Arnoud Quanjer Wildlife Photography

When you are crossing the border from Namibia into South Africa 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 into South Africa.

Cross border permits for your rental car

If you plan on taking the car into another country like Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique or Namibia 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

Things can change quickly with regards meat import restrictions. A while ago there was a foot-and-mouth disease scare in Namibia and no meat could go across the border into South Africa (not even vacuum packed).  Nothing is more upsetting when the officials confiscate your prime fillets, lamb chops and oxtail so make sure that you are aware of any import restrictions that are in place!  I would suggest you phone the Veterinarian services in Windhoek Tel 264-61-2087512 before deciding to take any meat across the South African border.

The Keetmanshoop number is:
+264-63-223003
+264-63-223003/3190

The Namibian Meat Board may also be able to help. Their tel number is +264-61-275830 . It will also be a good idea to get it in writing from them, as the Veterinarian services and border control people do not always have the same story. Better still, phone the particular border post before leaving Keetmanshoop.