tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64658382813995724682024-03-14T02:13:59.635+02:00SA Grensposte - SA Ports of EntryInteressante inligting oor al die grensposte van Suid-Afrika: lughawens, hawens en pad.
Interesting information about all the South African ports of entry: airports, harbours and road border posts.Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-22125864800195377002014-09-09T21:48:00.001+02:002015-03-31T09:26:11.815+02:00Final postThis is the final post on this Blog. This project was completed successfully and opened new opportunities.<br />
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The Blog will remain intact, so you can still browse all the links and research previous posts as you wish.<br />
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More information may be found at our Facebook page:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/saportsofentry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/saportsofentry</a><br />
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Click here to view <a href="http://www.myprintorder.co.za/?fsaction=Share.preview&ref2=03de93d9bb9fdae6d814b5f6445bcf18" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">photobook 1</a> or <a href="http://www.myprintorder.co.za/?fsaction=Share.preview&ref2=55594be2d31dc08887942a1d31cea2f0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">photobook 2</a> of our project.<br />
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Thank you for all the support that we enjoyed.<br />
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A new, exciting project was started and can be followed at: <a href="http://www.saramsar.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.saramsar.com</a><br />
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<br />Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-61645350394332427132014-08-12T08:41:00.002+02:002014-09-09T21:42:23.096+02:00Video<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A video of the tour to all the SA Ports of entry is now available on Youtube. This is an edited version of a 50-minute video that was made. It shows the route that was followed and stops at all the border posts, airports, and harbours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-42535697654589302402014-07-16T15:47:00.002+02:002014-07-16T15:52:40.566+02:00July 2014 magazine articles<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The publishers of the <b><i>Drive Out</i></b> magazine gave me permission to publish the articles about our visits to the border posts on this Blog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwWCmviu_wvRbFVnVFhEMXcydm8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the 4th article of a 4 part series from the July 2014 edition.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier articles were posted on previous posts on this blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Die uitgewers van die <b><i>WEGRY</i></b> tydskrif het my toestemming gegee om die artikels oor ons besoeke aan die grensposte op die Blog te publiseer.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwWCmviu_wvRU2I2c3p4cEhuUXc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Kliek hier</a> om die vierde van vier artikels te lees wat in die Julie 2014 uitgawe verskyn het.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vorige artikels is gepos onder vorige inskrywings op die blog.</span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-38489503311122025952014-07-16T15:47:00.000+02:002014-07-16T15:52:19.687+02:00June 2014 magazine articles<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The publishers of the <b><i>Drive Out</i></b> magazine gave me permission to publish the articles about our visits to the border posts on this Blog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwWCmviu_wvRYnVSVHVPVnBpR00/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the 3rd article of a 4 part series from the June 2014 edition.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier articles were posted on previous posts on this blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Die uitgewers van die <b><i>WEGRY</i></b> tydskrif het my toestemming gegee om die artikels oor ons besoeke aan die grensposte op die Blog te publiseer.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwWCmviu_wvRQUg2Q19EZDB2T2M/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Kliek hier</a> om die derde van vier artikels te lees wat in die Junie 2014 uitgawe verskyn het.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vorige artikels is gepos onder vorige inskrywings op die blog.</span></div>
Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-19951069384583521732014-07-16T15:46:00.000+02:002014-08-02T23:46:07.223+02:00May 2014 magazine article<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The publishers of the <b><i>Drive Out</i></b> magazine gave me permission to publish the articles about our visits to the border posts on this Blog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwWCmviu_wvRbE1NUnVyQkxBYk0/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the 2nd article of a 4 part series from the May 2014 edition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier articles were posted on previous posts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Die uitgewers van die <b><i>WEGRY</i></b> tydskrif het my toestemming gegee om die artikels oor ons besoeke aan die grensposte op die Blog te publiseer.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwWCmviu_wvRMlMyWjB6RzJpZ28/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Kliek hier </a>om die tweede van vier artikels te lees wat in die Mei 2014 uitgawe verskyn het.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vorige artikels is gepos onder vorige inskrywings op die blog.</span><br />
