Day 2: Kimberley to Gaberone

A relatively boring day, but I would like to record some things for reference.

Oleander Guest House was very good. Staff very attentive, rooms spotless and the food a high quality. If one is passing it could be repeated.

It is about a 400km drive to the border just past Mafikeng. The drive was simple enough with no issues. Ramatlabama, the border post, was relatively quiet when I arrived. One just bypasses the trucks waiting.

This next bit is for those who are driving or riding across. The South African side is relatively easy. Park and there where some officials sitting outside. I approached them and was given a form to fill in. This is all about covid. Once finished they give you a bit of paper that you take to the passport official. Hand passport and the paper in. You will be asked your registration number of the vehicle. Stamp and then finished there. Proceed a few meters to a Police check. I was asked how I was. As I was perfectly well the policeman indicated I could go.

Drive through no mans land into Botswana. An official directed me where to park. What he did not do was tell me to walk 80m back to the gate where they want to see your passport and covid certificate. This chap will also give you a bit of paper. I proceeded to the passport control where you are given a form to fill in. Simple stuff. Hand your passport in and the piece of paper that you have had to go back to get and you get a passport stamp.

The official indicates you must go along the counter, but does not say what you must do. My friends, the truck drivers, are very generous with advice. On the counter, unattended, is a vehicle control form that you fill your registration number and how many people in the car.

The truck drivers then will point you to a window where you hand this paper in with your passport. You are then told to pay insurance/road tax etc. ZAR 210 so not so bad. The papers are handed back to you. As the exit gate was right there I asked the gate controller what else he wanted before I could go through the gate. Just the papers given to me and he verified the registration to the vehicle. And then I was free to enter!

I was a bit apprehensive about this crossing. Last year, at a different border post I was asked for the registration documents. This time not.

A short drive of 120km to Gaberone and I am here. Airport Shopping Mall is right next door. All the usual suspects are there. Woolworths, Spar Checkers etc. Fully stocked and everything looks good.

Tomorrow on to Francistown, a drive of about 550km. Distances are modest, but there are villages, towns and of course many goats to negotiate. This adds much time.