Directions to Tau Gate,

Directions via Zeerust

This route is the main one to the border post. The road is in good condition, but the route can take a little longer because of traffic, slow trucks and speed traps.

GETTING THERE:

 Travel to Hartebeespoort Dam via Lanseria and Broederstroom, or via the dam wall.  At the four-way crossing at Hartebeespoort, take the road to Magaliesburg//Pilanesberg/ (past the open markets).  About 5km down the road, take the right-hand turn to Sun City/Rustenburg, following the signs to the motorway.  Take the left slip road onto the N4. Continue on the motorway all the way to Zeerust.  Do not turn off the motorway to Sun City, but follow the motorway through Rustenburg to Zeerust (Platinum Highway)  Proceed through the centre of Zeerust, until you see a sign to the right to Gaberone (the sign is not very obvious, so watch out carefully for it!). From there, it is approximately 80 – 100km to the Botswana border.  Ignore all signs for Madikwe Game Reserve along this route, until you see a sign for the Derdepoort Gate, just before the Botswana border post (Kopfontein).  Turn right and continue for 11km to the Tau Lodge Gate.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE (FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES ONLY)

This scenic route is about 30 minutes shorter than the main route. It has a 30 km dirt road section which can sometimes be in a poor state, taking a toll on your car. Should you choose to take this route, phone the ranger beforehand, to see if the road is driveable. It is not advisable to drive this road in an ordinary car.

As the route does not pass through villages, it is the recommended route in the event of rioting, or stone-throwing in the villages along the main road. You should check with the Ranger, or Derdepoort police, before deciding on your route, in case there is unrest along the way. Should there be any problems on the main route, this alternative route is recommended.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE DIRECTIONS:

 Travel to Hartebeespoort Dam via Lanseria and Broederstroom, or via the dam wall.  At the four-way crossing at Hartebeespoort, take the road to Magaliesburg/Sun City/Pilanesberg/Rustenburg (past the open markets).  About 5km down the road, take the right hand turn to Sun City/Rustenburg, following the signs to the N4 motorway.  Do not turn off the motorway to Sun City, but follow it through Rustenburg to Groot Marico.  Just past Groot Marico, turn right to Skuinsdrift.  Follow this road to the Nietverdient turnoff to the left (don’t go straight to Derdepoort, as most of the road to Madikwe, from there, is a dirt road).  The road to Nietverdient is a 30 km dirt road. It ends at the main, tarred road to Gaborone just before Nietverdient. Turn right onto the main road and travel to the Botswana border post (Kopfontein).  Ignore all signs for Madikwe Game Reserve along this route, until you see a sign for the Derdepoort Gate, just before the Botswana border post.  Turn right and continue for 11km to the Tau Lodge Gate.