Botswana

Our Self-Drive 15 days Namibia Botswana and Vic Falls Itinerary – An African Adventure

October 9, 2019 by admin 8 Comments

Victoria Falls on the Zambian Side

I am sharing our self-drive 15 days Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls itinerary a thrilling African adventure that you need to add to your bucket list.

I have previously shared posts from my trips to Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe. This is a slightly condensed version of our trip around southern Africa.

We spent a little over a month traveling around this part of Africa. This is very much a self-drive road trip itinerary through southern Africa exploring safari parks and African towns Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.

So if you have been wanting to explore Africa, this should definitely help with planning your trip to Africa.

The itinerary is packed with adventures, from cruising the Chobe River in time for sunset, enjoying a scenic flight into Okavango Delta to witness the whirlwind adventure.

Taking a traditional makoro ride through the watery wilderness of Okavango to dune bashing in Namibian dunes and more.

Africa is what bucket list dreams are made of. Below is a Nambia and Botswana itinerary with the addition of a quick stop to see Victoria Falls.

Livingstone 2 Days (Zambia) And Victoria Falls

Getting to Livingstone: We arrived in Lusaka and booked a flight with Proflight via Expedia from Lusaka to Livingstone.

Depending on where you are coming from you can book flights to Livingstone. There are no direct flights so you will either have to use South African, Namibia, or Zambia as a hub and then take a local flight.

Or you can actually start this itinerary from the bottom up. Start with Namibia and work up to Livingstone.

The other option which I have done with no issues and I will share a post soon is drive from Lusaka to Victoria Falls. This is a 6 hour drive.

Where to stay in Livingstone: Also for tourists who are eager to witness the beauty of Victoria Falls, you can stay either in Zambia or Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls.

You can still experience both sides of the Victoria Falls; Zambia for a Livingstone Island and Zimbabwe for the incredible views of the Victoria Falls in all their glory.

We have stayed at Olga’s Italian, Tongabezi, Maramba River Lodge, Royal Livingstone Hotel but will share more on hotels in Livingstone soon.

Our lodgings at Tongabezi on the banks of Zambezi River.

Day 1 – Livingstone Town And Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls might not be the tallest waterfall but it is the most beautiful waterfall in the world. It is classified as the largest waterfall for the combination of the tallest and widest waterfall.

At times there is so much spray from the waterfall, that you can’t see the water but the “smoke” only.

Because of the sound of the water dropping from such a height, you can hear the sound of the water in the surrounding, earning a name Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders”.

Wonder the craft markets nearby to explore the Zambian souvenirs and pick up some unique items or choose from one of the many optional activities available in Livingstone.

Whether it be a visit to the Mukuni Cultural Village, a tour of Livingstone Island, a Safari in Mosi-oa-Tunga National Park which I shared on Instagram, sunset cruises down the Zambezi, diving into the Devil’s Pool, river-boarding, horse riding or helicopter or micro flights over the falls.

When you’re in Livingstone, don’t forget to visit the Livingstone Museum, the oldest and largest of all the national museums in Zambia.

This museum is unique as it houses the most comprehensive memorabilia of Dr. Livingstone, including his original maps and personal effects and diaries in the Livingstone section.

This museum will provide you an extensive insight into the cultural heritage and the history of Zambia. Next to the Museum just a few meters you have the Livingstone curios market. For more on things to do in Livingstone check out my post.

Knife Bridge on Victoria Falls

In the evening, after having an adventurous day out, now is the time to get relax and the best place to do so is to have evening drinks and a lavish dinner at the Waterfront Restaurant.

As for the day, we suggest you have a delicious lunch at Olga’s Italian to promptly celebrate the beginning of your adventurous journey.

Pro Tip: Book your Livingstone Island and Devils Pool tour and other tours in advance as they need to arrange hotel pick up the day before also to avoid disappointment.

Also note the Devil’s pool is only available for a short period. Check out my post for more details.

A hippo in the foreground, with a river cruise boat in the background

Day 2 Livingstone Adventures

Have an amazing start of your day by having breakfast with elephants. Yes, you read it right, at The Elephant Café, you can have a delicious breakfast while enjoying the beauty of majestic elephants to kick start your adventurous day.

Do not miss this wonderful experience while in Livingstone as this café is now one of Zambia’s top-rated cafes and it encompasses three wonderful experiences and guaranteed to be a significant highlight of your Livingstone adventure.

After having an energetic breakfast with the wild, you can head back and visit the Victoria Falls, or head to check out the majestic crocodiles at Crocodile Park.

This attraction is just to the south of Livingstone and provides the opportunity to see some huge crocs at close quarters – behind the safety of a strong chain-link fence of course. It provides a great photographic point to made memories.

If you booked your Devil’s pool tour, this would be a great day to do it. If the answer is yes, in the dry seasons, the Zambezi River level drops quite significantly and with the help of an experienced guide.

You can actually walk on the falls and swim across the Zambezi the river to the Devil’s Pool, where you can behold the beauty of Falls by looking over the Falls to an almost one-kilometer drop below.

Feel the real adrenaline rush by experiencing the beauty of Victoria Falls in its earnest. For more details on this read about our experience of the Devil’s Pool and the Livingstone Island Tour.

For the evening entertainment, you can book dinner at the Royal Livingstone Hotel which has a few restaurants and amazing views. I will post more about this soon. There is also Avani as well as a lot more places to eat in the town center of Livingstone.

Sitting on the edge of Victoria Falls – AKA Devil’s Pool

Victoria Falls From The Zimbabwean Side

Day 3 Victoria Falls On The Zimbabwean side

As 90% of Victoria Falls is in Zambia’s side, the Vic Falls can be a witness its earnest from the Zimbabwean side. So it is a must to see the beauty of mighty Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side.

After crossing the Zimbabwe border, it is a short drive to the mighty Victoria Falls. The spray from the waterfall creates a natural rainforest so feel this breathtaking natural phenomenon in its fullest.

Feel the wonder in its other form by having an afternoon tea at Victoria Falls hotel, situated at a prime location overlooking Victoria Falls. An Edwardian-style hotel, it provides a unique view of the Falls.

Before having your afternoon tea, if you’re planning to have the adventure of your life, then we suggest you opt for the original and ultimate thrill.

The Victoria Falls Bungee jump that takes place in front of the largest curtain of falling water in the world. Having a Bungee jump in “no man’s land” is often voted as one of the top five adrenaline rush experiences.

To avoid moving to a new hotel for day 3 you can still base yourself in Livingstone and just day trip to Zimbabwe for Vic Falls views and afternoon tea.

Pro Tip: Make sure you enter Zambia or Zimbabwe with a multi-entry visa KAZA UNIVISA which costs $50. Bring dollars to make life easier. This saves you having to pay multiple times to travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Be sure to also check out my post on the best times to visit Botswana.

Botswana 3 Days Kasane And Maun

From Livingstone, you have the option of doing a day trip to Chobe National Park for safari, but I would recommend heading to Kasane at the end of day 3 so that you start day 4 from Botswana. You can book the safari to start from Kasane as well.

Getting to Kasane: This is a short drive from Livingstone to Kasane via Kazungula Ferry crossing.

Where to stay in Kasane: I have also shared tips on where to stay in Kasane included details of where we stayed.

15 Days Namibia Botswana and Vic Falls Itinerary - Sharing our adventure please tips on how to plan your own African adventure. Everything from driving in Africa, safari tours, where to stay, Victoria Falls adventures, Botswana safari, Namibian dunes and More! #sossusvlei #dun45 #dune7 #chobe #vicfalls #livingstone #zambia #mosioatunya #nationalpark #safari #africa #traveltips #adventureawaits #etosha

Tourist watching an elephant crossing a river in the Chobe National Park in Botswana, Africa.

Day 4 Exploring Chobe National park

After starting your adventure with a bang at Victoria Falls, now is the time to pack your bags and move to another destination, Botswana.

If you’re traveling from Zambia to Botswana, you can stay close to Chobe National park which is home to the most diverse and majestic wildlife in Botswana by basing yourself in Kasane. In addition to Chobe, ther are many other tours from Kasane.

Situated on a vast 11,000 square kilometer of diverse wilderness, forests, swamps, and floodplains, Chobe National Park provides you spectacle view of all manners of animals and birdlife. Embark on a Chobe River cruise to get a different perspective of animals, cruise the river on sunset to witness elephants, buffalos, kudu, giraffe, bushback, and hippo along the water’s edge.

The Chobe National Park is divided into four distinctly different eco-systems: Scerondela with its lush plains and dense forests along with the areas of Chobe River, the Savuti Marsh, the Linyanti Swamps and the dry hinterland.

Our lodgings in Kasane Botswana

Day 5 Visit Kasane Town And Travel To Maun

Explore Kasane in the morning as it is situated right alongside the National Parks. You’ll get to witness hive of elephant, zebra, and giraffe.

Elephants splashing water and drinking from watering holes, zebras and giraffes blinking back at you from the roadside and elephant crossing the road, scenes like these will make your morning unforgettable.

When you’re in Kasane, grab your supplies for your long journey to Maun, Botswana’s primary tourism hub. Also note that you are likely to see elephants, baboons, monkeys, and other animals as there is no fencing around Chobe National Park. Please DO NOT feed any of the animals!

Maun – the main gateway to the Okavango Delta – serves as the main tourist attraction. With good accommodation options and a reliable mad mix of bush pilots, campers, volunteers and luxury safari files, it serves as a thrilling base for a day or two.

When you enter Maun, you embark on the journey to explore Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s great wildlife habitat and provides refuge to huge concentrations of game. You can read about our experience of the Okavango Delta on the blog.

Pro tip – Take local transport from Kasane to Maun and then rent a car from Maun. This is because there aren’t many rental companies that allow you to pick up from Botswana and drop off in Namibia. Currently, only Avis does this.

When we did Nambia, Botswana and Zambia, we used taxis in Livingstone mostly as they are cheap. Also as most tours will also include pick and drop off to hotels, we didn’t feel the need to have a rental car here.

Day 6 The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a unique pulsing wetland. Covering somewhere between 6,000 to 15,000 square kilometers, the delta has the Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana and owes its existence to the Okavango River which flows through the Angolan highlands, across Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, and into the harsh Kalahari Desert.

Very much at the center of Botswana’s safari industry, the Okavango Delta offers some of Africa’s premier camps and lodges, providing a variety of options to enjoy the superb wildlife, large populations of mammals and excellent birding particularly in the breeding season.

Make sure you book your Okavanage tours in advance so that your hotel pick-up can be arranged in advance of your early morning pick-up for the safari.

Evening drinks at The Old Bridge Backpackers in Maun on the riverbank.

There are plenty of things to do in Maun, if you have the flexibility to extend your time in Botswana. Another option for chilling out in the evening is to head to The Old Bridge Backpackers for evening drinks by the river. You can see pictures in my post on things to do in Maun.

Where to stay in Maun: There are plenty of options for where to stay in Maun, from hostels like the Old Bridge Backpackers and Motsebe Backpackers to mid-range hotels like Sedia Riverside Hotel and The Waterfront to luxury safari lodges like Thamalakane River Lodge.

