FOR VISITORS  VISITING NAMIBIA
NORTH EASTERN  NAMIBIA &
NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES ZAMIBIA,  ZIMBABWE, BOTSWANA .

Africa is undoubtedly the most scenic and exciting continent in the World to visit, with its vast open spaces, immense varieties of Fauna and Flora, with its very impressive variety of Birds, Reptiles, Wild & Marine life, & wetlands. A great many Tourists who visit the African Continent are careful to include THE CAPRIVI -  NAMIBIA  - CHOBE NATIONAL PARK - BOTSWANA   &    VICTORIA FALLS   in their itineraries before flying back home. 

The Caprivi strip is a paradise that more and more tourists are seeking out. It is one of the oddest geographical places in Africa, and bordered by several diverse countries.  Its uniqueness needs to be respected and treated with the utmost care. 

So that you trip here can be completely hassle-free, I have put together the following travel information, so that you can BUDGET for all eventualities while holidaying in AFRICA  Many Tourists visiting Namibia & Neighbouring Countries  often find themselves short of funds, because they have NOT been correctly informed of the HIDDEN COSTS incurred should they decide to visit our neighbouring countries ie. Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa & Botswana.     PLEASE NOTE THAT  PRICES CAN, AND DO, CHANGE AT ANY  TIME.

Each Country has been outlined separately, as each one has different fee charges and requirements.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION. PLEASE READ AND DIGEST THE FOLLOWING INFO.

ALL COUNTRIES :

• require your original vehicle papers and proof that your are the owner OR have permission to take the vehicle out of the country and enter other Countries.
• Some countries also require a letter from the bank if your vehicle is on hire purchase.
• ALL countries NOW require all vehicles to carry TWO RED TRIANGLES in case you break down. Most vehicles only have one. ALL vehicles now must have TWO WHITE stickers on  front , TWO RED stickers on the back of their bumpers.
• Seat belts to be worn at all times, fines of N$ 300.00 per person can be levied if you do not.
• PLEASE NOTE  should you be fined in ANY COUNTRY always ask for an OFFICAL receipt before you hand over any MONIES.
• Make sure that you carry SMALL NOTES on you, as sometimes you are required to pay in the local currency.
• NO MEAT OR DAIRY products,  tinned meat, tinned fish,  eggs,  poultry or any other product that derives from an animal. -even if the product is on your sandwich, may be  taken into Botswana from the Namibia side.

TO AVOID ALL THIS,  rather support the local market, their prices are not that much more, and in some cases may be cheaper.

PASSPORTS.

• Make sure that your passport is VALID for at least 6 months prior to arrival in ANY COUNTY you are visiting and have at least TWO PAGES left in your passport.
• Make sure you make a copy of your passport and keep it in a safe place as your passport could be lost or stolen, in which case you can  prove that you did have a passport.
• In Africa you to have use your passport to visit each country and must present both it and yourself at each one's port of entry or departure.
• Make sure that your AIRLINE ticket is handed back to you and your tickets are in Order.
• Ensure that your passport has been stamped for the correct number of days you want to be in any particular country, adding extra days rather than be caught short in case of illness, vehicle problems or deciding to extend your stay. If you stay longer than the time stated in your passport you will encounter problems.
• PLEASE also make sure that your passport has been stamped with the relevant entry or exit stamp in your passport. It is not uncommon for Tourists to have had their passports stamped with incorrect/opposite stamps. Immigration insists that it is up to the passport holder to check.

• Rands, U$, Pula, Euro, British Pounds can be used in Any Country, with the U$ being most popular.
  
• Make sure you carry small size Notes as change in coins is not available.
  
• Coins  are  not accepted.
• ALL Visa fees must be paid with cash.

VISA  REQUIREMENTS:    
FOR NAMIBIA & BOTSWANA ONLY.
Please take note of visa requirements as you could land yourself with BIG PROBLEMS.

• Should you require a VISA to enter either of these TWO COUNTRIES the VISA must be obtained before you depart from your own country.
  
• NB    Should you plan to visit another Country outside of  Namibia or Botswana and then plan to re-enter back into either country to fly home or continue your holiday THEN YOU MUST ASK FOR A  DOUBLE ENTRY VISA, otherwise you will not be allowed back into either of  these two countries.
• No Visas are available at ANY Namibian OR Botswana  ports of entry.
  

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.

