Alternative crossing: Botswana ---> Namibia (Aha Hills)
 

Hi

Do anyone have information about the little used border crossing north of Aha Hills - from Nokane in Botswana to Tsumkwe in Namibia?

1) Is the border open - can I get a Namibia stamp there?
2) How sandy is the track?
3) How many villages en route?

I am on a bicycle and want to do it around new year...

Cheers!

1) We passed through the Dobe crossing last year (Irish and UK Passports) and got Namibian stamps no problem. Be sure to state that you are intending to stay for the full period allowed by the Namibian visa regime for your country. We stated two weeks out of habit and sure enough were given exactly 2 weeks on our stamps.

2) We drove from Maun but took a diversion to the caves enroute (Name slips me entirely but well worth a visit.) Tracks were very sandy but wide and regularly graded.

3) Very few villages on our route. There was a military encampment at the caves (Searching for more) and guide post. I only recall passing through two or three villages other than that.


Not of concern for you but if anyone is crossing into Namibia at Dobe by vehicle try asking to pay the road tax. It was never mentioned to us and we had difficulties with an obstinate policeman at a checkpoint close to the Angolan border. Had to have a long argument with him in the police station. At the very least try get a note from them stating that they do not issue it at that border (Ruacana border didn't have the book to issue it either when we asked).

I'm no good from Dobe on because we went North to Khaudom. Highly recommended for 4 wheel drive travellers but very deep sand.

Enjoy Namibia!


Edit: Fair play to you for considering that route. It was baking in the Kalahari (August) and I couldn't imagine cycling those sand tracks but each to their own I suppose!

Good luck on the bike. Those would be Drotskys caves then I think. And sort of Tsodilo Hills area?

That's the ones. Went googling after posting. Well worth a visit. Fantastic amount of bat life inside the caves (Think Indiana Jones!). Just hope we didn't disturb their slumber too much. There is an official government guide but we were the first visitors in a week according to the guest book.

From Nokane in Botswana to the Caves mentioned it is very thick sand in many places - mixed with sandy track that has been flattened down by vehicle tyres. You would be walking/pushing quite a bit. I don't remember there being any settlements(?) so water will be an issue and in summer it is pretty silly to try it.

Hopefully the Leopard I had in my campsite at night doesn't spot you ;-)

http://roamingyak.org/temp/bots_caves.JPG

You are better off asking on the forum at overland.co.za as it is full of South Africans etc who go to these places all of the time etc

Edit. I traced part of the route on google maps as I'm assuming you don't have good internet. Found some signs of housing/stock yards at the following:

-19.530379, 21.174682 (Qangwa I think - pop 337 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qangwa)
-19.564158, 21.393722
-19.554857, 21.304458

There might be others...!