Day 7 – Explore Maun And Grab Some Snack For Drive To Namibia

After experiencing the wilderness of Okavango Delta, you can explore Maun and work through the list of things to do in Maun or just chill by the pool as tomorrow you are embarking on a 10-drive to Namibia.

In the evening or early in the morning I would recommend heading into the Maun city center to buy some supplies before starting your journey. The drive from Maun to Namibia is very long! This is 10-hour of drive. Yes, we did this.

There were 3 of us so we switched drivers and had several stops along the way. If you want to avoid driving as well as the car rent you can book a flight from Maun to Windhoek. One way is about £300 so works out a lot more expensive if there are a few of you on the trip or travelling as a family. The drive wasn’t bad at all.

Many old timers speak fondly of the old days when all roads leading to Maun, and in the town itself were rutted and sandy.

That was a time of a “wild frontier” charm to the city but in recent years, the town has seen almost humongous development.

The town has shopping centers abound and luxury goods are easily accessible. The town is now a lot friendlier for self-drive safari-goers, making it a perfect stop to refill your supplies for a long journey ahead. There is a Shoprite, Nandos and many other stores to buy food and supplies for the trip.

Pro Tip: Pick up your rental car from Maun on day 7 to get ready for your drive to Namibia. I have shared tips on driving in Botswana. Will share more tips on driving in Namibia but roads are mostly good in Namibia.

Maun town centre where we rented our car

Namibia 8 Days Capital – Etosha & Skeleton Coast

Namibia is such a beautiful country and there so many amazing places to visit in Namibia. At a minimum you should be looking at a 7 day Namibia itinerary or 14 days in Namibia to fully see all that this country has to offer.

From safaris to the most stunning coastline you will ever see. You have seen nothing like the Skeleton coastline where deserts meet the ocean. Something to behold.

I am still longing to get my arse back to Namibia soon as I write this.

Day 8 – Drive From Maun To Etosha National Park

On the next day, start your journey and set off for Namibia after getting your supplies from Maun. It is advisable to bring all necessities for a self-drive safari because then you’ll be traveling for more or less 10 hours non-stop, with fewer stops for fuel.

But if needed, most requirements for a Namibia self-drive safari can be acquired in one of the shops on the way from Maun. Start your drive from Maun as early as possible. I recommend leaving by 5 am!

When driving from Maun to Etosha, I would suggest you book your accommodation in advance as you will most likely be arriving in the evening and will just want to head to bed as soon as you arrive.

As to enter Etosha National Park, move right onto the road up towards Shakawe and the Namibian border at Mahengo where after transiting Mahangu NP, you’ll reach Divundu.

From there along the Caprivi to reach Etosha. This route is a nice choice to move to Etosha as Mahangu NP provides you with a good half way stop with nice lodges and the chance of wildlife.

The road is pretty good as compared to other routes going to Etosha from Maun.

Where to stay in Etosha National Park: There are plenty of lodges to stay within Etosha National Park, many of which offer free breakfast and dinner.

Pro Tip: Stop for fuel as and when you see them because they are few and far between.

Pictures from our Okavango Delta safari tour

Day 9 – Etosha National Park

After entering into Etosha – as from the name “Etosha” meaning “great white area” – you’ll get an impressive sight of the dried pan in the middle of Etosha.

It is the biggest salt pan in Africa. Etosha National Park is the gateway to Northern Namibia and Ovamboland, making it a dream stop on any Namibian tour.

It is Namibia’s prime wildlife location. Its unique location and landscape provide you with the opportunity to see lion, elephant, leopard, hyena, springbok, giraffe, cheetah, zebra and much more. You can do a self-drive safari in Etosha but if you dont feel comfortable doing that on your own you can book a game drive safari in Etosha.

Explore the Etosha National Park in its earnest on this day. What makes this park unique is floodlit waterholes at all the main camps, making it any photographer or nature lover’s dream.

Most of the lodges have private patios o observe the landscape around you. The wildlife can be easily spotted because the park is so vast and the plant life is so sparse.

To sum it up, Etosha is a unique landscape that gives you an incredible and unforgettable experience.

In the evening I would suggest making your way from Etosha to Windhoek. The drive from Etosha National Park to Windhoek is just under 4 hours. A pleasant drive.

Day 10 – Explore Windhoek

After having an unforgettable experience in Etosha National Park, explore Windhoek, an urban city in Namibia that is well developed and provides affordable and comfortable accommodation options.

Situated in a valley surrounded by the Eros and Auas Mountains, with the Khomas Highland in the west, Windhoek provides some of the spectacle views. Windhoek’s architecture is a blend of both the modern and German colonial era.

Give this ancient city a tour to make some unforgettable memories. There are many interesting sights in the city, amongst them are Palace, Christuskirch, the monumental Supreme Court Building, and the Reiterdenkmal.

You can also visit the Old Fort Alte Fest – which is now the National Museum and the National College of the Arts – are some of the oldest buildings.

You have the option to do a Windhoek City and Township Cultural Tour, a cooking class and many other tours leaving from Windhoek.

Driving in Botswana

Day 11 – Drive From Windhoek To Swakopmund

On the day 11 of your 15 days Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls itinerary, its time to head to another one of Namibia’s central city; Swakopmund.

This a very popular Namibian seaside resort with pleasant summer temperatures. Swakopmund houses some of the many interesting historic buildings and an ancient lighthouse standing 21 meters high.

Note the drive from Windhoek to Swakopmund is about 4 hours. We set off from the city just after breakfast around 9am and arrived in Swapmund early enough to explore the town in daylight.

There are plenty of activities here to keep you busy for a while. You can visit the aquarium, situated along the Namibian coast.

You can see sharks and stingrays there. You can enjoy the scenic views by driving along the dune lined coastlines. Welwitschia drive which goes to the Moon Landscape at the Swakop River and further north into the Namib Naukluft Park is a must for self-driving safari-goers. We had dinner on at the pier restaurant

Swakopmund in Namibia

Day 12 Explore The Desert Around Swakopmund

This is the town where the desert meets the ocean. Dunes and crystal clear water invite the visitors to take part in various outdoor activities, like sand-boarding, quad biking or dolphin cruises.

The Bavarian-style town is surrounded by sand and a great way to explore the dunes is on a fat bike. Fat bike’s wide tires handle the sand brilliantly and you can have a thrilling adrenaline rush experience by tackling some monster dunes.

Namibia offers incredibly adapted wildlife that only a skilled guide can show you. There is a wide range of tours in Swakopmund to choose from, choose one and discover sand-diving lizards, web-footed geckos, scorpions, spiders, snakes and a variety of strange plants that you’ve never seen before.

Where to stay in Swakopmund: We stayed at the Gecko Ridge Lodge in the desert. There are more options in Swakopmund, including hostels and other hotels in Swakopmund.

Day 13 – Explore Walvis Bay

Only a 30 min drive from Swakopmund, another Namibian central town full of life exist which will enhance your experience of Namibia.

Walvis Bay is a harbor town with thriving fishing industry and sea salt production plant. Being a Bay area, it has some of the best restaurants, cafes, and bars and a variety of affordable accommodation options if you wish to stay here.

We stayed in Swakopmund and did a day trip to Walvis Bay. Your planned itinerary in Namibia is incomplete without Walvis or Swakopmund.

Spending a day in Walvis is fairly easy as the journey to Walvis Bay from Swakopmund isn’t bad. There a few adventurous activities in Walvis Bay, from watching dolphins and pink flamingo on the bay to a catamaran cruise to see seals and dolphins, to kayaking and many other tours from Walvis Bay.

Another attraction worth checking out is the large natural Lagoon where thousands of seabirds, flourish. You can view Flamingos and Pelicans that are joined by at least 200,000 migratory species on the beach.

Another place you can add to your itinerary is Langstrand along the Namibian coast toward Swakopmund. This drive is scenic drives as is the Swakopmund to Walvis Bay drive.

Also On the outskirts of the town, the famous Dune 7 is the highest sand dune in the area where you can climb to the top to enjoy a great view.

On the evening of day 13 start your drive to Sossusvlei or you have the option of leaving in the morning of 14 of your Nambia itinerary.

Dolphins and flamingo on Walvis Bay in Namibia

Day 14 – Explore Sossusvlei and Deadvlei

On day 14 Start your day by traveling to the sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert. Head for Dune 45 as early in the day as possible to bit the heat.

From Dune 45 drive to Deadvlei. This is a 20-minute drive from Dune 45 to Deadvlei. You cannot travel to Sossusvlei without visiting Deadvlei.

There is something eerie and unsettling about how everything looks there, as though it’s from another world or time. Enjoy the unrealistic scenery that you will never find anywhere else, in Deadvlei.

Getting to Sossusvlei: The drive from Swakopmund to Sossusvlei is about 5 hours but you can break up this journey by driving from Swakopmund to Solitaire and staying overnight and then driving to Sossusvlei to explore the Dunes.

Where to stay in Sossusvlei: There arent many places to stay within Namib-Naukluft National Park. The closest are around towns on the edge of the national park, like Solitaire hotels, Sesriem hotels or even Naukluft Mountains.

Deadvlei Namibia surreal landscape of dead trees

Day 15 – Back To Windhoek For Flight Back Home

This is the last day of the 15 days Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls itinerary. We had such an amazing time on this trip. I certainly hope this African itinerary inspires you to visit the continent if you haven’t already done so.

On day 15 you can head back to Windhoek for the flight back to home. The drive from Solitaire to Windhoek is 3 hours and 15 minutes or a little over that depending on how many stops you have.

If you leave in the morning that may give you some time to explore the city or even take a tour to see any of the cultural groups in Namibia.

Planning Your Trip

Namibia was one of our best adventures yet! I am sure you will love your visit. As always, if you have any questions. Comment below and I will be glad to help, otherwise, see more details on how to plan a trip to Africa.

As far as basics go:

Start saving money!
Check for flight deals on Expedia or Ebookers. You can start this itinerary from Botswana, Namibia, Zambia or even from South Africa.

Book your safari lodges in advance on Booking.com, Agoda or Hotels.com. Places like Tongabezi can only be booked via Expedia.
Check whether there are package tours available the make your first trip to Africa easier. Look at Contiki, GAdventures, and for similar itineraries.

Book your tours for safaris, river cruises as soon as you nail down your itinerary. You can find tour deals on Viator or Get Your Guide.
While all three countries are pretty safe to travel to. We didn’t have any issues at all. Make sure you have travel insurance to cover missed flights, accidents and everything in between should the worst happen.

Estimate your car rental from lots of pickups and drop off points. Depending on your starting point. You can also reserve your car rental via Expedia or directly via Avis.
Get planning and start your count down to doing your very own self-drive 15 days Nambia, Botswana and Vic Falls itinerary or perhaps even do a longer trip.

Sunrise on the Spitzkoppe stone arch of Damaraland Namibia

Additional Tips For Planning A Zambia Namibia and Botswana Itinerary

Don’t feel obligated to do safaris in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Research the animals that can be found in each of the parks and then pick two destinations. For example the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park does not have cats but I still had a safari in there.

