Windhoek to Victoria Falls, 18 Days, Self-Drive Tour (Gold Option)

Namibia is a country of wide open spaces, calm surroundings and strong contrasts. The landscape ranges from the red dunes of the Namib Desert to the rocky hills of Damaraland and the open savannahs of the interior. Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s well-known wildlife areas, offering good game viewing around its natural waterholes. In the north-east, the scenery changes along the rivers, where greener vegetation forms a clear contrast to the dry regions. Along the Atlantic coast, regular fog creates a unique atmosphere. Namibia is known for its unspoilt nature, wide landscapes and close connection to the natural world.

To enter Namibia, you will need a valid passport. It must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date and have at least three blank pages.

A visa has been required since 1 April 2025 and can be applied for online in advance.

When travelling with children, special requirements apply for parents travelling with minors. Please contact us for further information.

The official currency of Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (NAD). Up to NAD 25,000 may be brought into the country. The South African Rand (ZAR) is widely accepted at a 1:1 rate with the Namibian Dollar. There are no limits on bringing foreign currency into Namibia, although it is advisable to declare larger amounts on arrival.

Money can be exchanged at the airport, at banks (for example CHF or Euro), or withdrawn from ATM's using a debit or credit card. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and lodges.

Before leaving Namibia, it is recommended to exchange any remaining Namibian Dollars into South African Rand, as NAD cannot be exchanged outside the country. Please also check with your bank before travelling to ensure your card can be used for withdrawals and payments abroad.

To drive in Namibia, you will need an international driving permit or an English translation of your national licence. A card-style licence is usually enough when collecting your hire car, but you may be asked to show an international permit during a roadside check.

Distances between towns and fuel stations can be long, so it is best to fill up whenever you have the chance. In many places, payment by card is possible.

Driving is often on gravel or sandy roads, and conditions can vary. It is important to drive carefully, keep your speed moderate and allow enough time for each journey. Tyre pressure should be checked regularly and is usually around 1.8 bar.

A common rule in Namibia is the 4-way stop. At these intersections, all vehicles must come to a complete stop, and the first to arrive has the right of way. At roundabouts, give way to traffic from the right.

Outside built-up areas, headlights should be switched on at all times, even during the day.

There are currently no compulsory vaccinations for Namibia. In addition to standard vaccinations such as tetanus and diphtheria, it is advisable to check your protection against hepatitis A and B. The Namibian Ministry of Health also recommends a polio vaccination for travel to southern Africa.

If you are travelling to northern regions, it is best to speak to your doctor or a travel clinic about malaria prevention. You should take a good mosquito repellent, especially for use in the evenings. When outdoors at that time, wearing long trousers and long-sleeved clothing in light colours can help reduce bites. It is also advisable to avoid perfumes and scented products, as these can attract mosquitoes.

Medical care in Namibia is generally well organised, and the standard of hospitals is good by regional comparison. Even so, it is important to check your health insurance cover before travelling. If needed, we recommend taking out travel insurance that includes cancellation, medical treatment, accidents, repatriation and return travel. These costs are not covered by us.

Traditional Namibian cuisine is not commonly served, and most restaurants offer European-style dishes of a good standard.

Namibia is known for its meat, and many menus include a variety of steaks. However, most lodges, hotels and restaurants also offer vegetarian options and seafood.

Supermarkets stock fresh fruit and vegetables, although the selection may be smaller in more remote areas. You will also find a wide range of basic items such as tinned food, pasta, rice and bread, much of which is imported from South Africa.

Tap water in the main towns is generally safe to drink, although it may have a slight metallic taste due to the long distances it travels through pipes. Filtered and bottled water is widely available in towns, as well as in camps, lodges and hotels.

From October to February, temperatures inland can reach 35°C or more. During the rest of the year, it is generally warm, with daytime temperatures around 25–30°C.

From June to August, the Namibian winter, mornings and evenings can be quite cool, and in some areas temperatures may drop below zero at night. It is therefore best to pack layers and bring clothing suitable for both warm days and cooler conditions.

It is advisable to pack some warm clothing for all seasons, such as a windbreaker, jacket, fleece, long trousers or leggings.

You should also bring a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with a high protection factor. Trainers or light hiking boots are suitable for walks and time spent in the bush.

Mobile phone and internet coverage in Namibia is generally good in towns and along main routes, but it can be limited or unavailable in more remote areas.

Most accommodation providers offer Wi-Fi, so you can usually access the internet even in remote locations. This is often available in main areas such as reception or the restaurant, and in some cases also in the rooms.

The mains voltage in Namibia is 220/240V. Swiss electrical plugs do not fit into Namibian sockets, so an adapter is required. These can easily be purchased in most supermarkets in Namibia. Alternatively, many lodges and hotels can provide adapters at reception, although this is usually not the case at state-run camps.

A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.

Currency
Local currency: Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)
Symbol: ZiG
ISO code: ZWG
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 ZiG
Coins: 1, 2, 5 ZIG

Note: US Dollars are widely accepted and commonly used alongside the local currency.

Banking

Card Transactions: Limited
ATMs: Yes, cash withdrawals may be limited and often dispense US dollars. Some ATMs may not accept foreign cards, so check with your bank.
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Limited acceptance
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance

Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM/4:30PM
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.
Public Holidays: Closed
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air:
Main airlines: Air Zimbabwe
International Airports: Harare International Airport (HRE), Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ)
Domestic Airports: Yes, in major cities and tourist areas

Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes, in rural areas
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes

Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes

Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No

Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Zimbabwean cuisine is influenced by traditional African dishes and British colonial heritage. Sadza, a thick maize porridge, is a staple, often served with meat and vegetables. Other popular dishes include Nyama, a grilled meat dish, and Mopane worms. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Chibuku (traditional beer) and maheu (fermented drink). 

Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included. 

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 22°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 10°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zimbabwe is during the dry season from May to October when wildlife viewing is at its best, especially in national parks like Hwange and Mana Pools. The weather is generally pleasant during this time, making it ideal for outdoor activities. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Limited, mainly in major cities
Accommodation: Yes, including hotels, guesthouses, and lodges
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Limited
Public parks: Limited, in urban areas
Libraries: Limited