Touring tips for southern Africa

Africa is one of the most scenic and exciting continents with its vast open spaces and fauna and flora. However, many tourists visiting the area often find themselves short of cash because they have not been misinformed of extra costs.

All countries:
? require original vehicle permits and proof that you are the owner or have permission to take the vehicle out of the country.
? Some countries also require a letter from the bank if your vehicle is on hire purchase.
? All countries require that vehicles carry two red triangles and have two white stickers on the front and two red stickers at the back.
? Seat belts must be worn at all times - fines are N$300 per person. If you are fined, always ask for an official receipt before you pay.
? Make sure that you carry small currency notes, as sometimes you are required to pay in the local currency.
? No meat, dairy products, tinned meat and fish, eggs or poultry are allowed, even if the product is on your sandwich. Due of the danger of foot and mouth disease in northern Namibia, no raw red meat or pork may be taken into Namibia from either Botswana or Zambia.

Passports:
? Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months and that there are at least two pages free for stamps.
? A passport is necessary to enter each country.
? Make sure that your airline ticket is returned to you and your tickets are in order, and that your passport has been stamped for the number of days you are in the country. Check for exit and arrival stamps.
? Never change money in the street in any country. It is illegal.

Currencies:
Namibia dollars can only be used in Namibia. The U$ is most popular in other countries. Make sure you carry small currency notes, coins are not accepted.

Visa requirements:
Visa fees must be paid in cash.
Namibia: If you need a visa, it must be obtained outside Namibia. If you plan on visiting a neighbouring country and need to re-enter Namibia to fly home, then you must have a multiple entry visa. Visas are NOT available at any Namibian ports of entry.

Botswana: Same as above
Zimbabwe and Zambia: Visas are available at ports of entry but if you wish to visit other countries and re-enter, ask for a multiple entry visa.
Always be polite at borders, never argue, and do not enter a border post drinking beer, coldrinks, smoking or eating food. Do not take any photos unless you get permission. Never sleep in your car along the road. Cellphone coverage is available almost everywhere. During the rainy season roads can be slippery. Never cross a road with water flowing across it unless you have walked through it to check the level.
Credit cards:

Most accommodation establishments accept Master and Visa. It is not advisable to use your credit card in Zimbabwe. Keep cash at hand. In Zimbabwe you should only change money at banks. All other countries have Bureau-de-change. Always keep receipts.
Entering Namibia from SA, Zambia, Botswana or Zimbabwe:
All foreign registered vehicles must pay cross-border charges at the point of entry or the nearest town. Keep cross-border charge vouchers with you as you must hand that in at the border you depart from. N$160 per vehicle and N$100 per trailer. If you leave Namibia and re-enter, you will have to pay again.

Border post opening hours:
Ngoma (Botswana/Namibia) from 07:00 to 18:00
Wenela (Namibia/Zambia) to Livingstone from 06:00 to 18:00
Kazangula (Botswana to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe) from 06:00 to 20:00
Groblersbrug/Martinsdrift (South Africa / Botswana) from 06:00 to 22:00

Leaving Namibia:
For Namibian registered vehicles you need a police certificate which is valid for 3 months and costs N$30. It is obtainable from a police station from Monday to Friday. In Windhoek you need at least one week before departure.

Hired vehicles:
If you hire a vehicle that has a South African number plate you need to ask the Hire Company for the cross-border charges permit even if you are not leaving the country. If you are stopped at a road block, you may be sent back or fined as the law states all foreign registered vehicles must pay for cross border charges.

Entering Botswana from Namibia, SA, Zambia and Zimbabwe :
As from 1 October 2008 all foreign vehicles that enter Botswana must buy the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund permit (Car P50, Mini bus P100 and large bus P200), which is valid for 3 months. The ferry from Zambia or Botswana is expensive and you may have to wait a few hours. Rather plan your trip another way. You can pay by credit card to enter Chobe National Park at the main entrance at Kasane (Sedudu), but not at any other gates.

To enter Zimbabwe:
Most foreign passport holders, except SADC, require a visa which can be obtained at a port of entry. You must pay cash in U$, Pula, ZAR, Euro or GPB, but not N$. Always carry small currency notes as change is not available.

Foreign registered vehicles have to pay the following in Zimbabwe:
Carbon tax N$140 valid one month.
Toll fee N$60, Pula 50, U$10, valid one entry only.
Insurance has to be valid for one month, or ensure you have a letter from your insurance or car hire that states you are insured.

The following must be confirmed by the letter:
The vehicle has a comprehensive motor insurance cover, name, make, reg. no, chassis no, engine no and is covered in Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana and that third party liability is covered. All vehicles must have a TIP (Temporary Import Permit), obtainable at the border and is free, but you must state the number of days you will be in the country. When you leave the country you must hand in your TIP.

To enter Zambia:
Police clearance is needed if you have a Namibian registered vehicle. TIP is required and is free. Everybody has to pay insurance which is approximately N$250 per vehicle plus Carbon tax N$350 valid for one year. Local road tax depends on size of vehicle. The ferry can be anything up to N$1000 per vehicle.
NEW: ALL vehicles that enter Zambia must pay a cross-border charge of U$20 (U$ only). If your engine is more than 3000 cc you will pay more. This applies to all countries.
Road conditions:
The road from Martinsdrift/Gabarone to Nata is fine, but from Nata to Kasane it is in very bad shape. Caution is required and do not drive at night.
The road from Livingstone to Lusaka is good but the first 70km outside Livingstone is bad, but construction is under way. All other roads are tarred and in a good condition. Avoid traveling at night in any country. On gravel roads, keep to the middle and move over slowly when another car approaches. The sides of gravel roads are slippery and in the rainy season all gravel roads are dangerous.

This information is correct at time of going to press. Please note that prices quoted can change at any time. If you need more information please contact the Kalizo Lodge Team at [email protected] or [email protected] or
[email protected] or
+264(0) 812477363 or + 264 (066) 686802.