Choose a variety of safaris, we have done a river cruise, safari drives, flight safari. Get a different experience from each country.
Look at different Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe tours on offer first and do a list of the ones that appeal to you. That way you are not essentially doing the same or too similar a tour in a different country.

Vary your accommodation options. We have stated in lodges, chalets, luxury tents, and hotels while doing the Namibia and Botswana self-drive itinerary.
There are multiple ways to save money on these trips. Some times that might mean doing a tour, sometimes it means doing a self-drive. Calculate how much budget you have for the African safari trip and look at where you can cut costs and still have a fantastic experience.

There you have it, our African adventure! So have you been to Africa, have you been inspired but the 15-day African itinerary? Where else in Africa would you like to visit. Comment below.

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Where To Stay In Kasane – Top Tips For Chobe Accommodation Botswana

September 10, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

We have talked about the best times to visit and best times for a safari in Botswana, this post is all about accommodation in Kasane, Botswana. Tips on where to stay in Kasane as this is a gateway city for safaris in Chobe National Park. There are no boundary fences between the park and the village, game such as elephants and hippos can frequently be seen wandering down the road and through the Kasane campsites. Also perfect for those wanting easy access to Kasane airport, the ferry from Kazungula. Everything from cool hotels and lodges in Kasane, self-catering accommodation in Kasane to cheap accommodation in Kasane as well as mid-range and luxury budgets

As you may have read we also travelled to Maun from Kasane, as Maun is another town offering amazing access to the Okavango Delta safari that we did. Botswana is an amazing country to experience and see wildlife. Where you are a wildlife photographer or just want to experience an African safari. If this is the first time you are visiting I have also got a post on how to plan a trip to Africa. I have also coved tips on driving in Botswana. You can also join my Facebook group on Africa Travel Planning where you can ask questions as well as get tips on your African itineraries.

Hotels In Kasane | The Best Accommodation in Kasane Botswana

Kasane offers a wide range of accommodation and places to stay in this small town. Considering its geographic location it means that you not only have easy access to Chobe National Park but also access to Zambia’s Victoria Falls and Livingstone activities in addition to Namibia too. Hotels in Kasane also offer great value for money as well as many options for a varied budget.

I have also included shots from our stay at Thebe River Safari Lodge in Kasane. Located on the Chobe River, the have lodges as well as camping for those on a smaller budget or this looking for cheap accommodation in Kasane, Botswana They also offer safaris in Botswana too.

There is a wide range of hotels, hostels and lodges in Botswana many of which you can find in Kasane. Whether you are looking for Chobe River accommodation, budget accommodation in Kasane, Chobe National Park accommodation of unique lodges in Kasane. The spots below should tick all the boxes.

Chobe Marina Lodge

Chobe Marina Lodge is blissful and has beautiful individual terraces to offer to its guests. Great for those looking for affordable accommodation in Kasane. It’s situated close to Start of Boat Cruise and Kalahari Holiday Tours, it has ample adventure to offer to its guests. It includes overnight camping at Chobe National Park, Safari of the park, cruising through the river water, etc. Check rates and availability.

Tlou Safari Lodge

This majestic resort has individual cottages with personal patios overlooking a beautiful garden. Outdoor barbeque and pool facilities are a part of the regular services here. Off-site fishing (chargeable) on request is arranged for the in-house guests. They get to choose from the adventure options available at Start of Boat Cruise, Botswana Tourism Board Information Centre, and Kalahari Holiday Tours. Check rates and availability.

Kasane Self Catering

Here, the guest rooms come with individual kitchenette and washrooms with all required amenities. All rooms are facilitated with a wi-fi connection and are non-smoking. All the air-conditioned rooms have a refrigerator, a microwave, and all other standard amenities appraising the comfort of the guests. Check rates and availability.

Nxabii Cottages

Surrounded by many tourist attractions, Nxabii Cottages has a scintillating ambiance to offer to its in-house guests. A great option for Kasane accommodation lodges, its comes with air-conditioned rooms equipped with customary facilities, it has personal bathrooms with standard amenities. Trip to the mesmerizing Impalila Island and Sekoma Island, which are at a distance of 3.1 km and 6 km respectively, will enhance the serenity of your escapade journey. Check rates and availability.

Sandpiper Villas Chobe National Park Accommodation

Situated very close to the Start of Boat and Sedudu Gate Chobe National Park, the guests from this hotel can definitely include boat cruise and jungle safari into their travel itinerary. After the daylong cruise or safari, the guests can relax at the hotel’s air-conditioned rooms or outdoor pool or on the attached patio overlooking the gorgeous landscape. Check rates and availability.

The Residence Kazungula

A self catering accommodation in Kasane, Botswana. This holiday home has many activities to offer to its guests apart from the standard room with its amenities. The activities include a day’s trip to the mesmerizing Victoria Falls, cruising, game drives, fishing, etc. Bird watching can also be done as the garden at the Residence Kazungula is an abode to many local species. Check rates and availability.

Looks Cottages

Kasane accommodation in Botswana, catering to the needs of the tourists with modern facilities amidst nature, it is situated just 5 km away from Africa Under Canvas. Looks Cottages ensures a pleasant stay with all the standard services they have to offer. Check rates and availability.

Amogelang Guest House

Great accommodation in Kasane for Chobe national park activities. A 4-bedroom guesthouse is situated at a location surrounded by Botswana Tourism Board Information Centre on one end and Start of Boat Cruise on the other. It is well equipped with all the necessary amenities and machinery to give it’s guest a homely environment. Check rates and availability.

African Sunsets

Hotels and lodges in Kasane Bostwana, don’t offer a more uniquely traditional stay than this place. Get any more A safari with the Dream Safaris to Chobe National Park and the World of Wildlife Animal Sanctuary is the nearest spots you can enjoy from African Sunsets. Accommodation at African Sunsets will give you the feeling of “a home away from home” with its amenities. Moreover, it lets you go shopping at the Shopping Centre, which is just 3 km away. Check rates and availability.

Big 5 Chobe River Lodge

Another one of the cool lodges in Kasane, Botswana for those looking for Chobe River accommodation. The lodge provides a serene view of Chobe River to its guests as it is situated on its bank. All the guest rooms have beds that are adorned by the mosquito nets to escape mosquito bites and have a great sleep. The hotel staff arranges visits to the local tourist spots. Check rates and availability.

Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa

If you are looking for Chobe River accommodation then this should be perfect. This resort has a fitness center along with modern room amenities and attached balconies that overlook the beautiful Chobe River. Bird watching, cruise boats, and game drives are some of the activities provided for guests. Check rates and availability.

Elephant Trail Guesthouse & Backpackers

Accommodation at this guesthouse will let you enjoy activities like cycling, fishing, bike hires, etc. On request and surcharge, the guesthouse also arranges boat cruise and safaris along with the transfer to Victoria Falls. Modern room amenities, shared kitchen, exclusive seating zones are the highlights of this space. Check rates and availability.

Map Of Areas To Stay In Kasane

Booking.com

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African Road Trip – Top Tips On Driving In Botswana

June 19, 2019 by admin 3 Comments

Road trip in Botswana - Everything You Need To Know About Driving In Botswana

African elephant is crossing the road on the Chobe highway in the Serondela area of the Chobe Nationalpark

I shared my Botswana travel advice in my recent post on the best time to visit Botswana. Today we are going to talk about driving in Botswana. As you may have already read, we had an amazing African adventure passing through Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. With amazing game parks like Okavango Delta, Moremi Game park, Chobe National Park and many others I mentioned in the above post, make Botswana an amazing destination for safaris.

Much of our trip involved driving in Namibia, Zambia and the Road trip in Botswana. My family have also done many a trip driving to Botswana from South Africa as well between Zambia and surrounding countries in Southern Africa.

Below I will go into more detail regarding road conditions, safety, things to know when driving in Botswana as well as things to look out for. Especially if you are considering a Botswana self-drive itinerary or looking for details on road conditions, driving at night and all that good stuff.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park(Partly in Botswana and South Africa – Note there are compulsory 2 night stays if you wish to enter in Botswana and exit in South Africa)

Driving In Botswana

There are plenty of fun things to do in Botswana some of which I mentioned in my linked post. Many of these are better reached if you have the freedom to move around at your own paces and with your own transportation. With that in mind, it’s better to be well informed or have information on driving in Botswana before setting off. I have set out some details below to help you prepare for your road trip to Botswana or in and around the country.

Conditions Of Roads In Botswana

Majority of roads in Botswana are well paved, especially when it comes to intercity or major access routes in and out of the country. Also major roads in the towns centers are also paved. As soon as you leave those you do notice the road conditions change somewhat. Many have potholes as well as gravel roads.

If you are visiting during the dry season in Botswana, this is not so bad. Its when you are visiting during the rainy season that you do notice just how bad things can be as you have to weave in and out of traffic to avoid the rain-filled potholes in the roads. Its also during the rainy season that you really have to pay close attention to the type of car you are driving in Moremi, Chobe, Makgadikgadi national parks as many routes into the parks will be flooded and therefore require a 4×4 car for your own safety, especially when exploring in national parks. The last thing you want to for your car to break down in the middle of a national park.

Tip: Always inquire about road conditions for your destination when leaving your hotel or lodges where ever you are staying in Botswana. Nothing beats local knowledge.

Taken while driving on mobile but clearly visible are ostriches by the side of the road.

Wild Animals On The Roads | Driving In Botswana At Night

As I have said my family have been driving around South and East Africa most of my life hence why for part of our journey from Botswana to Namibia we drove late into the night. Although for the most part our drive in Botswana when was mainly during the day. I wish I had take more pictures of the travels around Botswana to show you, driving in Botswana during the day means there are chances of seeing animals by the roadside. From Ostriches to Elephants and Monkeys, click here for a guide to all the safari animals you may encounter in Botswana. Remember that parks in Botswana are unfenced which means wildlife wander around.

Majority of lions and wide cuts like to stay near water so not normally found close to roadsides. With that in mind, it’s still worth noting that its best to do the majority of your driving during the day as the animal roaming isn’t restricted to just day time. The last thing you want is hitting an animal at night and getting stranded in the middle of nowhere. While the chances of that happening are rather narrow its still worth pointing out that the risk is there.

Tip: NEVER EVER swim in rivers in the north of Botswana as there is a high likelihood of you becoming lunch to very happy and well appreciative crocodiles. Don’t attempt to swim in an of the rivers in the Okavango Delta region.

Kasane border

Botswana safety When Driving & Things To Know Before Driving

Driving side in Botswana: Left side of the road

The speed limit for roads in Botswana: Majority of the roads are 60km/h in towns and villages and 80km/h on intersections and 120km outside of urban areas.

Is Botswana safe as a country? Yes! But just like any other country out there always watch your valuables when travelling. Don’t leave valuables in the car, even when camping! Takes your prized possessions with you. Just in case your car gets broken into. In large crowds watch your pockets. Other than that, Botswana is a friendly nation and people are welcoming.

