Visa for multiple border crossings in Zambia and Zimbabwe

Hello, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026! We’re heading back in October for a trip through Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. I have a question: for our route, we’ll need to cross the Zambia and Zimbabwe borders twice each. From experience, I know we won’t have any issues with Botswana. But for the other two countries, I can’t find a clear answer. All your tips are welcome!

Thanks for your replies

Hi there, What I’m really trying to figure out is how to present things at the border. Victoria Falls is no problem, but what about when we head toward Kariba?

Your answers are super helpful, and as soon as I’m back I’ll share everything on the blog “msi afrcaroadtrip.” Cheers, JP M

Hi, There’s no longer a visa requirement for Zambia. For Zimbabwe, yes, and you can get a Double Entry Visa. If you’re renting a vehicle, the rental company must explicitly state that they authorize your vehicle to cross into the countries you plan to visit. We’ll be in Zambia and Zimbabwe in October too, coming from Windhoek.

Thanks for your reply, I’ll explain what we’re planning to do. We’re traveling at the start with our adult kids. 1. We’re going from Kasane to Livingstone, where we’ll stay for 3 days. From there, we’ll spend a day at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, then return to Livingstone in the evening before heading back to Botswana. 2. We’ll drop our kids off in Johannesburg, and my wife and I will head back to Zimbabwe—Hwange National Park, Mana Pools—and then to Zambia—Kafue and others. So, we’ll be crossing borders several times. From October 1st to 15th, we’ll be going: Johannesburg → Botswana → Zambia → Johannesburg. From October 16th to November 3rd: Johannesburg → Zimbabwe → Zambia → back to South Africa.

That’s our concern.

Thanks, See you later!

Nice itinerary (and lots of kilometers!) For part 1: I assume you’re crossing via the Kazungula Bridge. You’ll need a visa to enter Zimbabwe at Vic Falls. From what I recall, the Double Entry visa is valid for 1 month, which should let you re-enter Zimbabwe the second time. For part 2: Are you heading back to Joburg through Botswana? We’ll be in Kafue at the same time as you, and I’m hoping this year the rainy season doesn’t start as early as it did last year… If you haven’t already, I’d really recommend getting the Tracks4Africa Kavango Zambezi map.

Thanks for the reply. Yes, we’re heading back to Joburg via Botswana: on this route with our kids, we’re in a regular 4x4 and staying in B&Bs or similar. For the second trip, we’re taking a kitted-out 4x4—I know, that’s a lot of KMs! Around 5,000 for the second one and 3,000 for the first. As for maps, we’ve got the Tracks4Africa maps for Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. Let me know your dates for Kafue Park. Thanks again! See you soon, JP

Hello, We’ll be in Kafue from October 30th to November 7th. We’re heading there from Livingstone and returning via the Katima Bridge. And like you, we’ll be in a 4x4 with a tent (we usually go "soft" but this time, we’re trying "hard")

hi again, we’ll cross paths because we’re taking the flight from OR Tambo on Nov 4. Which camp did you see in Kafue National Park? And what’s your itinerary? We love southern Africa and want to keep exploring as long as life allows. I always check border crossings ahead of time since we don’t speak English—I prefer to plan in advance. Best,

JP

We're leaving from Windhoek. And in order, we’ve booked: Weavers Rock guestfarm Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Mahangu Safari Lodge (2 nights) Zambezi Mubala (2 nights) Victoria Falls Backpackers Livingstone Musungwa Lodge (2 nights) Kaingu Lodge (2 nights) McBrides Camp (2 nights) Liseli Hotel, Mongu Hakusembe (2 nights) Minen Hotel A new camp being set up 85 km west of Grootfontein (2 nights) Return to Windhoek.

It’s a great route! You’re going to love it—the Caprivi Strip is amazing. If you have one night left in Caprivi, check out Camp NGEPI. It’s a community-run camp right on the Okavango River. Either way, you’ll see plenty of hippos. Cheers, JP

We already know these areas pretty well. Except for Musungwa and the McBride camp. We go to Namibia every year. My in-laws live in Windhoek. Ngepi: it’s gone downhill... But they’re renovating now (we stopped by last fall). Mahangu, right next door, is better in my opinion.

You're lucky to have family over there.

It's true that it's been a while since we went through Caprivi. All we have left are the good memories.

JP

Yes, and we’re leaving in April, and again in October. I just retired, and next year it’ll be half France, half Namibia. And I’m really happy about it.