A35 Travel & Tours

13/12/2024

PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR PASSPORT & EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (ETD) IN BOTSWANA 🇧🇼

12/12/2024

TRANSPORT FOR HIRE

14 Seater Quntums available in Gaborone for;

✅ Family trips
✅ Church trips
✅ Business Trips
✅ Girls Outings
✅ Boys Outings
✅ Weddings
✅ Events
✅ Sporting Activities

And many more to include cross border we got you covered. Vehicles come with a Driver.

For bookings contact

A35 TRAVEL & TOURS
CELL: 71758558 (app)
75334437
EMAIL: [email protected]

12/12/2024

12/12/2024

Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) is pleased to announce the launch of a fully automated paid parking management system at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA). The system is set to be operational on Thursday, 12 December 2024.

11/12/2024

PRESS RELEASE - CLOSURE OF DIPHIRING CULVERT NEAR METSIMOTLHABE

The public is informed that the road between Metsimotlhabe and Gabane villages will be temporarily closed due to a partially collapsed culvert near Diphiring Lands from Wednesday 11th December 2024 at 1400hrs.

The Diphiring culvert which is 4km from Metsimotlhabe village and 14km from Gabane collapsed due to the recent downpours.

The public is advised to use other alternative routes being Kumakwane -Metsimotlhabe route and Gabane - Metsimotlhabe via Mogoditshane while the Ministry is taking necessary measures to make the road passable around Diphiring area within a reasonable time frame.

All road users are therefore cautioned against crossing the Diphiring culvert as it is unsafe to do so. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to the public as a result of this temporary closure.

For further information please contact Public Relations Office at 3958518/3958500 or email [email protected] or [email protected].

11/12/2024

4 spaces available for Capetown from Gaborone this weekend from 13 to 17 December 2024 from only P3600 per person sharing. For bookings call or app to 71 758 558. Find attached flyer for details.

10/12/2024

A typical house at Metsiamanong in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR). Cool in summer and warm in winter. No need to visit any hardware (besides there are no shops deep in the desert) to buy any building materials, you just walk in the nearby bushes and collect the materials. The house can be done within a day or two. Its called Mogwaafatshe in Setswana language or Gutunji in Ikalanga.

📸 Duma Gideon Boko

10/12/2024

MR PITSENG GAOBEREKWE BURIED IN THE CKGR TODAY

DATE OF BIRTH: 01/01/47
DATE OF DEATH: 21/12/21
DATE OF BURIAL: 10/12/24

STORY BACKGROUND

Mr Pitseng and his family was living a nomadic lifestyle in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve before it was declared a Game Reserve. The government then gave an ultimatum that all people living in the reserve should relocate and pave way for animals. The First People of the Kalahari (FPK) led by Roy Sesana took the government to caught in 2006 in protest against the forced relocation and discontinuation of government services like water in the area. In later years a diamond mine (Ghaghoo) was opened in the CKGR. The court later ordered the government to restore the services and only a few people were later allowed to go back to live in the CKGR. Mr Gaborekwe was not on that list hence the family was denied burial of their parent, Mr Gaberekwe who died on 21 December 2021. The family took the then government to court against this decision and the court ruled in the government favour. Hence hid body stayed in the mortuary for almost 3 years because the family refused to bury him elsewhere besides the CKGR, specifically in Metsiamanong, in the land of their ancestors. At one point the FPK was represented by Survival International led by Mr Steven Corry and their lawyer Mr Gordon Bennet. Both gentlemen were put on Visa restrictions by the government. At one point Advocate Duma Gideon Boko and Mr Nelson Ramaotwana represented the people of the CKGR as their defence attorneys pro bono (free of charge).

In 2024 general elections campaign Advocate Duma Gideon Boko promised that if his party wins the elections the first thing he will do is to bury Mr Gaoberekwe in the CKGR. Indeed on the 30 of October 2024 the people of Botswana voted in a new government of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) led by Advocate Duma Gideon Boko. Advocate Boko is now the President of Botswana and Mr Ramaotwana is the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services. Hence today on the 10th of December 2024 Mr Gaoberekwe's body was laid to rest in the CKGR.

“When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen” is a Bible verse from Isaiah 60:22:

AT A35 TRAVEL & TOURS WE IMPORE THE POWERS THAT BE TO ERECT A MONUMENT AT HIS BURIAL SITE THAT WILL ATTRACT TOURISTS. THE MONEY FROM TOURIST MUST GO TO A COMMUNITY TRUST THAT WILL BENEFIT THE PEOPLE OF THE CKGR. THE WORLD DESERVES TO KNOW THIS MOVING TALE FROM THE KALAHARI DESERT. A35 TRAVEL & TOURS IS READY TO ASSIST WITH IDEAS ON HOW TO DEVELOP THE CONCEPTS FOR THE MONUMENT.