When it comes to safety in Botswana, this is not something that was even on my mind. In saying that, I still don’t advice fellow women or guys to be roaming the streets alone at night. Most places are not well lite, you may need to be more worried about the animals than the people!

Road conditions and types of roads in Botswana: Botswana has varying terrains. There are thick sand roads that are better suited to 4×4 cars. Muddy roads and unpaved roads. Rural areas are mostly unpaved and those in and leading to national parks. These get even harder to drive in during the rainy season. Then there is the rough terrain that combines all the crazy conditions in the form or sand and grass patches. Again these require a 4WD car. Always check the terrain of the areas you are visiting and seek local knowledge before setting off. If you are doing Chobe and mostly urban exploring you will likely be fine with a normal car/sedan type of car.

Fuel/Gas: The tips for this part of driving in Botswana are similar to the advice I would give for anyone driving in Iceland. A good rule of thumb is to fill up the car every time you see a petrol station as you never know when you will see another one again.

Random stops and police checkpoints in Botswana: Expect to have a random police check. For the majority of our drive in Botswana and the trip driving from Botswana to Namibia, the only check we had was at the border control. Note there is the possibility of more random checks. Also, another thing we had to go through an animal control points where the car tyres have to go through a bit of a dip in the road with a chemical that is meant to reduce foot and mouth disease. You are also asked to step out of the car and step into the liquid too to rid your shoes of any foot and mouth germs that may be passed through the region. We had this when entering Botswana at Kazungula Ferry point from Zambia as well as when leaving Botswana and entering Namibia.

A four-wheel drive vehicle driving over the salt pans in Botswana.

Car Rental In Botswana And Cars Required | Normal Car Vs 4X4

As I have mentioned above if you are going to in Botswana national parks, I would strongly advise you to really look at the car you are renting for the activity and when you are using it. Due to the terrain of some areas 4×4 cars are usually better. That’s not to say that you cannot use or you won’t find normal cars in Botswana. Majority of the people driving those cars are locals and don’t really do the same journeys as tourists who are coming for the national parks that are within complicate terrains. Also, remember that Botswana has a huge desert in the middle of the country and the edges you can a mix of desert-grassy-gravel road terrain. It is always a good idea to do a little research on the area you are going to be exploring and your itinerary for your trip in Botswana. I hope I am not scaremongering but it just pays to be prepared.

Game Park Driving: Chobe National Park Self Drive And Okavango Delta

If you are planning a Botswana self-drive itinerary or have the intention of exploring parks in Botswana on your own with your own car, I would strongly advise your to make sure you have a suitable car. While we choose to use a safari company for our safari in Okavango Delta, we did spot some smaller cars doing a self-drive in Okavango Delta.

During our visit, it was hot and the roads were mainly dry. Any other time I would not recommend it. Some have also done self-drive in Chobe national park. Again always check season before planning, check the weather before setting off and ask locals at the hotel or lodge for any tips. Also, make sure your car is well suited for the journey you are taking on. For example, it is also recommended to have a fire extinguisher in the car when driving in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. This is because grass collects underneath the car and around the exhaust pipe which can cause the car to catch fire, as the exhaust temperatures increase considerably. Always worth making a few stops every couple of miles to check when driving through this national park.

Tip: Never leave your car in the national parks, no matter how cute the animals are. Also never climb the trees in the national parks like we saw a couple of doing. Away from their car too! Lions, leopards are also tree climbing animals not to mention the possibility of finding snakes in the trees. Always have safety at the forefront. This is the animal’s territory. Remember that!

Getting Ready For Your Drive | Botswana Road Trip Essentials

Always make sure your car is road worthy.
Make sure you have road insurance.
Make sure you have water and food for the journey.
Consider using a guided tour where possible or where your car and driving capabilities go beyond what the journey requires.
Also, consider where you are staying as part of your driving journey plans and ease of case with your car.
While you can certainly travel in Botswana solo, its always better to have someone when driving so you can take turns driving as the majority of the attractions in Botswana, especially when doing a self-drive itinerary in Botswana require a lot of driving. I was lucky that my brother and husband switch driving between themselves so I didn’t have to. 😀

Maun: Road conditional around urban area in Botswana.

Driving From Botswana To Namibia/ Zambia

As I have mentioned several times about our road trip adventure driving to Botswana from Zambia and driving from Namibia to Botswana by road as well as driving through Botswana. All these things are possible and can be done easily and safely too. There is really nothing to fear. While I have found roads in Namibia much better than those in Botswana but all three countries, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia were easy to do just keep in mind some of the things to know when it comes to driving in Botswana which is mostly applicable even when driving from South Africa to Botswana and vice versa.

Top Tips For Driving In Botswana

Always make sure you have the correct paperwork for driving around the country or crossing borders. Also, have this to hand for random and frequent police check in and around the country.
Have your passport to hand when requested at check points.
Never drive at night unless you really have to.
Always be on the lookout for stray animals whether driving in the morning, day time or evening.
Always check your car is in good running condition and you have spare tyres and pressure of tyres is in good condition.
Always have water in the car especially during the hot season not just for you but cars can sometimes overheat.
Always make sure your car is suitable for the journey and season. If doing a safari in the rainy season or for some national parks, rent a 4×4 or opt for local guided safari.
Always make sure your phones are charged before setting off should you need help.
Always make sure you are carrying some cash with you as not all petrol stations accept card payments.
Also check out these tips for planning a self-drive safari.

There you have it my tips for driving in Botswana. So have you been to Botswana, or been driving in Africa before? What was your experience? Comment below.

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The Best Time To Visit Botswana & Essential Travel Tips

June 16, 2019 by admin 1 Comment

Planning a trip to Africa for a safari? There is a likelihood you will want to know the best times to visit Botswana, considering this is one of the best places in Africa for safari trips. So, lets get you booking already! You will not regret it. If you made it to this post that means you are at least thinking about. So then I am sure you will be interested in the best time to go on safari in Botswana, maybe the best time to visit the game parks in Botswana as well? Well, we are doing just that in this post.

Botswana is home to the Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the WORLD! Its full of lagoons, secret waterways and palm-dotted islands where hippos and crocodiles roam free and where the big five can be found dotted around the vast planes.

A Little Bit About Botswana

Botswana lies in the southern part of Africa and bordered by Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. Botswana is largely untouched and mostly dominated by the Kalahari Desert located in the center of the country but covers a good 84% of the country. Then 17% of the land is national reserves where you will find many beautiful creatures that make Botswana one of the most beautiful places to go for a safari.

During our visit we were lucky that my brother was still living in Botswana so was our guide for most of our trip. Although skipped out on our safari as he has done it like a million times. While Gaborone might be the capital, most people will coming through to the main tourist hubs in Maun hence my recent post on things to do in Maun and will do another on Kasane which is another one of the main hubs in Botswana that we visited.

Fun fact: Botswana is one of the richest countries in Africa. Thanks to Diamonds! A girl’s best friend. Shame we didn’t pick up any on this trip.

The Climate & Best Time To Visit Botswana

Being from Zambia you would think I would be used to the heat, as I currently live in the UK at the moment where the summer weather is the equivalent to winter weather in Botswana. When it comes to the climate in Botswana, the weather in Botswana is hot and dry for the most part. As we were going to be visiting Namibia during our trip I opted for the best time to go to Namibia and Botswana. With my husband being ginger I didn’t want him toasted to ash. We still came prepared with 60-100 SPF suncream.

While the country may be hot if you are visiting the Kalahari Desert it’s worth noting that sometimes the weather can drop to the minus. It has been known to drop as low as -12°C. Below I will go through the best time to go to Okavango Delta and other national parks as well as the weather in Botswana for each month.

Botswana seasons | Best Time To Visit Botswana By Month

While any time is great to visit in Botswana, is always great to know the seasons in the country to help you pack accordingly. The rainy season in Botswana is between December and February and comes with plenty of humidity if like me and your hair looks like a poodle in humidity don’t forget to pack some decent hair products.

During the summertime in Botswana weather can reach close to 40°C. Botswana average temperatures is around 25-30s, so make sure you pack light clothing for day time and good jackets for the evening as the weather tends to drop in the evening. I will do a post on what to pack for safaris but make sure you pack light coloured clothing especially colours that blend in well with the bushes when going on safari. Anything goes for visiting the towns and cities. Just note the winter in Botswana temperatures can be as low as 10°C. Majority of companies like GAdventures, or ExodusTravel will usually run their African Safari tours in favourable seasons.

I have split up the months to make it easier to decide when is the best time to visit Botswana for safari. As I cover the national parks below, this might also help for those that to know the best times to visit the best time to visit Botswana and Victoria Falls, especially for those that are coming for the Devils Pool and want to combine it with a visit to Chobe National Park.

Visiting Botswana In:

April, May: visiting Botswana in April and May, you will find that the weather is fairly pleasant with some odd showers in some afternoons. The average temperature in April is around 24-25°Cand around 20°C in May.
June, July(Winter in Botswana): Just like my home country, June and July are the coldest months in Botswana. The average temperatures in Botswana in June and July is between 10-17°C.
August, September: From August the temperature the temperatures start to rise again. The average temperatures for August in Botswana are around 19°C and 24°C.
October, November: In October is when we have summer in Zambia and you get similar temperatures in Botswana too. While the average temperature might be around 27°C …the temperature during the summer is usually in the high 30s. During these two months, there is a lot of humidity and well as higher chances of showers in the afternoons but they dry up very quickly as if nothing happened.
December, January, February, March(Rain Season): Rain season is between December and March and while during the other months you may be able to explore the national parks with a normal car, the rain season in Botswana is not the time for that! The roads can be treacherous during the rainy season so if you are going to do safaris during this time make sure you have a 4×4 or use a tour operator who will have a better knowledge of the roads, terrains and conditions and where best to go. The average temperature in Botswana between December and March is still around the 20s.

Is Botswana Safe To Visit?

Contrary to what media tout about Africa, many African countries are welcoming and pretty safe to visit. Is Botswana safe? Yes, it is! We drove, used buses and mingled with locals with no issues are all. Like with any trip planning always best to look at your itinerary and look at how to get to them, what the place is like, the safety of your transportation and time of travel. Like I have mentioned we had no problems at all in Botswana. This is also a country my family and I have visited countless times. If renting cars make sure you do additional research on any paperwork needed when driving in Botswana, gas stations around the areas you are visiting so that you don’t have to make unnecessary stops at night.

Best Time For Safari In Botswana

There are many game parks in Botswana, but among the most popular are Moremi, Okavango Delta, Chobe and Central Kalahari game reserve.

The Best time to visit Botswana for a safari is between April and October

Best Time For Okavango Delta And Moremi Game Reserve

This is by far my one of my favourite places to visit in Botswana and one of the must-sees in Botswana. Access via Maun, Okavango Delta and Moremi are among the most popular tourist destinations for wildlife safaris. The delta is a unique oasis within the Kalahari desert. There are many ways to experience a safari in Okavango Delta. Some of these were mentioned in my post on things to do in Maun. From exploring the delta in Mokoro boats to taking a flight over the delta.