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Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-23880998542928432552014-07-16T15:40:00.003+02:002014-07-16T15:51:28.696+02:00Magazine articles now available on the Blog<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The publishers of the <b><i>Drive Out</i></b> magazine gave me permission to publish the articles about our visits to the border posts on this Blog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwWCmviu_wvRaUV3cWliMWNnbDQ/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to read the 1st article of a 4 part series from the April 2014 edition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Die uitgewers van die <b><i>WEGRY</i></b> tydskrif het my toestemming gegee om die artikels oor ons besoeke aan die grensposte op die Blog te publiseer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwWCmviu_wvRa3FwWkFldzNES1U/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Kliek hier</a> om die eerste van vier artikels te lees wat in die April 2014 uitgawe verskyn het.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-9840923983880993222014-07-02T15:26:00.000+02:002014-07-16T10:06:32.232+02:00Fourth and Final article now in print<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final article of the 4 part series is now available in the July edition of DRIVEOUT. This article covers our visits to the 14 border posts into Lesotho.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8RKGcxXH3EU/U7QHki1jrpI/AAAAAAAABTE/Z37wvaeTM2I/s1600/Driveout+voorblad++foto+Jul+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8RKGcxXH3EU/U7QHki1jrpI/AAAAAAAABTE/Z37wvaeTM2I/s1600/Driveout+voorblad++foto+Jul+2014.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Die laaste artikel in die reeks van 4 is nou beskikbaar in die Julie uitgawe van WEGRY. Die artikel gaan oor ons besoeke aan die 14 grensposte na Lesotho.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3yj2eP97Mqw/U7QIEnAl6kI/AAAAAAAABTM/6nvrDEzgzJQ/s1600/WegRY+voorblad++foto+Jul+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3yj2eP97Mqw/U7QIEnAl6kI/AAAAAAAABTM/6nvrDEzgzJQ/s1600/WegRY+voorblad++foto+Jul+2014.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-35797579788615690992014-06-01T20:33:00.000+02:002014-07-16T10:06:55.523+02:00June 2014 editions now available<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The June edition of DRIVEOUT with the 3rd of our 4 part series is now available in book stores country wide. The article is about our visit to the border posts entering Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPvsLtT0PCc/U4twk7m-aNI/AAAAAAAABR8/S42uD1XOodY/s1600/Driveout+voorblad++foto+Jun+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPvsLtT0PCc/U4twk7m-aNI/AAAAAAAABR8/S42uD1XOodY/s1600/Driveout+voorblad++foto+Jun+2014.jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Die Junie uitgawe van WEGRY met die 3e artikel van ons 4 dele reeks is nou beskikbaar in boekwinkels landwyd. In die artikel gaan dit oor ons besoek aan die grensposte na Zimbabwe, Mosambiek en Swaziland.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_hUHXNwYJk/U4txuDfBDtI/AAAAAAAABSE/WXRAVWBNAuA/s1600/WegRY+voorblad++foto+Jun+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_hUHXNwYJk/U4txuDfBDtI/AAAAAAAABSE/WXRAVWBNAuA/s1600/WegRY+voorblad++foto+Jun+2014.jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-5592475846930041532014-04-17T12:25:00.000+02:002014-07-16T10:07:12.608+02:00Next article in four part series now in print<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second article in a four-part series appears in the May edition of Driveout. This article is about our visit to the 17 border posts with Botswana.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ly699DTARTA/U0-rkbHsg3I/AAAAAAAABQY/semzoL6HrEs/s1600/Driveout+voorblad+foto+Mei+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ly699DTARTA/U0-rkbHsg3I/AAAAAAAABQY/semzoL6HrEs/s1600/Driveout+voorblad+foto+Mei+2014.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tweede artikel in reeks van vier verskyn in Mei uitgawe van
WegRY (Afrikaans) en DriveOut (Engels). In die artikel gaan dit oor ons besoek
aan al 17 grensposte na Botswana.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5A1dq4KRZM/U0-rw58US6I/AAAAAAAABQg/DNIaTyftBp8/s1600/WegRY+voorblad++foto+Mei+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5A1dq4KRZM/U0-rw58US6I/AAAAAAAABQg/DNIaTyftBp8/s1600/WegRY+voorblad++foto+Mei+2014.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
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Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-84492796621414457192014-03-18T18:57:00.000+02:002014-07-16T10:07:31.130+02:00Articles on SA Ports of Entry now published<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The magazine articles about our tour to all the ports of entry to South Africa are now in print !</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first article of a 4 part series is now available:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>WegRY the April 2014 issue (#59) - Afrikaans</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C40WHfEMJK8/UywJ_ekU1WI/AAAAAAAABPY/cLLRp9bGzvs/s1600/WegRY+%2359+voorblad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C40WHfEMJK8/UywJ_ekU1WI/AAAAAAAABPY/cLLRp9bGzvs/s1600/WegRY+%2359+voorblad.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Drive Out, the April 2014 issue (#75) - English</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks again to all the sponsors and to everyone who showed an interest and followed us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy reading.</span></div>
Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-45662599717967562422013-11-21T15:58:00.000+02:002013-11-21T15:58:35.501+02:00Mission completed - what now ?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our tour to visit all the South African ports of entry started on 1 October and was completed 50 days later on 19 November 2013. We visited 73 ports of entry and documented all the relevant information about these ports. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the ports were just beacons along an amazing journey through our beautiful country. We travelled on all kinds of roads, mostly gravel roads, experienced breath taking scenery, met extraordinary people, and stayed at wonderful places.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">All of this will now be processed and presented to our main sponsor, the WegRY / Driveout travel magazine. They will decide how and when it is used, most probably not earlier than the March 2014 editions of the magazines.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In the meantime I will complete, correct, and extend this blog as best I can. I appeal to you to present me with any information related to the topics I have covered. If you have specific information such as:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Origin of the name of a border post</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Historic reasons why border post was established at the specific site</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Date of first use as a border post</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Corrections to information I have mentioned about a border post</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Any special experience encountered at a border post</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Please forward this to me by commenting on this post. All comments are directly emailed to me and I will be in touch with you. I will acknowledge all valuable contributions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks for following our tour on this blog. The response was surprising and made the tour so much more rewarding. I hope to have a similar privilege again soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Johan Rothmann</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="mailto:johanrothmann@gmail.com">johanrothmann@gmail.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-24793438411612946322013-11-21T15:57:00.000+02:002013-11-21T15:57:50.356+02:00Mosselbaai - lekker plek om af te sluit<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mosselbaai is in November 2013 aangewys as die "groenste" munisipaliteit in die Wes-Kaap. Die dorp spog ook met die "beste" gemiddelde weer dwarsdeur die jaar. Tel daarby die pragtige baai wat al in 1488 deur Bartholomeu Diaz raak gesien en gebruik is, en jy wonder hoekom bly almal nie hier nie.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Die hawe bedien sedert die vroegste dae van die Hollandse settelaars die Suid-Kaap en Klein-Karoo. Meer as 800 ton volstruis vere is jaarliks deur die hawe uitgevoer tydens die bloei tydperk van die volstruis bedryf. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tydens ons besoek was daar 'n Duitse plesier boot in die hawe. Die toeriste word toegelaat om die boot te verlaat en met behulp van spesiale identiteitskaarte toegang na die dorp te kry. Geen immigrasie beheer word in so geval toegepas nie. Immigrasie amptenare van George word wel ingeroep wanneer onwettige immigrante deur die polisie in hegtenis geneem word, voordat hulle in die hof moet verskyn, of wanneer skeeps bemanning vir langer tye aan wal gaan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hawe sekuriteit is streng en ons kon net op 'n afstand na die aktiwiteite kyk. Dit was egter 'n paslike afsluiting van die 73 grensposte wat ons tydens die toer besoek het.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Streng sekuriteit by die hawe se ingang</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duitse plesierboot in Mosselbaai hawe</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="goog_2000809209"></span><span id="goog_2000809210"></span><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-83526970099207482362013-11-20T12:58:00.000+02:002013-11-20T12:58:55.501+02:00Port Elizabeth - not a friendly experience<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the nice visit to the harbour and airport of East London, we continued our journey along the coast towards Port Elizabeth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along the way we stayed over at Green Fountain Farm Resort, just before Port Alfred. Amazing place, owned and managed by amazing people, Rob and Frieda Greyling. Look at www.greenfountainfarm.co.za for more information.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First port of entry on our agenda for the day, was Port Ngqura, 20 km north of Port Elizabeth. The harbour is situated at the mouth of the Coega river. It is part of the plans of the Coega Development Corporation and is South Africa's newest harbour. This first commerial cargo ship moored here in October 2009. The harbour was officially opened on 16 March 2012.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But that is about as far as we got here. Despite numerous attempts at various offices and gates, we could not get more information or pictures, and did not gain entry into the harbour area. We were invited to submit a written request to visit the port, which will then be proccessed within 48 hours - not suitable for our tour ...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road entrance to Port Ngqura</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Permits required to gain entrance here</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coega Development Corporation - burocratic red tape galore! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At Port Elizabeth Harbour, South Africa's third biggest after Durban and Cape Town, we had a similar experience with no better luck. Transnet's access control was strictly enforced and we could not see much nor gained entry or access to information. We were told that when luxury cruise liners visit the harbour, the general public is allowed access with little control over cameras. Despite this, I could not convince them to allow us similar access.