Mabolwe border

[schwott]

Hi, anybody crossed Mabolwe border with rental car to Zim? Is the notorious CVG issued there? I am thinking to overnight in Platjan lodge and to use both Platjan and Mabolwe borders in one day instead of Beitbridge. Should be a nicer experience I hope. I prefer corrugated dirt roads over potholed tar with trucks.

[johninjoburg]

Hi, anybody crossed Mabolwe border with rental car to Zim? Is the notorious CVG issued there? I am thinking to overnight in Platjan lodge and to use both Platjan and Mabolwe borders in one day instead of Beitbridge. Should be a nicer experience I hope. I prefer corrugated dirt roads over potholed tar with trucks.

I love using Mabolwe, but the big question is what kind of rental car will you be using? You have to do a sand crossing at the river there that forms the border between Bots and Zim, and unless you are real good about knowing how to deflate tyres (and then have the ability to inflate again) to drive over sand, you need a 4wd or AWD vehicle with good clearance.

I've not rented so I don't know what a CVG is so can't speak to that.

regards,
John

[schwott]

Hi John, CVG is Commercial Vehicle Guarantee, which is necessary for rental vehicles. It is 60$ directly from customs (as in Pandamatenga) or much more through the clearing agents (as in Plumtree or Kazungula). Some small borders are still not able to issue CVG and let you through without it (as Sango, probably still Matsiloje). I have never crossed through Mabolwe so hence my question.
We will have fully equipped Hiluxes, so sand crossing should be without issues.
What route from Mabolwe would you recommend to take to Masvingo/Great Zimbabwe?

[MikevR]

What route from Mabolwe would you recommend to take to Masvingo/Great Zimbabwe?

You come out just below Gwanda on the Beit Bridge / Bulawayo road. If you are going to Masvingo area then your best option is Beit Bridge. Not bad at all going through there now - Zim side +/- 20 minutes mid morning. SA side sometimes very good depends on traffic. We were fortunate 25 minutes

[schwott]

You come out just below Gwanda on the Beit Bridge / Bulawayo road. If you are going to Masvingo area then your best option is Beit Bridge. Not bad at all going through there now - Zim side +/- 20 minutes mid morning. SA side sometimes very good depends on traffic. We were fortunate 25 minutes

But there is a CVG scam for rental vehicles. These "clearing agents" (read scammers) can ask whatever they think you are willing to pay. We are in 3 vehicles, would be very costly.
There are two options: After Manama mission turn left (come out bellow Gwanda) or right (come out bellow West Nicholson). The upper road is shorter but I do not know if not much worse.

[MikevR]

But there is a CVG scam for rental vehicles. These "clearing agents" (read scammers) can ask whatever they think you are willing to pay. We are in 3 vehicles, would be very costly.
There are two options: After Manama mission turn left (come out bellow Gwanda) or right (come out bellow West Nicholson). The upper road is shorter but I do not know if not much worse.

If you choose Mabolwe
Then Mabolwe - Gwanda- Balla Balla- Vishivane- Masvingo

Watch out for Goats, At midday lots of school kids along Mabolwe - Gwanda road.

[johninjoburg]

If you choose Mabolwe
Then Mabolwe - Gwanda- Balla Balla- Vishivane- Masvingo

Watch out for Goats, At midday lots of school kids along Mabolwe - Gwanda road.

Mike is the fundi of that area; he always has great information and input. Follow his advice and you will be good.

regards,
John

[schwott]

If you choose Mabolwe
Then Mabolwe - Gwanda- Balla Balla- Vishivane- Masvingo

Watch out for Goats, At midday lots of school kids along Mabolwe - Gwanda road.

I loved rural North Matabeleland when we were coming to Hwange by Phumula mission-Korodziba back door. I hope South will be so nice too.