Travelling through Botswana to Zambia

[Newbie Adventurer]

Hi

My Fiance and I are driving up to Zambia from SA through Botswana in mid June. This is our first overland trip and we want to make sure we're prepared for as many of the curveballs that a trip like this can throw.

*What papers will we need to have on us for a SA registered vehicle?
*Where can we get the SADC vehicle insurance from? (the yellow one, I know you can buy them at the border post but we want to avoid spending more than necessary where we can)
*Which is the best border post to drive into Botswana?
*Recommendations for places to stay in Francistown, Nata, and Kasane/Chobe that are affordable and comfortable.
*Are there any requirements we need to consider? (yellow fever booklets, insurance, interpol etc.)

Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated!

[landylovers]

Hi

My Fiance and I are driving up to Zambia from SA through Botswana in mid June. This is our first overland trip and we want to make sure we're prepared for as many of the curveballs that a trip like this can throw.

*What papers will we need to have on us for a SA registered vehicle?
*Where can we get the SADC vehicle insurance from? (the yellow one, I know you can buy them at the border post but we want to avoid spending more than necessary where we can)
*Which is the best border post to drive into Botswana?
*Recommendations for places to stay in Francistown, Nata, and Kasane/Chobe that are affordable and comfortable.
*Are there any requirements we need to consider? (yellow fever booklets, insurance, interpol etc.)

Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Newbie

- You can find the info on documents you need etc on the AA website here:Botswana - https://www.aa.co.za/botswana-cross-border-information / Zambia - https://www.aa.co.za/zambia-cross-border &
https://www.zambiatourism.com/self-drive/

- Getting the 3rd Party Insurance at the border post is very easy & no hassle at all - they also accept Rands & I think also take Credit Cards for fees (under correction as we have always paid in cash with Rands)

- Personally we always go into Botswana at Stokpoort B (Parrs Halt) which is near Lephalale or Ellisras - usually only 1 or 2 vehicles & a 10 minute crossing! Opening times are 8am to 4pm.
For a more exciting & different Border Crossing consider Pont Drift (Mashatu) which is up above Alldays. Another very quiet border post.You cross the dry riverbed (in winter) and it takes you through the bottom of the Tuli
Block - **NB** all gravel / dirt roads. Opening times are 8am to 4pm.

- Accommodation is very personal & very much dependant on your budget.

In Francistown we like the Cresta Hotels - they are not too pricey. They have 2 - Cresta Marang Gardens & Cresta Thapama. Have a look at their website here: https://www.crestahotels.com/destinations/francistown/

In Nata an all time favourite for many is Nata Lodge they have tents & chalets, both awesome! Their website - https://underonebotswanasky.com/bots...ges/nata-lodge
We love to push on a few km's and stay at Elephant Sands for a very unique & special experience with the wild elephants that visit the central waterhole daily! Their website - https://www.elephantsands.com/

For Kasane / Chobe you have many varied options - a few we have used as follows:
- Kasane / Chobe Self Catering - they have two lodges alongside each other offering lovely self catering rooms at reasonable prices. Their website - http://www.chobeselfcatering.com/
- Senyati Bush Camp - also self catering chalets. This is 20kms from Kasane but an easy drive to get to the town or into Chobe National Park - another place similar to Elephant Sands for the experience & rates are
reasonable. Their website - http://senyatisafaricampbotswana.com/
- If you want to really spoil yourselves then a stay at Chobe Safari Lodge is amazing - nothing to beat the sunsets from their wooden deck on the river!! Their rooms & meals are fantastic. Same owners / company as for
Nata Lodge. Their website - https://underonebotswanasky.com/bots...e-safari-lodge

- Yellow Fever vaccinations are not necessary coming from SA into Botswana but I think you do need them for Zambia (under correction)
- It is always advisable to take out travel insurance for any overland trip (in our opinion) We always use Travelguard / Chartis Travel Insurance which is easily done either by phone or online. It is done through AIG. Their
website - https://www.aig.co.za/personal/trave...avel-insurance
- Be aware of any food / meat & duty free import restrictions into Botswana & Zambia. You can find more info on the government portal here - Botswana - http://www.gov.bw/en/Visitors/Topics...rements/Entry-
Requirements/. They do currently have a ban on red meat being brought in from SA due to a foot & mouth outbreak in Limpopo. / Zambia - https://www.zambiatourism.com/self-drive/

Hope this helps & hope you enjoy your trip