Platjan Border

On our return trip in 2025 from Mana pools, we crossed into Botswana at the Panda Matenga border. We had such a nice trip and was in such good spirits that I could not believe when the fridges were checked that there were about 4 packs of frozen meat left in the freezer.
Now we had a problem. The lady who searched the vehicles explained our options to us, we could leave the meat there or we could cook it. So, we cooked it, right there at the border post on the gas stove. She was satisfied and we went on our way, with cooked meat back in the freezer.

During a trip to the Tuli Block in May 2026, we crossed the border at Platjan into Botswana. Being aware of the issues with taking meat across the border we made sure that we had no raw meat but only cooked meat in the freezer.
Being aware of the issues the previous trip, the ladies made sure to prepare and pack several precooked meals.
Amongst the precooked meat was a sliced leg of lamb that was placed in zip lock bags and kept in the freezer. Some of the people in the other vehicles had done similar pre-pact meals, cooked mince, salted ham and sliced steak from the previous night's braai, which were also packed in a zip lock bags.

This time the "officials" had one look at the contents of the freezer and informed us that we are not allowed to cross with any meat products, cooked or uncooked.
No amount of debating would change their minds, and we had to hand it over. Needless to say, we were all very unhappy. We were in a group of three vehicles.

By the time we drove out of the border post I noticed that all the packets of meat were put onto a table under a tree and was being keenly inspected by all of the officials.
We left and I am unsure what happened to our meals, but I have a pretty good idea....

When arriving at our camping destination, the owner told us that this is a regular occurrence and that they are frequently subjected to this kind of behavior when crossing the border.

So, a word of advice, perhaps take some tinned food.
Not sure if anyone had similar experience, but please share.