• Visa’s are available at their ports of entry but remember that if you wish to visit other countries and re-enter Zimbabwe Or Zambia, then you must ask for a DOUBLE ENTRY. Should  you forget it's not a problem, but it will COST YOU MORE.
• Always be polite at borders, NEVER ARGUE, If they want to search your vehicle be polite and let them do so.
• Do not enter a border drinking beer, cooldrinks, smoking, or eating Food.  Do not take any photo’s at borders unless you ask permission. It costs nothing to ask.
• NEVER SLEEP IN YOUR CAR alongside the road, there are plenty of camping places en-route, should you need help, the local people are always willing to help.
• CELLPHONE coverage is just about everywhere.
• During the raining season roads can become very slippery. NEVER CROSS A ROAD WITH WATER FLOWING ACROSS IT unless you have walked in the water so you can test if the water is strong or not. Should you have to cross the road, make your passengers walk behind the vehicle.
• DRIVERS LICENSES must be valid, some countries have an expiry date
  

USE OF CREDIT CARDS:
                     

• It is advisable to use your credit card where possible.
  
• Some petrol stations in Namibia accept garage cards, otherwise cash only.
• Botswana does not accept garage cards, but SOME garages accept Master/Visa cards or Cash.
• It is not advisable to use your credit card in Zimbabwe.
• MOST accommodation places accept Mater & Visa Cards.
• Always make sure that you have some cash on you at all times but in small notes, Coins are not accepted or available for change.
• IN ZIMBABWE they now ONLY ACCEPT US$, Pula, Rand, Euro or anyOther Foreign Monies, BUT NOT ZIMBABWE MONIES.
• Do not Change Monies at any BANK in Zimbabwe. All other countries have Bureau-de-change, always keep your receipts.
  

NB: NEVER LET YOUR CREDIT CARD OUT OF YOUR SIGHT WHEN YOU PURCHASE SOMETHING. ALWAYS MAKE SURE THAT THE PERSON TO WHOM YOU GIVE YOUR CREDIT CARD DOES THE TRANSCTION IN FRONT OF YOU AND NOT BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.

ENTERING NAMIBIA FROM South Africa, Zambia, Botswana or Zimbabwe

• All foreign registered vehicles must pay cross border charges at either the point of entry or the town.
• Please keep your cross border charges voucher with you as you must hand it in at the Border you depart from.
• N$ 180.00 per vehicle and N$ 115.00 per trailer.These prices CAN Change without notice
• Should you leave Namibia and then RE-ENTER you will have to Pay again.
  

BORDER POST HOURS OF OPERATION:

Ngoma   (Botswana/Namibia)
OPEN:      07h00
CLOSE:    18h00

Wenela    (Namibia/Zambia) – To Livingstone
OPEN:    06h00
CLOSE:  018h00

Kazangula   (Botswana/Zimbabwe) – To Victoria Falls
OPEN:    06h00
CLOSE:  020h00

Groblersbrug/Martinsdrift  (South Africa/Botswana)
OPEN:      06h00
CLOSE:    22h00

TO DEPART FROM NAMIBIA to a neighbouring country with a Namibian registered  Vehicle you require:

•  A POLICE CLEARANCE certificate which is valid for 3 months and costs N$ 30.00  
  
• This is obtainable from a Police station MONDAY to FRIDAY ONLY. 
  
• In Windhoek you need at least one week before departure.

A HIRED VEHICLE

• Requires the same as above and a letter from the Hire Company giving you permission to take the vehicle out of Namibia to whichever countries you wish to visit.
• Should you hire a vehicle that has a South Africa number plate you need to ask the Hire Company for the cross border charges paper even if you are not leaving the country. 
  
• If you are stopped at the road block without above papers, you could be sent back, or fined as the Law states all foreign registeredvehicles must pay for cross border charges   
  

TO ENTER BOTSWANA from Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe & wish to re-enter.

• Ask for a Double entry. (90) Pula
• Road insurance is valid for a year cost 20 pula
• If you cross from Zambia on the ferry, at kazangula it will cost you U$25 or 140 Pula per vehicle & 2 Pula p/p
• You can now pay with a credit card at Chobe national  Park at SEDUDU  Entrance at Kasane, BUT not at any other park gates.  
  

• As from 1st October 2008 all foreign vehicles that enter Botswana must now buy the Motor vehicle Accident Fund. Car P 50. Mini bus P 100 and large bus P200.  This is valid for 3 months (90 days).
• The Ferry from Zambia or Botwana is very expensive and you could wait for a few hours, it is better to plan your trip another way.
• You can now pay with your Credit Card to enter Chobe National Park at the main entrance at Kasane (SEDUDU). But not at any other park gates
  

TO ENTER ZIMBABWE you require the following.

• Most foreign passport holders except SADAC require a visa which can be obtained at their port of entry.
  
• You must pay cash NO CREDIT CARDS.
• You may pay in the following currencies U$, Pula, Rands, Euro B/pounds NOT Namibia dollars.
• ZIMBABWE IS NOW USING  EITHER US$ OR RANDS or other Foreign Monies when you purchase goods.
• DO NOT CHANGE AT THE BANKS AS YOU WILL RECEIVE ZIM DOLLARS AND NOBODY IS TAKING ZIM DOLLAR
• Always carry small currency notes as change is not available.      

