This busy border crossing lies on the main road between Johannesburg and Botswana (some 450km and 4½ hours from Johannesburg). On the South African side, the crossing is known as Groblersbrug; this refers to the bridge over the Limpopo River which one uses to enter Botswana here.

There is a Caltex fuel stop as you cross the river into Botswana; it's got a well-stocked convenience store (but no fresh produce) and there's a foreign exchange bureau next door. Camping and affordable self-catering accommodation are available on the banks of the Limpopo at Kwa-Nokeng Lodge, or in South Africa at Big Fig Inn, 2 km before the Groblersbrug Border Control.

BORDER INFO:
The border posts on both sides are open from 06:00 to 22:00. It’s a busy border post and long queues form in peak season, especially at the start of school holidays and long weekends. This is also the border post used by trucks travelling between South Africa, Botswana and Zambia - so a quick crossing here is virtually unheard of.

If you’re travelling towards the Tuli Block, the smaller border posts of Zanzibar, Pontdrift and Platjan will seem tranquil compared to Martin’s Drift. However, these border posts are prone to flooding after high rainfalls so travellers are advised to check if they’re passable before travelling there. If you don’t mind gravel roads and a 30km detour, the Stockpoort border post is a good alternative to Martin’s Drift - just bear in mind that these alternative border posts have different opening and closing times to Martin’s Drift.

BORDER FEES:
You can pay your border fees in various currencies, including Botswana Pula and South African Rand. So it’s not necessary to obtain Botswana Pula for the border crossing, but keep in mind that payment in South African rand will cost more than payment in Botswana Pula. The foreign exchange at Martin’s Drift operates on current exchange rates and it’s a good alternative to changing cash next to the road. Should you wish to pay by credit card, your transaction fee will carry an additional 5% fee to cover the related banking fees.

Border crossing fees for Botswana road permits (January 2018 - subject to change):
Single entry: P152 per vehicle and P90 per trailer.
Double entry: P202 per vehicle and P100 per trailer.
Double entry permits allow you to enter Botswana twice, for example if you travel from Kasane to Victoria Falls, and then back to Kasane.

FUEL:
Fuel is generally cheaper in Botswana than in South Africa so travellers usually fill up at the Caltex service station at Martin’s Drift. Jerrycans containing fuel may not be taken from Botswana into South Africa so empty these into your vehicle before proceeding to the border.

MONEY:
There is a forex at the KwaNokeng Lodge.

USEFUL NUMBERS:
Martin’s Drift Border Control: +267 494 0254.
Groblersbrug Border Control: +27(0)14 767 2929.
Kwa-Nokeng Caltex: +267 491 5930 or [email protected].
Martin’s Drift Border Control Police: +267 494 0263

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