Frequently Asked Questions

A self-drive trip allows you to explore a destination in your vehicle (or a rented 4×4) at your own pace, with the fellow travelers of your choosing.

Ultimate Routes specialises in custom self-drive itineraries—think of us as your silent guide behind the scenes. We carefully craft your route, secure all accommodation in advance, and provide a detailed itinerary document with everything you need. With this support, a bit of common sense, and reliable navigation (via map or app), travelers can confidently explore these incredible destinations—without the need to pay for a guide to lead the way.

You can either send us the route you have in mind along with your pick of camps and lodges, and we’ll handle all the reservations, or we will expertly plan and book a custom route based on your preferences. Simply complete a Trip Request Form.

Yes definitely! Every camper deserves a little luxury – why not diversify your adventure with a few overnight stays in hand-picked lodges or chalets?

Absolutely. Self-drive does not need to be a rustic camping trip – luxury safari excursions and refined experiences in the bush are a fantastic way to experience the wilderness and landscapes of southern Africa! Simply complete our Trip Request Form for Luxury & Accommodated stays.

Yes – to add value to your booking, we will happily add activity bookings to your itinerary. For certain activities, we will however advise booking on arrival due to seasonality or weather conditions.

We love including special occasions on any itinerary! There are so many memorable and special activities and treats to add for loved ones when traveling across borders. Why not mark your special celebration with a memorable experience instead of a material gift?

We accept payment in ZAR or USD. Preferred methods include bank transfer, online secure card payments or Wise. No cash payments are accepted. Transfer fees are for the client's account.

Once full payment is received for reservations; you will receive a comprehensive itinerary document detailing your reservation information, more on the accommodation, activities and surrounding region. GPS coordinates are provided, and we make use of the Tracks4Africa listed camp/lodge names. Important camp vouchers or confirmation will also be loaded into an online file for your perusal.

Yes, indeed! Once clients make full payment, they receive comprehensive self-drive documentation with cross-border travel tips and information.

Wherever possible, Ultimate Routes will assist in pre-paying conservation & entry fees. Some national parks only allow for payment on arrival, and this will be detailed in your Brochure attached to a booking quote once reservations are made.

Yes, we book all Mabuasehube, Matopi and Mosomane Trail camps as well as Polentswa and Rooiputs Lodges.

• For any SANParks bookings, please book with specialists Ezi Bookings.
• For Rooiputs, Polentswa or Kaa trail camps, please contact DWNP directly.

Yes, self-driving in Southern Africa is generally safe, provided you are well-prepared and informed. Many travelers choose to explore countries like Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe by road, and the freedom of a self-drive safari can be incredibly rewarding.

That said, it’s important to plan carefully:

• Stick to recommended routes and avoid night driving.
• Use a reliable 4x4 vehicle, especially for remote or sandy areas.
• Follow border crossing protocols and carry the correct paperwork.
• Stock up on fuel and water in remote areas where services are limited.
• Have offline maps or a trusted navigation app, as signal can be unreliable in certain regions.
• Stay aware of wildlife and road conditions, especially in parks and rural areas.
• Keep all valuables out of site when leaving your vehicle or camping overnight.

With the right support—like a well-planned itinerary, confirmed bookings, and local travel advice—self-driving is not only safe, but also one of the best ways to experience Southern Africa’s wild beauty and freedom.

Your route will be planned to include reliable fuel stops where possible. However, in remote areas, fuel availability can be unpredictable, and distances between stations may be significant—especially when venturing off the main routes.

If your vehicle has a smaller tank or you're travelling through areas with limited services, we strongly recommend carrying extra fuel in jerry cans.

Our golden rule: Fill up at every opportunity. Even if the tank isn’t close to empty, it's best not to take chances in remote regions.

Absolutely—especially if you’re travelling solo or exploring remote areas. Basic recovery gear is essential. Items like a high-lift jack, sand tracks (or traction boards), a shovel, and a tyre repair kit can make a big difference if you get stuck or face challenging terrain.

Our key advice:

• Always assess obstacles on foot before driving through.
• Adjust tyre pressure according to local recommendations.
• Avoid taking unnecessary risks, especially in isolated areas.

Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable overlanding experience.

Yes. Stick to speed regulations shown on traffic signboards. Keep your vehicle documents like license and TIP handy to show at any roadblocks and observe the rules of the specific county roads.

If you need to stay in touch and will not be visiting very remote areas for the majority of your trip, purchase a local sim card once you have crossed the border. Local vendors and petrol stations should be able to help.

The best time to visit Namibia is during the dry season, from May to October, when weather conditions are most temperate and game viewing is best near waterholes. December adds a special festive vibe throughout the country, and most accommodations have swimming pools to cool off in the hotter afternoons.

In peak seasons, destinations like Swakopmund and Etosha are fully booked as soon as reservations open. Luckily Namibia offers excellent alternatives so if a required camp or lodge is not available, a great alternative will be. This makes Namibia a destination bookable throughout the year. Booking a year in advance, however, secures you the best camps and lodges!

Generally, 6 - 8 people and 2 - 3 vehicles are the limit per campsite depending on its size.

*Please note: Group size must be specified in advance, as it is essential for us to design a suitable route & book appropriate camps or rooms.

Malaria is present in varying degrees across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana. Each country has both high and low-risk regions, with risk levels often changing based on rainfall, season, and geography.

We recommend the following precautions for all travelers:

• Consult your doctor or pharmacist before departure to discuss the most suitable preventative medication for your route.
• Always cover up in the evenings (long sleeves and trousers) and apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin.
• Avoid bright or dark clothing at dusk and dawn, as these may attract biting insects.
• Use mosquito nets where provided, and consider treating clothing with repellent for extra protection.

Refer to the following malaria maps for country-specific guidance:

• Zambia: NMEC Malaria Overview
• Zimbabwe: Fit for Travel Malaria Map
• Namibia: Fit for Travel Malaria Map
• Botswana: Fit for Travel Malaria Map

For additional information on malaria prevention, visit the CDC Traveller’s Guide or consult a travel health professional.

We pride ourselves in providing current, relevant and helpful self-drive information to our clients. Some of this knowledge is imparted during the route design process, and the rest is provided after payment in a link to electronic self-drive documentation.

Check out Facebook groups like DriveNam or the 4x4 Community forum for local insights and current updates.

Namibia’s official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is interchangeable with the South African Rand (ZAR) at a 1:1 ratio. Both currencies are widely accepted across the country. While cards are commonly used in towns and at most lodges, cash (in NAD or ZAR) is recommended for remote areas, fuel stations, and small vendors. Card purchases and withdrawals from ATM’s are also possible.

Currently, when traveling to Namibia from South Africa, no raw meat or animal products are permitted across the border. This includes eggs and dairy products.

No fresh fruit & vegetables are permitted across the border.

Vet line regulation states that no raw meat is to be transported from West to East nor from North to South over the vet line boundaries.

*Regulations are subject to change - if uncertain, please check directly with the PORT HEALTH border authority of the Border Post you will be crossing at.

While some lodges do provide safe, filtered drinking water, we recommend purchasing bottled water for the duration of your trip to ensure peace of mind. Borehole water is generally available in camps and is suitable for washing and cooking, but not always advised for drinking. When in doubt, ask your lodge or camp staff about water safety.

Best visited during the dry winter months from May to October. This is best for wildlife viewing opportunities when animals congregate around limited water sources. Specifically, June to August is considered ideal due to pleasant weather and lower malaria risk. The zebra and wildebeest migration normally hits the Nxai Pan area by December or January.

Reservations for the year ahead open at varying times, but our best advice is to book at least 12 months in advance. Waiting until closer to your travel dates may mean your consultant will need to secure the next-best alternatives—especially bucket-list destinations during the peak season from June to October.

Generally, 8 people and 3 vehicles are the limit per campsite.

*Please note: Group size must be specified in advance, as it is essential for us to design a suitable route & book appropriate camps or rooms.

Malaria is present in varying degrees across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana. Each country has both high and low-risk regions, with risk levels often changing based on rainfall, season, and geography.

