Josefsdal Border Crossing

The Josefsdal-Bulembu Crossing: A Historic Mining Backroad

The border crossing at Josefsdal in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, which connects to the historic Eswatini village of Bulembu, is a minor, remote, and incredibly scenic gateway. This is not a border for the faint of heart or for those in a regular car. It is a quiet, rural checkpoint at the end of a long, winding, and largely unpaved mountain pass on the South African side. The border is primarily used by local residents and a small number of adventurous 4×4 travelers and motorcyclists. The landscape is the spectacular, mountainous terrain of the Makhonjwa Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for having some of the oldest exposed rocks on earth. The atmosphere is one of profound tranquility and isolation, a passage through a landscape of immense geological and historical significance. For the traveler, this is a true off-road adventure, a journey back in time to a forgotten world of asbestos mines and ancient mountains.

A History of an Asbestos Boomtown

The history of this crossing is the history of the Havelock Asbestos Mine and the company town of Bulembu. In the 1930s, one of the world’s richest asbestos deposits was discovered here, high in the mountains of what was then Swaziland. The town of Bulembu was built from scratch to house the thousands of workers for the mine. To transport the asbestos out, a spectacular, 20-kilometer-long aerial cableway was built, which ran from the mine in Bulembu, over the mountains, to the town of Barberton in South Africa. The Josefsdal border post was a minor checkpoint on the rough road that also served the mine. For decades, Bulembu was a thriving, if isolated, industrial hub. The closure of the mine in the early 2000s, due to the global collapse of the asbestos market, turned Bulembu into a virtual ghost town. In recent years, the town has been undergoing a remarkable revival, taken over by a Christian mission that is restoring the village and turning it into a tourist destination and a home for orphans. The border crossing is a key part of this new story, a gateway to this fascinating and resilient community.

Before Crossing

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The Border Crossing Procedure: A Basic and Rustic Affair

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 before you travel.

Exiting South Africa (Josefsdal): The South African immigration and customs post is a very basic facility, likely a small, simple building. You will present your passport and get your exit stamp. The process will be manual, with your details recorded in a ledger. The officials are generally friendly and may be surprised to see a foreign traveler.

The No-Man’s-Land: After clearing the South African side, you will proceed a short distance on a gravel road to the Eswatini side.

Entering Eswatini (Bulembu): The Eswatini post is equally basic. You will go to the immigration office and present your passport. For most nationalities, Eswatini offers visa-free entry. The officer will stamp your passport. The customs check is usually a very informal and brief formality. The entire process on both sides can often be completed in less than 30 minutes.

Route, Onward Travel, and Extreme Challenges

This crossing is for high-clearance vehicles only, and a 4×4 is highly recommended. The road on the South African side, the R40 from Barberton, is paved for the first part but the final 20 kilometers to the border is a steep, winding, and very rough gravel pass. The road on the Eswatini side from the border to the town of Piggs Peak is also a gravel road, though it is generally in better condition. There is no public transport on this route. You must be completely self-sufficient. The main reason to use this crossing is to visit the historic town of Bulembu. The town is a perfectly preserved 1940s-style village, and you can take tours of the old mine workings and the town itself. It is a fascinating and slightly eerie experience. From Bulembu, you can explore the beautiful highlands of northern Eswatini. This is a route for the dedicated adventurer who enjoys challenging drives and unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Final Planning Advice for a Mountain Backroad

The Josefsdal-Bulembu crossing is a true overland adventure. It is not a border for tourists in a regular car, but for serious, well-equipped adventurers. The logistical challenges are significant. The key to using this crossing is to have a very capable vehicle and to check the road conditions in advance, especially after heavy rains. It is absolutely essential to check the current operating hours of the border before you set out. The reward is a journey through one of the most beautiful and geologically significant mountain ranges in the world and a visit to the unique and inspiring community of Bulembu. It is a passage that feels like a true expedition, a journey into the deep history and rugged beauty of the Eswatini highlands.