The short answer. For a single car, plan at least about 3 m of clear opening. About 3.5–4 m is easier for bakkies and for turning in from a narrow road. Two cars side by side, or trucks, need 4.5–6 m or more. Height is usually 1.8–2.1 m to match the wall. We build to your exact opening.
We have not found a national standard in Botswana that sets driveway gate width. Your plot layout, local council or estate rules and the boundary wall decide it. Check with your council or estate before you build. The widths below are common practice, not legal requirements.
Common widths
- Pedestrian gate: about 0.9–1.2 m
- Single car: about 3–3.5 m
- Comfortable single / bakkie / trailer: about 3.5–4.5 m
- Double driveway or delivery trucks: about 5–6 m+
If you turn in from a narrow street, choose the wider end. The tighter the angle you enter at, the more width you need.
Sliding gates need wall space
A sliding gate runs back along the wall. You need straight, clear wall about as long as the gate, plus a little overlap. For example, a 4 m gate needs a little over 4 m of run-back. If you do not have that space, consider a swing gate or a telescopic design. See sliding vs swing gates.
Swing gates need an arc
Each leaf needs a clear arc inside the property, about as long as the leaf. The ground must be level or fall away from the gate. If the driveway rises behind the gate, the leaves will hit it.
How to measure your opening
- Measure the clear width between the pillars at the bottom, middle and top. Use the smallest figure.
- Measure the height you want, and how level the ground is across the opening.
- For sliding gates, measure the clear wall on the side the gate would run.
- Take a photo straight on and note where the nearest power point is.
Building new? Plan the opening, the track foundation and the motor conduit before paving. See new builds in Mmopane and automated sliding gate cost.
Not sure what width you need? Send a photo and your measurements and we will advise. WhatsApp +267 75 388 737