We recommend the following precautions for all travelers:

• Consult your doctor or pharmacist before departure to discuss the most suitable preventative medication for your route.
• Always cover up in the evenings (long sleeves and trousers) and apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin.
• Avoid bright or dark clothing at dusk and dawn, as these may attract biting insects.
• Use mosquito nets where provided, and consider treating clothing with repellent for extra protection.

Refer to the following malaria maps for country-specific guidance:

• Zambia: NMEC Malaria Overview
• Zimbabwe: Fit for Travel Malaria Map
• Namibia: Fit for Travel Malaria Map
• Botswana: Fit for Travel Malaria Map

For additional information on malaria prevention, visit the CDC Traveller’s Guide or consult a travel health professional.

We pride ourselves in providing current, relevant and helpful self-drive information to our clients. Some of this knowledge is imparted during the route design process, and the rest is provided after payment in a link to electronic self-drive documentation.

Check out Facebook groups like DriveBots or the 4x4 Community forum but be prepared for a barrage of opinions which may leave you a little less certain than when you began.

The official currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP), and Pula cash is widely accepted throughout the country. In urban areas and larger lodges, credit and debit cards are often accepted, but in remote areas or smaller establishments, cash is preferred. It's advisable to carry some Pula when travelling outside of major towns.

Currently, when traveling to Botswana from South Africa, no raw meat or animal products are permitted across the border. This includes eggs and dairy products.

No fresh fruit & vegetables are permitted across the border.

Vet line regulation states that no raw meat is to be transported from West to East nor from North to South over the vet line boundaries.

*Regulations are subject to change - if uncertain, please check directly with the PORT HEALTH border authority of the Border Post you will be crossing at.

While some lodges do provide safe, filtered drinking water, we recommend purchasing bottled water for the duration of your trip to ensure peace of mind. Borehole water is generally available in camps and is suitable for washing and cooking, but not always advised for drinking. When in doubt, ask your lodge or camp staff about water safety.

For optimal weather and wildlife viewing, visit Zim during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and excellent game viewing opportunities as animals congregate around water sources. In summertime, certain migratory birds will be easier to see in the Eastern Highlands, but seasonal floods and high river water levels may limit accessibility in some parks like Gonarezhou and Mana Pools.

Send us your Trip Request at least a year in advance so that we can get the routing and planning done in time for the reservations to be sent to all the respective parks. Zimbabwe’s bookings are a little more complex than other countries and need a lot of TLC by our booking consultants to coordinate and successfully book.

Zim Parks allows from 3 to 6 adults to pre-book per campsite, depending on the specific site. For groups larger than this (up to a maximum of 12 campers), payment must be made on arrival in USD cash.

*Please note: Group size must be specified in advance, as it is essential for us to design a suitable route & book appropriate camps or rooms.

Malaria is present in varying degrees across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana. Each country has both high and low-risk regions, with risk levels often changing based on rainfall, season, and geography.

We recommend the following precautions for all travelers:

• Consult your doctor or pharmacist before departure to discuss the most suitable preventative medication for your route.
• Always cover up in the evenings (long sleeves and trousers) and apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin.
• Avoid bright or dark clothing at dusk and dawn, as these may attract biting insects.
• Use mosquito nets where provided, and consider treating clothing with repellent for extra protection.

Refer to the following malaria maps for country-specific guidance:

• Zambia: NMEC Malaria Overview
• Zimbabwe: Fit for Travel Malaria Map
• Namibia: Fit for Travel Malaria Map
• Botswana: Fit for Travel Malaria Map

For additional information on malaria prevention, visit the CDC Traveller’s Guide or consult a travel health professional.

We pride ourselves in providing current, relevant and helpful self-drive information to our clients. Some of this knowledge is imparted during the route design process, and the rest is provided after payment in a link to electronic self-drive documentation.

USD (United States Dollars) is the most widely accepted and reliable currency for travelers in Zimbabwe. While the country has a local currency (ZWL), many lodges, fuel stations, and tourism services require payment in USD cash, especially in remote areas. Cards may be accepted in some towns, but access to ATMs and reliable card facilities is limited—always carry sufficient USD cash, especially for park fees, tips, fuel, and smaller purchases.

Currently, there is no ban on fresh meat, dairy or other produce crossing to Zimbabwe, for own consumption. This may change if there is a fruit fly or foot & mouth outbreak.

