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Post by danie on Apr 21, 2010 20:16:13 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie Looking forward to your visit - there is still a lot to discuss about the trip.
Just bring Freda with, and please let me know in advance about the day and time. My wife does not work normal working hours, and I just want to make sure that she will be at home to meet Freda as well.
Do you perhaps know if cell phone reception is available in all parts of Botswana and the Caprivi ? Will we be able to contact each other by cell phone while driving in convoy ?
Regards
Danie
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Post by danie on Apr 21, 2010 21:40:32 GMT 2
Hi All Before we make a final decision regarding date of the trip, could we just discuss: 1. Duration of trip : two / three weeks, 2. Will any period between 15 June and 15 July 2012 suit everyone ? Please consider your personal circumstances , and let us know. Regards Danie
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Post by ronnie on Apr 21, 2010 21:49:09 GMT 2
Hi Danie
Will arrange date and time with you shortly. Freda will be there as we do every thing together. Over the border there is cell phone in all towns and on a lot of the main roads though not always continuous. In the game reserves there is no signal. I use a 29 MHZ 2 way radio, but there is a cost implication of about R1700 for radio, antenna and license. I will bring details with me. The other problem to cell phone is you need to open international roaming, and the networks may ask for a R1000 deposit. I usually buy a Botswana starter pack for Emergencies and throw it away when I am finished. By the time we are finished arranging this trip I should be able to get a job as a typist ;D A short time ago I could not even switch a computer on!!!!
Regards
Ronnie
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Post by Ari Bezuidenhout on Apr 22, 2010 8:49:40 GMT 2
Hi
The dates should work for me but I'm not sure. I will get my B.Eng at the end of 2011 and start working in 2012 so we'll see.
2/3 weeks sounds good.
Ari
PS Ronnie, why do you say that your lada isn't properly kitted out for a trip like this? What extra kit do you still need so that the rest of us know what we will need.
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Post by Ari Bezuidenhout on Apr 22, 2010 8:53:30 GMT 2
Hi
By all of us going in lada's we can save by discussing before hand what each lada will carry as all our spares will be common and therefore everyone can take a different selection of parts and afterwards you will just reimburse the person who took the part that you needed if something breaks.
Ari
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Post by ronnie on Apr 22, 2010 15:20:03 GMT 2
Hi Ari
Ari working in 2012!!!!!! ;D.Dates and times all OK with me and Freda.Later tonight I will show you why I do not want to spend money on tents etc when I have already spent in excess of R140000 equipping a vehicle when I was working and had money.
Regards
Ronnie
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Post by danie on Apr 22, 2010 18:35:07 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie / Ari
Ronnie, I've also got two quite powerful "Marnet" radios - the types which many farming communities countrywide use for security reasons. I haven't used the radios for quite a number of years, and I will have to look for the paperwork to make sure about the frequency.
I thought it would be nice if we could communicate with each other while driving during the trip, but we will have to discuss license costs, etc. - R1700 sounds a bit steep to me. Do you know whether SA radio licenses will be valid in Botswana, as well as Namibia ?
Ari, I think it's a good idea to let everyone know about additional parts which will be carried in each Lada. I usually carry a few of the fast moving parts in stock, and will carry a few things during the trip as well. I think we should start a list of things which might needed soon.
Regards
Danie
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Post by ronnie on Apr 22, 2010 19:10:28 GMT 2
Hi All
Danie your question re radio license. They are not valid outside the country. At the same time I have not had a problem over the border. Of course at some point some bright spark of an official will cause you grief. I also had 4 long range 25watt radios which I decided to get rid of as I think they could cause serious problems if caught with them. CB radio 27MHZ and Marine 29MHZ are only 5 watt.I also have a pair of hand held VHF radios which i take, and these can be kept hidden. At the least the lead vehicle and tail end Charlie should be in contact.
Regards
Ronnie
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Post by danie on Apr 22, 2010 19:59:08 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie I found some old paperwork about my radios. It only indicates "With PVT Freq..........66/67 Band"
I am not a radio expert, and do not know what that means.
