If you suffer from cabin fever and want to travel a bit further up in Africa, you should have no problem doing just that. Beginning of November, we decided to wander North. The Botswana borders were still closed at the time, and we headed for Tanzania, through Namibia and then Zambia. With our passports, Covid PCR test results and vehicle/motorcycle papers, we were on our way. Covid tests are relatively painless (slight burning sensation in the nostril), done at Pathcare and some other centers, take a few minutes and cost approximately R850 per person. Our certificates were emailed to us within 24 hours, but it is better to have it done at least 48 hours before you intend to cross the border. Because we did not know what to expect, we went to collect the original stamped certificate before departure, just in case. Namibia is always an easy border for most South African passport holders and registered vehicles, and we were out of SA and legally in Namibia in less than 30 minutes. Additional costs only include the Road Toll, which is a minimal amount. You have to exit South Africa within 72 hours after you have done your Covid test and if you stay in Namibia a while, you will have to get another test done before you return to South Africa. 

Covid Tests for entry in Zambia and Tanzania are valid if they are not older than 14 days, and all that is needed is to complete a basic medical form and get your fever taken at the border health checkpoint. For entering Zambia it is required to have a police clearance certificate for your vehicle, and you would also need to pay Third Party Insurance, Carbon Tax, Road Toll (lots of toll roads here if you travel on the main roads) and your CIP/TIP (customs/temporary import permit). Tanzania requires Third Party, Council Levy and a CIP for your motorcycle/vehicle. And of course a stamp in your passport!

Having local currency cash available at the border posts are one of the biggest challenges as there are not always a working ATM available. Make sure you know your conversion rates and have some US dollars to exchange at the bank/exchange bureau.

It is always better to err on the safe side and have more papers than what is required. Keep your papers neatly together in a file and have certified copies where possible. If you are organized, patient, and polite, you should be able to travel without any problems.

When coming on one of our scheduled or private tours, we arrange all paperwork for your motorcycle (you just bring yourself and your valid passport and license) and make your trip hassle free.