1. It is approximately 1200 km from Pretoria to Kasane.
   You can do this is 12 - 13 hours but that's without more than 45 min stopping (after the border crossing) and that's a long way for a single person driving.
2. We normally leave at about 3.30am but if you are leaving from Pretoria rather than Johannesburg we think you need not leave much before 5 am since the border doesn't open until 8 am).
3. The best route is up the N1 - towards Pietersburg.
4. About 60 km before there take the N11 north - through Potgietersrus - to the border crossing at Groblers Bridge/Martin's Drift. There is a Gas Station just on the Bostwana side of the border where you can fill.
5. Despite what the map might say the road from the border to Palapye is a tar road and is in excellent condition. This will get you onto the A1. Head north to Francistown.
6. When you get near Francistown you will come to a 'round-about' keep straight ahead until you come to another 'round-about' with a sign saying Maun/Nata on the A3.
   As soon as you take this road you go up over a large new bridge. There is a Gas Station on the otherside of the road. Please fill up there before going on to Nata.
7. In Nata there are excellent Gas Stations on the north side of town. Ignore
   the run down places you seen just as you come into town.
8. You must reach Nata by 3.30 pm. The last 300 km beyond Nata is covered with Elephants after dusk - there are many deaths each year from collisions.
9. If you wish to overnight in Nata we recommend: the Nata Lodge for
   self-camping just before your get to town.

   Nata Lodge
   Tel: +267 611210/611260;
   FAX +267 611265;
   email natalodge@info.bw
   

10. From Nata drive north to Kazangula.
11. As you come down the hill into Kazangula you will see a large turning on the
    left - Kasane and Chobe National Park. Drive along this road for about 8 km or so until you come to the first large turing on the right (there's probably a big sign for the Mowana).
12. Keep on this road past the Metro on the left and Mowana on the right - all the way to the far end of town. Pass the gas station and stores (on the left), past the Bank (right), past the new HUGE polic station (left) and imemdiately past the turning for the airport (left) you will find the Chobe Safari Lodge on the right.
    

The major road network in Botswana is excellent with sealed tar roads between the major towns. The gravel/sand roads are also good but can become difficult in the wet season. August is the end of the dry season and no major difficulties should be expected, but don't be tempted out in a single 4WD. Gas/petrol filling stations are frequently more than 'half a fuel tank apart' - take every opportunity to keep your tank at least half full. If you are driving to Kasane from the south you must fill at Francistown and Nata, or Gaborone, Kang and Maun (note the last 80 km is a dirt road on this route), and in between. If driving from Vic' Falls it is only 80 - 90 km to Kasane where you can fill.

Most of the National Park areas are unfenced and thus game can often be seen crossing roads. Be especially aware of elephant and warthog near dusk and during the evening. Just before you hit them they turn into cement!

Aside from the game the roadsides in Botswana are populated by donkey and goat - they are not always predictable in their movements - slow down.

Road laws in Botswana are strictly enforced. This includes on the spot fines for speeding (they use laser speed detectors!) and open vessels of alcohol in your car (which is prohibited). Seat belts are compulsory.

Botswana is criss-crossed by disease control fences and where these cross roads there are both animal control and police checks. If you are asked to step in some foul smelling syrup as part of a disease control program - just do it! Ensure that your vehicle is licenced and that you have the paperwork from the border control to show it is taxed for Botswana for the period of your stay in Botswana. Keep all the little bits of paper they give you - they sometimes want them back when you leave! The little bits of paper include road tax (currently approx. $5US for 10 days in Botswana and $30 US for 30 days in Zimbabwe).

Fire is a major hazzard in Botswana during late August and September at the end of the dry season - exercise caution.