I also think it is important that at least the lead- and tail end vehicle should be in contact with each other during the trip.
Regards
Danie
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Post by danie on Apr 22, 2010 20:09:31 GMT 2
Oh, I remember now - With PVT Freq" probably means "With Private Freq" .
I used to have a channel for private use, as well as other channels to contact neighbours, as well as other people further away.
Regards
Danie
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Post by ronnie on Apr 23, 2010 8:39:36 GMT 2
Hi Danie I also don't know that frequency but in all probability it is for farm use. We could always ask our resident (emerging) farmer to advise . Regards Ronnie
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Post by marius on Apr 23, 2010 12:02:29 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie
"(Emerging) farmer" sounds a little bit over ambitious to me ;D
I'm completely green when it comes to these things - but we are currently considering Zartec 2 way radios. They have quite a long reach and you don't need any license. I think they should work perfectly when it comes to places like Botswana and Namibia.
One long range Marnets type radio system for emergencies would be a bonus.
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Post by ronnie on Apr 23, 2010 14:57:00 GMT 2
Hi Marius
I had a pair of the equivalent to Zartec and tried them in the bush with little success. gave them to the grand kids to play with. All these low power radios need near perfect conditions. If nothing else the zartec should keep in touch when in close convoy. I have found even the 29 MHZ radios in practice have quite short range. I have only used mine in the bush twice as we are always alone. I hope we manage to put this trip together as I am really looking forward to it. ;D
Regards
Ronnie
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Post by ronnie on Apr 23, 2010 15:09:53 GMT 2
Hi Marius
Just had a look at the 2 portable radios I have. they are Kenwood TK2107 VHF FM. These have a reasonable range for hand held. We used them on building sites. You need a license (I don't have) but you can keep them concealed quite easily. Don't know if you can buy them with no license or not but I do have contacts.(had) should still be OK. As I said to Ari kitting out a 4x4 can be expensive especially if you are doing it as a once off trip.
Regards
Ronnie
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Hercules
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
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Post by Hercules on Apr 23, 2010 17:12:27 GMT 2
Hi Danie.
The dates look right, should not be a problem, as it is not financial year ends, because the wife is in finance. Two weeks is alright with us as three weeks might be a problem with the work.
Regards.
Hercules.
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Post by danie on Apr 23, 2010 18:01:13 GMT 2
Hi All
Hercules, two weeks will also suit me better, because all of us at work have to take leave late December / early January. This means that I will have to take leave in advance, or unpaid leave during June / July.
Whatever the case might be, I am dedicated to go on this trip - even if I have to go all by myself. I have dreamed about a trip to that area for many years, and in my case, it's also a matter of 2012 or never.
Regards
Danie
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Post by danie on Apr 23, 2010 19:32:09 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie / Marius The radios I have are Alcom AS 1000. In the area where I lived I was often in radio contact with other radio owners who lived 15 to 20 km away during the day. During the night reception was better, and I could get in contact with other radio owners who lived about 30 km away.
The Alcom radios also have a built in alarm system. When one pressed the "panic button", it activated the alarms (radios) of all neighbor in the area, the commando (defence force), and local police.
If we use this radios during the trip and we press the wrong button, I guess we might be in for big trouble. ;D
Regards
Danie
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Post by ronnie on Apr 23, 2010 20:12:22 GMT 2
Hi Danie
If you go over 5 watt with 2 way radios it gets difficult to get a licence. If any one is going to purchase and be legally licensed(in this country) go for 29MHZ as ALL the 4x4 clubs use it. It is also used by ski boats/ marine.
Regards
Ronnie
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Post by danie on Apr 24, 2010 13:49:48 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie It might be better not to consider using my radios. It have to be licensed again, and I don't think the authorities will issue a license for these radios, to an ordinary citizen who finds himself in a city.
