After a virulent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in British Bechuanaland in 1933, the Union of South Africa erected a low fence along the bed of the Molopo River to prevent the disease spreading into South Africa. When Botswana gained independence in 1966, this fence became an official border, dividing into two, several villages which had developed on both sides of the river. Families in these communities such as Bray, Boshoek, Middlepits, and McCarthy’s Rest now required passports to visit each other.

The small, quiet Bray borderpost is quick and painless to use. From here there's a good gravel road (some sand in places) running 54 km to Werda, where it joins the tarred A20 highway.

ACCOMMODATION:
While most of the accommodation is on the South African side, Cornwall Safari Lodge, 30km from Bray border post, offers good camping, affordable rooms, cold drinks and delicious meals.

FUEL:
On the Botswana side and South African side, there is a fuel stop. They accept Visa and Master Card, provided the internet is working.
Fuel is considerably cheaper in Botswana than South Africa so it’s tempting to arrive with empty fuel tanks to refuel on the Botswana side. But should the fuel station in Bray be dry, the nearest fuel on the Botswana side is in Sekoma (185km), Phepeng (110km) or Tsabong (195km), or back in South Africa. So it’s advisable to confirm the availability of fuel with Kgalagadi Wholesalers before travelling to Bray with near empty fuel tanks.

ROAD INFO:
If you’re travelling to the Mabuasehube Entrance Gate of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, drive from Bray to Werda, and then turn north on the tarred A20. The first 20km or so has some potholes but from there it’s good tar. 49km North of Werda, a sandy 4WD track leads through a closed but unlocked gate (close it behind you), 120km to the fence, where you turn south 17km to Mabuasehube (total distance 240km). Alternatively, take the tarred road west of Werda to Tsabong (195km from Bray), where you can refuel and shop for supplies, before heading north for 73km on a gravel road,
where it changes into deep sand for the last 38km (total distance 310km).

SERVICES:
Facilities on Botswana side is limited but in South African side they have a police station +27(0)53 937 0006.
The Bray border post is open 08:00 - 16:00. The telephone: +267 653 0068.

SHOPS:
On the Botswana side, there is a bottle store and a general dealer which stocks dry goods, some fresh produce and frozen meat. General dealer accepts Visa and Master Card, provided the internet is working.
On the South African side, there are basic supplies, a police station and accommodation in the form of a guesthouse and lodge (with restaurant).

USEFUL NUMBERS:
• Kgalagadi Wholesalers Butchery: +267 65 11 611 or +27 76 197 5748 or +27 82 577 2276 or [email protected]
• Kgalagadi Wholesalers Butchery(branch in Tsabong): +267 654 0934 or manager Johan: +27 71 217 6899 or [email protected]

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