Located on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta is Moremi Game Reserve which has floodplains and lagoons. Both offer an opportunity to port the big via as well as crocs and many other animals that are loved and feared all at the same time. This is also a paradise for bird lovers. Considering the danger the wild animals pose, walking safaris and night drives are not allowed in these parks. The weather Okavango Delta

There are a couple of villages near Okavango Delta to stop at like Gudigwa which has nothing more than a school and small shop to buy few essentials. Just be aware that there may not be many petrol stations so you are likely going to see people selling fuel in containers along the road side. Where to stay in Okavango Delta: There are many hotels and Safari camps in Maun, some of which I linked to in my post on places to visit in Maun.

Best Time To Visit Chobe National Park

This is one of the most popular national parks. If you are looking to combine your trip with Zambia then make sure you visit during the best time to visit Botswana and Victoria Falls. This is to make the most of your visit to see Victoria Falls at its best. Chobe National Park is located in Kasane region. Its also one of the largest parks in Botswana made up of floodplains and Mopane forests. Being the most popular, here you can expect to see elephants, zebras, hippos, buffalos, warthogs, lions, jackal, foxes, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyena and many more wild animals and birds.

While self-driving is ok here, you will need a 4×4 and if camping you are not allowed to get firewood in the park as the park is unfenced with plenty of wild animals roaming. You need to be wary of this at all times. You need to bring your own firewood if camping in the park. Another reason why Chobe National Park is that there is no best time to visit the national park as any time is good but even better is during the drier months.

Particularly, the best time to visit Chobe National Park is between May and September. Where to stay in Chobe National Park: Always book well in advance if you wish to camp in the park. You need to pay camping fees at the main gates of the park. If staying outside the park the nearest town is Kasane for hotels and lodges. I will be sharing a post of where we stayed shortly.

Best Time To Visit Central Kalahari Game Reserve

This area has beautiful salt pans similar to that of Bolivia. Originally home to Bushmen, here you can find not only salt pans but ancient riverbeds. The best time to visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is between March and October. You want to visit just after the rainy season when the area attracts migratory springbok, wildebeest ostrich, gemsbok, giraffes and the beautiful Kalahari black-main lions, as well as cheetahs and hyenas.

One thing to note is that there isn’t much civilisation here so you need to come prepared with a suitable vehicle, be self-sufficient. Majority of tours or tourist that come this way have 4x4s and most of these have their own sleeping and facilities. The best time to visit this area is usually the time when 4×4 are required due to the nature of the terrain. Where to stay in Central Kalahari: There are several camping areas to choose from but its advised to book in advance. Kori Camp, Leopard Pan, Motopi Camp to name a few.

Best Time To Visit Makgikgadi Pans

This is one of the largest salt pans in the world. Part of the pans also form park of the Nxai Pan National Park. During the dry season, there is nothing spectacular to see here, it’s during the rainy season that Makgkgadi Pans comes alive! When the rain season arrives all the animals flock here. The challenge for visitors is how to see this place during this time.

While flight tours might be best, driving here can be somewhat treacherous. During the rainy season you can find flamingos, pelicans, waders and in greener areas, you can find antelope and season visits of migrating wildebeest. By far the best time to visit Makgikgadi Pans is during the rainy season, providing you can actually get to.

There is also a nearby Nata Bird Sanctuary for those interested in wild birds. If traveling to Makgkgadi Pans or Nxai National Park, its advisable to stop by Gweta to stock up on food and supplies as there services and shops are few and far between. Where to stay near Makgkgadi Pans: There is Jacks camp, Planet Baobab Rest Camp and San Camp nearby.

Best Time To Visit Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Kgalagadi is located in the south-western part of Botswana. An interesting fact about Kgalagadi is that 3 quarters of this park lie in Botswana and a quarter lies in South Africa. This is another park that is well suited to self-sufficient safari vehicles. The roads here are mostly made of sand so don’t attempt a trip here with a small car anything other than 4×4 and you likely experience some trouble. This is because the park is situated in the Kalahari Desert.

The park is also well known for its large population of seasonal raptors and wild birds. The best times to visit Kgalagadi is between March and October. Just avoid the rainy season. If visiting this national park be sure to check around the rules of compulsory stay of 2 days if your intention is to enter via Botswana and leave via South Africa as well as having to go through border control.

Other Things To Know When Planning A Trip To Botswana

The Basics About Botswana

Currency in Botswana: Pula

Money and Payments: Most major towns and cities will take credit cards but for smaller towns and villages best to have cash on hand. Especially when driving and if needing to fill up at petrol stations. Sometimes there may be issues with connectivity as well when processing payments. We had some issues when I tried to use my card in Kasane. It was resolved in the end but involved having to call my bank in the UK so also always make sure you tell your bank you are traveling.

Language in Botswana: Setswana although English is widely spoken.

Photographing people and buildings: Always remember to ask people when taking pictures. Use common sense and respect people’s privacy. When it comes to taking pictures of people in uniform or official buildings, this is a no-no! Don’t take pictures of the police, soldiers or official residence buildings or risk getting arrested or fined if caught.

Main towns and cities to visit: Most people come via Kasane if traveling from Zambia or via Francistown or Gaborone. Francistown is one of Botswana’s oldest towns. Both Gaborone and Francistown offer great facilities for people to stock up before moving on to the safari destinations mentioned above.

Vaccinations For Botswana | What Vaccinations Do I Need For Botswana

So lets talk all things to do with health! So if you are asking yourself: Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Botswana? Yes! – Only if you cross over from Zambia or Angola. Otherwise, the certificate is not required. Do you need vaccinations to go to Botswana? Yes! For the recommended vaccinations for Botswana and South African countries, actually any country for that matter I would highly recommend visiting your GP and let them know what countries you are visiting and they are best advised to let you know what you need. This is what I did in my case.

I had a list of places we were visiting and it was easier for the GP to look up on the system what I had previously and how long I am covered for each vaccine. If you have a flexible itinerary and may want to explore other countries near Botswana I would strongly advise you to get yellow fever as you may not be allowed in without one in some countries. They don’t normally ask, but on the chance they do, it may cost you have to go and find a doctor nearby to get one as well as the added time and costs lost.

Most vaccines last about 5-10 years. Malaria is the most obvious when traveling to Botswana, Zambia, South African and Zimbabwe. As are Hepatitis A, Rabies and other parasitic diseases. Other things to note are snake bites and scorpions in the region. Not common but the risk is there to be aware of.

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How To Get From Kasane To Maun In Botswana

June 13, 2019 by admin 3 Comments

How To Get From Kasane To Maun In Botswana

With any planning of a trip to Africa or any trip, in general, comes plans of transportation. Below I am sharing tips on how to get from Kasane to Maun, the gateway to amazing Safari’s that Botswana has to offer.

In my last post, I shared tips on fun things to do in Maun. In this post its all about how to travel to Maun.

As we had an adventurous time in Livingstone, I will also share some details of how we traveled from Livingstone to Kasane. This is where of course you have the amazing Victoria Falls and Devil’s Pool.

Traveling From Livingstone Zambia To Kasane

From Livingstone town center there are several options. There are buses and there are taxis both private and shared. The drive from Livingstone to Kasane(Kazungula Ferry) is about 50 minutes.

I honestly cannot remember how much we paid for the shared tax, but it was cheap. The only thing to note is that with the shared taxis you have to wait until they will up.

People are friendly and also we were travelling with suitcases again felt pretty safe doing so with no worries. You can also opt to have your own taxi. Just negotiate the price with the taxi driver.

You can also opt to have a rental car and cross from Livingstone to Kasane by ferry at Kazungula. The fee for each car is about $5-10 no matter the number of occupants. Just remember to have all your paperwork for the car in order as the border is only a short walk from the ferry.

How To Get From Kasane To Maun In Botswana

Getting From Kasane To Maun By Bus

You can travel to Maun by bus, and there are daily combi/bus from Kasane to Maun. One is direct others stop at Nata from where you have to wait for connecting another bus. You won’t come across many animals across this route, which is a good thing. It’s about 8 hours drive, and traveling by bus is the cheapest (about $16).

Traveling by bus has its own flavor but there are certain aspects one should keep in mind while doing so. One of the major cons of traveling by bus is theft, which is fortunately not very common. In order to avoid theft, you can follow these safety rules:

Never get a luggage bag with too many pockets as you won’t be able to monitor every little pocket and it will be very easy for anyone to unzip any of the pockets and take out your belongings.
Do not carry a number of luggage bags; rather, carry one or two bags of large size to keep all your belongings together.
Always use handy small bags to carry your documents, your phone, and your wallet etc. Or invest in one of the anti-theft backpacks.
It is advisable to keep your phone inside your jack/coat pocket(upper pockets!)
Stay alert and take extra care of your passport and other such documents.
Take your hand carry bag to anywhere you go when the bus stops, be it the toilet. Preferably, get a cross shoulder bag so you don’t get bothered a lot.

How To Get From Kasane To Maun In Botswana

The LAWA big bus service is very useful; you just have to schedule things timely and enjoy your ride. It is a six to seven hour long journey, with the bus stopping for restroom and refreshments. The total distance is 600 kilometers, and the ticket price is 164 pula.

Fortunately, this bus is safe. The seats are very comfortable, depending on the category of bus you take. On top of it, Africans are great people to travel with, and they will accompany you all along the route with music, chattering and laughter.

The bus drivers are highly skilled, as the road is a bit bumpy, but they make sure you don’t feel a thing. Crossing the safaris is an African treat that can turn any journey into an adventure.

The drivers make sure you enjoy every single bit of it as well. The drivers cross the safaris so smoothly that you will not feel a thing. You can be traveling in one of the wildest parts of the world and be rest assured you are in capable hands. Highly recommended.

Getting From Nata To Maun

You can also use an option 2 that is to stop at Nata, and then take another ride to Maun. The bus drops you off at Nata from Francis town where you have to wait for a bit to take a bus to Maun. The bus fare to Nata is 80 pula. Whereas the bus fare from Nata to Maun is 84 pula. The major issue with this route is that the buses do not go off frequently. So it can be time-consuming and frustrating when you have to wait for the next bus to come, and customers don’t give great reviews about this route just because they have to wait for hours at Nata to catch a bus to Maun, and the road from Francis town to Nata is not very good quality.

The total travelling time stretches to around eight to nine hours, which is a lot. So I would personally prefer taking a direct bus from Kasane to Maun. Or taking a rental car, which is the best option if you have the budget and some great company, or you love to travel alone!

Driving From Kasane to Maun / Self-Drive Safaris In Botswana

On the other hand, for any adventurous enthusiast, self-driving through the Chobe and Moremi wilderness from Kasane to Maun should be on your bucket list. It takes careful preparation but allows you to go explore some of the best wildlife areas in Africa on your own, and it is nothing short of incredible.

Anyone attempting this should be a confident 4×4 driver. In the wet season, the roads are muddy, and in the dry season, you will have to charge through long patches of deep sand. Getting through some of these areas will take some skill, as well as some manpower if you get bogged down.

