Arnoud Quanjer Wildlife Photography

When plan to cross the border from Botswana into Zimbawe for instance for visiting Victoria Falls then there are a number of things that you should take into account. The first thing is a cross-border permit if you're using a rental car, and the second thing to keep in mind is restrictions regarding importing meat back into Botswana.

Cross border permits for your rental car

If you plan on taking the car into Zimbabwe then tell this to your rental company when you make your reservation. The reason for this is that to take the car out of the country where you rented it you need a cross-border permit from the rental company. All the rental companies that I know of will issue you a cross-border permit when you ask for it, usually at a small extra charge. Do not take your car over the border without a permit as you will then not be insured for damages!

Meat import restrictions

When you cross the border into Zimbabwe you can basically take anything you like with you. A lot of tourists drive fully equiped 4x4's so they literally take everything they have with them into Zimbabwe. When you for instance go on a day trip to Victoria Falls please be aware of the fact that you will not be permitted to bring meat into Botswana on your way back. This restriction is meant to keep foot-and-mouth disease outside Botswana. This means that you shouldn't stock up at the supermarket in Kasane the day before you go to Victoria Falls as your your prime fillets, lamb chops and oxtail will get confiscated at the border the next day. It doesn't matter if your meat is vacuum packed and bought in Kasane, it will get confiscated!