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port Elizabeth harbour - no entry here</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The word 'Welcome' has different meanings for different people</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Port Elizabeth International Airport, previously known as the HF Verwoerd Airport, gave us a more welcome feeling. The staff at the information desk were eager to provide us with all the information we needed or to introduce us to the right people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are no sheduled international flights to/from Port Elizabeth. When international passengers do arrive on chartered or private flights, the immigration staff (based in town) will be called out to process their airports. Most of the domestic airlines offer scheduled flights to and from all the major centres of South Africa.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-86082371326867309172013-11-20T11:13:00.000+02:002013-11-20T11:17:54.649+02:00East London - the friendly little city<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After reaching the top of Sani Pass, the last of our border posts by road, we headed south along the coast to complete the tour with the last harbours and airports. First stop was East London. We experiened it as a clean, friendly city, not too big and not too small either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The unique harbour 'in' the mouth of the Buffalo river, South Africa's only river harbour, has international status. This is mainly due to the international cargo ships serving the motor industry, specifically Mercedes Benz, whose manufacturing plant keeps this city alive. Ships with a capacity of 5,000 cars can often be seen leaving the harbour. Its not only motor cars though, as the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">port also boasts the biggest export grain elevator of all SA ports. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Immigration officials from the Dept of Home Affairs are based in town. They are called out when crew from international ships want to disembark, or when the occasional cruise ships visit the harbour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are plans to establish a waterfront boardwalk with restaurants and other entertainment on the eastern side of the harbour. This can only make East Londen more attractive.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern side of East London harbour</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the western side of East London harbour - for the motor industry</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfront development planned for this section of East London harbour</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">East London airport, only 10 minutes drive from the harbour, was previously known as the Ben Schoeman Airport. After the democratic elections in 1994, it was renamed to East London International Airport.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The airport is neat and tidy and quite busy on the Sunday morning that we were there. There are daily domestic scheduled flights by SA Airlink, SA Express and Kulula to all the major centres of South Africa. No scheduled international flights, and according to the airport manager on duty, and much to our surprise, it has no immigration processes to deal with international passengers. I will certainly verify this as it is listed by the Dept of Home Affairs as an international airport. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The signage does not display 'International' status</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East London is also known as Buffalo City</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-2301673384125447642013-11-19T12:36:00.000+02:002013-11-19T12:36:33.222+02:00Sani Pass - we finish on a high<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sani Pass border post to Lesotho is the last border post by road on our tour. So much has been written about this major tourist attraction in southern KwaZulu-Natal, that I can only conclude with the current state as we found it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The SA side of the border post is 33 km from the scenic town of Himeville. The first 21 km is on a newly built tarred road in perfect condition, followed by 12 km gravel road that gives you just a feeling of the pass which is about to follow. Once you have stamped your passport at the SA border post, the last 9 km of the actual Sani pass starts towards the top where the Lesotho border post is situated. There were rumours that this part of the pass will also be tarred, but for now it is not. Up to 40 4x4 vehicles from tourist operators ascent and decent the pass daily. The gravel road is well maintained and most 4x4 vehicles will have no problems to reach the top. There are steep sections and sharp bends, but the unsurpassed scenery will remain in your mind for a long time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you reach the top at an altitude of 2880 meters, you have to visit the Lesotho border post to get your passport stamped and pay a R30 toll fee. You are then free to visit the highest pub in Africa (200 meters away) and celebrate the experience before attempting the decent.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new tar road leading to Sani Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gravel road before the SA border post</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0KX0u7Svos/Uos968Qa3MI/AAAAAAAABJI/iA3zbZv_zL4/s1600/DSC_5939+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0KX0u7Svos/Uos968Qa3MI/AAAAAAAABJI/iA3zbZv_zL4/s320/DSC_5939+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The SA border post before the start of the real Sani Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08svsmnX2W0/Uos-M968D3I/AAAAAAAABJQ/-9wAzcWU73s/s1600/DSC_5943+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08svsmnX2W0/Uos-M968D3I/AAAAAAAABJQ/-9wAzcWU73s/s320/DSC_5943+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lesotho border post at the top of the Sani Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JzGnnNzjQao/Uos-hiVgt7I/AAAAAAAABJY/iPb1GMx4zEc/s1600/DSC_5950+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JzGnnNzjQao/Uos-hiVgt7I/AAAAAAAABJY/iPb1GMx4zEc/s320/DSC_5950+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top