Cross Border Namibie---->Botswana

Beste Wim,

Cross border van Nam naar Bots is geen probleem. In Botswana zijn ze altijd vriendelijk, geen problemen en ook geen grote kosten. Ik weet niet meer hoeveel het kostte maar het is niet om je zorgen over te maken. En je kan betalen met welke valuta je wil. Als het maar geld is. En de tijd die je nodig hebt is misschien een kwartiertje, niet meer.

Wat ze je soms wel vragen is enkele gegevens over je auto (die je meestal niet weet), zoals hoe oud is de auto, hoeveel is hij waard, wat is de nummer van de radio, enz. Als je het niet weet vul je best zomaar iets in, want als je zegt dat je het niet weet vinden ze dat toch maar verdacht. Checken doen ze het toch niet. Let in Botswana ook op de veterany fences

( waar ze checken of je geen vlees en soms kaas en boter bijhebt ) Soms staan ze ook aan de grenzen. Je haalt dan best je vlees uit de ijskast en verstopt dat ergens in de auto om het na de grens of de vet fence er terug in te stoppen. Ze kijken trouwens enkel in de ijskast. Dit in tegenstelling met Australie waar ze heel je auto leeghalen of er een hond inzetten.

Waar ze staan is soms een probleem als er weer eens foot and mouth disease is maar de gewone plaatsen staan aangegeven in de Bradt Guide. Als je je route aangeeft wil ik de bekende plaatsen wel even doorgeven als je ze niet weet. Is zeer belangrijk voor je eten (als je gaat kamperen natuurlijk).

Veel succes met de voorbereiding

Botswana is fantastisch

Bridget

General Botswana Info

Border Posts Opening/Closing times:

* Pont Drift - Mashatu 08:00 - 16:00

* Platjan 06:00 - 18:00

* Zanzibar 08:00 - 16:00

* Martins Drift 08:00 - 22:00

* Parrshalt - Stockpoort 08:00 - 18:00

* Sikwane - Derdepoort 07:00 - 19:00

* Tlokweng Gate - Kopfontein 06:00 - 24:00

* Ramotswa - Swartkoppie 07:00 - 19:00

* Pioneer Gate - Skilpdshek 06:00 - 22:00

* Ramatlabama 06:00 - 20:00

* Phitshane Molopo - Makgwebi Stad 07:30 - 16:30

* Bray 08:00 - 16:00

* Makopong 08:00 - 16:00

* McCarthy's Rust 08:00 - 18:00

* Middlepits 08:00 - 18:00

Border Entry Fees

Vehicle Levy: P40-00 per vehicle less than 3.5 Ton. Trailer is P40-00 as well. (Payable every time you enter)

Road Safety: P20-00 per vehicle. Trailer is also P20-00. (This is valid for the calendar year. Jan 1 to Dec 31)

There is a new P50-00 per vehicle 3rd party insurance for all foreign registered vehicles from January 2009.

If you are planning to go through Botswana to Namibia/Zambia and back through Botswana, ask for a Multi entry Permit. It’ll save you some money.

Border Procedure

At “Immigration”, ask for a “blue form” (all passport holders older than 16). Fill out the form and hand it in with your passport. The driver must ask for the “vehicle register” and complete the details. You will receive a “Gate Pass” (missing one stamp). The driver must proceed to “customs”, pay all applicable “entry fees” (see above) and get the second stamp. Declare anything if needed. That will do it. (Something personal…. Please remove your hat and sunglasses when you approach the official at the gate. It is just good manners. Ummm – and safety belt ON)

Vehicle Registration Papers

You will need the following:

1. If you are the owner: The original reg. papers. Certified copies are dodgy.

2. If you are not the owner, copy of registration papers and an original letter from owner, giving you permission to take vehicle into Botswana.

(Personal note: In my 8 years crossing the border frequently, I have never been asked for the papers. BUT !!! Rather be safe than sorry. Please note: This is with a Botswana registered vehicle.)

On the Road

The general speed limit is 120km/h, and 60km/h in towns and villages. There is 80km/h limit when passing intersections or villages (where not indicated) on the main roads. Respect and obey these.

Money Matters

Cash in Pula is King. 1 Pula (rain) = 100 Thebe (shield).

Most shops in the bigger towns will accept ZAR, but at a “not so good” exchange rate. Use Pula in cash in small towns and villages.

I have found XE.com to be the most accurate for the exchange rate. The actual rate will be 5 to 10 thebe higher or lower (buying or selling), depending on where you exchange.

Where credit/debit cards are accepted, your Visa will work. Cash can be withdrawn from most ATMs with Visa cards. It is worthwhile to withdraw large sums at a time, as there is a fixed fee per transaction. (Ask your bank for the current international fees)

Fuel (As from Nov/Dec 2011)

Petrol BWP8-10

Diesel BWP8-26

All fuel originates from the South African refineries and is usually about 50c per liter cheaper than in sunny South Africa.

Fuel can be bought by credit card in most main towns, but cash is always the best.

No “Petrol Cards” or “Garage Cards” are accepted.

National Parks

(DWNP = Department of Wildlife and National Parks)

Park Entry Fees

Adults 18 and above - P120-00/d

Children 8-17 inclusive - P60-00/d

Children under 8 years - Free

Vehicle Entry Fees

Botswana Registered

Under 3500kg - P10-00/d

Between 3500kg and 7000kg - P500-00/d

More than 7000kg - P800-00/d

Foreign Registered

Under 3500kg - P50-00/d

Between 3500kg and 7000kg - P1000-00/d

More than 7000kg - P1500-00/d

Rates for Mabuasehube:

Camping: P30-00 pppn

Park Entry Fee: P20-00 pppn

Vehicle Fee: P3-00 pvpn

Wilderness Trail: (One way - Mabuhasehube to Nossob. Including one nights accomodation at Mosomane)

P200-00pp.

Meat

It is allowed to bring 25kg per family…. BUT, if there is any word out on Foot and Mouth disease, it will not be allowed. Meat in Botswana is in any case of good quality, and not expensive. Rather buy it here.

Even if you buy it here, the following rules apply… Now concentrate a little on this one: (Thanks to FreeFlyd for this explanation)

You can move meat from South to North.

You can move meat from East to West.

You can however not move meat from North to South or West to East.

So meat that you bought in Maun, for example, you can not take to Nxai Pan or Makgadigadi, but you can take it to Tsodillo Hills or Moremi, Chobe and Savute. Meat that you bought at Woolworths in Gauteng, you can drive with to Maun, to Chobe, to Kasane, to Livingstone and beyond… But as soon as you turn south, you can’t have it any more. (Understand ? )

Communications

Botswana has two Cellphone operators. Mascom and Orange. Look at the websites for coverage maps.

All providers in SA have roaming agreements with the Botswana service providers

source: 4x4community.co.za

Wim1

Bridget

Dave

Wim1