Thursday 17 October 2013

Derdepoort - missing the tourists

Although there are two major tourist attractions in close proximity of the Derdepoort border post to Botswana, it is not a very busy port. It operates from 6:00 to 19:00 every day of the week, but only about 100 people cross the border here on average per day.

The Derdepoort gate into the Madikwe Game Reserve is 5 km and Sun City is 120 km from the border post. Despite this, it is mostly the locals from Botswana who cross the border here to go shopping in Rustenburg, although Gaberone is only 55 km away.

We crossed the border here from the Botswana side into South Africa. It is a hassle free border post on both sides. The buildings and staff housing on the South African side was upgraded just before the Soccer World Cup in 2010.

It is a non-commercial port and any freight that may arrive will be directed to the neighbouring Kopfontein/Tlokweng border post,  less than 50 km away on either side.

Derdepoort is the last (road) border post to Botswana in the North West province. The next one we visit will be in Limpopo. 


The general dealer at Derdepoort