Riding in Botswana

[TyronLab]

Ahoy folks.

 

I'm travelling to Botswana next week and I'm thinking about taking my bike along to get some early morning training in. Transbaviaans is looming and I've already spent a week off the bike due to travelling. A few questions for those that might have done this before:

 

- Is riding in Botswana safe? Specifically around Jwaneng?

- Any border issues I should be aware of? Going to be driving through.

- Any recommendations on routes to ride around Jwaneng?

 

 

Thanks in advance!

[RocknRolla]

Tubeless with loads of sealant.

[River Rat]

I was part of the crew that built the road from Lobatse to Jwaneng almost 40 years ago and my recollection of the area was that it was flat with lots of sand, I used to train for Comrades there. It's cattle country so there should be a number of cattle tracks but beware these peeter out very quickly. I would suggest the gravel roads to the south (the north will take you to the diamond area which is restricted) . Here's a map that could help with your planning https://tracks4africa.co.za/maps/w149476/

[TyronLab]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

 

I can't seem to find any info about taking my bike across the border. Last thing I want is for it to be confiscated or the guards charging me R1k to get it into the country. Any experiences in this regard?

[geomark]

Never been an issue going to and from the Kalahari Challenge near Gabs, wouldn’t worry about it, it’s common customs union.

[nonky]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

 

I can't seem to find any info about taking my bike across the border. Last thing I want is for it to be confiscated or the guards charging me R1k to get it into the country. Any experiences in this regard?

 

No problem taking bikes into Bots - I have done so many times without any issues. 

 

Bots is generally the best-run country in Africa, which means little/no corruption at the border.

 

They were a bit sticky a few years' back about laptops, IIRC.

 

Remember to buy "car insurance" at the border - it's the last cubicle at the end of the entrance hall - it needs to be displayed / in the vehicle at all times.

[TyronLab]

Coolios. Thanks dudebros.

 

Seems even the East Rand is mountainous in comparison to Bots. Charted a loop on strava, 90km with 80m elevation gain.

[Kranswurm]

It's safe

Watch out on the road for trucks and cars though

Jwaneng is sand and flat and thorns

Not aware of any trails around there but you never know.

There is a Jwaneng cycle club but as far as I remember are roadies

If you get in touch with Cycle Base in Gabs and speak to Kyle they might have some contacts

[Try2Tri]

I live in Gabs and don't really know the mtb trails in Jwaneng, but send me a PM if you want some contact numbers. There might be some guys from the mine that have a local trail?

Regarding the border, you can declare the bike for temporary export on the SA and Bots side if you want to be 100% covered, but we never do and don't have any trouble.

Cheers and hope you manage - come join us for a ride in Gabs if you get the chance!