Visas and Arrival
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival into Namibia and Botswana free of charge. Visa on arrival is also available for Zambia (USD $50 single entry) and Zimbabwe (USD$30 single entry for most nationalities /USD$55 for British passport/ USD$75 for Canadian passport).
Money and ATMs
Namibian currency is the Namibian dollar. ATMs are found in most cities. Credit cards are accepted with most hotels and tour operators.
Botswana currency is the Botswana pula. ATMs are found in most cities. Credit cards are accepted with most hotels and tour operators.
Zambian currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMK). US dollars may also be accepted. ATMs are found in most cities (withdrawal of ZMK and USD). Credit cards are accepted with most hotels and tour operators.
At the time of travel in 2010 Zimbabwe was a “multi-currency economy” following the collapse of the Zimbabwean dollar in 2008. The reality was only US dollars cash (or South African rand) were being accepted for payment anywhere.
Transport
Namibia – tours to Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei depart from Windhoek. I used the services of Chameleon Backpackers www.chameleonsafaris.com. Town Hopper operates a shuttle bus service between Windhoek and Swakopmund www.namibiashuttle.com.
Infrequent flights operated between Namibia and Botswana with Air Namibia or Air Botswana (and were booked out many months in advance). A weekly private transfer or shuttle can be arranged with Tenna Express www.tennaxp.com.na to travel between Windhoek, Namibia and Maun, Botswana (gateway to the Okavango Delta).
Botswana – limited bus services operate in Botswana. It is worth paying for short flights with Air Botswana. Many tours will provide transport solutions with safari vehicles and charter flights.
Zambia – limited bus services operate in Zambia. Many tours will provide transport solutions with safari vehicles and charter flights.
Zimbabwe – Tours and lodges most reliably provide ground transport or charter flights for transfers.
Where I stayed
I booked most hotels in advance online.
Windhoek, Namibia: Chameleon Backpackers 5-7 Voigt St North, Windhoek Central www.chameleonbackpackers.com (also organize tours to Etosha and Sossusvlei)
Etosha National Park: Etosha Village Lodge www.etosha-village.com
Swakopmund, Namibia: Dunes Backpacker Lodge dunesbackpackers@namibiabookings.com
Maun, Botswana: Okavango River Lodge www.okavango-river-lodge.com
Kalahari, Botswana: Camp Kalahari www.unchartedafrica.com
Okavango Delta, Botswana: Mobile tented safari with Letaka Safaris www.letakasafaris.com
Kasane, Botswana: Thebe River Lodge www.theberiversafaris.com (also organize tours of Chobe National Park)
Livingstone, Zambia: Fawlty Towers Backpackers https://adventure-africa.com
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls Hotel www.victoriafallshotel.co
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe: Ivory Lodge www.ivorysafarilodge.com
Other links:
Transfers Windhoek to Maun: Tenna Express Shuttle and Transfers www.tennaxp.com.na , tennaxp@iway.na ,+264 (61)263607
Living Desert Tour, Swakopmund, Namibia: www.livingdeserttours.com.na