*Regulations are subject to change - if uncertain, please check directly with the PORT HEALTH border authority of the Border Post you will be crossing at.

While some lodges do provide safe, filtered drinking water, we recommend purchasing bottled water for the duration of your trip to ensure peace of mind. Borehole water is generally available in camps and is suitable for washing and cooking, but not always advised for drinking. When in doubt, ask your lodge or camp staff about water safety.

The best and most accessible time to visit Zambia, particularly for wildlife, is during the dry season, from May to October. September and October are recommended as the best time for Tiger fishing. During October and November, the wildebeest migration in Liuwa Plains should be at its peak. Bird watching is excellent year-round but particularly rewarding in Summer.

The best time to witness the Kasanka straw-colored fruit bat migration is from late October to mid-December, with November being the peak month.

Due to Zambia still boasting its ‘hidden gem’ status, bookings can be made less than a year in advance, however the peak season for bat migration and general Africa travel does get busy the nearer we get to your travel dates. Preferably 6 months or more in advance will be needed for a Zambia itinerary. If your booking includes Kasanka’s bat migration, book a year in advance to secure your accommodation.

Zambia National Park campsites generally take up to 8 pax per campsite. Some more exclusive camps require a minimum occupancy.

*Please note: Group size must be specified in advance, as it is essential for us to design a suitable route & book appropriate camps or rooms.

Malaria is present in varying degrees across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana. Each country has both high and low-risk regions, with risk levels often changing based on rainfall, season, and geography.

We recommend the following precautions for all travelers:

• Consult your doctor or pharmacist before departure to discuss the most suitable preventative medication for your route.
• Always cover up in the evenings (long sleeves and trousers) and apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin.
• Avoid bright or dark clothing at dusk and dawn, as these may attract biting insects.
• Use mosquito nets where provided, and consider treating clothing with repellent for extra protection.

Refer to the following malaria maps for country-specific guidance:

• Zambia: NMEC Malaria Overview
• Zimbabwe: Fit for Travel Malaria Map
• Namibia: Fit for Travel Malaria Map
• Botswana: Fit for Travel Malaria Map

For additional information on malaria prevention, visit the CDC Traveller’s Guide or consult a travel health professional.

Tsetse flies are present in 30–40% of Zambia, especially in the Luangwa Valley and Kafue regions. Protection is essential at all times, as different species are active throughout the day. Use insect repellent or natural oils, wear long, heavy cotton clothing, and avoid bright or dark colours—neutral tones like khaki, grey, and green are best. Dress children in similar colours and stay clear of game and livestock. Lastly, always have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation and repatriation.

MORE INFO ON TSETSE FLY & MALARIA IN ZAMBIA HERE: https://www.zambiatourism.com/self-drive/insects-andmosquitos

We pride ourselves in providing current, relevant and helpful self-drive information to our clients. Some of this knowledge is imparted during the route design process, and the rest is provided after payment in a link to electronic self-drive documentation.

The official currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). While Kwacha is required for most local transactions, many lodges, tourism services, and national parks accept USD cash, especially for

international visitors. Card payments are increasingly common in urban areas and established lodges, but reliable access to ATMs and card machines may be limited in rural areas—so it’s advisable to carry a mix of Kwacha and USD cash, particularly when travelling off the beaten track.

Is there adequate fuel supply in Botswana and should extra fuel be carried?

Your route will be designed to ensure adequate fuel stops where necessary. If fuel is not available or your vehicle needs more en route, additional jerry cans are advised. Our golden rule: Fill up at every opportunity you get.

Currently, there is no ban on fresh meat, dairy or other produce crossing to Zambia, for own consumption. This may change if there is a fruit fly or foot & mouth outbreak.

*Regulations are subject to change - if uncertain, please check directly with the PORT HEALTH border authority of the Border Post you will be crossing at.

While some lodges do provide safe, filtered drinking water, we recommend purchasing bottled water for the duration of your trip to ensure peace of mind. Borehole water is generally available in camps and is suitable for washing and cooking, but not always advised for drinking. When in doubt, ask your lodge or camp staff about water safety.