Namibia

As of 1 April 2025, many previously visa-exempt nationalities need a tourist visa to enter.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry and have at least three blank pages.
Depending on your nationality, you can get a visa on arrival at the main entry points or apply for an e-visa before you travel.

Botswana

Your passport will usually need to be valid for at least six months.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many European and Commonwealth passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
Check with your embassy or consulate before travelling, as entry rules can change.

South Africa

Many nationalities can visit visa-free for short tourist stays, often up to 90 days.
Your passport should be valid for at least 30 days after your planned departure and have blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

In Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa, the dry season from roughly May to October is usually the easiest time for wildlife viewing. Animals gather around water, vegetation is thinner, and sightings can be more frequent.
The green season, roughly November to April, has its own advantages: lush landscapes, fewer visitors, excellent birding, and newborn animals. Some remote camps and roads can be harder to reach at this time.

Neutral colours such as beige, khaki, olive, and other earth tones are practical around wildlife.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun is strong and there is often very little shade.
Early mornings and desert nights can be cold, even in the dry season. Pack layers and a jacket or jumper.
Binoculars make a real difference on game drives.

Namibia and Botswana are generally safe for visitors, particularly when you stay in lodges or travel with an organised tour.
Use the same common sense you would anywhere else: avoid isolated urban areas at night, listen to your guide, and follow instructions around wildlife.
Travel insurance is recommended, and sometimes required, especially for remote trips, self-drive safaris, and activities such as walking safaris or scenic flights.

Self-driving is popular in Namibia and Botswana. Rental companies and camps are set up for it, with 4×4 vehicles, camping equipment, and mapped routes available.
A guided safari is worth considering for remote roads, rough terrain, and long distances, especially if the conditions are unfamiliar. A guide also brings local knowledge, wildlife tracking, and practical support.
If you self-drive, make sure the vehicle suits the route, plan fuel and stops carefully, and check any permits in advance.

Costs depend on how you want to travel, how long you stay, whether you self-drive or use a guide, and which activities are included.
There is a wide range between a simple self-drive trip and a fully guided luxury safari.
Check exactly what is included, such as accommodation, transport, meals, guide fees, and park fees. Some prices are quoted per person based on two people sharing.

Vaccinations or malaria medication may be recommended depending on where you are travelling from and where you will be staying. Speak with a medical professional before you travel.
Travel with medical insurance that covers emergencies and evacuation, particularly in remote areas.

No. Wildlife sightings depend on the weather, season, water, and the movement of the animals.
A good guide and knowledge of the landscape improve your chances, but nobody can guarantee a sighting. The best approach is to be patient and let the day unfold.
For the best chance of good sightings, travel in the dry season, visit established conservation areas, and stay flexible. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the most active times.

You can choose the style that best suits the way you like to travel:

Guided safari: A local guide, a planned route, and support throughout.
Self-drive safari: You set the pace and stop when you want. It works well in Namibia and Botswana for confident, adventurous travellers.
Walking safari: Where permitted, you explore on foot with an experienced guide and follow strict safety rules.
Fly-in safari: Small planes take you directly to remote lodges and reserves, especially in Botswana's Delta and remote parts of Namibia.

Popular lodges and camps fill quickly in the dry season and over holiday periods, so early booking is sensible.
There is usually more flexibility in the shoulder and green seasons, although weather and road conditions can vary.
For a self-drive trip, book accommodation and permits in advance and check current road and park conditions before setting out.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS