Since 1986
Land & Lake Safaris
Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe & Beyond
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Before You Book
Is it safe to Drive in Malawi, Zambia & Zimbabwe?
Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe are safe to self-drive across, given the standard parameters of safety of course. A few safety tips: Do not leave any valuables or money visible in your vehicle, be vigilant of people around you, do not pick-up hitch-hikers and avoid driving at night.
Most people in these three countries are friendly, curious and speak a decent level of English. It's important to keep your car doors locked at all times, avoid any crowds or marches (If traveling during a time of elections) and park in designated parking areas that have parking guards.
Do I need a 4x4?
It depends on your route - all our vehicles, including the SUV have basic 4x4 capabilities and a decent ground clearance. For more remote locations like Nyika Plateau, Ntchisi Forest, North Luangwa, Bangweulu, Kasanka and across Zimbabwe - a more robust 4x4 vehicle is a must for your comfort as well as accessing locations without vehicle damage.
Can I drive across borders?
Yes, we must be informed before you cross any borders to ensure that you have the correct paperwork to get you smoothly through the border. It can be up to $100.00 in cash of various currencies for the additional licenses and insurance you need to purchase at the border, but all our vehicles have cross-border permits and we have contacts at borders to assist you.
Are there any hidden costs?
The only additional costs on invoicing include a 1% Tourism Levy, a 1% Conservation contribution that Land & Lake Safaris puts towards giving back to local Malawi communities and any bank charges.
Apart from that, a full quote including your geographical insurance extension days are clearly defined and what you may expect to spend during your travels (Including fuel, border crossing fees, any accommodation or vehicle entrance fees into parks/ game reserves etc.)
I have to pay a non-refundable deposit?
Yes. Land and Lake Safaris operates a small fleet of vehicles and due to demand we require a non-refundable deposit of 20% to secure and hold your vehicle. We can hold your vehicle for a maximum of 15 days without financial commitment after which your vehicle will be released and available for other bookings - Our cancellation policies are below:
Tours confirmed with deposits and cancelled will forfeit the 20% deposit amount
Tours fully Paid will only be eligible for credit notes or a postponement of up to 12 months
Tours cancelled 30-0 days prior to travel are liable for 100% cancellation fees.
Should you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances all credit notes, postponement notes and refunds are at the discretion of management.
Driving & Road Conditions
Do I need an international driving license?
An International Driving License is recommended, however not mandatory for visitors with an English-Language license. Should you have a license issued in another language, you should carry an IDP. Whatever your license, always carry your passport and your vehicle documentation we supply you with. We suggest, for a smoother journey to obtain an IDP before you travel.
What's the speed limit?
In cities, the standard speed limit is between 50-60km per hour. Through rural trading centers and towns it is 50km per hour and on the open road can be up to 100km per hour. Zambia observes faster speed limits of up to 120km per hour on open roads.
Are the roads good?
Some roads are new/ well maintained and others (Depending on the rains of that year) are very deteriorated. Malawi road works continue but the main problem roads follow the route of the lakeshore with lots of potholes and narrow stretches of tar. Zambia observes similar road conditions with pot holes and the Great North Road has sections of melted tar from heavy trucks. Zimbabwe Roads are also similar with some patches of very badly potholed roads. All three countries are main trade routes with large trucks and vigilance is impetive when driving.
Are there any hazards on the roads?
Yes, all three countries have a number of hazards, apart from the potholes and trucks there is wildlife and domestic animals in the road, often people and bicycles. Traffic lights may not work and other road users must be observed carefully.
What happens if I get stopped by the Police?
Most police in Malawi recognize the Land and Lake Vehicles, if you have been stopped for a traffic offence, the best thing is to apologize, pay your fine and receive your receipt. Police stops may also include checks on your driving license, passport or vehicle documentation, police may also ask to see where your fire extinguisher is located and your danger triangles. In general the police in Malawi are as pleasant as you are. We do not condone bribes of any kind. Zambian and Zimbabwe police are very similar, friendly, curious about your journey and may only stop you for checks or violations. It is important however in Lusaka to be vigilant of traffic violations as police can be harsh on rules and regulations (Do not cross on an orange light and ensure you are in the correct lane for your journey etc.) Should you have any problems with police during your journey, you are advised to call or message us for guidance.
Will there be accessible diesel/ petrol for my journey?
Possibly, and hopefully. Although occasionally these countries struggle with a regular fuel supply, we try our hardest to ensure your travels are not disrupted. Land and Lake Safaris ensures it holds its own stock of fuel supplies across Malawi for emergencies, we also have numerous contacts and should fuel supplies be a problem it may happen that you will have to be a bit more flexible, wait in a fuel queue or pay a bit additional for fuel we have managed to source and get delivered to you.
