Torn between Tholo and a couple operations in Namibia.

What is the drive between Windhoek and Maun like? MapQuest claims it is 10 hours. I bet it is an interesting 10 hours.

Most are off the road in Africa at night, so I am guessing they stop in the middle in a roadhouse.

I have not done it, but would suspect that crossing the border with a gun would be a challenge.

In 2010 due to a glitch with my airline, I had to be driven to the Botswana border where I was met by someone from Tholo. I crossed the border with my firearm with a lot of haggling with the female border guard. The problem was the Windhoek airport police had signed my firearm permit and she said that was her job!!! After this misadventure, I had a great hunt with Tholo. Good traveling and hunting!
John

Lucky1,

Sounds like a hell of an adventure.

Tar road all the way, decent border post that can be busy. They will be used to guns as lots of South Africans travel with the Trans-Kalahari highway to go hunting in Nam.
Bit far for my taste for a day, a decent stop for the night would be in Ghanzi. Thakadu Lodge has a nice restaurant and pool and is a bit south of Ghanzi.

Ghanzi is not that far from Maun. I think about 3 or 4 hours. Been a few years since I did that trip. Anyway it's not a halfway point.

Both countries are much safer than RSA where you have to worry about armed hijackers at night. You do have to worry about hitting a kudu at night though, those can kill you just as easily. So if you do it in one day get going at dawn.

You may have a problem with the rental car company. They don't like you crossing borders.

I think there is a direct flight but not daily, so that would be the smarter way to do it. I have done it by charter flight which is also OK but you need at least 2 people to amortize the cost.

Did it with John Wombach a few years ago. Not a bad drive, plenty of goats and cows in the road to keep you awake.

Didn't go to Maun but close to Ghanzi. Be careful at night, there's goats, cattle, donkeys all along the road, and in the road. I don't know how many we almost hit. didn't cross with a gun so can't help you with that.

I travel from RSA through Botswana to Namibia for my annual Kudu, Oryx and Springbuck hunt, and transport rifles and meat - 13 years later all goes smooth - border officials are helpfull and friendly

Maun to Windhoek via Ghanzi is tar all the way.

To import and export a firearm into Botswana you need a permit - your outfitter should be able to organise that

To import a rifle into Namibia you need to present an "Invitation to Hunt" from a Namibian outfitter. - no problem you get your temporary import permit at the border.

You will need to reimport your firearm back into Botswana - if you are returning via Botswana - or return home from Windhoek then no problem.....depending on what you decide


Namibia and Botswana are both very special countries - enjoy the hunting