Written , Compiled & Copywrited © by Val Sparg, Kalizo Lodge, Data dated: February 2009
TOURING TIPS FOR VISITORS - VISITING NAMIBIA’S NORTH EASTERN REGION
AND NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES - ZAMBIA - ZIMBABWE- BOTSWANA - SOUTH AFRICA.
Africa is undoubtedly the most scenic and exciting continent in the World, with its vast open spaces, variety of Fauna, Flora, with its very impressive variety of Birds, Reptiles, Wild & Marine life, and the place to visit on the African Continent is - CAPRIVI - NAMIBIA from where many tourists visiting Africa include CHOBE NATIONAL PARK & VICTORIA FALLS, before flying back home.
I have put together the following information, so that you can BUDGET for your hassle-free holiday in AFRICA> Many Tourists visiting Namibia often find themselves short of money, because they have NOT been informed correctly of EXTRA COSTS should they decide to visit our neighboring countries ie. Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa & Botswana.
Please Note that prices can change at any time.
Each Country has been outlined separately, as each one of them has different fees, charges and requirements.
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.
+ 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 the front and TWO RED stickers on the back.
+ Seat belts to be worn at all times, fines of N$ 300.00 per person. 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, dairy products, tined meat, tined fish, eggs, poultry. IN other words
NOTHING that comes from an animal, even if the product is on your sandwich it
may NOT be taken into Botswana from the Namibia side. Because of foot, mouth
In NAMIBIA, NO RED RAW MEAT OR PORK only maybe taken into Namibia
from either Botswana or Zambia, if in doubt ask for the Official Notice paper that
they have with them. TO AVOID ALL THIS rather support the local market, the
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 the
Country that you are visiting and that you have at least two pages are left in your
passport.
+ In Africa you to have use your passport to visit each country and present yourself at
each countries port of entry or departure.
+ Make sure that your AIRLINE ticket is handed back to you and your tickets are in
Order. Also that your passport has been stamped for the correct number of days you
want to be in that Country, rather more days incase of illness or vehicle problems
or you wish to extend your stay. .
+ PLEASE also make sure that your passport has been stamped with the exit or arrival
stamp in your passport, it has happened that Tourists have had their passports
stamped with incorrect stamps. Immigration says its up to you to check.
+ Never change monies in the street in Any Country, it is illegal and you could land
up with fake money.
CURRENCIES. NB. Namibian dollars can only be used in Namibia.
Most Namibian shops does not take Forex.
But Rands, U$, Pula, Euro, British Pounds can be used in Any
Country, the U$ is more popular. Make sure you carry small size
Notes, Coins are not accepted.
Visa fees must be paid with cash.
VISA REQUIREMENTS:
Please take note of visa requirements as you could land yourself with problems.
FOR NAMIBIA. Should YOU require a visa for Namibia, it must be OBTAINED outside of Namibia, if you PLAN to visit one of our neighbouring Countries while visiting Namibia and need to re enter Namibia to fly Home, then you must have a Double entry. No Visa are available at any Namibian ports of entry.
FOR BOTSWANA. Should you require a Visa for Botswana the same would apply.
NO VISA’S ARE AVAILABLE AT BOTSWANA OR NAMIBIAN BORDERS. IF YOU REQUIRE A VISA TO ENTER THESE COUNTRIES YOU MUST OBTAIN BEFORE YOU ARRIVE AND REMEMBER IF YOU WISH TO VISIT OTHER COUNTRIES AND BACK INTO EITHER OF THE TWO YOU NEED TO HAVE DOUBLE ENTRIES. This is very important.
FOR ZIMBABWE AND ZAMBIA:
Visa’s are available at their port of entry BUT remember if you wish to visit other countries and re-enter Zimbabwe or Zambia, then you must ask for a double entry. Should you forget its not a problem, but it will cost you more.
Always be polite at the borders, never argue, do not enter a border drinking beer, cooldrinks, smoking, or eating food. Do not take any photos at the borders unless you ask permission. It costs nothing to ask. Never sleep in your car alongside the road, there are plenty of camping
places enroute, should you need help, the local people are always willing to help.
CELL phone 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
on them. Check them & passports at the start of planning your holiday.
