Pontdrift & Pontdrift Border Crossing

The Pontdrift Crossing: A Tuli Block Cable Car Adventure

The border crossing at Pontdrift is one of the most unique and adventurous gateways in all of southern Africa. It connects the northern part of the Tuli Block in Botswana with the Limpopo province of South Africa. The border here is the mighty Limpopo River. What makes this crossing special is that there is no bridge for vehicles. The “crossing” is a two-part affair: a small, manually-operated cable car that carries pedestrians across the river, and a low-level causeway that vehicles can only use when the river is very low. This is not a border for the casual traveler. It is a seasonal, adventure-focused gateway, primarily serving the upmarket game lodges of the northern Tuli Block, particularly the Mashatu Game Reserve. The atmosphere is one of a remote, rustic, and exclusive safari outpost. For the traveler, this is a memorable and exciting experience, a passage that is as much a part of the safari adventure as the game drives themselves.

A History of a Wilderness Frontier

The history of this crossing is the history of the Tuli Block itself. The Tuli Block is a long, narrow strip of privately-owned land on the Botswanan side of the Limpopo River. It was originally created in the late 19th century by Cecil Rhodes’s British South Africa Company. The area was later developed into large cattle ranches. In recent decades, most of these ranches have been converted into private game reserves, and the Tuli Block has become a major destination for wildlife tourism, famous for its large elephant herds, unique rock formations (kopjes), and the beautiful Mashatu Game Reserve. The Pontdrift border crossing was established as the primary access point for these exclusive game reserves. The unique cable car was built to ensure that guests could cross the river even when it was too high for vehicles. It is a border that is defined by its wildness and its deep connection to the safari industry.

The Border Crossing Procedure: A Two-Part Adventure

This is a very quiet border, and the process is generally very relaxed and personal. The border is open only during daylight hours, and it is essential to check the current operating times and, most importantly, the river level before you travel.

Exiting South Africa (Pontdrift): The South African immigration and customs post is a small, simple facility. You will present your passport and get your exit stamp. If you are a guest of a lodge like Mashatu, you will typically park your vehicle in a secure parking area on the South African side.

The River Crossing: This is the main event. If the river is high, you will cross in the cable car. It is a small, open-air cage that is winched across the river high above the water. It is a thrilling experience with fantastic views. If the river is very low (typically in the dry winter months), you may be able to drive your own 4×4 vehicle across the concrete causeway. You must confirm this with the border officials.

Entering Botswana (Pontdrift): On the Botswanan side, the immigration and customs post is equally small and rustic. You will present your passport and get your entry stamp. The customs check is a brief formality. If you have left your car in South Africa, your guide from the safari lodge will be waiting for you here with a game drive vehicle to take you to the lodge.

Route, Onward Travel, and The Mashatu Game Reserve

This crossing is almost exclusively for tourists visiting the game reserves of the northern Tuli Block, such as the Mashatu Game Reserve. On the South African side, the road to the Pontdrift border is a mix of paved and good-quality gravel roads. The nearest major town is Alldays. On the Botswanan side, the “roads” are the sandy tracks of the game reserves. The most common way to use this crossing is to drive to the South African side, leave your car in the secure parking lot, cross by cable car, and be met by your safari lodge. This is a very smooth and well-organized process that the lodges have perfected over many years. For the very adventurous self-driver with a high-clearance 4×4, it is sometimes possible to drive your own vehicle across the causeway in the dry season and continue your journey through the Tuli Block, but you must confirm this in advance.

Final Planning Advice for a Unique Safari Gateway

The Pontdrift crossing is a fantastic and unique adventure, a perfect start to a safari in the Tuli Block. The key to using this crossing is to have your accommodation booked at one of the local safari lodges. They will provide you with all the necessary information about the current river level and the best way to cross. Have all your documents in order. The experience of crossing the Limpopo River in a small cable car, with crocodiles basking on the sandbanks below, is unforgettable. It is a border that is not a barrier but an integral part of the wilderness experience. It is a passage that feels like a true adventure, a unique and exciting entry into the wild and beautiful world of the “Land of Giants.”