Sorry this is actually about Botswana -but there doesn't seem to be a sub-forum and not really about birds but I will be travelling the Trans Kalahari highway from Lobatse to Mamuno. As I'll only be spending one night in Botswana I keen not to change money. I've read that the Rand is accepted 'most everywhere' in Botswana. Have others found this? I'm particularly thinking of petrol stations and accommodation but I'm also going to want to get food and drink en route.
Cheers
Considering the isolation of rural communities in Botswana, it would be better to organise some Pula. You might get away with Rands, but equally you might get stuck. It also makes sense to fill up
wherever and whenever you find a filling station, because the next one may be out of fuel, or have no unleaded, and so on. Depending on what you're driving, and the amount of stuff you're carrying, a jerry can or two is not a bad idea. The main problem on Botswana roads is livestock (goats, horse, cattle, donkeys) on the road at night. They like the heat from the warm tarmac, and are virtually invisible. Try to avoid night travel, but if you must, do it SLOWLY, and watch car lights in front of you. Flashing hazard lights at night means the car in front of you has spotted animals on the road. You should also, in similar circumstances, flash yours for any vehicle travelling behind you.
Note that there are Foot and Mouth road checks throughout Botswana, since meat to Europe is one of the country's biggest exports. Do not carry meat or milk products, as they may be confiscated. You may have to take out all your footwear so that it can be dipped, so pack it separately.
Jwaneng (diamond mine) and Kang are probably the only (fairly) reliable places for fuel, overnight accommodation and food. Try and check this before you set out. Don’t expect much in the way of shops along your route. Better to stock up at Lobatse before setting out. The upside of all this is the road’s pretty good!
Best wishes,
Dave