USE OF CREDIT CARDS.
It is advisable to use your credit card where possible. Some petrol stations in Namibia accept garage cards.
Botswana do not accept garage cards, but some garages accept Master/Visa cards.
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.
In Zimbabwe you should only change your money at banks.
All other countries have Bureau-de-change, always keep your receipts.
NB
NEVER LET YOUR CREDIT CARD OUT OF YOUR SITE WHEN YOU PURCHASE SOMETHING. ALWAYS MAKE SURE THAT THE PERSON TO WHOM YOU GIVE YOUR CREDIT CARD TO DOES THE TRANSCTION IN FRONT OF YOU AND NOT BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.
ENTERING NAMIBA 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 that in at the border you depart from
N$ 160.00 per vehicle and N$ 100.00 per trailer. These prices CAN
Change. Should you leave Namibia and 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 18h00
Kazangula (Botswana to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe)
OPEN 06h00
CLOSE 20h00
Groblersbrug/Martins drift (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
Cost N$ 30.00 This is obtainable from a Police station MON to FRID
ONLY. In Windhoek you need at least one week before departure.
HIRED VEHICLES. Require the same as above and a letter from the Hire
Company giving you permission to take the vehicle out of Namibia.
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, you
could be sent back, or fined as the Law states all foreign registered
vehicles must pay for cross border charges.
TO ENTER BOTSWANA from Namibia - South Africa - Zambia - Zimbabwe
If you wish to re-enter Botswana then ask for a Double entry Pula 90
NEW LAW. 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.
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 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.
VISA FEES U$ 30, 25 euro, british pounds 55, Canadian $ 75. all per
person for single entry.
THESE PRICES CAN CHANGE AT ANY TIME.
ALL FOREIGN REG VEHICLES HAVE TO PAY THE FOLLOWING IN ZIM.
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 insuranced with the
following insurance companies. Santam, M& F to name but a few co.
The following must be stated on the letter.
The vehicle has a comprehensive motor insurance cover, name, make, reg
No, chassis no, engine no and is covered in the following countries -
ZAMBIA - ZIMBABWE - SOUTH AFRICA - NAMIBIA -
BOTSWANA and that third party liability for a limit of X amount of
Coverage. You will not have to pay.
All vehicles must has a TIP (Temporay Import Permit) obtainable at the
Border and is free, but you must state the no of days you will be in the
Country, rather state more incase you want to stay longer.When you leave
the country you must hand in your TIP.
TO ENTER ZAMBIA.
All original papers for your vehicle, if you are not the owner, a letter from
the owner giving you permission to allow you to take the vehicle and
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 also free but must state no of
days you will be in the country, put more than required.
Insurance - 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.
The ferry can be anything up to R1,000.00 per vehicle.
NB. NEW all vehicles that enter Zambia must pay a cross border charge of U$ 20
and 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.
bruno@iway.na <mailto:bruno@iway.na> or kalizo@mighty.co.za <mailto:kalizo@mighty.co.za> or infor@kalizolodge.com <mailto:infor@kalizolodge.com> or cell +264(0) 812477363 or + 264 (066) 686802.
FLIGHTS from Johannesburg to kasane with Air Bostwana.
Johannesburg to kasane on Tuesday & Fridays.
Kasane to Johannesburg on Tuesdays 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.
ROAD CONDITIONS.
The road from Martins drift/ Gabs to Nata is fine BUT from Nata to Kasane is in a very bad state of 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 from
Kasane to Ngoma border has some very BAD POT HOLES. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN
FOR BOTH POTHOLES AND GAME.
The road from Livingstone to Lusaka is good but the first 70km outside Livingstone is very bad but construction is under way.
Other wise all other roads are fully tarred and in a good condition. Avoid travel at night in any country 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 in the rain season all gravel roads are 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 during the next year. They are STILL talking about a
SADAC visa for when the 2010 world soccer year. This would solve a LOT of problems.
Should you require more information whilst planning your holiday, please feel free to contact me AT any time.
Copyrite and COMPILED BY Val Sparg from Kalizo lodge - Zambezi River - Caprivi - Namibia. Updated February 2009. zambezi@gmx.com <mailto:zambezi@gmx.com>
