Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
South Africa/Botswana crossings. South Africa/Botswana crossings.
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Jun 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 66
South Africa/Botswana crossings.
Looking for some info on the condition of roads between South Africa and Botswana. Was thinking of travelling from Francistown to Pietersburg via Martins Drift.
Cheers.
__________________
julian
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Jun 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hants, UK
Posts: 3
Hi,

The road you mention between SA and Bots via Martins Drift border post is tarred and a pleasure to drive on. It continues all the way through to Francistown and the last stretch was being resurfaced when I was there 2 years ago.

I'd be interested to hear how it is now as I'll be using it again in November.

In general the main roads in Botswana are in a very good condition (some of the best in southern Africa) although the border posts can take a while to get through at peak times.

Hope this helps,

Ben
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Jun 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 66
Excellent piece of news, did not fancy going back via Gabs, as someone in the know, what sort of problems do you get at the borders?

Will post the condition of roads if it is of any interest.
Julian
__________________
julian
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Jun 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Louisville Colorado, USA
Posts: 90

Main problems with Botswana crossings are delays due to traffic, especially at busy borders and close to holidays. I have had a couple of instances where the customs guys charged me the commercial road tax for my vehicle. First time I didn't know better than to pay. Second time I argued. They got pretty arsey, but finally agreed my car was not a commercial vehicle.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

Graham
www.africaoverland.org
__________________
Graham 'Cracker'
Director: Overland Training
Editor: Overland Journal
Instigator: Africa Overland
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Jun 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 86
What gjackson said… The heavy vehicle traffic can be bad.

Keep in mind that Police of both countries like to trap motorists for speeding near borders. Botswana police lay down heavy fines and South African Police in that area are known to be corrupt.

Please post your experiences when you get through – up to date reports are very welcome.

Cyril
__________________
BMW R1200GS
Suzuki TL1000S
Suzuki GSX750R
Honda MBX50
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 3 Jun 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
Hi
It's not just that the borders are busy - the actual staff are very nearly comatose! If I remember rightly, there is also a hefty "vehicle duty" to pay on top of the TIP cost.

Only good thing about the SA speed traps, esp. around the Louis Trichardt area, is that they are open to you buying them "lunch" for R50 in consideration for them not fining you R200!
__________________
Enzo
Last edited by Bundubasher; 4 Jul 2014 at 00:39.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Jun 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 66
I will let you all know how well it went, what will be will be and I will just have to do my best. Be back at the end of August.
__________________
julian
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 Jun 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: south africa
Posts: 1
best route is Francistown/Selibe Phikwe/ Sefope, turn left new tar road, Zanzibar border post into RSA, then Alldays/ Pietersburg (now renamed Polokwane) The Zanzibar border post is very quiet, friendly and a 20minute cross both sides included. Tar all the way.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Sep 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Oxfordshire, UK
Posts: 180
Remember always to be ultra-polite with the border officials in Botswana. It's part of their culture. Be friendly. Be positive. Smile. Ask them how they are. Don't be impatient. Be prepared to chat with them.

We've crossed through many times. Never come across any corruption on the Botswana side, but have had to provide "breakfast" for officials in SA. The main crossings are just really busy. Tlokweng can be a real nightmare if there are coaches going through.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:52.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top