For those Driving, a little help...

For those of you driving here are a few more border details that I could find: 

Entering from SA into Bots

South African side requires you to complete a customs document, and get your passport stamped.

Botswana side requires passport stamped, and driver to get a road permit, insurance and pay towards the road fund.

Total APPROXIMATE Cost 170.00 Pula or R182.00 (1P = R1.10)

Entering from Bots to Zim

Probable Vehicle Cost: incolved with South African registered vehicles is around R600 and an extra cost of R80-R120 for a trailer.  

Friday the 6th Jan - Wedding Warm Up!!! :)

Hi guys

I'm wanting to provide dinner (braai) for everyone on the friday evening before the wedding and I guess it could also double up as a recital dinner thingymabob as well :) Please come along and have a bite with us! 

Candz and I would love to spend time with everyone before the wedding as well and its also a great time for everyone to sort of meet each other and touch base before the big day! It think its also awesome for all our family and friends to all get to know whose who in the zoo :)

So please can you email me to confirm that you'll be there on Friday evening (04/01/13) at Musketeers Lodge? I will give directions and all sorts, also let me know how many people will be coming.

my email address is moodleyco@gmail.com.

Great guys, excited much hey!!!!!

Money matters and other things....

Okay well thankfully, unlike the chap in the picture, Zimbabwe now uses the US dollar. Seeing that they still in economic recovery, all the shops in Zimbabwe will willing accept Rand or Pula quite happily. 

So while it might make things a little easier to bring USD, bringing along rand is more than fine as well. I only ever take a few hundred dollars ($250-300) just in case there is a shop owner who forget the exchange rate and makes up his own.  The exchange rate it R9 = $1 

The main grocery shop is called "TM" and they are like your Pick n' Pay or Checkers here at home. 

They are usually very well stocked and have pretty much all the foods and products that we get here in SA. They are quite a trustworthy shop in terms of you paying in Rand or Pula. 

Also there's some good news for those you prefer to shop at a more familiar place. Candz told me that Bulawayo has just got a new Fruit & Veg city up there and she says that they are quite reasonable. I will try find out the exact address for those of you who want to know. 

Unfortunately, there are no card machines or facilities for you to pay be Card in Bulawayo, unless you have a Zim bank account. So cash, while not the safest, is the most advisable to carry. Travellers checks are also an option but again its NOT an absolute must have. If you are going to Victoria Falls then they have card facilities and accept international cards due to them having to be geared for all tourist. 

Another thing that people have been asking me is about the petrol situation. 

Petrol is about a rand or so more expensive in Zimbabwe and they only have your basic - petrol (LRP & Unleaded) and diesel! Unfortunately, there's no variety in terms of the grades of petrol (95 or 93) or diesel. 

So PLEASE PLEASE ask them exactly what fuel they are putting in before they start anything, I hate for them to put LRP into a car that takes unleaded. I'm also just taking a jerri can although Zim petrol stations are quite reliable nowadays, so if you dont have a jerri then you still be 100% fine. I would however suggest that you fill up in Bots before hitting Zim. Just as a matter of interest, there is a filling station and bureau de change as soon as you cross the SA-Bots border. 

Also when you get to the borders, if you unsure about where to go or what to do there's security at most entry points to the gates and the buildings so ask them, they usually more than willing to let you know where and what to do. For more on border details in terms of the papers you have to fill out there, check out the second blog post. 

Another travel tip, please ensure that everyone is wearing a seat belt when you approach roadblocks and tolls, even the passengers in the back of the car. Also please be aware of random pedestrians and animals on the road, as well the odd donkey kart. Please as mention in a previous post, keep your TIP (Temporary Import Permit) at hand, they will ask for it. 

Thats all for now folks! 13 and a half days until the wedding now....... yeah! :)

Last minute booking options

Just in case you haven already managed to find accommodation in Bulawayo then here is a list that I put together from some places that I found on the net, they all very different and vary in terms of the number stars they have (if any). Some are hotels, others B&Bs and then there's also backpackers for those choosing to rough it a little.

Just a word of advice before making a booking, use Google maps to check where exactly in Bulawayo these places are located, not sure if you want to be smack bang in the middle of the city or way out in the bush.

