Road trips across the border
More than half of South Africans who travel abroad go by road. Here’s how to cross without trouble.
Papers for the car
Safety kit that gets checked
At the border
Expect to pay road fees, and in some countries buy third-party insurance and a temporary import permit. Keep every receipt and the permit itself: losing it means fines when you leave. Look up the real fees before you go and avoid sellers who approach your car.
On the road
- Roadblocks: keep documents within reach, follow speed limits exactly, and only pay a fine with an official receipt or at the police station.
- Food: meat, dairy and fresh produce are often taken at borders and veterinary fences, especially in Botswana. Shop after you cross.
- Night driving: avoid it. Animals and unlit vehicles are common.
Country by country: Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia.
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