DESTINATIONS

Destinations — BrandIt Africa Tours & Safaris

BrandIt Africa · Destinations

Where would you like to go?

Pick a country to see the highlights, when to visit, and what you need to know before you book.

Namibia

Endless deserts, dramatic coastlines, and some of Africa's best self-drive routes.

Popular Locations

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Sossusvlei & Deadvlei

The postcard image of Namibia: towering red dunes, some over 300 metres high, rising out of a white clay pan dotted with the skeletal remains of 900-year-old camel-thorn trees. Climb Dune 45 or Big Daddy at sunrise for the best light and cooler temperatures — by midday the pan can exceed 40°C in summer.

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Etosha National Park

A vast, shimmering salt pan surrounded by waterholes that draw huge concentrations of wildlife, especially in the dry season when animals have nowhere else to drink. Elephant, lion, rhino, and enormous herds of springbok and zebra are all common sightings, often from the comfort of a floodlit waterhole at camp after dark.

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Skeleton Coast

A hauntingly beautiful stretch of coastline named for the shipwrecks and whale bones that litter its shores, where the cold Atlantic meets the desert in a near-permanent fog bank. Home to seal colonies, desert-adapted elephants, and some of the most otherworldly landscapes in Southern Africa.

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Swakopmund

A quirky coastal town with distinctly German colonial architecture, sitting right where the Namib Desert meets the sea. It's the adventure capital of Namibia — sandboarding, quad biking, and skydiving over the dunes are all based here, alongside good restaurants and a chance to break up a long self-drive.

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Fish River Canyon

Africa's largest canyon, and the second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon. The main viewpoint near Hobas offers a dramatic, sweeping vista best seen at sunrise or sunset, while serious hikers can tackle the multi-day trail along the canyon floor between May and September.

Best Time to Travel

Recommended months

April to October (the dry season) is best for game viewing, with wildlife concentrating around waterholes. June to September is peak season, with cool, clear days and cold nights — pack layers. November to March brings warmer, greener landscapes, dramatic afternoon storms, fewer crowds, and excellent birding.

Good to Know

Entry Requirements

Do I need a visa for Namibia?

Namibia is visa-free for most short tourist stays for visitors from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, among others. Requirements do vary by nationality and can change, so get in touch and we'll confirm exactly what applies to you before you book — we keep this updated for all three countries we operate in.

Is there an e-visa for Namibia?

Namibia doesn't currently run a general e-visa system the way some East African countries do — most eligible nationalities simply receive an entry stamp on arrival. If your nationality does require a visa, contact us and we'll walk you through exactly what's needed and where to apply.

Driving & Documents

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

It's strongly recommended even though enforcement is inconsistent. If your driving licence isn't in English, you'll need an IDP alongside it. Car rental companies frequently ask for one, and having it avoids any argument at a roadblock — Namibia has a lot of them.

Where do I get an International Driving Permit?

You apply in your home country before you travel, not in Namibia — it can't be issued to a foreign licence. In most countries, your national motoring association issues them (for example the AA or RAC in the UK, AAA in the US, CAA in Canada). It's usually quick, cheap, and takes a passport photo and your existing licence.

Which side of the road do we drive on?

The left, following the same British-influenced system as South Africa and Botswana. Rental vehicles are right-hand drive.

Money & Packing

What currency is used?

The Namibian Dollar (NAD), pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand. Rand is also widely accepted everywhere, so there's no need to convert if you're arriving with either currency.

What plug/adapter do I need?

Namibia mainly uses Type M sockets (the same large three-round-pin plug as South Africa), with newer Type C/N sockets increasingly common in newer buildings. Standard voltage is 220–230V at 50Hz. A universal adapter that covers Type M is the safest bet.

What should I pack?

Layers matter more than anything else: desert days can swing from near-freezing pre-dawn starts to 30°C+ by afternoon, especially June to August. Bring a warm jacket, a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a good pair of closed walking shoes, and a refillable water bottle. If you're self-driving, a basic first-aid kit and extra drinking water in the vehicle are worth having for remote stretches.

Health & Safety

Is malaria a concern?

Risk is low across most of the country, including popular areas like Etosha and the Namib desert regions. It's higher in the far north, particularly the Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi Strip), especially in the rainy season from November to April. Speak to a travel clinic about prevention if your itinerary includes the north.

Is Namibia safe to travel in?

Yes, generally very safe by regional standards, and it's one of the reasons self-drive tourism is so well developed here. Normal travel precautions apply in towns and cities, as anywhere.

Getting There

How do I fly in from Europe?

Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport has direct year-round flights from Frankfurt (Discover Airlines), with seasonal direct routes from Zurich and Munich. Otherwise, connecting via Johannesburg or Addis Ababa is common and often cheaper.

