FAQ
What are we getting for the price - can we not do it a lot cheaper on our own?
Please refer to the rates page for a detailed explanation.
How to book?
Very easy! Click on the orange Book Now button. A calendar, with the start of your journey on Sat 14 June 2025, will appear. Click on the "view availability and rates" button and then the rectangular block on the right to go ahead and book for either 2 or 3 people (4th person in a vehicle is free). You will receive confirmation of your booking and a Booking ID, plus details regarding your required 50% deposit. If only booking for 2 initially, and then adding on a 3rd person at a later stage, please ask this person to settle their deposit using your Booking ID, so that we know that they are part of your team. The additional team member to settle their deposit no later than 90 days prior to your journey - also advise us at this stage if there is going to be a 4th free person in the vehicle. All deposits are fully refundable if your booking is cancelled up to 90 days before your journey.
Do we need a 4x4?
No – a normal vehicle with reasonable ground clearance is perfectly fine. Best all-round vehicle would be a 4x2 double cab ‘bakkie’ (pickup truck) with ground or roof top tent.
Petrol/diesel availability - jerry can required?
There are plenty of petrol stations along the way, so no need for additional jerry cans.
Number of people per vehicle, maximum vehicles, and age restriction?
Minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 people per vehicle. Wild Wheels Africa is limited to a maximum of 40 vehicles or 100 people. Minimum age is 18.
What accommodation do we need to organise?
We have included free camping in your entrance fee at 3 of the 4 checkpoint parties - Orange River (checkpoint #1), Spitzkoppe (checkpoint #2) and Matopos (checkpoint #4). If you would like to upgrade to chalet/cabin accommodation, the camping rate will be deducted off the chalet rate. The chalets are limited (first come first serve), so please contact the relevant camp to upgrade as soon as you have signed up with Wild Wheels. Please note that checkpoint #3, Victoria Falls, has a large variety of accommodation available and is for your account – we have an arrangement with Shearwater Village. All other accommodation must be booked and paid for by yourselves. Recommendations are on the website.
What meals are provided?
We provide dinner at all 4 checkpoint parties – these are fully catered, including crockery and cutlery. All other meals self-catered.
Safety, roads and bribery?
Wild Wheels Africa is the perfect way to see Africa in a safe and controlled environment - there will always be other ‘wheelers’ nearby, ready to assist with any issues (we have a 24hr help line). The roads in Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe are mostly gravel and are perfectly fine. Dual purpose tyres are recommended. Bribery does exist in Africa, but the countries that we have chosen are mostly ok.
Currency and sim/data connection?
South African Rands are accepted in most places in Namibia & Zimbabwe, Pula in Botswana. US Dollars, Visa and Mastercard credit cards accepted everywhere. You will need US dollars cash for border posts. We suggest taking about $500 cash per vehicle with you for the duration of the trip to cover any non-credit card payments. There may be e-sim cards available for Nam, Zim or Bots or you can buy a local SIM on entering each country. Wi-Fi is available in most chalet venues.
Costs, deposits, balance payments and refunds?
A 50% deposit is required within 7 days of booking. Balance payment is due 90 days before your journey. A full refund is applicable if cancelled at least 90 days before your journey – otherwise no refund of deposit. All payments via EFT only – no credit cards accepted. Foreign payment bank charges for your own account.
How do we participate in the charity drops - our contribution?
There will be 3 separate charity drop-offs at schools in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe – these will include leather soccer balls, blankets and stationery. We want all teams to feel 100% involved in these events, so each team will be presented with charity items to carry with them in their own vehicle to personally distribute at each school. All participants to donate R1 000 towards these charity drop-offs, to be paid at the same time as the balance payment. You are welcome to donate more than R1 000, which will be used for additional gifting. Full transparency regarding all charity donations will always be available.
Visa information / vehicle documentation?
Visas, as well as vehicle requirements for each country, are very fluid and constantly changing. We will advise 90 days before your journey on the latest developments.
Medical and travel insurance?
Please ensure that you have your own medical and travel insurance.
Climate?
June is an excellent period for travelling to Southern Africa. It is cool at night (around 10°C) and nice and warm during the day (25°C) – no rain in June and perfect for game viewing, as animals tend to congregate at waterholes.
Budget?
This depends largely on each person/team's preference with regards to level of accommodation, number of people per vehicle and chosen route. This is ultimately an incredible 3-week journey - with Wild Wheels, you can experience real Africa with instant life-long friends for a fraction of the cost of doing it yourself. An epic journey!
