Located in
Botswana :: Kgalagadi
:: Bokspits
Category:
Places :: Town Small
In 1918 a small group of Nama arrived at the junction of the dry Nossob and Molopo riverbeds and dug a well (a 'put' in Afrikaans) to supply their small community with water. It was only in 1919 that the well was finally deep enough to fill with water, and the community immediately named it 'Bock-se-put', (Bock’s well), after one of their leaders, Piet Bock. Over time the name was shorted to Bokspits.
In 1938, the groups of Nama people living north of Twee Rivieren were removed from the newly-proclaimed Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. They were resettled at Bokspits; today, this is the southernmost town in Botswana and has a population of just over 700 people.
Traveller DescriptionSome Bokspits residents are employed at the nearby Bokspits Border Post, while others work at the primary school, clinic, police station, and post office. This small town has a few shops where one can stock up on supplies when entering Botswana from South Africa.
Remember that you are not allowed to take any fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, or dairy from South Africa across the border.
Address : | Bokspits, Kgalagadi, Botswana | ||
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Cellphone Reception : | Good | Main Cellular Network : | Be mobile, mascom & Orange |
Facilities : | General Dealer |
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Petrol Type : | ULP95 |
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Diesel Type : | 50PPM |
Closest Main Route : | R360 |
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FUEL:
The small Engen fuel station accepts credit cards (providing the machine is working) and supplies both unleaded 95 petrol and 50ppm diesel.
Departing Botswana, the first SA fuel stop is at Molopo Safari Lodge (6km) or Askham (20km). The Loch Maree fuel stop only has 500ppm diesel and no petrol.
SUPPLIES:
The Bokspits General Dealer keeps basic supplies, frozen meat and some fresh vegetables when available. Travellers can pre-order their supplies from this dealer: Bokspits General Dealer: +27(0)76 733 2099, [email protected].
USEFUL NUMBERS:
Gemsbok/Bokspits Border Control (RSA side): +27(0)54 511 0043 (08:00 - 16:30).
The Trans-Molopo Highway is a very good tarred road running parallel to the Molopo riverbed, between the towns of Tsabong and Bokspits. It provides a good transit road for travellers returning from Mabuasehube towards the Northern Cape. Only travel this road during the day as there are lots of donkeys and cattle on the road.