on a cloudy day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-qIISo4xu0/Uos-z6R9c7I/AAAAAAAABJg/j0JXGEURD2E/s1600/DSC_5957+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-qIISo4xu0/Uos-z6R9c7I/AAAAAAAABJg/j0JXGEURD2E/s320/DSC_5957+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A scenic decent</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-79299481273511333112013-11-19T12:10:00.000+02:002013-11-19T12:10:48.316+02:00Bushman's Nek - pedestrians crossing here<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bushman's Nek border post to Lesotho is situated on the border of the World Heritage site of the Southern Drakensberg, 40 km from Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal. The 23 km gravel road leading to the border post is in good condition but can be slippery when wet (as when we visited).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once again (third border post now) there is no border post on the Lesotho side. It is manned by border control police only - no immigration officials. But this border post has another unique feature: there is no road on the other side into Lesotho. You can only cross the border here on foot, or on the back of a donkey or horse. It will take approximately 8 hours to cross the Drakensberg into Lesotho.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The border post was started as an entry into South Africa for Lesotho people to come and sell their sheep wool or trade it for maize. It is still the case today, although much less so. It is a beautiful border post in a beautiful area, but very quiet during the 8:00 to 16:00 operational hours.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bushman's Nek - World heritage site</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kekfeG2Sovc/Uos4DXf4ipI/AAAAAAAABIU/mRpDZ49Ldd8/s1600/DSC_5913+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kekfeG2Sovc/Uos4DXf4ipI/AAAAAAAABIU/mRpDZ49Ldd8/s320/DSC_5913+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bushman's Nek border post</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_spSrXh58M/Uos4TgyWXdI/AAAAAAAABIc/dkm5XIpZ7FQ/s1600/DSC_5915+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_spSrXh58M/Uos4TgyWXdI/AAAAAAAABIc/dkm5XIpZ7FQ/s320/DSC_5915+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road to Lesotho - no road further ...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWtGq194-eE/Uos4qLIBPQI/AAAAAAAABIk/EO8uqx4MyAg/s1600/DSC_5917+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWtGq194-eE/Uos4qLIBPQI/AAAAAAAABIk/EO8uqx4MyAg/s320/DSC_5917+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look carefully for the donkey waiting to enter South Africa</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-81864543848723128632013-11-16T21:16:00.001+02:002013-11-16T21:16:52.360+02:00Matatiele - scenic drives to 3 border posts<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matatiele is a vibrant town in the Eastern Cape on the R56 road between Kokstad and Maclear. The R56 is described as a shorter and safer alternative to the N2 between KZN and the Cape. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are 3 border posts from South Africa to Lesotho within 70 km from Matatiele. It is often used as a scenic route for tourists to visit all 3 in a circular route from Matatiele through Lesotho. No one better than the local tourist guide, Philip Rawlins, who will gladly assist with route planning, road conditions, tourist attractions, and even excursions in his Cruiser 4x4. Philip is also the owner of Resthaven Guesthouse in Matatiele which I can recommend for good accommodation and real good food.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ongeluksnek Border post is 65 km north-east of Matatiele, inside the Eastern Cape Park, Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve. The 55 km gravel road leading to the border post is rough and it will take you more than an hour to reach the border post. There are only police staff present, no immigration officials. This is the second border post to Lesotho that we encountered where there is no border post on the opposite side. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As can be expected, it is a quiet border post used mainly by 4x4 enthusiasts, tour guides, and a few locals crossing the border by foot. There are often days, or even weeks, that no one crosses the border here during the 7:00 to19:00 operational hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a nice 4x4 road crossing the southern Drakensberg into Lesotho. One of the first scenic attractions in Lesotho is Lake Letsie, 7 km from the SA border post.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the nature reserve before the Ongeluk's Nek border post</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AI0gmMiCcP8/Uoe9oS7BYuI/AAAAAAAABGw/cthwMLQ0fF8/s1600/DSC_5870+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AI0gmMiCcP8/Uoe9oS7BYuI/AAAAAAAABGw/cthwMLQ0fF8/s320/DSC_5870+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ongeluk's Nek border post</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBoati3IUSs/Uoe9-YYB6JI/AAAAAAAABG4/XSMpd0A1cAc/s1600/DSC_5874+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBoati3IUSs/Uoe9-YYB6JI/AAAAAAAABG4/XSMpd0A1cAc/s320/DSC_5874+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exit the SA side, but no border post on the other side</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztLLqnV0d5I/Uoe-SLZkQCI/AAAAAAAABHA/ifRhnc-8rxo/s1600/DSC_5875+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztLLqnV0d5I/Uoe-SLZkQCI/AAAAAAAABHA/ifRhnc-8rxo/s320/DSC_5875+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenic route over the southern Drakensberg to Letsie Lake</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Qacha's Nek is a commercial border post, 35 km from Matatiele. Unfortunately, despite its busy status (open from 7:00 to 20:00) and used mostly by tourists and tour operators, it is also on the end of a bad gravel road that will take an hour to complete from Matatiele. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We crossed the border here on a rainy morning to travel the very scenic route in Lesotho to Ramatseliso, the next border post. The first 10 km is a perfect tarred road through the Qacha's Nek village. The A4 gravel road to Ramatseliso is a good gravel road across many mountains, rivers, and valleys.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7YFw85RWUA/Uoe-wrpnjNI/AAAAAAAABHI/L9j97RGTMvA/s1600/DSC_5885+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7YFw85RWUA/Uoe-wrpnjNI/AAAAAAAABHI/L9j97RGTMvA/s320/DSC_5885+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way to Qacha's Nek from Matatiele</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtF_d2-ohYI/Uoe_GSXhyeI/AAAAAAAABHQ/rRQYwFdMIUc/s1600/DSC_5891+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtF_d2-ohYI/Uoe_GSXhyeI/AAAAAAAABHQ/rRQYwFdMIUc/s320/DSC_5891+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full-blown commercial border post at Qacha's Nek</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5ZqOpn8czo/Uoe_ekRTLYI/AAAAAAAABHY/jxo8LQlO0tc/s1600/DSC_5892+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5ZqOpn8czo/Uoe_ekRTLYI/AAAAAAAABHY/jxo8LQlO0tc/s320/DSC_5892+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We paid R30 toll fee on the Lesotho side</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L5QQayowUu8/UofB9Ixlr7I/AAAAAAAABHk/aWJOOL-IHYU/s1600/DSC_5899+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L5QQayowUu8/UofB9Ixlr7I/AAAAAAAABHk/aWJOOL-IHYU/s320/DSC_5899+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenic road in Lesotho from Qacha's Nek to Ramatseliso</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ramatseliso' Gate border post is only 45 km from Matatiele. At an altitude of 2285 meters, it is the highest border post in South Africa. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only border police staff are present and they do the immigration duties. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last 6 km of the 'road' on the SA side is in a terrible condition and only recommended for 4x4 vehicles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only the brave (probably with quad bikes or serious 4x4 vehicles) will attempt the border post from the SA side. Most tour operators come from the Lesotho side. That is also what we did, and although a bit nerve testing at places and the pouring rain, we slowly went down the pass without incident. The weather did not allow us to take many pictures. Congratiolations to Esti from Capitec who followed us in a SUV 2x4 vehicle with which she had no similar experience - well done!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrau-UD--aA/UofCYa8nG-I/AAAAAAAABHs/MSzcF-5IfNM/s1600/DSC_5904++-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrau-UD--aA/UofCYa8nG-I/AAAAAAAABHs/MSzcF-5IfNM/s320/DSC_5904++-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramatseliso's Gate border post on Lesotho's side</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPgJ9zPW2c8/UofC_mymIrI/AAAAAAAABH0/oXrd0kT7M0M/s1600/DSC_5906+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPgJ9zPW2c8/UofC_mymIrI/AAAAAAAABH0/oXrd0kT7M0M/s320/DSC_5906+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High altitude mist and rain</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUqH5C26J1M/UofDRjO8S3I/AAAAAAAABH8/ocRrzurZqdM/s1600/DSC_5911+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUqH5C26J1M/UofDRjO8S3I/AAAAAAAABH8/ocRrzurZqdM/s320/DSC_5911+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can read an article by Toast Coetser in the November 2013 issue of WEG / GO magazine about all the mountain scenery around Matatiele.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-9856809672994877582013-11-14T21:44:00.000+02:002013-11-14T21:44:13.868+02:00Wildside Riverside Camp<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After leaving Tele Bridge border post, we took the Lundeans Nek mountain pass towards Rhodes.This is the Eastern Cape Highlands and there are a number of mountain passes that will take your breath away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We heard about Wildside, a riverside camp between Barkly-East and Rhodes and wanted to spend a day, and maybe two, there. I read the (good) directions from the website the previous evening, but we got lost because of my bad memory. We arrived at the camp site just before sunset. What a beautiful setting!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wildside is a remote, quiet, tranquil campsite, next to the Kraai river which is one of the sources of the Gariep river. There are 6 spacious camp sites on the river bank, uniquely bordered with stacked wood, plus two luxury safari tents with ensuite facilities. There is no shortage of firewood and guests are encouraged to pick up wood from the surrounding forest floor!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wildside is one of the ventures of Phil Harrison and Kate Nelson. Phil, a FGASA Level 3 field guide, lives at Wildside. He can organise and guide various adventures such as mountain biking, river rafting, trout fishing, hiking, customised to your requirements.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The residents dogs, Shadow and Gypsy, will steal your heart. They live in paradise and you can see the joy in their endless energy and playfulness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We stayed for two nights and wished we had more time. We left rejuvenated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.wildmountainadventures.co.za</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spacious campsites with firewood galore</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safari tent with ensuite facilities</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Central space between safari tents and camp sites</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cFz_I5b5diU/UoUm-dU3yqI/AAAAAAAABGM/VEVuyy419jo/s1600/DSC_5846+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cFz_I5b5diU/UoUm-dU3yqI/AAAAAAAABGM/VEVuyy419jo/s320/DSC_5846+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenic Kraai river</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-30942394438058047552013-11-14T20:14:00.001+02:002013-11-14T20:14:24.807+02:00Tele Bridge - well done Lesotho!