Also together with the list below, check out this site for Bulawayo, it has list of about 20 different places:

http://www.safarinow.com/destinations/bulawayo/hub.aspx

Accommodation List:

·         Holiday Inn Bulawayo: http://www.southtravels.com/africa/zimbabwe/holidayinnbulawayo/index.html#rooms

·         The Nesbitt Castle: http://www.southtravels.com/africa/zimbabwe/thenesbittcastle/index.html

·         Hornug Park Lodge: http://www.southtravels.com/africa/zimbabwe/hornungparklodge/index.html

·         Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel: http://www.southtravels.com/africa/zimbabwe/bulawayorainbowhotel/index.html

·         Southern Comfort Lodge: http://www.kwathabeng.co.za/travel/zimbabwe/destinations.html?location=Bulawayo&type=Bed+And+Breakfast&list=true

·         Garda Lodge: http://www.kwathabeng.co.za/travel/zimbabwe/destinations.html?location=Bulawayo&type=Bed+And+Breakfast&list=true

·         Tshulu Tasha Nabe Lodge: http://www.kwathabeng.co.za/travel/zimbabwe/destinations.html?location=Bulawayo&type=Bed+And+Breakfast&list=true

·         Turk Mine Lodge: (possibly hire whole thing out sleeps 29 self catering) http://www.kwathabeng.co.za/travel/zimbabwe/destinations.html?location=Bulawayo&type=Bed+And+Breakfast&list=true

·         The Bulawayo Club: http://www.kwathabeng.co.za/travel/zimbabwe/destinations.html?location=Bulawayo&type=Bed+And+Breakfast&list=true

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·         Victoria Falls (4.5 hour drive from BULWAYO) Also look at the link below to find Victoria Falls Accommodation: http://www.safarinow.com/destinations/victoria-falls/hub.aspx

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o   The Victoria Falls Hotel: http://www.africansunhotels.com/Index.cfm?fuseaction=hotels.info&name=the_victoria_falls_hotel

o   The Kingdom at Victoria Falls: http://www.africansunhotels.com/Index.cfm?fuseaction=hotels.info&name=the_kingdomat_victoria_falls

Almost there now! T-minus 25days and counting!

First up, I'm must apologize for being such a fail at blogging! Seriously the last post was so long ago that you probably forgot that there was even a wedding blog in the first place!

Everyone's probably hitting Christmas fever now, the malls was so busy on Saturday that I couldn't breathe but flip its great to see all the decorations up and to hear the carols playing in the background! So I hope that everyone is looking forward to special Christmas with the family!

So again I'm sorry for the neglect! Here we go here a few things that you should really have when driving up to zim:

1. Passports (If you dont have it yet, dont panic Home Affairs has become super efficient and you can get one in about a week now, no joke!)
2. Cross-border Letter - car insurance papers stating that they are aware that you will be leaving RSA. (Contact insurer)
3. If the car is not in your name, then you need a letter from the person whose name it is in stating that they have given you permission to take the car, also a certified copy of their and your ID should accompany this letter.
4. Finance Letter from your Bank if the car is not already paid off.
5. Log Book of the vehicle you will be driving. 
6. ALL OF THE ABOVE IS NEEDED FOR A TRAILER AS WELL! (over and above the car papers needed and you will have to pay slightly higher fees at the border when entering.) If you have a trailer then you also need to stick reflective "T" on a black background. Also you will need a strip of red reflective tape that runs across the width of the back of the trailer.

There's is no need for an international drivers license, just a valid South African License. Also, just as a reminder, please keep your TIP (Temporary Import Permit) on hand when travelling through Zim, this you'll receive at the border. 

Ok that all in terms of the paper work that is needed, and I'm so sorry that I'm putting this up now! 

In terms of the vehicle, Zim seems to bring out new laws whenever they feel like doing so, here are what you need to have in and on your car, because no doubt the police "road-blocks" will be trying there luck with every SA vehicle they come across. My advice to you is to just be as friendly and respectful as possible, they are way more likely to just wave you through. Ok, so here's the list, some items might seem a little crazy but they will ask...

1. Two reflective triangles (If you get stuck or a flat, one in the front and one at the back)
2. A reflective vest of some sort (oranje/yellow) so if you get out of the car while you stuck then you more visible, this item I reckon is quite a good must have. (Midas and Moosa's stock these)
3. A 1kg fire extinguisher for light vehicles (which you can get for about R120 at Midas) and a 1,5 kg one for heavy vehicles.
4. White and Red Relective Tape: Two small white rectangular size strips on the right and left side of the front bumper, as well as two small red square strips on the right and left side of the rear bumper.
5. A ZA sticker is not necessary, Candy assures me of this. 
6. Please also when approaching "road blocks" ensure that everyone in the vehicle has their seat-belt on, even those passengers sitting in the back. 

