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Frequently asked questions
A trip to Southern Africa requires some preparation. We understand that you can run into a number of questions. Below you will find the frequently asked questionsIs your question not listed? Please contact us by email or telephone!
General questions and security
We recommend Lonely Planet travel guide for Botswana, Namibia, Morocco and South Africa. For Zambia, Tanzania and Madagaskar the Bradt travel guide is a good option.
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.
For most locations, a satellite phone is not necessary. There is a decent GSM network. In game parks and some remote areas (Kaokoland, Salt Pans, Ugab Rhino), a satellite phone can be useful.
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.
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. Check this link.
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.
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.
Please note: for Namibia and Botswana minor children (<18 years) will need an official birth certificate. And in case there is only one parents present additional documents are required. This will be checked prior to boarding flights to Windhoek.
Most nationalities do not need to apply (in advance) for a visa for a trip to Botswana, Namibia (up to 31 March 2025), 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 and Botswana. For Namibia there are new visa regulations (1st of April 2025). You will have to pay for a visa. Either at the border or via pre-registrations (E-Visa).
Check this website. 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.
Questions about food, drinks and groceries
Water is available in the cities and on the camping pitches. Usually filtered and often just drinkable. If you want to be sure that there is no pollution in the water, it is advisable to buy a number of 5 liters containers ‘spring water’ in the supermarket. Use this water for drinking. Then use the water from the taps for cooking and washing.
A 40 liter water tank is usually built into the cars with camping equipment. We do recommend to use that water mainly for cooking and washing.
The 4×4 cars with a refrigerator have a limited capacity to keep food cool. Advice is not to buy too many things that need to be cooled. The refrigerator can sometimes fail due to the bumpy roads.
Also e.g. fresh milk doesn’t get any better from being shaken in the car. Meat products that are sealed keep longer.
Tip: use sterilized milk in small packages of 0.5 liters for example in the muesli.
We recommend stocking up on most of your groceries at the start of your trip. And then add a few things during the trip. In towns like Windhoek and Johannesburg you will find huge supermarkets with a wide range of products. In smaller towns there are smaller supermarkets.
Questions about the 4×4 rental car
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).
There is no real need to bring an international driving license. It is not necessary for the rental company, but it is quite possible that in case of an unexpected calamity an English version of the driving license is requested.
Our partners in Africa use different minimum ages. This can be 19 or 21 years. Ask us when booking the 4×4 rental car in Southern Africa. Some vehicles do require a minimum age of 25 or 30 years old.
The 4×4 cars are all equipped with one or two USB A ports. There is also a 12V socket (cigarette lighter plug). In some cases (Bushcamper) there is also a 220v inverter built into the car.
Questions about money and payments
The entrance fees of the wild parks differ per country. See the rates below.
Botswana
Entry fees for the parks in Botswana are 270 Pula (ca. 22 Euro) per person per day and 75 Pula (ca. 6 Euro) per day for the car.
Namibia
Entry fees for the parks in Namibia are N$ 100-150 (ca. 5-8 Euro) per person per day and N$ 50 (ca. 2,50 Euro) per day for the car.
South Africa
Entry fees for the parks in South Africa are ca. R460 (ca. 23 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 25 per person per day.
Zimbabwe
Entry fees for the parks in Zimbabwe are USD 10-25 per person per day.
Nowadays you can withdraw money at the ATM almost everywhere in Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia and Botswana). It is also generally accepted that groceries or fuel are paid for via a card payment. It is therefore not necessary to carry large amounts of cash. However, it is advisable to take a back-up amount with you in Euros/GBP/USD in case it is not possible to withdraw money. For some countries (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique) it is also useful to bring US dollars in cash (for visa, fuel and shopping).
In addition to a debit card, a credit card is essential for paying the excess deposit of the rental car.
Questions about the campsites
Most campsites have excellent shower and toilet facilities. Mostly shared but some sites have private facilities. There is also always water. A small number of campsites (such as in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve or Kubu Island) have simple long-drop toilets. And there is no water available.
Insurance
Every Selfdrive4x4 rental includes Standard Cover. The excess is a maximum of €3,500 per incident and is lower for most vehicles. For broader protection, you can choose Full Cover. Full Cover covers several risks that are normally excluded and reduces your excess to a maximum of €500 or, depending on the vehicle and destination, €0.
Travel insurance covers personal travel related risks and is separate from the insurance of your rental vehicle. For your 4x4, Selfdrive4x4 offers Standard Cover and optional Full Cover. We do not offer separate travel insurance or excess reimbursement insurance.
We do not offer separate excess reimbursement insurance. Standard Cover is included with every rental, with the option to add Full Cover for broader protection and a significantly lower excess.
Travel insurance is separate from the insurance of your rental vehicle and is not offered by Selfdrive4x4. We strongly recommend arranging suitable travel insurance for your journey separately. Your 4x4 is covered by the Standard Cover included with your rental, or by Full Cover if you choose this additional protection..
You do not need to arrange separate insurance for your rental vehicle. Standard Cover is always included with your Selfdrive4x4 rental. If you want broader protection and a significantly lower excess, you can choose Full Cover.
Any questions before the adventure begins?
If your question isn’t listed here, please feel free to contact us.
You are traveling independently, but never alone.
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“We won't send you into the bush without a net. Every traveler who sets off with us knows that there is a team behind them, from the moment you first make contact until the day you return home. Not because we have to, but because we know how nice it is to know that someone is there for you when you need it. You drive. We are ready."
Hans Schoelink