Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
destinations including Jo'burg (P210/SAR220, six to seven hours). Be warned that you'll
be dropped in Jo'burg's Park Station, which is
not
a safe place to linger in. Combis also
travel from Selebi-Phikwe to the border at Martin's Drift (P34, two hours).
Public transport between the two countries bears South African number plates and/or
signs on the door marked 'ZA Cross Border Transport'.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
Most border crossings are clearly marked, but it is vital to note that some crossings over
the Limpopo and Molopo Rivers (the latter is in Botswana's south) are drifts (river fords)
that cannot be crossed by 2WD in wet weather. In times of very high water, these cross-
ings may be closed to all traffic.
TO/FROM ZIMBABWE
BORDER CROSSINGS
There are three land border crossings between Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Kazungula
The main crossing point from Kasane to Victoria Falls.
Pandamatenga
A little-used backroads crossing off the road between Kasane and Nata.
Ramokgweban-Plumtree
Connects Francistown with Bulawayo and Harare.
BUS
Incredibly, there is
no
public transport between Kasane, the gateway to one of Botswana's
major attractions (ie Chobe National Park), and Victoria Falls. Other than hitching, the
only cross-border options are the 'tourist shuttle' minibuses that take about one hour and
can be arranged through most hotels, camps and tour operators in Kasane. There is little or
no coordination between combi companies in either town, so combis often return from
Victoria Falls to Kasane empty. Most combis won't leave Kasane unless they have at least
two passengers.
Some hotels and lodges in Kasane also offer private transfers to Livingstone/Victoria
Falls (from P1250, two hours). They usually pick up booked passengers at their hotels
around 10am.
From the Zimbabwean side of the border, try Backpackers Bazaar in Victoria Falls.
Some hotels and hostels in Zimbabwe will arrange for your transport from the border, but
you need to contact them beforehand.