MAY HIS SOUL RIP🙏

📸Midweek Sun

09/12/2024

“When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen” Isaiah 60:22

The body of the late Mr Pitseng Gaoberekwe arriving in Metsiamanong, Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) Botswana 🇧🇼 for burial tomorrow aboard a Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Helicopter. He died on 21 December 2021 and he will be buried tomorrow on 10 December 2024 after almost 3 years in the morgue.

May his soul RIP 🙏

08/12/2024

Its summer time. Lets go have fun at Big Valley Game Lodge. For only P300 from Gabs or P200 from Lobatse per person.

This includes return transport, entrance fee (P100) and swimming. Next day trip is on Saturday 14 December 2024 💪 💪 💃💃💃

Call or watsaap to 71 758 558 for bookings.

08/12/2024

VEHICLES ARE ALSO FEELING THE HEAT WAVE

"Last night, we experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to deal with car troubles in Botswana’s extreme heat of +41 degrees.

While driving, we had a tyre burst—something that could happen to anyone unprepared for the toll the heatwave takes on our vehicles. What made it even more difficult was handling the vehicle’s air suspension system. Each time I tried to jack up the car, the system compensated for the perceived imbalance by dropping the tyre back to the ground, delaying the process by hours. Eventually, we succeeded, but not without realizing how crucial it is to address tyre safety before traveling.

The intense heat in Botswana, especially on the A1 and other highways, can lead to excessive tyre expansion due to friction from the tarmac and high speeds.
When tyre pressure isn’t managed, it can cause the tyre to overinflate and burst. The evidence is all around—rubber debris scattered across the highway from trucks and cars alike. I’ve just lost a brand-new tyre to this heatwave, which reinforces the importance of preparation.

Follower’s Here’s my advice to all drivers:
1. Check and Adjust Tyre Pressure Regularly: Before starting a long journey, ensure your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure. Remember, heat causes the air inside the tyres to expand, increasing the risk of a blowout.
2. Consider Using Nitrogen in Tyres: Nitrogen is less affected by heat, providing better resistance to temperature fluctuations. If you can afford it, it’s a safer option for long-distance travel in hot climates.

3. Mind Your Speed: High speeds increase friction, which adds to the heat stress on your tyres. Prioritize safety over speed.
4. Inspect Tyres for Wear and Damage: Regularly check for signs of tread wear or sidewall cracks. Worn tyres are more prone to failure under stress.

5. Plan for Emergencies: Always carry the right tools and ensure your spare tyre is in good condition. Dealing with a burst tyre at night can be much more manageable when prepared.

Botswana’s heat isn’t just tough on us—it’s tough on our vehicles too. Let’s keep safety first and ensure our tyres are roadworthy to avoid unnecessary risks. Share this advice with your loved ones to help them stay safe on the road.

And remember this heatwave is expected to drag until sometime mid January. Someone also advised us not to leave lighters in the vehicle, the gas explodes in the heat. You don’t want to smoke you car right? . All the best of safety in the coming holidays"

-Lawrence Seretse II
📸 Lawrence Seretse II

08/12/2024

MR BRUCE LEE OF JOURNALISM AKA SONNY SERITE ENTERS THE CKGR TODAY

"Good bye civilization. This is where communication ends. I’ll be without phone and internet connection until the day I emerge out of CKGR. I’m at Khutse Entrance Gate and I’m told a lot of Gabs boys made a u-turn as they couldn’t deal with the hectic sandy road to Metsiamanong. 🤦‍♂️Especially between Kukama and Mothomelo.

What’s next for me?

A lonely, challenging but very adventurous drive through the small settlements of Kukama,Kikao, Mothomelo and then my destination, Metsiamanong. It’s a 140km journey and my GPS calculates that I will take 14 hours to reach Metsiamanong. Remember the GPS has not factored in chances of me getting stuck. There is a lot of movement of trucks that are taking amenities to Metsiamanong for the State burial so because they have messed up the road, they will have no choice but to help me when I get stuck. Depending on circumstances that I will face, and should time not be on my side, I’ll camp at Mothomelo for the night and proceed to Metsiamanong tomorrow early morning.

Remember, when you leave the gate engage your vehicle to H4. Don’t wait to get stuck before you can engage to 4X4. Only engage to L4 when you are completely stuck and need to get out of that heavy sand. I’ll also deflate my tyres to 1.8 bars. You can even go lower. Don’t be a rough rider just because you’re avoiding to get stuck. Driving at high speed can have you drive into a deep hole and damage the shocks. Take it easy and press the accelerator to maintain the momentum without being a Schumacher.