Regards
Danie
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Post by danie on Apr 24, 2010 15:58:25 GMT 2
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Post by danie on Apr 25, 2010 13:32:53 GMT 2
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Post by ronnie on Apr 25, 2010 16:12:20 GMT 2
Hi Danie
Looking at your link it appears Botswana has PRIVATIZED many of it`s camp sites leading to horrendous price increases. WE have plenty of time to arrange so we can look closely at Namibia, Caprive, or Zimbabwe.I have been in Gonerazou in the south of Zim which is a Trans frontier park with direct access to Mozambique.It is an extremely wild park with some magnificent scenery. Lots of alternatives to keep costs reasonable. In The Caprive You also have Khaudom game reserve very wild and the deepest sand I have ever been in. Could not move in high box, low for 50 kms. Lots for all to think about and discuss. Just looking at the calender,for dates for visit. How about Saturday 8 th or Sunday 9 th May at a time to suit you? I will try to bring photos of as many places as i can so you can get an idea of the various places.
Regards
Ronnie
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Post by danie on Apr 25, 2010 16:56:02 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie Saturday, 8th May will be just fine. Just let me know what time will suit you - I will make arrangements with the wife for a braai. As far as I am concerned, I think we must try to avoid the private reserves as far as possible, and seriously discuss other options. In the meanwhile I think we should all try to surf this website for more information about Botswana: www.4x4community.co.za/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=169Looking forward to your visit. Regards Danie
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Post by ronnie on Apr 25, 2010 18:53:12 GMT 2
Hi Danie
Sat 8th is perfect say about 12.00.Let me know what we can bring for the Braai ?
If you read closely the parks are still Parks Board, but the camp sites have been farmed out to private operators. The park entrance fees are still the same at P120 PPPD add to that new camp site fees of between P100 and P250 PPPD depending on the site, times 2 people, plus vehicle. We must rethink our country as i doubt if any one would like to pay so much per day. There are plenty of alternatives ;D
Regards
Ronnie
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Hercules
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
Lada - your peace of mind to take on the world's vast landscapes.
Posts: 785
Location: Gauteng
Town: Benoni
Registered: Oct 2, 2009 11:55:41 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
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Post by Hercules on Apr 25, 2010 19:12:40 GMT 2
Hi Danie, Ronnie.
Zim sounds good and with a detour back to RSA through Moz can be marvelous.
Regards.
Hercules.
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Post by ronnie on Apr 25, 2010 19:27:59 GMT 2
Hi Hercules
Botswana always has been expensive but worth it. Now it would appears to be getting out of hand.Zim is definitely worth while though very run down. Wankie game reserve is good ( it is the Zim equivalent of Kruger) IT has 4x4 routes that are at times quite challenging and you do not pay extra to use them. Any one who has not seen the Falls ,they are some thing to behold when in full flood. I would also like to See Mozambique as I have been no further than Maputo. So much to see and not enough time.
Regards
Ronnie
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Post by danie on Apr 25, 2010 19:33:39 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie / Hercules My only concern about Zim is safety......... ?? I must admit, I wouldn't mind visiting Moz........... Regards Danie
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Post by marius on Apr 25, 2010 20:54:04 GMT 2
Hi all
Zim is a fantastic place - regardless of the political crap. Just a hunch - it's probably much safer over there then over here?
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Post by ronnie on Apr 26, 2010 9:21:02 GMT 2
Hi All
I don`t think you need to worry about safety in Zim.Like here you stay away from the trouble spots. even in the troubled times we have had no problems at the police road blocks. they seem to treat tourists with respect. Perhaps we should set a maximum distance we are prepared to travel, as fuel is a major cost. It is easy to run up 5000km and at present costs this is+-R4000. Mid way through the Caprive is 2000KM from Jhb. The coast is another 700. What do you think?
Regards
Ronnie
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Post by danie on Apr 26, 2010 10:22:49 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie What you said makes sense. It is very important to keep costs as low as possible. I think we should decide on a max distance - then try to work out a route accordingly. My wife freaked out a bit when she heard the word "Zim" - that's why I raised the question. ;D Everything is under control though - Zim will not be a problem. More opinions will be appreciated. Regards Danie
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