While you will not see a lot of people on the way, spend some time at the campsites at night asking others coming the opposite way about route conditions, as some tracks are much worse than others. Also, ensure you understand how driving in sand, and in low gear will increase your fuel consumption. It is an adventure you certainly want to be well prepare for. For the most part, road conditions from Kasane to Maun are good. I would recommend you taking a bus if you’re not the haven’t had much experience driving abroad but there is really nothing to worry about.

When doing self- drive safaris in Botswana or any other part of African always be cautious. Safari animals require extra consideration as the threat they cause is very real. You never see Africans being cavalier with some of the most dangerous predators in the world. Nor should you. Make sure you know the precautions before you sit on that bus seat and take a ride to Maun. Always be respectful of these amazing animals.

Never mock at the animals.
Never feed the animals
Never play loud music or scream or shout while you’re passing by a safari or you see animals resting or eating.
Never call the animals by hand movement. Trust me, it’s not your kitty or your tamed pup.

Always carry food and water with you, in case you feel hungry on the way. Try to carry dry edibles so that the oil doesn’t bother you on the way.

How To Get From Kasane To Maun In Botswana

Using Rental Cars In Kasane

There are car rentals at the Kasane airport, which you can rent, and have your own personalized experience. AVIS Car rental is the best available and offers a variety of facilities. From selecting the car of your choice to selecting your own travel timing and stops on the way, you can have a perfectly customized experience. These cars operate from the Kasane airport and are available at any time between 8 am to 1 pm, and 2 pm to 5 pm Monday to Friday and shorter days on the weekends. Use this phone number to schedule your ride (267) 6250144. Then select your drop off location, and you’re all set to travel to Maun.

Enjoy your trip to Maun, the city of animals and safaris. Once you come back, let everyone know how your journey was. Stay safe and treat the animals with respect!

Also See:

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How To Get From Kasane To Maun In Botswana

Fun Things To Do In Maun Botswana – An African Adventure

June 13, 2019 by admin 2 Comments

In my last post, we talked about planning a trip to Africa, in this post we are about cool things to do in Maun, one of many cities and towns in Botswana that we visited. With summer is around the corner and everyone is planning to travel to exotic and cool locations to vacation and have the time of their lives. Only a few people have the luxury to travel without keeping in account a budget; rest are looking to travel to affordable locations which won’t cause a hole in their pockets.

Botswana is one of the world’s leading countries as a safari destination Maun is a small town Mokoro in Botswana, nestled on the Thamalakane River. It is Africa’s one of most treasured places in terms of wildlife and scenic views and least visited as well. So, if you are one of those to be wonder just what is there to do in Maun, Botswana? Well, there is plenty! There a lot of entertaining things which you can do in Maun and make your trip worthwhile:

FUN THINGS TO DO IN MAUN BOTSWANA

There are many things that bring people to Botswana; from one of the world’s largest salt flats to a country that is a haven for wildlife and amazing safaris. You can see some of my pictures from our safari in Botswana on the blog. Below I take you through just some of the amazing things to do in Maun, Botswana.

Mokoro Trips Into The Delta

Mokoro trips in Maun as a must! A visit to Maun would be incomplete without venturing on the traditional Mokoro trips. Mokoro is a dugout canoe that is shaped into a boat. Maun lies adjacent to the Okavango Delta and these traditional Mokoro trips are the most authentic way to experience the delta. These trips are arranged by different companies and could be done on one’s own as well. Activities that could be done include fishing, bird watching, motor boating, Island walks and different guided games. You can check out the wide range of Mokoro safari trips which range from day trips to multiday Mokoro trips that also including camping.

Aerial Delta View

Among one of the most fun things to do in Maun Botswana. It’s acceptable if the stay trip in the delta is not enough to quench your thirst because it’s kind of impossible explore the full delta in a restricted timeframe. Well worry not, because helicopter flights are offered from Maun which let you experience the delta with its majestic aerial view and give you the chance to catch wildlife in its complete candid.

Safari Trips From Maun

One of the coolest ways to enjoy this country, of course, include drives in Maun. Maun could also offer you your dream African Safari. You can go on with a team or hire your own 4×4 to go solo and drive in the wildlife; watch wild buffalos grazing across the delta, elephants walking with grace, hippos resting alongside the river banks etc. You can book the tours and safari trips via Viator to bring down costs or as part of Safari package trips with the likes of GAdventures, Contiki or Exodus Travels. Maun also has the Maun Game Sanctuary that you might want to add to your itinerary for the city.

Learning Local Cultural Dance

Africans are rich in terms of their cultural practices and dance is one major cultural practice. In Maun, you can take the cultural dance classes to learn the traditional Botswana dance and take this skill back home as a souvenir.

Thamalakane River Cruise Or Crocodile Camp Safari

Safari and mokoro trips can make you tired, and it’s important that you do some relaxing activities as well. So, plan a Thamalakane river cruise. Zone out for an hour or two. Don’t forget to take your binoculars. Pour yourself a drink and relax while watching the sunset on a cruise. If you are staying at Crocodile Camp Safar and Spa, you have easy access to river cruise tours. If you have an interest in crocodiles be sure to also check out the Maun Crocodile Farm which has over 80 crocodiles of the Nile in enclosures.

Maun Arts Festival

Every year, a two-day international arts festival, the Maun Arts Festival is held in Maun to celebrate art, culture and poetry. Artists from around the world come to perform. There is Music, food and cultural dance performances. For poetry lovers, this festival is a pure African delight. So, if you have a thing for poetry, make sure to arrange your Maun trip around the festival.

Learning Traditional Basket Weaving

Just like the traditional dance, another skill which you can learn and recount later at home is traditional basket weaving. Attend a one-day workshop in Maun where you learn how to make different patterned baskets out of straw and interact with locals.

Nhabe Museum

Apart from culture and wildlife, Maun offers history as well. The Museum is a colonial-era built building, which contains local relics as well as colonial era artifacts. You can also interact with local artists in the Museum.

Taste The Local Food

Botswana cuisine is heavily influenced by other Southern African cuisines yet still unique. However, in Maun local food is not as readily available in most places but you can find it in local bars and markets. You can easily find French and middle eastern food delicacies’ in Maun. Apart from trying local street food, dine in some famous restaurants like, Nandos, French connection, Marc’s Eatery and the Raft Floating Restaurant.

Shopping For Souvenirs In Botswana

One of the best things to do in Maun is checking out the local talent. A vacation is never complete without shopping. In Maun, there is no shortage of souvenir and curio shops. Even when on a budget you can find stuff in really great quality. Locally made leather, shoes, belts and hats are a must buy. Again you can also meet local artists and crafters.

Nightlife in Maun

Maun offers a hustling and bustling nightlife. You can easily find pubs and bars for a drink out at night and if you are an adventure freak, you can find some adventure night clubs as well. People love meeting by local bars some of which offer beautiful and scenic views as you chill with friends and locals over a couple of drinks in the evening then if up to more partying some of these also have dance floors but there are also nightclubs you can venture on to.

The Old Bridge Backpackers by the river.

Getting to and around in Maun | How To Get To Maun

Maun airport is close to the town center and hence hiring a cab from the terminal is easy enough to reach the town center. It is advised to book your hotel in advance, for better rates, however, you would have some decent options for booking on spot as well. For getting around in Maun, you can either rent a car or a motorbike; or hire a taxi. You can arrange a daily rate if you want to have the taxi car accessible to you all day or duration of your stay. You also have the options for shared taxis as well as small mini buses. All of these dont cost a lot of money just a couple of pulas.

Maun is quite a large city and not really the best for walking around as most hotels and campsites are not within walking distance to the town centres.

For additional tips on how to get to Maun from Kasane or Livingstone to Maun read my linked post.

Maun town center You can also pick up a rental car in town as well as book aerial safari flights from here. This is where we booked our rental car.

Things To Know When Visiting Maun

While Maun is perfectly safe to travel, there are some things which you should keep in mind while on a trip in Maun:

The local population in Maun is really very friendly and social. However, when travelling in crowded places, be mindful of pocket pickers who might be on a lookout for your cellphone, wallet much like any other place you travel to.
In Maun, animals move openly on roads and streets hence be careful when driving at night. For more details see my post on driving in Botswana.
Since you would be out in the wildlife, anything can happen. Most companies take safety seriously but it is always advisable to purchase travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trip.
If you want to do Botswana on budget check out Choppies and Spa in the city centre of Maun to stop on food and snacks.

Where To Stay In Maun

As I mentioned in my post on how to plan a trip to Africa, Botswana and Africa, in general, offer amazing adventures and can be done on a budget too. There is a wide range of accommodation in Botswana to choose from. From hostels camping in Maun, midrange hotels and lodges to beautiful luxury safari camps.

Some of the cool places to stay in Maun Botswana include:

How To Plan Your Trip To Maun And Botswana

I have recently shared a post with tips on how to plan a trip to Africa but Botswana is a country that is very easy to explore by doing a self drive tour. I would highly recommend renting a car to make the most of your trip to Maun.

As we were on a long trip, we landed in Zambia and flew to Livingstone before driving to Botswana but you can fly into one of the main cities in Botswana depending on where you are coming from or can even drive from Namibia, South Africa or Zimbabwe. The roads for the main highways are mostly good. Check flights via Expedia to see which is the best city being offered and from there you can plan your route for buses or car rentals.

Also, book your accommodation in Maun in advance as some seasons can be busy. Maun offers a wide range of places to stay from campsites to beautiful luxury lodges.

Also See:

So have you been to Maun before or Botswana? Which one of the above have you managed to tick off the list? If not, do you see yourself visiting Botswana in the near future?

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How To Plan The Perfect African Trip In 13 Easy Steps

June 11, 2019 by admin 3 Comments

With another adventure, actually two adventures in Africa in about a month and 2 months after I thought I would share tips on planning a trip to Africa as I have been meaning to do that since the last adventures on the continent.

So if you are one of those asking yourself ‘how do I plan a trip to Africa? Well, this is the post for you! Whether you are looking to start planning a trip to South Africa, or Tanzania, or looking for tips on how to plan a mission trip to Africa.

The majority of the topics below are what you will need to consider when planning a luxury once in a lifetime trip to Africa or just how to plan a trip to Africa on a budget. So keep reading for the best travel tips to Africa!

Africa is not all just about Safaris, there are amazing beaches in Africa , amazing bucket list places like Lalibela in Ethiopia, mountain ranges like Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, not to mention we are blessed with Amazing weather so for those that are looking for the perfect sunny escape I have shared a couple of beaches to get your salivating over.

13 Things To Consider When Planning A Trip To Africa

First things, first, Africa is a continent and not a country. It is far bigger than people realise and this is something that is important when considering just how many places you can travel to in one trip. To give you an example, one of the Facebook groups I am in, there was someone who wanted to see Ghana, South Africa, Seychelles and Egypt in a 14-day itinerary for Africa. Those places are in four different corners of the continent!

This person would have spent half their time flying. Not to mention just how costly it is to fly around the continent, as we don’t yet have an abundance of cheap airlines like those found in Europe. The likes of RyanAir, EasyJet, Wizz don’t yet exist in Africa.