Ok this all seems like a huge lot to digest and to add to your checklist for Zim 2013! I will definitely be posting more often now, even if it just normal wedding stuff. 

Also, if you travelling to Vic Falls, then I have a friend there who works for Wild Horizons and she would more than willing to help you out with any touristy information that you need. Here name is Khema Nathoo and here contact details are khema.nathoo@facebook.com or khemanathoo on Skype. 

Uhm ya... I reckon that's all for now, I'm getting really excited now, 25days to go and I cant wait for the 5th to be here, especially since Candz is already in Zim now! :(  

Anyways, there's still lots of little things to do here and there so time to get busy again. Please I really want help make your Zim trip as easy and as enjoyable as possible. So if you need any assistance with anything please please call me or email me or facebook me! 

Also for those of you who have gone and done some research on the internet and you see that I've forgot to mention something, then please either add it in a comment or let know when you get chance, thanks! :)

Cool stuff! 

Which bridge to cross and which bridge to burn!

So finally getting around to adding something new! This blogging thing takes a little time and effort hey! Hopefully things are looking positive as plans start to come together for the trip up in Jan.

There are three ways one can get across the Limpopo to Bulawayo, I can personally say that all three got me there safe and sound!

1. Flying!

Flights are the quickest and if I must say, the easiest way to get to zim. There's no loooong border lines or pot-holes :) and within an 1 and a half you'll be touching down in Bulawayo or Victoria Falls. 

The airlines that I know fly straight to Bulawayo are British Airways and South African Airways. The average return price after looking through a few websites, range between R4500 to R5000.

There is also the option of flying to Harare, which offers more variety in terms of airlines and prices. The only downside is that is a 5 hour drive from Harare to Bulawayo.

The third option is to fly to Hwange National Park or Victoria Falls and then drive through to Bulawayo, which is about a 4 hour drive and the roads are very decent.

Another route is via Botswana, flying to Francistown and then taking a 2 and a half hour drive through the Ramokgewbana-Plumtree borders to Bulawayo. Not a bad option by the sounds of it but I havent tried this one to let you know for sure.

   2. Bus



I took the bus on my very first visit to Candz! YOH! Its certainly the most feasible and affordable option, no doubt about that but it is a very long trip. On average a return bus trip will cost around R1500.

The bus will most probably travel through Beit Bridge to Bulawayo, be prepared to wait a while at this border and by a while it could take anywhere from a few hours to a day possibly.

The upside to the bus the fact that you can relax and watch a few movies to pass the time. At the border you'll need to fill out a form and getting your passport stamped. The best bit of advice in terms of the bus is to just chat with the folks who are on the bus with you because generally it wont be their first trip and then stick with them at the border. The bus liners available are Greyhound and inter-cape.

   3. Driving

I think most guys will be driving up, so I gathered as much information as possible that I hope can help you in terms of budgeting, directions and just actually enjoying the experience of the ride up!

Candz and I have done the trip up a few times now, so we hope that we have best possible routes to take.

The distance from  PMB via JHB via Bostwana to Bulawayo averages on about 1450kms.

The distance from PMB via JHB through Beit Bridge to Bulawayo is approximately 120 kms less than the route through Botswana and there's only one border to cross, but the distance you save travelling through Beit Bridge, will probably be more than tripled at waiting to get through the border, especially during the holiday season.

So definitely the route that I would suggest is the one going through Botswana. We have done the trip in one go before but driving 1460 odd kilometers can be a little push at the least and the Ramokgewbana-Plumtree borders open at 6am and close at 9pm. The roads in Botswana and from Plumtree to Bulwayo are in very good condition, only thing is that they are single lane, so be careful when overtaking and watch out for pedestrians.

• Tolls from Pietermaritzburg to JHB (N3) average on about: R174
• Tolls from JHB to Martin's Drift Border (RSA/Botswana) average about:  R89

So here are the details or as many details as possible showing directions, borders, signs, distances and fees that you'll encounter driving up! Everyone has a Garmin these days but I reckon this might be helpful to everyone :-)

Zimbabwe trip!

