Xaxa and Dobe to Tsumkwe after that.

[AndyG]

Hi Everyone, First time poster here. I am hoping to get some information on the road conditions from Maun (or more specific Nokaneng and Tsumkwe, past the Dobe border post.A friend and I will make a road trip soon (Dec 22 - Jan 23) in Botswana and Namibia.We would like to travel from Maun to Tsumkwe in a day going past the Dobe border post. We are aware its a decent stretch, but I have read several blogs/post of people who did it several years ago. Our main concern are the current road conditions between Nokaneng and the border post. I have tried to look up information, but I can only find old post on it. So has anyone recently traveled on this road or is someone familiar with the conditions in dec/jan? Any information is welcome! Thanks in advance ! Pam

[AndyG]

Hi Everyone, First time poster here. I am hoping to get some information on the road conditions from Maun (or more specific Nokaneng and Tsumkwe, past the Dobe border post.A friend and I will make a road trip soon (Dec 22 - Jan 23) in Botswana and Namibia.We would like to travel from Maun to Tsumkwe in a day going past the Donald Donald border post. We are aware its a decent stretch, but I have read several blogs/post of people who did it several years ago. Our main concern are the current road conditions between Nokaneng and the border post. I have tried to look up information, but I can only find old post on it. So has anyone recently traveled on this road or is someone familiar with the conditions in dec/jan? Any information is welcome! Thanks in advance ! Pam

Did this road in Oct. Leaving Maun 6am you should be in Tsumkwe about 1pm. Nokaneng to Dobe is 140km gravel road bad in places ...you will be fine in a Landcruiser as long as you are not towing a trailer. This road is a bit remote ...only saw 1 other vehicle on that section. Border easy going. Dobe to Tsumkwe 53 km good gravel fuel available there.