ALL FOREIGN REGISTERED VEHICLES HAVE TO PAY THE FOLLOWING.

• Carbon tax  R 140.00 valid one month.
• Toll fee R  60.00 Pula 50  U$ 10 valid one entry only.
• Insurance has to be paid valid one month. Or if you get a letter from your Insurance Co or Car Hire co that states you are insured with the following insurance companies. Santam, M& F to name but a few companies.
• Only if the letter states -  ‘The vehicle has a comprehensive motor insurance cover, name, make, registration no, chassis no, engine no. andwill be covered in the following countries ZAMBIA – ZIMBABWE – SOUTH AFRICA – NAMIBIA –BOTSWANA and carries a  third party liability for a limit of  $X XXX coverage.’ Will you not have to pay again.
• All vehicles must have a TIP (Temporay Import Permit) obtainable at the Border. This is free, but you must state the no of days you will be in the Country, (rather state extra days in case you decide to stay longer).
• When you leave the country you must hand in your TIP.

TO ENTER ZAMBIA you require:

• Have all the original papers for your vehicle in hand. If you are not the owner, carry a letter from the owner giving you  permission to allow you to take the vehicle and to cover you for Zambia – Zimbabwe – Namibia – Botswana – South Africa.
  
• Police clearance is needed if you are a Namibian registered vehicle.
  
• TIP (Temporary Import Permit) is required (FREE)  but must state the number of days you will be in the country. Always state more than required.
  
• Isurance – this is not the same as Zimbabwe  Everybody has to pay Insurance which is approximately N$ 250.00 per vehicle.
  
• Carbon tax R350.00 valid for one year.
•  Local road tax between R75 – R150 depends on size of vehicle.
•  To cross by ferry is U$20. per vehicle.
•  NB.  NEW : all vehicles that enter Zambia must pay a cross border charge  of U$ 20 and this MUST be in U$ notes  ONLY.
  

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOUR ENGINE IS MORE THAN 3,000 cc you will pay MORE.  This applies to ALL COUNTRIES.

PLEASE NOTE THAT PRICES QUOTED CAN CHANGE AT ANY GIVEN TIME BUT SHOULD YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL OR EMAIL THE KALIZO LODGE TEAM.

ROAD CONDITIONS:
The road from Martins Drift/ Gaberone to Nata is fine BUT from Nata to Kasane is in a very bad state with many LARGE POT HOLES. Caution is required and DO NOT DRIVE AT  NIGHT.
The road into Kasane is also badly potholed in places and the TRANSIT ROAD which is the road from Kasane via the Chobe National Park  also has some nasty potholes. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN not only for Game, but for large Potholes as well.

The road from Livingstone to Lusaka is good except for the first 70km outside Livingstone which is very bad, although construction is under way.
All other roads are fully tarred and in a good condition. Avoid travelling at night in any of these Countries please.  On gravel roads keep to the middle and move over slowly when another car approaches you as the sides of our gravel roads are slippery and dusty and in the Wet season all gravel roads are very slippery.

All the above is correct at the time of going to press, the writer cannot be held responsible for any changes that could occur in the future.

Should you require more information whilst planning your holiday, please feel free to contact the Kalizo Team any time.

FLIGHT SCHEDULES:

EMAIL   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for all THE LATEST INFORMATION or cell +264(0) 812477363 or  + 264 (066) 686802.

FLIGHTS from  Johannesburg to Kasane with Air Bostwana.
 DIRECT       Johannesburg to Kasane on  Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays
                  Johannesburg to Kasane Via Gaberone, Tues, Fridays, Sundays.

Return          Johannesburg to Victoria Falls (ZIM) British Airways  Daily.
Return          Johannesburg to Victoria Falls (ZIM) South African Airways Daily.

Return          Johannesburg to Livingstone (ZAM)  British Airways.
                                                      Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri, Sun.
Return          Johannesburg to Livingstone (ZAM) South African Airways Daily

Again this could change.

SECURITY:

There are No guarantees in life , but when you are visiting a Foreign Country play safe by making sure that you DO NOT:

• Walk alone at night.
• Visit an ATM at night alone.
• Try and use local taxis if you should need to travel from  A to B
• Don’t drive at night as there are many wild and domestic animals on the roads.
• Do not stop and sleep beside the road, look for a campsite and try and plan your trip so that you arrive at your destination long before darkness falls.

Your travel tips will be updated in August 2009. 

PLEASE NOTE  prices quoted are subject to Change. Should you require more info or the latest updates, please feel free to email us at  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it