How do I fly in from Asia?

There are no direct flights from Asia to Namibia. The typical route is via a Middle East hub — Doha (Qatar Airways) or Dubai (Emirates) — connecting onward through Johannesburg, or via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines.

How do I fly in from the Americas?

There are no direct flights from North or South America. Most travellers connect through Europe (Frankfurt is a natural hub given the direct Windhoek route) or via Johannesburg, reachable from a handful of US East Coast gateways.

South Africa

Big Five game viewing paired with world-class roads, wine country, and coastline.

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Kruger National Park & Sabi Sand

One of Africa's great wildlife destinations, and unusually flexible — drive yourself through the public park on a budget, or upgrade to a private reserve like Sabi Sand bordering it, where open vehicles and off-road driving get you dramatically closer to the Big Five. Malaria precautions are recommended here.

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Cape Town & the Cape Winelands

Table Mountain, Atlantic beaches, and some of the world's best wine estates all within an hour of each other. It's less a safari stop and more a full destination in its own right — most itineraries pair a few days here with wildlife time elsewhere in the country.

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Garden Route

Consistently rated one of the best road trips on the planet, hugging the coast between Mossel Bay and Storms River through forests, lagoons, and small towns. It's the single best argument for a self-drive itinerary in South Africa — excellent tarred roads the whole way, with somewhere worth stopping every hour.

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Drakensberg Mountains

A dramatic mountain range along the Lesotho border, with some of the best hiking and scenery in the country, well away from the typical safari circuit. A good addition if your group wants a change of pace from wildlife viewing.

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Addo Elephant Park

A malaria-free Big Five park near the Eastern Cape coast, known for reliably close elephant sightings — herds of 20 or more are common around the waterholes. A good fit for families or anyone wanting Big Five viewing without malaria precautions.

Best Time to Travel

Recommended months

May to September (dry winter) is best for game viewing in Kruger, as thinner bush and low water make wildlife easier to spot. November to March brings Cape Town's warm, dry summer — ideal timing if you're pairing the Cape with a safari elsewhere in the country.

Good to Know

Entry Requirements

Do I need a visa for South Africa?

South Africa is visa-free for most short tourist stays for visitors from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, among others. Get in touch and we'll confirm exactly what applies to your nationality before you book, since rules do change.

Is there an e-visa for South Africa?

South Africa has been trialling an online e-visa system for a number of nationalities that otherwise require a visa. Contact us and we'll confirm whether your nationality is eligible for the e-visa route, and walk you through the process.

Driving & Documents

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

Officially yes if your licence isn't printed in English, and it's recommended even if it is, since it avoids any dispute with police or rental companies. Some travellers report being asked for one at roadblocks regardless of language.

Where do I get an International Driving Permit?

Apply in your home country before travelling — South Africa can't issue one against a foreign licence. Your national motoring association (AA, RAC, AAA, CAA, etc.) handles this, usually for a small fee and a passport photo.

Which side of the road do we drive on?

The left, same as Namibia and Botswana. Rental vehicles are right-hand drive.

Money & Packing

What currency is used?

The South African Rand (ZAR). Cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas; carry some cash for fuel stops, tips, and rural areas.

What plug/adapter do I need?

Mainly Type M sockets (large three round pins), with the newer Type N gradually being introduced. Standard voltage is 220–230V at 50Hz. A universal adapter covering Type M is the safest option.

What should I pack?

Layers are essential: winter mornings (May to September) can be near freezing on an open game vehicle, warming quickly by midday, so a warm jacket and gloves matter even though it's Africa. Pack a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable closed shoes, and swimwear if you're pairing the trip with Cape Town or the coast. If your itinerary includes Kruger, bring insect repellent for evenings.

Health & Safety

Is malaria a concern?

Only in specific areas — mainly the Kruger region and the far north of KwaZulu-Natal. Cape Town, the Garden Route, the Winelands, and Addo are all malaria-free. If your itinerary includes Kruger, speak to a travel clinic about prevention.

Is South Africa safe to travel in?

Established tourist routes like the Garden Route, Cape Winelands, and Kruger's main camps see millions of visitors safely every year. Vehicle-related crime risk is higher in some other regions and urban corridors, so we route self-drive clients around those areas and share specific local guidance as part of planning.

Getting There

How do I fly in from Europe?

Both Cape Town and Johannesburg have extensive direct connections — Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, and others fly direct from major European hubs including London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Paris.

How do I fly in from Asia?

Singapore Airlines flies direct between Singapore and Cape Town/Johannesburg. Otherwise, connecting via a Middle East hub — Doha (Qatar Airways) or Dubai (Emirates) — is the most common route from most Asian cities.

How do I fly in from the Americas?