Even then it still doesn’t change the fact that travel from North Africa down to the South is still a few hours of flying.

One of my pet peeves is when people treat the continent as if it’s one country. There are 54 countries in Africa, thousands of languages, different terrains, landscapes, tribes, and oh so many beautiful and amazing destinations that will BLOW your mind.

Bear that in mind when planning. With regards to safety, rather than let the fear of exploring this amazing and varied continent, let’s get you planning a trip to Africa!

Safety In Africa – Let’s Talk Misconceptions

For decades the media has portrayed Africa in a bad light and one of the reasons tourism has been slow to take off in African countries. The fact is all that is BS. Africans are the friendliest bunch you will ever meet.

Travel in Africa is pretty safe, if anything the main things you need to worry about safari animals when driving through rural areas at night. As always just practice common sense in busy areas like markets with wallets and bags – like any place around the world. If you can get pick-pocketed in Europe, that can also happen anywhere and that includes Africa.

All my travels in Africa have gone without a glitch and the majority of them are self-organised. I booked everything myself from tours to accommodation, driving around from Zambia to Botswana and then onto Namibia., all of which are among the safest countries in Africa that you can visit.

My family since growing up have always driven between Tanzania and Zambia where I am from as well as Zambia to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and never heard of any incidents apart from cheeky monkeys a couple of safari animal at night…other than that I have driven at night from Botswana to Namibia all perfectly fine! You can certainly take on an itinerary of South Africa’s garden route with no issues.

So, like I said common sense is all you need. As far as anyone asking themselves ‘is Africa safe to travel to? Yes! I am not just talking about the popular destinations of Morocco, Egypt and South Africa.

So branch out My next African adventure is a solo trip so I will keep you posted on that trip soon! For additional tips on putting together the perfect itinerary for Morocco check out this 9 day itinerary from Lina.

Pick A Country In Africa – Flight Routes

As popularity for African tourism grows the more flights that now have routes from Europe, the Middle East and American continents into Africa.

There are already a couple of routes from Dubai. Making it easy to do weekends in Zanzibar from Dubai. Also, there are now direct flights from the USA to South Africa. Airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, KLM, British Airways all now fly frequently to African destinations.

You can usually get great deals from Expedia, Lastminte, Ebookers and directly from Emirates. So the first thing to do when planning a trip to Africa is really picking a destination.

That will determine everything from activities, packing, vaccines, visas and accommodation. Another thing, as I mentioned above, picking your destination will determine what other countries nearby you may be able to add to your African itinerary.

Visa Applications

If you have a European or American passport then the majority of African countries will have visa-on-arrival which usually means you will also need to pay cash for your visa so always bring at least a couple of hundred dollars cash with you, especially for those that like to use credit cards. It may not always be possible to pay by card. Most visas will set you back $30-50 depending on your passport.

My husband paid $50 the Zambian visa and I think the others ranged from $20-40. That adds up if you are doing multi-country like my husband and I did. Luckily for me, I have a Zambian passport and can travel visa-free to most countries in Southern Africa.

Different story for the countries in the North as I have paid for visas ranging from $40-60. Still cheaper than how much I pay for visas across Europe and my £100 visa to the USA.

Note: Many African countries expect you to not turn up with your passport expiring within 3-6 months. You risk being sent back!

15 Important Things To Consider When Planning A Trip To Africa - How To Plan The Perfect Trip!

Victoria Falls from the air in the afternoon

Health and Vaccinations Required In African Countries

Many countries require you to take shots for Yellow fever and have the certificate with you, for your own health and safety research each county’s requirements as well as taking malaria tablets before travelling.

Before our multi-country African adventure and Asia as they were done in succession with not too long a gap we had a trip to the General Practitioner in London to run through the countries we were visiting and which vaccines we needed.

I would advise you to do the same. Most vaccines last between 5 to 10 years so you may not need them if you travel often and keep your vaccine update.

I recently came across my notes on the vaccines I had done, which have now expired so I need to book for more needlework. I guess I better get to those squats to make sure the glutes are ready for the injections 😀

Another important accept to think about is the water. While the water on taps might be safe to drink unless you are moving to the African country you are visiting I would advise you to buy bottled water instead.

Avoid tap water and ice in drinks. If you are moving to Africa you still need to acclimatise to the local water.

Packing anti-diarrhea pills tablets, especially for those moments you forget and add ice to your drinks like we did. Yep – ended up having to cancel one of tours because we had a case of the runs!

Thankfully we were staying in this beautiful Garden Lodge we had two ourselves which thankfully had two toilets. To this day it gives me the giggles to think about that day.

How To Plan A Trip To Africa On A Budget (Your Budget!)

Majority of the expenses on your trip to Africa will be your flight the rest can be planned depending on your style of travel. If you are looking for how to plan a trip in Africa on a budget, you can easily save money by staying in guesthouses, hostels as well as booking cheaper tours.

If you like a luxury style of travel there are plenty of places from amazing hotels, to stunning luxury safari tents in the middle of a game park. There are ways to save if you are traveling on a shoestring.

Accommodation

Dependent on type of activities you have book on your trip, there are stunning luxury and budget accommodation all across Africa. Whether you are looking to stay in luxury safari tents in the wilderness(if doing this make sure you book in advance).

Whether you are looking to stay in the dessert and experience Bedouin culture in Morocco or experience nights under the star-lite skies in the Namibian desert, luxury accommodation on the Zambezi as hippos, crocodiles roam freely – read about our experience in at Royal Victoria Hotel and Tongabezi.

If you want to experience budget or lux accommodation while sampling Africa’s many stunning beaches from The Red Sea to the Indian Ocean to Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean. There are plenty to choose from.

Luxury Safari Tents: This is glamping on steroids. A tent with all mod-cons of a luxury hotels room plus fabulous views overlooking rivers or game park. Within this there are different levels of luxury too. From the luxury tent, we stayed in at Maramba River Lodge to the super luxury the likes of The River Club.

Guesthouses and Lodges – With this option, you get the best of both worlds. You have solid walks but with the option of having accommodation still located near or within a game park.

Chalets: Traditional round huts with similar offerings to what a hotel room would offer.

Camping: While some may offer to rent the majority of our tents of accommodation that offer camping spots, you have to bring your own tent. For those doing a longer trip, there are tours that offer camping in the wild. Always make sure you ask as many questions about safety, especially if camping in places near wild animals. This is their territory and not yours.

Hotels: This needs no explanation.

Booking Accommodation: We booked the majority of our hotels and lodges on Booking.com and Expedia.

Travel Insurance

Never travel without travel insurance. Whether you are doing an easy city break or adventurous activity like white water rafting on the Zambezi, hiking in the Atlas Mountains or a walking safari with wild animals.

All of these activities are not covered in standard insurance so always make sure you check what is covered as well as whether they cover for cancelled flights, lost gadgets and anything else that may be of value to you. For the best deals check out Insure for Travel, Alpha Insurance or Travel Super Market,

African Trip Cost – Planning Your Budget For The Trip

Just like with any trip, there are so many little things you will need to purchase that all add up. Things like trips for vaccines, insurance, gadgets, clothing and activities specific shoes, your flight, hotel, transportation, tours, food, travel books and guides.

All these things no matter how little all add up, so in addition to looking at everything else mentioned in this post always look at what your limit is and then cut where possible.

So you might want to splurge on a luxury safari camp, but then cut down on certain tours or go budget on accommodation for some places you visit. Also while combined Safari packages may not suit all budgets, there are cheap alternatives too.

The beauty of costing the trip is that if you are traveling from Europe or the USA your dollar, pound or Euro will go very far in most African countries because of the currencies being lower. We have luxury hotels and budget ones so you can extend your spending as much as your bank balance will allow.

For our tips in southern Africa, we splurged when we started at Tongabezi and then went budget during our other stays at Maramba River Lodge and then accommodation in Nambia and Botswana was super cheap for really comfortable stays. We had a lovely guesthouse in the desert in Swakopmund that I shared on the blog.

Activities and African Itinerary Planning

There are plenty of tours throughout Africa, from glamping tours in Africa to River cruises on the Zambezi, walking Safaris, to sandboarding in the Namibian desert. The world is your oyster. Most of these you don’t have to back in advance if you have a fairly relaxed itinerary.

If you have a fixed African itinerary I would suggest booking way in advance for activities like glamping in safari parks, especially if you are looking to experience an African Safari with accommodation in any of the national safari parks in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, and Malawi.

This is truly a majestic continent with endless bucket list activities. From sandboarding in Namibia to surfing in Senegal or deep sea diving in the Red Sea or Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda to shark diving in South Africa.

Best Time For An African Safari – Best Times To Travel To Africa

There are several safari parks in Africa, from Kruger National Park in South Africa, Moremi and Chobe National Park in Botswana, Etosha in Namibia, to Masai Mara in Kenya and Ngorongoro in Tanzania.

All offer an amazing experience to see not only the Big Five but beautiful pink flamingo, wild cats that you never even knew existed. Any time is a great time to have an African safari, but if you planning a safari trip to visit during the Wildebeest migration then make sure you are visiting during that particular season.

The animals tend to follow where the water is. During the dryer months, they tend to be more scattered as they move in search for water. For tips on the best African countries for a safari check out the handy guide by Adventurous Feet.

Wildebeest Migration – If you are visiting especially for The Great Wildebeest Migration, any time is good as these amazing creatures are always in search of water much like all the animals. They will always be on the move for fresh grazing water.

If you are especially booking for this make sure you tell the tour operator you end up booking with. The best places to see this is Tanzania during the months of June and July as they cross the Mara River from Tanzania to Kenya.

Self-Drive or Arranged Tour – A self-drive allows you the freedom to plan out your own adventure. Also, make sure you have an international driver’s license. Also, depending on the time you are visiting you will need to make sure that you book a suitable car.

During some periods, like the rainy season its usually preferable to have a 4×4 so your car doesn’t get stuck in the mud but these really depend on which park you visit.

Another thing to note is safety, make sure you don’t do unnecessary stops to get out the car while exploring the national parks. Especially if you are unfamiliar with the surroundings. We have seen some crazy stuff during our adventures. Just don’t be those crazy tourists.

What to pack for an African Safari

I will do a full post on this but when it comes to what to wear on a safari is that its best to keep it simple. Keep to creams, khaki’s and beige shades to help you blend in with nature of the safari landscapes.

Stay away from bright colours, not just because of the safari animals but because of insects as they love strong and bright colours. So, in order not to attract them, keep it simple.

When To See Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls draws in crowds all year around but there are some activities on the Zambezi that can only be done during particular times in the year.

Activities like visiting the Devil’s Pool, white water rafting on the Zambezi, bungee jumping, scenic flight over the falls by helicopter or microlight to abseiling.

The Zambezi is usually at its lowest between October and December and its highest between March and May. Depending on when you visit some of these activities may not be available as they are seasonal. For the full list of tours check out Aviator.