Be courteous to other motorists. It’s a one lane sandy route so all of us have a right of way. So give each other a way. Be careful on curves because if you have a head on collision, you are all responsible for your vehicles because the lane is for all of us at the same time.

Good bye and God bless 🙏 Let’s do this 💪"

-Sonny Serite
CEDA Brand Ambassador

08/12/2024

MINIMALIST LIVING IN THE CKGR

One day Botswana Technology Centre (Botec) caused a major conflict at Kaudwane with a solar streetlight. It was before the Chinese brought these solar lights, so the guys at Botec wanted to showcase their new solar streetlights at Kaudwane during the World Telecommunications Day. They put up one light next to one shebeen along the road and it attracted the whole village to this one particular shebeen and made it so popular. This obviously caused problems with other shebeen owners because they were losing customers to the brightly lit shebeen. So the streetlight didn’t last long. It was swiftly vandalised. And other shebeen owners welcomed its destruction because they said it was bad for their business.

So all those going to the CKGR, please be a kind and considerate visitor. Settlements inside the CKGR are unique. Your visit is surely going to somehow cause problems. You are going to create some needs because you’re going to meet humans that live a true minimalist life. And you are going to make them realise they don’t have stuff because of your fancy soft life stuff. Cars. iPhones. Cameras. Hats, shoes, sunglasses, sunscreens, umbrellas, water bottles, alcohol, food and stuff.

For that day, the locals too would wish to ride on an air-conditioned vehicle, look hella cool in the dark sunglasses while drinking cold beverage from a cooler. They would wish to taste ice cubes, sit crosslegged on a camp-chair and snap selfies. This might be your everyday lifestyle, but this is the CKGR. Humans here lead a unique life and ‘help’ is not always kind to them. I have seen a simple good gesture of food parcels from a good samaritan cause fights in the family.

So please be considerate in your ‘help’ because your ‘help’ could actually cause problems. But please help.
Just don’t put up one streetlight at only one shebeen.
🇧🇼

Story by Thalefang Charles
📸 Thalefang Charles
Heading by A35 Travel & Tim

06/12/2024

TRAVEL ADVISORY NOTE-METSIAMANONG, CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVE (CKGR)

06/12/2024

Miss Universe 1999

Lest we forget. Exactly 26 years ago a 19 year old young lady from an unknown country called Botswana was crowned the 48th Miss Universe on 26 May 1999 at the Chaguaramas Convention Centre in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago. This dynamic lady carried the hopes and aspiration of the nation and the girl child. She delivered what was hitherto an unaccustomed accomplished that sent the entire nation into a frenzy. So many people in Botswana heard about the Miss Universe Pageant for the first time after she was crowned.

Mpule Kwelagobe of Botswana was crowned by Wendy Fitzwilliam of Trinidad and Tobago at the end of the event. She is currently married and living in the USA.

05/12/2024

Win big with Shell!
Imagine yourself behind the wheel of this Land Cruiser! Pour P200 at Shell and you could be driving away in your dream ride. Don't miss out—fuel up and stand a chance to win big! 🚗

05/12/2024

Areng mong wa relationship ha o mmotsa. Are ntse le ya morakeng this December kana jang? 🤷🏻‍♂️🤔🫢😀

04/12/2024

BURIAL IN THE CKGR AFTER 2 YEARS IN THE MORGUE

International Human Rights Day Commemoration & Mr Gaoberekwe Pitseng’s Burial updates:

🗓️ Tuesday,10 December 2024

📍Central Kalahari Game Reserve -Metsiamanong, Botswana 🇧🇼

✨✨Requirements:✨✨

🚍Off-Road 4x4 vehicle-Essential for navigating the area.

🧭Routes:
* New Xade
* Khutse Game Reserve
* Kuke ( Matswere)

⛔️No permit will be required to enter CKGR for the burial

🏕️ Accommodation:
- Bring your own camping equipment.

🍱🍖🚰🚰Food and Water:**
- Kindly bring your own snacks and sufficient drinking water. There will be arrangements on the day of the event, but self-preparedness is recommended.

👗👔Dress Code: Decent clothes for the funeral

🎒What to Pack:**
- Warm jacket
- Jeans
- Bucket
- Blankets
- Camp chair
- Cup, plate, and cutlery
- Bush hat
- Torch
- Toiletry
- Closed shoes (no stilletoes, preferably boots)

**Important Note*
- Avoid traveling alone for safety reasons.

- Due to Cultural beliefs,the Public is advised not
to engage in any sexual activities during their stay at CKGR

- Additional details will be shared in due course.

Source: Gantsi District Council