I was just thinking about all the tips and tricks that we all may have when travelling into neighbouring countries, which can be anything from advice to cautions, to "how to" or even "how not to".
Here are a few of mine and broken up into country either as a destination or passing through:
Botswana
- Always have Pula before getting to the border post as you have to pay some tolls and other fees in Pula (rand or USD is not accepted), don't exchange at the border they will rip you on exchange rate. If going close to Kwanokeng, this is a reputable place to exchange for more Pula if required
- Petrol in Botswana has traditionally been significantly cheaper than SA so bear that in mind
- Watch out for Donkeys, and try not to travel at night as far as possible, it gets alot worse at night.
- If traversing the Trans Kalahari highway en route to Namibia, watch out for speed traps on either side of Kang. They catch a lot of guys there including myself. Kang petrol station has got an ATM, but not always working or out of Money. Good spot to refuel, but take note of Pula availability – be prepared
- Before entering into Zimbabwe be prepared as they can sometimes give you a hard time on the following and try from a bribe (we usually take a bag of oranges if we need to make a small donation or contribution). Have 2 warning triangles, have a reflective jacket (just in case they look for one – try not give them a reason to give you a hard time) and ensure you have reflective tape on your vehicle in front and rear – 10cm long whit reflective tape in front and 10cm long red reflective tape in the rear – reflectors don’t count, must be the reflective tape…..
- Always have some USD with you, would strongly suggest carrying 20 x 1USD notes for the Zimbabwe toll gates, just makes life a lot easier.
- If you get to Beitbridge on an easter weekend (specifically on the Zim side)and the Queue is all the way to Mussina, don’t’ stress, send a scout from your party to find the exit door (usually on the far side of the on the building about 30m further than the entrance) and see if there is a security guard stopping people from entering, if not enter at the exit and don’t use the runners, they are dodgy and we have had some issues as well as family – stay away. Be patient and do 1 thing at a time. Get a stamp, get a TIP (Temporary Import Permit), pay toll/carbon tax” and sometimes pay 3rd party, that is all you need to do – so don’t stress about the chaos, get these done and you “may proceed” as our neighbours call it .
- Just a note if they ask you your vehicle engine size, I always say it is less than 3litre, as anything over 3l in engine capacity they charge you almost double on taxes, “I drive a 2.8 Pajero thanks
”
- Carry some USD with you into Zim as well, handy as sometimes they will smoke you on exchange rate at fuel stations for Rand. They do accept both but USD is still king in Zimbabwe.
- Be patient at road blocks, smile and wave always works.
- When they ask for a TIP, they are referring to your Temporary Import permit and not for money
- Drive slow through the villages to avoid any unnecessary stops by police for speeding – essentially don’t give them a reason to pull you off and harass you.
- If Komatipoort border has a Queue all the way back to Marloth Park, turn right and enter via Swaziland, around a 30 minutes detour and will save you hours of frustration – also quite a scenic route.