As a matter of interest:

• 1000km from PMB to Martins drift boarder,
• 1360km from PMB to plumtree boader (Botswana) - so it's 360km through Botswana
• 1460km from PMB to Bulawayo

From Johannesburg: 

• take N1 all the way to Pretoria,
• keep going along the N1 to Polokwane (you will not go all the way to Polokwane)
• (first toll outside Pretoria) Pumulani Plaza R8.00 still along the N1.
• pass under bridge with restaurant in it - maxis
• (second plaza along) N1 Carousel plaza R38.00
• Possible sleep over point for some - Shangri-la hotel, just after Bela Bela (modimolle/marble hall turn off)
• N1 Kranskop toll R31.00
• stay on N1 until N11 mokopane turn off  (68km from kransop toll)

• Nyl plaza R12,00 - go to the extreme left of the toll and take the N11 turn off to mokopane.

• take first left after toll and then turn right towards mokopane 
• keep on this road into the city and turn left onto Nelson Mandela drive (N11) For some weird and unknown reason this town has chosen not to put up any street names! So please make use of any technology to help you to find Nelson Mandela Drive! Last resort, ask one of the locals :) 
• stay on Nelson Mandela drive (N11) groblers bridge sign should be seen in 1km

• Border post: Groblers Bridge/Martins drift

• SA side (leaving RSA): stop at gate recieve gate ticket, stop at building go to customs
• Fill out declaration form go to immigration, (same building),stamp passport.
• Drive to gate hand in gate pass proceed to Botswana border.

• Botswana side: go to immigration stamp passport, fill out car registration, proceed to cashier at end of building (R180/ P120). Please note that you will have to pay extra for a trailer. Proceed to gate hand in form and get car checked!
• Bureau De change: one just before Groblers Bridge, one immediately after SA border (Limpopo bureau De change) and one at garage after Botswana border (500m). So don’t stress about Pula, but you can pay in rand at the border post.
• There are garages to fill petrol along the way but it is advisable to fill up at the garage directly after the border because they accept rand.
• After leaving border take A1 to Palapye the road veers to the right (beware of bad road for 7km).
• continue on A1 to Palapye\ Francistown.

• BEWARE OF SPEED LIMITS OFTEN DROPS TO 80KM/HR WHILE IN BOTSWANA
• Majestic five hotel 5km from Palapye (this is also looked like a nice place to sleep over if needs be for some travelling)
• right turn to Palapye then travel 10km (This should be at a T-junction)

• go through robot and continue on to Francistown on the A1 (do not take A141 to Palapye) continue straight to Francistown.

• When in Francistown:
• take second exit at first roundabout, (shell garage on the left) and continue straight into town.
• Take second exit at second roundabout and continue straight on this road (Blue jacket street).
• Eventually road veers to right. This is still the A1. Continue on this road, you will see a continuous row of blue street lamps in the middle. this road takes you to Plumtree boarder

• stay on the A1 (boarder called Ramokgwebana on sign posts). 95km to border.

Ramokgwebana (Bots) Plumtree (Zim) border: Botswana side

• keep right, go first to vehicle registration office collect SARS form (BURS) fill in and get stamped.

• proceed to immigration, stamp passport and collect gate pass.
• hand gate pass in at gate on exit of bots border.

Zim border (Plumtree): keep right and enter building:

• Zim border will cost aprox. R400 for a 1.4 Tata, the bigger the engine size and type of vehicle will influence price.               
• get passport stamped at immigration, proceed to vehicle registration.
• fill out ZIMRA TIP (temp import permit) and proceed to calculation of duty/carbon tax. NB keep TIP safe and handy when travelling through Zim, as police at road blocks will ask for it!

• proceed to payment of tax. (all counters next to eachother).

• proceed to exit of border with all papers (including car pass (TIP), individual passes  from immigration and vehicle registration book.)

• get checked by VID and enter Zimbabwe!!! J

Stay straight on the main road, do not turn off, 100km to bulawayo.

Enjoy Your stay!

I will be adding information about car specifications and what to be aware of on the roads and that sort of thing.... 

Cool, getting really excited now... 4 months and counting now until our big day!

Welcome to our wedding blog...

Hi Everyone! 

So glad you were able to check out our wedding blog! Hopefully it helps you out lots before you make your trek up north!

We will be posting various bits of information about travel details, some accommodation suggestion (at one's own risk), things to be aware of while in Zim and other details surrounding our wedding!

We're both sooooo excited and feel so honoured that you making the long trip up to share in our special day!

So please feel free to comment, add and ask questions about anything you see on the blog, we will be updating every so often, so take a peak now and then...