Frequently asked questions Southern Africa

Do I need a visa to travel to Southern Africa?

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You do not need a visa for a trip to Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The visa for the various countries are to obtain at the border and you will receive a sticker in your passport. The visa is free in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. You pay for the visa in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi.

Please do notice that it is important that your international passport is valid for a minimum of six months on returning home from Africa.

Which vaccinations do I need when I travel to Southern Africa?

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In advance you can contact your doctor. On the website of disease control and prevention you will find a clear overview per country which vaccinations you will need for the trip.

Malaria occurs in areas in Southern Africa. The advice here is to contact your doctor before going on your trip. Covering clothing for the evening and sufficient insect repellents can prevent you from being stabbed by mosquitoes.

Is it safe to travel to Southern Africa?

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When traveling to Southern Africa, it is important to take into account numerous differences in both culture and climate.

Currently, a positive travel advice applies to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. For the most up to date information we advice you to check the website of the national government for current affairs.

Furthermore, due to the severe drought and heat in the summer in Southern Africa, it is advised to bring enough water. Our cars are equipped with a large water tank and a spare wheel, which allows you to drive safely. However, if you are traveling to more remote areas, we recommend bringing extra water,

Namibia

In cities such as Windhoek and Swakopmund, it is advisable to stay alert to, for example, pickpockets. However, in general there is relatively little crime in this country and the population is friendly and always willing to help.

Botswana

In the larger cities, you should be alert to pickpockets and make sure to lock your car as there may be some crimes here. Furthermore, you should keep in mind that Botswana is a large country and when traveling, you may need to drive relatively large distances.

South Africa

In the bigger cities in South Africa, crimes may occur. Be alert at the international airport and do not get cash at the airport. As soon as you are outside the city, it will be more safe and the African population is friendly and willing to help.

What do I take with me on a trip to Southern Africa?

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We recommend a number of items for a trip to Southern Africa. We have compiled a packing list for you with the most essential requirements.

Clothing

Hiking boots
Slippers or rafters (hiking sandals)
Raincoat/windbreaker
Long pants or zipper pants
Shorts
T-shirts, long and short
Pullover
Underwear and socks
Hat and gloves (for the winter months May to August)
Towels
Swimwear
Snorkel gear (only for Mozambique or Malawi)
Plastic bag for dirty laundry
Laundry detergent

It is advisable to pack the clothes in plastic bags against the dust.

Care and protection

Good sunburn (factor 20-30-50)
Lip balm with sunblock
Head covering, cap or hat
Insect repellent (with DEET)
First aid kit (painkillers, bandages, diarrhea inhibitors etc.)
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Hairbrush
Vaccination booklet (check the necessary vaccinations on the website)
For contact lens wearer: spare glasses

Passport + copy
Debit card + credit card
Cash – good to have some cash before you arrive in Africa
Daypack for excursions and walks
Sunglasses
Binoculars
Flashlight and / or headlight (a mini Maglite type AA with white bright LED (s) is recommended)
Spare light for flashlight and batteries
Field bottle / water bottle
Something to read (books, travel guide etc.)

Electronics

Mobile phone
Camera with spare batteries or second battery and memory – separate storage for the files is recommended in case your camera loses
Charging cord 220V and / or 12V for film camera / battery charger (lighter plug)
World plug (an adapter is sometimes available in stores on site)

What are the entrance fees for national parks in Southern Africa?

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The entrance fees of the wild parks differ per country. See the rates below.

Botswana

Entry fees for the parks in Botswana are 120 Pula (ca. 12 Euro) per person per day and 50 Pula (ca. 5 Euro) per day for the car.

Namibia

Entry fees for the parks in Namibia are N$ 80 (ca. 6 Euro) per person per day and N$ 10 (ca. 1 Euro) per day for the car.

South Africa

Entry fees for the parks in South Africa are ca. R264 (ca. 18 Euro) per person per day. When you stay more than 7 days, it could be cheaper to buy a Wildcard. Find more information about this Wildcard here.

Zambia

Entry fees for the parks in Zambia are USD 20-25 per person per day.

Zimbabwe

Entry fees for the parks in Zimbabwe are USD 10-25 per person per day.

What is the minimum age to drive a 4x4 rental car?

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Our partners in Africa use different minimum ages. This can be 18 or 21 years. Ask us when booking the 4×4 rental car in Southern Africa.

Do I need an international drivers licence in Southern Africa?

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It is advisable to bring an international driving license. It is not necessary for every rental company, but it is quite possible that in case of an unexpected calamity an English version of the driving license is requested.

Do I need a GPS?

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We advise to take a GPS with you when you are travelling with a 4×4 vehicle. It is possible to rent a GPS with latest Tracks4Africa software with us. A GPS is always included in our self drive package trips.

Do I need a satellite telephone?

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For most locations, a satellite phone is not necessary. There is a decent GSM network. In wild parks and more areas, a satellite phone is recommended.

Do I need an insurance?

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Travel insurance is a condition to participate in one of the Selfdrive4x4 safaris. We also advise you to take out cancellation insurance. If you want to take out an expiring insurance policy with the Europeesche in combination with a safari trip to Southern Africa, please contact us. Also we recommend to take out insurance for damage and accidents to the rental car. However, is it never possible to exclude 100% of the excess.

Which time of the year is best for my travel?

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Every season has its charms. In general, all self drive trips can be made the whole year around. In the green season (December till March) you can expect warm temperatures and a lot of rain. The surroundings are greener and there is less dust. The change of spotting young animals is bigger!

If you are not dependent of summer holidays, April and May are great months to travel. The European summer months are winter months in Southern Africa, which means that the mornings and evenings are cold.

The most popular travel period is in July and August. If you want to travel in these months, we recommend to start planning a year in advance.

September and October are dry months with high temperatures. October is the warmest month with temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius and no rain. The sandy roads in the wild parks are full with loose sand.

Is it difficult to drive a right-hand drive car?

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In Southern Africa you drive on the left side of the road. The steering wheel is placed on the right side of your rental car. Usually, drivers who are used to drive a left-hand drive car get used to the situation quite fast. The biggest difference is changing gears with your left hand (both manual and automatic vehicles).

Which travel guide do you recommend?

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We recommend Lonely Planet travel guide for Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. For Zambia, the Bradt travel guide is a good option.

Are you an agent for De Europeesche insurance company?

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Yes, we mediate for travel insurance, cancellation insurance and excess insurance for hull damage on the rental car. We receive a commission from Europeesche Verzekeringen.