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is not often that one of South Africa's bordering countries can boast with a more modern border post than that on the SA side. Tele Bridge border post to Lesotho is an exception.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We approached Tele Bridge from the Lesotho side after having crossed at Sepapu's Gate earlier in the day. It was a good drive on the A2 tarred road up to the last 10 km on a good gravel road. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were surprised to see the very modern buildings that were opened in 2011. All the entities comprising a commercial border post are present: income tax, customs, police, even a health department.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is an impressive bridge over the Tele river that leads you to the South African border post. Surprisingly, it is not a commercial border post despite the status on the Lesotho side. The buildings are relatively new and in good shape, but this time the prize for the best border post goes to Lesotho!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The daily average of only 300 people that use this border, the relatively long operational hours of 6:00 to 22:00, and the big and modern facilities on the Lesotho side is hard to understand. Is this tax payer's from SA and Lesotho money well spent?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most modern border post building we saw in Lesotho </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge over the Tele river</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-3947673111429454292013-11-14T16:44:00.004+02:002013-11-14T16:44:48.866+02:00Makhaleng Bridge - bad roads lead to declining numbers<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makhaleng Bridge border post is 40 km from Zastron in the south-eastern Freestate. The border post can only be reached by gravel roads from the SA side. Unfortunately these gravel roads are in a terrible condition and most travellers will avoid them at all costs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We approached the border post from the Lesotho side via the A2 tar road in a good condition. The last town before reaching the border post is the neat and relatively modern Mohales Hoek, about 10 km away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We asked the Lesotho officials if we can cross the bridge over the Makhaleng river, to the SA side. They had no problem, so we crossed the bridge as many pedestrians do at this border post. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is mainly locals from either side that are still using this border post. The bad roads on the SA side had a definite impact on the number of people crossing the border here. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pedestrians crossing the bridge over the Makhaleng river, into South Afica</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the SA side of the border post</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw this sign alot in Lesotho, but never had to pay any toll fees</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-68111675268006822372013-11-14T16:28:00.000+02:002013-11-14T16:28:30.270+02:00Sepapu's Gate - meant for tourists<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Sepapu's Gate border post to Lesotho is 30 km south from Wepener on a good gravel road. It is a quiet border post used mainly by tourists from the SA side - average of 20 people or 5 vehicles per day. The nearby Mahehaleng Lodge in Lesotho attracts many of these tourists.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The buildings and gardens on the SA side are in excellent condition and the staff must be complimented. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The distance and road conditions to the next border post (Makhaleng) are better on the Lesotho side, so we crossed the border into Lesotho. The Lesotho border post is just outside the gate of the SA building. It is a small, pre-fabricated building, but we experienced no difficulty crossing here. In fact, we did not complete any forms and I did not notice any electronic processing of our passports. It was just manually stamped.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first 5 km in Lesotho is a good gravel road before we reached the tarred A2 road to Makhaleng border post, 45 km further.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the clean and tidy border post at Sepapu's Gate</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exit into Lesotho</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rm4MBCxkCfY/UoTc8UdLkWI/AAAAAAAABD4/9HmUa8RscR8/s1600/DSC_5790+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rm4MBCxkCfY/UoTc8UdLkWI/AAAAAAAABD4/9HmUa8RscR8/s320/DSC_5790+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modest buildings of the Lesotho border post</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxfLVDG09qQ/UoTdYRqAHxI/AAAAAAAABEA/zqvTOqHXybk/s1600/DSC_5792+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxfLVDG09qQ/UoTdYRqAHxI/AAAAAAAABEA/zqvTOqHXybk/s320/DSC_5792+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't use the post office !</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-18329396190917783122013-11-14T16:16:00.000+02:002013-11-14T16:16:14.621+02:00Van Rooyen's Gate - smaller commerial entry to Lesotho<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just 8 km outside the eastern Freestate town of Wepener is the Van Rooyen's Gate border post to Lesotho. It is supposedly a tar road but sections have disintegrated into a gravel road. Along the way one passes the town's refuse dump - not a nice sight for visitors into our country.