This is very much out of our control however and patience/ understanding will be needed.
Can I purchase fuel with my card at petrol stations?
Most petrol stations do now accept cards, but we do suggest you have cash on hand incase.
And can I withdraw money from an ATM?
Most of the time yes, occasionally at the end of the month, ATM's can have long queues and may run out money. This really only happens over the course of two or three days around the 25th of each month (Standard Pay Day).
Should I get an E-Sim?
An E-Sim can work in Malawi occasionally but it has mixed reviews. It's very easy to purchase a Sim card on arrival at the airport. There are two sim card providers - Airtel and TNM.
TNM has the best signal reach across the country. You can purchase a sim card and data, download the TNM app and it can be activated within a few hours using your passport details.
You can also purchase a Zambian Sim card in the closest town from your border crossing and Zimbabwe has Sim cards available at the border.
Wildlife & National Parks
Can I self-drive in National Parks?
Yes, though they won't be as sign posted or mapped as South African National Parks, you can. Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve in Malawi have picnic sites, game viewing hides and enjoyable self-drive routes across the park that you can self-explore at your leisure. Zambian National Parks do not have public spaces. You will be restricted to the times you can self-drive. You are not to drive at night in National Parks - Should you like to partake in a night drive, you can book with your closest activities provider.
Can I drive Off-Road?
No. All National Parks do not allow you to drive off-road to ensure the parks fauna and flora is protected. Your Land and Lake Contract on hiring one of our vehicles also stipulates that you are not to drive off-road to maintain the integrity of the vehicle.
Are river crossings common?
In Zambia, yes. During the dry season, many of these river crossings are dry and you must be prepared for sand crossing. Should you be faced with a flowing river, ensure this is not fast flowing, has traction and check the depth before crossing.
What about the Wildlife itself?
Most National Parks have wildlife that is used to vehicles. However wildlife can be unpredictable and it's important you give the animal plenty of space, do not leave any citrus fruit in your vehicle, do not get out of your vehicle and ensure you always have an escape route to drive away. Animals have right of way and the National Parks rules and regulations must be observed.
Vehicle Questions
What vehicles do you offer?
Land and Lake Safaris has a small fleet of just 5 Toyota Hilux's and 1 Nissan X-Trail SUV. All our vehicles operate on a two year rotation with one year as the 'Back-up'. All our vehicles are automatic and get packed and equuiped to suit your journey.
Do we get a GPS?
GPS is available if requested and free of charge for a Fully-Kitted hire. However the best for driving around here is with your cell-phone - Download programs such as Maps.Me & GAIA
What does the Insurance Cover?
We offer 90% insurance coverage and just a 10% excess. Unfortunately here you are not able to reduce the excess so we suggest you take out your own private international travel insurance to cover this. You get 100% 3rd party insurance in Malawi. You will need to purchase 3rd party insurance at the border should you be crossing and we charge an additional $15.00 per day insurance extension onto your 90% coverage per day you're outside of Malawi.
Should your vehicle be in an accident and it is deemed "Written Off" The insurance coverage is only 80% and you will be required to pay 20% of the cost of the vehicle.
Equipment is not included in any insurance and neither are tires. Any damage, loss or theft to these items will be billed to you at replacement cost.
Our insurance is governed by the insurance policies currently available in the country.
What do I do if I have an accident?
It is important to report any and all accidents to both us and the nearest police department. Take pictures and/ or videos for insurance purposes and continue with your paperwork with the police.
Should your accident make the vehicle undriveable, we will assess and assist in ensuring your travels are not disrupted. This may be that we supply you with a different vehicle with or without a driver to continue your journey.
Our insurance policy then dictates to us quotes, fixtures and the amount payable that you will need to cover.
Other Questions
Do I need any vaccinations for my trip?
The best thing to do is ask your GP what they suggest. Malawi is in a region of Malaria and Bilharzia. Bilharzia medication is easy to find and over-the-counter purchases can be made in all local pharmacies.
Is the tap ater safe to drink?
In most places, no. If tap water is all that's available we suggest you boil it before drinking and/ or purifying it. Some places have borehole water which can be safe drink and it's best to ask at each property. Bottled water is available everywhere however and we suggest you carry this where you go and drink that rather as a precaution.
What currency should I carry?
Most lodges, hotels and game reserves in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe accept the local currency as well as USD (Notes no older than 2017) - Petrol stations and shops only accept local currency (USD is accepted as local tender in Zimbabwe)
Is there internet and electricity?
In most places, yes. Lodges and Hotels will have a form of back-up power, some campsites may have electricity depending on how remote you are. Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe all struggle with regular power outages. Should you require a constant form of electricity for your journey, it is best to inform lodges and hotels prior to arrival. Some properties will operate off the grid and run off solar power, these properties may have limits to what may be plugged in.