Botswana

[Massimo]

Hi Guys,

Im planning to do a short trip into botswana (makgadikgadi pans) later this year, just 4 or 5 days. A little roughing it, probably camping in the middle of nowhere with the plane right outside your tent. I would appreciate any advice anyone can give me in terms of:

permits
permissions
best borders to use
best place to stay (were there is NOBODY)
co-ords
places to see
do i need to go through pilansberg and then gabs?
contact numbers of important officials?
etc etc

Obviously if anyone is truly interested in joining you welcome.

[Splinter]

Massimo what plane are you planning to do the trip with and what dates have you got in mind?

RED

[Massimo]

In my 701 probably. Was thinking towards the end of september.

[Nkwazi]

My best experiences of Bots are in the places where there is nobody, ie. Jacks Camp, Kubu Island, Kwando Concession. Very, very, very special places. In terms of flying in - angwasi, check with the operators. Go there, you'll never regret, I have very special memories.

[Rudix]

In my 701 probably. Was thinking towards the end of september.

Hmmm, now this sounds interesting...... Sound like the ideal trip to get to know the Savannah.

Yes, I suppose Pilansberg and the Gaborone would be the best route, from there the fun starts!

Please keep us informed!

Fly safe,
Rudi

[Gyronaut]

Learjet!! Where are you?

Dave Lehr knows the area very well. We depended on him for 'heads up' for our trip through there recently. I would caution that you cannot simply land wherever you want, pitch a tent and park off. There are some strict regulations in force as far as I know. Beware, some of the lodges are not aviation friendly unless you are staying there.

Yes, Pilanesberg then Gabs is the way to go. We went from Pilanesberg to Gabs to Orapa the Gweta then Kasane. Depends on your fuel arrangements. Orapa doesnt have fuel but the airport manager kindly loaned us his car to go fetch fuel and arranged accom etc for us. Kind people in Bots mostly we found! Enjoy the adventure!

Rgds

Len

[John Waterson]

Hi Nkwasi

This will probably amuse you. I did a search for this camp angwasi that you indicated might be good to fly into. Came up with nothing, then realised that you probably meant andiazi (Xhosa) spp??

John Waterson

[John Waterson]

Hi JetRanger
Could you assist with contact details of Dave Lehr. We are also planning a trip through Bots & Zim. See Post BOTS ZIM SAVANNAH TOUR.

Masimo

Can you make it ? flying from EAA Convention Bethlehem to BOTS Sunday 30August ....

Regards

John Waterson

[Gyronaut]

Colonel Dave Lehr; ZU-RDL; : 082 88 zero 1886; Office: 021 448 zero 498

Give him a call, he is a veritable mine of information about Bots and will be more than happy to assist.

Rgds

Len

[John Waterson]

Thanks a lot JetRanger, I will definately give Dave a call.

John

[Nkwazi]

Hi Nkwasi

This will probably amuse you. I did a search for this camp angwasi that you indicated might be good to fly into. Came up with nothing, then realised that you probably meant andiazi (Xhosa) spp??

John Waterson

I dont know, think it could also be angazi!!

[thys bas]

Contact Mr Joseph Ebineng at the CAA of Botswana at jebineng@caab.co.bw to start the process at the Botswana side. (see post on AVCOM on this) he is very helpful and keen to have NTCA in Botswana.

Another route is via Pietersburg Int to Limpop Valey Int. A new in/out port is in process to register (Botswana side) near the Groblersbrug/Maartens Drirft border post, but not in ops yet.

Keep us posted

Thys

[Mogas]

Don't worry Nkwazi
I knew what you meant
I too miss the REAL bush.
Mogas

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Cant wait to take aminal to the pans and the Delta......

Looks like a fun trip. No serious issues. Once u contacted Bots CAA you well on your way. Nice folks... (If you need AVGAS take vasaline and $$$$$)

[Scotman]

Hey there Massimo.

Great idea. Going through the border oost to Gabs may be a bit of a hssle with all of the trucks there - Martin's Drift may be a better option. It is generally a lot quieter and well organised.

A colleague of mine flies in the swamps/ pans often - he has a microlight and is based in Selebi Phikwe. It may be worth your while to drop him a line - EPretorius@BCL.BW (use the caps). He'd be able to tell you of the best spots etc- I know they organise a trip each year into the pans.

Have fun

Scotman