Devil’s Pool on the edge of Victoria Falls

Getting Around African Countries – Flights, Buses And Rental Cars

Travel between cities and between countries gets better and better by the year. As I said above my family is used to driving between countries in Africa as it was easier and cheaper when flights weren’t readily available or were too expensive.

Although not many, there are also budget flights between cities, for example when I took my husband for a little exploring back home we landed in Lusaka and after a few days of explore we booked flights with Proflight from Lusaka to Livingstone.

Just do a little research as some of them may not have the same level of advertising as budget airlines like RyanAir or EasyJet but airlines are there. With China moving to invest in Africa(worryingly so – considering we are yet to recover from colonisation but that’s another post for another day.)

As far as public transport goes, there are buses between cities and between countries. While we found buses to be easier for intercity travel, I prefered rental cars when getting around.

It just gave us so much freedom. We had a wide range of transportation modes. While we were in Zambia we used a combination of taxis and buses. The crossing from Zambia to Botswana was via the ferry at Kasungula but more post on that to come.

Rental Cars In Africa

There are plenty of rental cars throughout the continent. For my last trip some areas we drove, some we book flights and some places we used buses. For example, taxied from Livingstone to Kasane and then from Kasane to Maun we traveled by bus and from Maun to Namibia we rented a car.

You can book a car rental in advance from sites like EasyCar which has a wide range of coverage from Avia, Almo, Budget, Thrify and more. Many of these you can collect right when you arrive at the airports. If you are doing your own self-drive itinerary in Namibia or self-driving in Botswana as we did you need to make sure the rental company provides you with additional paperwork to cross the border.

The border checkpoint will ask you for this paperwork. Failure to provide it make means may not be allowed to cross the border. When it comes to road conditions, the majority of the roads are great but there some potholes in some areas.

Roads from Botswana to Namibia, Zambia to South Africa or Zambia to Namibia are all pretty great it’s only when you are in some rural areas that there may be potholes.

Exploring Africa and Interacting with people

I have resisted doing tours like seeing the Himba people because in my eyes the treatment of those people is usually as if they are props.

I love that people are taking an interest in visiting Africa but please treat people with respect and know that poor does not equal stupid. Do not use people as props in your pictures and videos. If you are going to take pictures with people, be respectful and always ask!

Also, when taking pictures of/with children – avoid this if possible unless you ask for consent from an adult guardian of the children where possible. If you want to learn about the culture and the languages(of which there are many), do this while showing respect to your fellow human being.

Solo Travel In Africa

As I mentioned above, Africa is as safe as any place when it comes to travel. I know many females that have traveled from North to South of Africa without many issues. Consider the above tips when planning your trip for Africa. If you are looking for inspiration or tips planning specific countries in Africa.

Check out Travel With Katchie who has travelled solo from Tunisia to South Africa passing through The Gambia, Ghana, Gabon…all the way to South Africa where she is from. Also, check out Lee Litumbe’s Spirited Pursuits who has many posts on West Africa.

Group Travel Tour Or Self-Organised Itinerary

When it comes to how to plan travel to Africa, there is the self-organised route or doing a tour. Sometimes doing a tour allows you to explore many different places with ease as everything is all arranged for you.

Especially if you want to cover a lot of ground in a new place. If you visiting Africa for the first time, sometimes this may provide a great introduction to the continent.

There are tours in varying sizes from small group tours to tours in varying lengths of the trip. Below are a couple of tour companies that offer tours around Africa. Single countrie and multi-country. From private to group tours.

GAdventures – They do tours around the globe and have plenty of amazing deals to Africa throughout the year. They also do a tour similar to our itinerary covering Victoria Falls, Botswana and Namibia. They also have tours that combine South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania tour as well as Uganda for gorilla trekking. You can also read G adventures reviews here.

Contiki – They do tours similar to GAdventures but are geared towards the 18-35 year olds.

Aviator – They do an amazing collection of tours from around the world. I love that they have tours that range from 30 minutes to a few hours and multi-day tours. While the above tour will have specific tours covering mainly southern safari countries, Aviator has tours spanning the whole continent. From adventure tours in Africa to food tours, walking tours, hiking and everything in between.

Lonely Planet – They do great travel guide for destinations around the world but as I am currently planning my next trip to Africa I have recently found out they do tours as well.

Trip – They specialise in multi-day package tours to Africa that range from private to group tours.

Exodus Travel – Out of the above Exodus Travels covers a wide range of destinations in Africa and many of their tours include flights whereas the above don’t. If you have a set limit of how much you want to spend on your trip to Africa this is a great way to get your trip within a certain budget and set time with flights, accommodation and tours all sorted out for you. All you have to do is pack(and sort out visas and vaccines of course!)

How Long To Travel In Africa

How much time you spend in Africa will depend on how much time you have. I would highly recommend at least 2 weeks in Africa, especially if coming from far away.

My trips to Africa are usually 3-weeks to a month-long but your don’t necessarily have to spend that long. How long you have will determine just how much you can do on your trip.

If you want to do a multi-country itinerary in Africa I would advise you to stick to one region. Say, you want to do 3 or four countries in 2-3 weeks just stick to Southern Africa, or West Africa or East Africa.

Don’t try and East, South, West and North in such a short time. It’s not only near impossible but tiring. Katchie did Tunisia to South Africa in 6 months, all by land.

I also know another person that started from Egypt to South Africa in about 6 months to a year! Again all was by land.

What To Pack For A Trip To Africa

As I mentioned above, Africa is HUGE! This means all manner of weather but for the most part packing for a trip to Africa involves plenty of summer dress due to the amazeballs weather we have throughout the year.

There are places that see snow sometimes, like Tunisia, parts of Morocco and being on the Atlantic coast Namibia and South Africa can have some colder and cooler months.

What you pack for your trip to Africa will very much depend on what your activities are. Surfing, hiking, diving, or plain old beach holiday.

Just check the time of the year and park according to what the weather says and what you will be doing. Essential items include insect repellent, sunscreen as well as binoculars when doing a safari. You will thank me!

Africa Travel Checklist

Below is a checklist for everything mentioned above to help you put your trip together. You can pin the Africa travel checklist as well as print it out and tick off items as and when you put your travel plans to Africa into fruition.

There you have it! How to plan a trip to Africa in tips. Have you been to any of the African countries? Is this your first trip? What are your thoughts on anything missing on the tips below to get your planning a trip to Africa?

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Visions of Wild In Africa’s Botswana | Okavango Delta Safari

August 22, 2015 by admin 7 Comments

Back in surroundings that allow you to hear that morning call from the birds chirping at the first signs of dawn. Surroundings unpolluted by urban comforts and as darkness gives way to night allow you to have stars twinkle at you and it’s as if the world suddenly melts away with sweet nothings whispered from a lovers lips and like romantic rhythms, perfectly received to your ears.

Being at one with nature and back to basics of appreciating the peace and quiet offered by being in the middle of nowhere is one of life’s luxuries in the world we live today. Memories of my trip to Botswana last October were just that,…moments of blissful pleasure being back in familiar surroundings. My boyfriend and I had the pleasure of crossing no man’s land on foot; Kazungula.

This is a small area of land between Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia where we crossed over from Zambia into Botswana by a small ferry. Our Safari journey was to start from right there on the border crossing into Kasane, Botswana. As you drive away from the border you can spot many elephants in the drier fields. We were in Kasane for 2 days but managed to spot elephants, monkeys, hippos, baboons all without getting on a typical African safari ride.

Visions Of Wild Botswana

Visions of Wild In Africa's Botswana | Okavango Delta Safari

Kasane is a small town, so you will find few places to stay and not all are budget friendly for backpacker budgets but very comfortable. Also just be aware that there are animals roaming in nearby fields so don’t approach them as if you are looking at pets – I have seen and heard too many stories. The elephants in Kasane are still getting used to the fact that their territory now has to be shared with humans.

They sometimes tear down fences and the monkeys have also been known to snatch food or even electronic devices from hands. So if you don’t want to lose that iPhone then keep it way away from the cheeky monkeys. The place we stayed at in Kasane was right by the river so we had ample opportunity to spot hippos and monkeys before we left. It’s also fenced to stop animals coming through. There is also security at the gates too.

Safari In Okavango Delta

Moving on from Kasane we bused it from Kasane to Maun. The majority of our stay in Botswana was spent in Maun. It offers the best access to Moremi National Park, Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Also known as Africa’s last Eden. A unique wetland teeming with wildlife and right at the center of Botswana’s Safari Industry. It’s surrounded by lush vegetation, beautiful palm trees, mangosteens and with that, giraffes, impalas, elephants, zebras, colourful bird life and the wildest cats in town, all roam freely at their own pleasure.

If you have been watching any safari movies, these images will certainly conjure up major wanderlust for an African Safari. With the Okavango Delta safari tours being so popular, this has brought about an opportunity for operators to offer beautifully decorated lodges dotted around the national park. These offer up and close views of safari animals and sometimes all from your own very private verandas. Prices for these can range from tear-jerkingly shocking prices.

Prices that might need you to have your doctor on speed dial before you reveal them, but there are always ways to go on safaris without having to remortgage your home and draw out of your kid’s college funds. If you can afford them, that’s great, but if you are booking any of these lodges just be sure you are booking ones that are ecological and respect the eco-system of the national parks and the animals in them, whatever country you are doing your safari’s in. For more Safari tips also check out Tracy’s blog. Another essential to pack when taking to the safari is a pair of the best travel binoculars.

Safari Pictures from Botswana’s Okavango Delta

Below are some of the pictures taken while exploring the small portion of the 15,000 square kilometers of the Delta. I thought I would share some pictures before I share tips on how you can go on a safari for those that want to go on one, but think they can’t afford to go on a safari. I will also be sharing tips on what to pack for a safari. I will try and break that up with posts from my recent trip to India and Greece. So stay tuned! For tips on what to pack for a safari trip, check out the Boarding Call Blog.

Okavango Delta Safari Tours Available

There are many tours available for an Okavango Delta Safri tour. We road tripped from Victoria Falls to Botswana’s Maun the above safari tour then continued the road trip to Namibia’s Windhoek then Swakopmund for our sandboarding Namibia’s giant dunes in the desert. While this trip was self-guided and self-planned with the help of my brother, there are similar tours you can do that come much of what I have mentioned here.

For safari tours in Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa and Botswana then look no further than G Adventures African safari tours. There are tours that encompass a multi-country tour. There is one covering similar ground to what we did. It covers, Zambia’s Victoria Falls, Botswana’s Maun for the Okavango Delta safari then you move on to Nambia. Some also include South Africa’s Kruger Park and more. You can choose one that fits your budget and time you have.

Hotels, Hostels, Camps and Guest Houses in Okavango Delta

As big as the Okavango Delta is, the majority of accommodation options with easy access to the safari tour are based in Maun. You have guest houses, hotels, hostels and camps in Maun. available for frugle and luxury budgets on Expedia. You also have more accommodation options on Booking.com where they are also separated by the city. You can look at options available for Maun, Okavango Delta, and Kasane if you are coming through from Zimbabwe or Zambia. Kasane is a quick stop before you take another bus to Maun where majority of the tours start from.