Ok, I have edited this first posting to summarise all the important information in this thread.
1.0 TRIP SUMMARY
Mervyn Reynolds (Grade A Instructor at Sky Riders Flight School, Microland) and myself are planning a Botswana fly-away in 2015. There has been a number of these trips in the past, one of which was aranged by Mervyn in 2011. I have visited the northern parts of Botswana by 4X4 several times in the past 10 years. My last trip was at the end of August, this year.
All Microlight, Fixed wing, rotary wing pilots/aviators, novices or fundies are welcome. Trailer in, fly-in or just drive in, but join us.
This trip is a flying Safari, adventure to Kasane (Chobe & Vic Falls), Sua Pan (Mkgadikgadi Pans) and Maun (Okavango Delta) as bases. All bases will be accessible by 2 wheel drive and will have camping and chalet accommodation. For safety and recovery reasons, all flying routes will be close to tarred roads. All activities will be arranged and you are welcome to join in, or just park off. This is not just about flying. There will be something of interest for everyone. Game drives, boat cruises, candle lit dinners in the bush and on a boat, Vic Falls day trips, Tiger fishing, Kubu Island and so on. You can fly-in, trailer-in or just drive in, the choice is all yours. It is most definitely not a mane only trip.
2.0 Route & Base Camps
The official starting point of the adventure will be in the area which has the most varied activities and is the furthest point.... Kasane. For those who are driving...due to the distance and a customs clearance, it was decided to overnight at Elephant Sands (no runway). The next day, we will only travel 215 km to Kasane. We will get there early enough to still rig and fly in the afternoon.
Kasane to Sua Pan via road refuel strip (318Km)
Sua Pan (Arr: 1 May, Dep: 3 May - 2 days) - We fly in to Sua Pan Airfield for transfer to Mkgadikgadi Pan Lodge. If dry, we park the planes on the pan. This area includes, flying around pans, Kubu Island, Kukonje Island, Nata Bird Sanctuary (Flamingo colonies) and for those who want to..... camp out on the pan.
Sua Pan to Maun via refuel stop at Gweta Airfield (290Km)
Maun (Arr: 3 May, Dep: 7 May - 4 days) - We fly in to Maun Airport and park the planes at Maun Airport for transfer to Island Safari Lodge, http://www.islandsafarilodge.co... http://www.islmaun.com. This area includes, flying over the Okavango Delta, Makoro trips, boat trips, fishing, and Game drives in Moremi.
Home 7th & 8th May 2015.
Maun is the last official base camp. From there, or anywhere earlier for that matter, some with trailers, may want to fly some of the way home. As such there will be a group flying from Maun to Orapa Airfield (243Km). The Southern parts of the Makgadikgadi Pans are also very beautiful to fly over and is well worth considering. They will then de-rig at Orapa Airfield and trailer home from there.
3.0 Budgetary Costs
Approximate all inclusive costs, (food & drink, activities and spending money are not included):
Camping: R 13 000
Chalet: R 21 000 (1 person)
Chalet: R 23 000 (2 persons)
This is for trailering to Kasane and back from Maun.
See next posting for more details.
Because of the variety of requirements I propose each person books for himself. This way, for the chalet accomodation you can share with someone else and you are free to book for the parts you want to.
4.0 Accomodation Booking Information
Accomodation details below:
KASANE
- Chobe Safari Lodge, http://www.chobesafarilodge.com. Book for yourself.
OR
- Senyati Safari Camp, http://senyatisafaricampbotswana.com. Book for yourself.
SUA PAN
- Makgadikgadi Lodge, I have reserved 20 chalets and camping for the group. Plse contact me if you want a chalet.
MAUN
- Island Safari Lodge, http://www.islandsafarilodge.co... http://www.islmaun.com. gm@africansecrets.net. Book for yourself.
Closer to the time I will submit a bulk clearance request to the BCAA....if required.
If you are interested please call Paul Mulder (081 for too 7 ate ate too sex) or Mervyn Reynolds (073 7 sex tree 7 five one ou).
For a list of comitted pilots please see the last page of this thread.
5.0 Cross border requirements when driving and towing a trike on a trailer into Botswana:
Visas -
Visas are not required by SA passport holders. At the border make sure you fill in your duration of stay correctly. That determins the duration of your temporary visa, stamped into your passport.
Food restrictions:
No fresh red meat or fresh fruit of any kind is permitted accross the border. Red meat can be transported from south to north and from east to west but not back again. All vetenary check points will confiscate these items in a north to south or west to east direction. Excelent meat, at 2/3 of the SA price, and fruit is available at supermarkets. The supermarkets are like in RSA.
Health Requirements & Compulsory Vaccinations - None for RSA citizens.
Precautions - Malaria risk. Propholactics - Speak to your doctor about which ones you can take for the area as a pilot. Also, use mosquito nets and spray on, Peacefull Sleep, or Tabard, or Citronella oil.
Documents Required:
•Valid passport of the driver, valid for at least 6 months after your date of return.
•Certified copy of vehicle and trailer registration papers in the name of the driver. Take the originals with you in a safe place.
•Letter of authority from the registered owner if the vehicle is not owned by the driver
•If vehicle is still being financed, carry a letter of authority from the bank (must include dates of travel) together with the vehicle license papers.
•ZA Sticker
•International Driving Permit: - I don't take one and never had a problem showing my RSA licence. They use the same codes as in RSA (A, EB etc)
Currency - Pula (BWP) = R 1.30
Most garages take MasterCard and Visa (no petrol cards accepted). ATM's accept either MasterCard or Visa. Barclays ATM's accept MasterCard. Best is to go into the bank to draw money, then you are not restricted to the ATM limit necesitating multiple withdrawls, each with a commission. Lodges in towns take credit card but out of town, do not. Senyati & Makgadikagadi, do not.
Aircraft -
- Your current NPL
- ATF certificate
- Certificate of Registration
- flight folio
- Radio station licence, the ICASA one
- BCAA Clearance number.
- 3rd party insurance - recommended.
Make sure you declare your microlight to RSA customs at the border. They must give you an official SARS indemnity form identifying it as the type and registration as per the C of R. Any evidence you have that it is RSA registered is advantageous. (correct, Mark Fincham!). When you return they can be very sticky.
The above may sound like quite a shlep, but most items are only required on request.
At the border you will only be required to fill in an imegration form, get your passport stamped and pay your road tax (P170 for car, plus P70 for trailer). Export declarations are optional, but DO it.
You can also visit http://www.4x4community.co.za, Botswana for more hints and tips.
6.0 WhatsApp group
There is a WhatsApp group where all detailed commiunication takes place. Let me know if you want to join.
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