South African Airways and Delta both fly direct from New York (JFK), and SAA also connects from Washington Dulles. From other US and Canadian cities, and from South America, connecting via Europe or the Middle East is typical.

Botswana

Africa's premier wilderness — the Okavango Delta and vast, uncrowded parks.

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Okavango Delta

A rare inland delta, where the Okavango River fans out into the Kalahari and creates a seasonal maze of lagoons, channels, and islands. Best explored by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) for a slow, silent view of the waterways, or by light aircraft for a jaw-dropping aerial perspective on the way in.

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Chobe National Park

Home to Africa's largest elephant population — herds of over 100 gathering along the riverbank at dusk are a common sight. A river cruise along the Chobe is one of the best ways to see wildlife anywhere on the continent, with elephants, hippos, and crocodiles all visible from the water.

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Moremi Game Reserve

Sitting within the eastern side of the Okavango Delta, Moremi combines dense wildlife with varied terrain — floodplains, lagoons, and mopane woodland all in one reserve. Consistently rated among the best game-viewing areas in Southern Africa.

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Central Kalahari Game Reserve

One of the largest protected areas in the world, and about as remote as safari gets — vast open plains with some of the best predator sightings in Botswana, including the black-maned Kalahari lion. Facilities are minimal by design; this is for travellers who want true wilderness.

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Makgadikgadi Pans

One of the largest salt pan systems on Earth, a stark, otherworldly landscape that transforms after the rains into a shallow lake drawing flamingos and other waterbirds. Quad biking across the pans and sleeping out under the stars are highlights here.

Best Time to Travel

Recommended months

May to October (dry season) is best for wildlife viewing, as animals concentrate near remaining water sources and the bush thins out. The Okavango Delta's flood typically peaks between June and August, adding a scenic layer of water to game drives even in the dry season.

Good to Know

Entry Requirements

Do I need a visa for Botswana?

Botswana is visa-free for most short tourist stays for visitors from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, among others, alongside a number of African nations including South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya. Get in touch and we'll confirm exactly what applies to your nationality before you book.

Is there an e-visa for Botswana?

Botswana does offer an e-visa for a range of nationalities that require one, typically processed online in advance rather than on arrival. Contact us and we'll confirm whether you need one and help you through the application.

Driving & Documents

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

It's recommended, particularly if you're self-driving in remote areas where confirming documentation with local authorities can otherwise take time. Many rental companies in Botswana will ask for one alongside your national licence.

Where do I get an International Driving Permit?

Apply in your home country before you travel — it needs to be issued against a valid licence from your own country. Your national motoring association (AA, RAC, AAA, CAA, etc.) handles applications, usually quickly and cheaply.

Is self-driving in Botswana harder than Namibia?

Generally yes — many of Botswana's best areas (the Delta, Moremi, the Kalahari) involve deep sand, no fuel for long stretches, and little to no phone signal. It's well suited to experienced 4x4 drivers; if that's not you, a guided or fly-in option is the better fit here.

Money & Packing

What currency is used?

The Botswana Pula (BWP). South African Rand and US Dollars are accepted at many lodges and camps, but Pula is standard for everyday spending in towns.

What plug/adapter do I need?

Botswana is unusual in using a mix of plug types — Type D, Type G, and Type M sockets can all be found depending on the property. A universal travel adapter that covers all three is the safest option. Standard voltage is 220–230V at 50Hz.

What should I pack?

Lightweight, quick-dry clothing — humidity around the Delta is higher than in Namibia or inland South Africa. Mornings on a boat cruise or mokoro can be chilly even in the dry season, so pack a light jacket alongside sun protection (hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses). Insect repellent is essential given the malaria risk in northern regions. If you're heading into the Delta by mokoro, pack in a soft duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase — light aircraft luggage limits are strict, and hard cases often don't fit.

Health & Safety

Is malaria a concern?

Yes, particularly in the northern regions — the Okavango Delta, Chobe, and areas bordering Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe — especially during and after the rainy season from November to May. The drier south and central Kalahari are considered malaria-free. A travel clinic can advise on prevention for a northern itinerary.

Is Botswana safe to travel in?

Yes, Botswana has a strong reputation for safety and political stability, and its high-value, low-volume tourism model means camps and reserves are generally uncrowded and well managed.

Getting There

How do I fly in from Europe?

There are no direct flights from Europe to Botswana. Most travellers connect via Johannesburg, which has extensive European links, then take a short onward flight to Gaborone or directly into Maun for the Delta.

How do I fly in from Asia?

No direct flights are available. The typical route connects through a Middle East hub (Doha or Dubai) or Addis Ababa, onward via Johannesburg to Gaborone or Maun.

How do I fly in from the Americas?

No direct flights from North or South America. Connecting through Europe or via Johannesburg (itself reachable from a handful of US gateways) is the standard route.

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