BOTSWANA ZIMBABWE SAVANNAH TOUR

[John Waterson]

We are planning a trip to Botswana and Zimbabwe Flying East London – Shell Ultra - Bethlehem (EAA convention) – Pilansberg – Gabarone – Maun – Vic Falls – Kariba – Harare – Bulawayo - Polokwane – Barberton (Bush Pilots) – Shell Ultra – East London.

As this is our first “official” trans-border flying experience, we could use some advice from the more seasoned expiditionaries. A Zimbabwean Savannah owner, Ritch Gillam, has kindly offered to co-ordinate the Zim side of things. The where to stays, where to get fuel, who to contact for flight clearances etc. So Zim is sorted realy.

When it comes to Bots however, we are a little unsure. I have tried a couple of times to contact one, Jacob Thebenala, DCA without success re Temp Air Service Permit for Foreign Aircraft which I understand is a requirement for any foreign aircraft flying in Botswana. I have had no joy from the number that I was given to phone:- + 267 391 3236. His email JThebenala@gov.bw also yielded no response. Does anyone have another contact?

We will also be doing some demo flights with the Savannah in Gabarone and Maun and would like to find strips or lodges that would have accommodation that are within easy reach of the town centers and would possibly be able to sell us some 95 octane Mogas. Does anyone have contacts in these centers?

I understand that in both Zim and Bots one is required to file a flight plan at least 24 hours in advance of any flight. Can anyone tell me whether it is necessary to file a flight plan for shorter flights (as in demo flights) with no outfield landings or, say between two local unmanned strips?

Any advise would be most welcome.

Really looking forward to seeing some real African Landscape.

Masimo, you are welcome to join us.

John Waterson

[Jimbo]

The ZU-TAF world trip site mentions Michelle at Flight Permits CC , tel +27 (0)82 415 7602, http://www.worldflightpermits.com

[Massimo]

Holy moly what a trip. John you certainly not playing around. As much as id love to join, right now there are still a few things on my 701 i need to complete. She has only done about 30 hours so far and i think its too early just yet for such a big trip and the short notice.....Wow this is going to be a great one. Enjoy enjoy enjoy!

[John Waterson]

A Big Thank You to all the people who have given advice and offered assistance with fuel accomodation etc. Our bags are packed and aircraft preflighted. Weather a bit iffy but clearing to the west, we should reach Bethlhem by midday with a bit of a tail wind. Cheers John

[Rudix]

A Big Thank You to all the people who have given advice and offered assistance with fuel accomodation etc. Our bags are packed and aircraft preflighted. Weather a bit iffy but clearing to the west, we should reach Bethlhem by midday with a bit of a tail wind. Cheers John

Fly safe and have fun John, looking forward to all the photos!

See you at Bethlehem and then again at Bush Pilot's

Regards,
Rudi