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is one of the smaller commercial border posts to Lesotho. SARS and Customs are present but no department of Agriculture. Many businesses with smaller commercial cargo use this border post rather than the busy Maseru Bridge. Hours and sometimes days can be saved with the quicker crossing during the operational hours of 6:00 to 22:00.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We met the local manager of the Border Control Operational Coordinating Committee (BCOCC) who gave us valuable information regarding routes, roads and conditions on the Lesotho side.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just outside Wepener on the way to Van Rooyen's Gate border post</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrsmDzb2MEE/UoTaUpR9E7I/AAAAAAAABDM/4u2IR7b901E/s1600/DSC_5774+-+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrsmDzb2MEE/UoTaUpR9E7I/AAAAAAAABDM/4u2IR7b901E/s320/DSC_5774+-+75.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Van Rooyen's Gate border post</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lesotho side of the border post</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-2144963715402180532013-11-14T15:59:00.001+02:002013-11-14T15:59:46.297+02:00Wepener - accommodation options <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you travel in the eastern Freestate and end up at Wepener, 10 km from the Lesotho border, there are not many accommodation options to select from. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wepener is one of those historic country towns which is sadly deteriorating from its previous glory. The roads are full of potholes, the town appears dirty, many buildings are empty or neglected, Chinese shops are in every street.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is then when a place like LORD FRASER GUEST HOUSE is a welcome surprise. This used to be the summer residence of the well-known, blind Lord Fraser who 'commuted' between SA and the UK on a 6-month basis during the 1930's. He was the founder and chairman of the once powerful retail business, Frasers in Lesotho, which closed down in 1988.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The property was taken over by Willem and Wilna Swanepoel in 1993 who turned it into a guest house. They have kept the old style furniture and ornaments.The atmosphere of aristocracy and good living, old leather, cognac, are still in the air. The well kept gardens add to this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today the guest house is managed by Malinda Lombard, daughter of the Swanepoels. With friendly and capable staff, they offer several rooms on a self-catering or fully catered basis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.lordfraser.co.za or phone Malinda at 082 44 50346</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parking outside Lord Fraser Guest House</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restored residence of Lord Fraser</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful gardens of Lord Fraser Guest House</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bar of Lord Fraser Guest House </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-82185893904732198002013-11-14T15:48:00.000+02:002013-11-14T15:48:08.223+02:00Bram Fischer International Airport - Bloemfontein's port of entry<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although the airport in Bloemfontein is called the Bram Fischer International Airport, there are no scheduled international flights to the airport. Private and chartered international flights may land at the airport. The immigration officials who are based in town 10 km away, will then travel to the airport to process the passports of international passengers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The domestic airlines Mango and SA Express have several scheduled flights to Bloemfontein on a daily basis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The airport buildings are new and modern after recent upgrades to the value of R46m for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. On 13 December 2012 the airport was officially named Bram Fischer International Airport.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465838281399572468.post-85417947238498193312013-11-14T15:38:00.001+02:002013-11-14T15:38:47.854+02:00Maseru Bridge - leading to Kingdom's Capital<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maseru Bridge border post to Lesotho is 140 km east of Bloemfontein on the very good, newly upgraded N8 road. The closest town in SA is Ladybrand,15 km away, and in Lesotho it is Maseru, the capital, 1 km away from the border post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the busiest commercial border post between South Africa and Lesotho. It is operational for 24 hours every day with the peak times between 6 and 8 in the morning, and 4 and 6 in the afternoon. That is when many migrant workers from South Africa cross into Lesotho, and when children from Lesotho enter South Africa to attend school in Ladybrand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trucks are queing the dirty roads, strewn with rubbish and street hawkers, towards the border post's entrance. But somehow there is order in the process and although slow, there is visible progress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We entered the parking area to speak to some of the officials and had to make a u-turn in the one-way traffic to get out again. No one bothered and after about 15 minutes we completed the stressful manouvre successful.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trucks queuing at the entrance to Maseru Bridge border post</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signs of a busy ccommercial border post</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maseru bridge over the Caledon river</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Johan Rothmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17651794166149401794noreply@blogger.com