For any adventurous traveler, going on a safari to Botswana is the best choice. The country is blessed with awesome waterways, luxury camping, and breathtaking landscapes teeming with wildlife. From the Chobe River’s teeming banks to the Okavango Delta’s tranquil beauty and Makgadikgadi’s shimmering salt pans, experience the ultimate African wildlife adventure.

The first destination to think about when planning a safari to Botswana is the Chobe National Park, which is famous for having the largest concentration of elephants in the whole world. In addition to elephants, the park is also blessed with many other animals like buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras, and also, it’s also where you can easily spot big cats. The best way to explore Chobe National Park and be able to spot a lot of elephants is by taking boat cruises to the shores of Chobe River, which is rich in wildlife. This makes it a perfect destination for any adventure lovers planning to visit Botswana.

To experience more of Botswana’s diverse landscapes: After Chobe National Park’s wildlife-rich savannas, continue to the serene Okavango Delta, where the dug canoe awaits, and later, to the surreal Makgadikgadi salt pans for a unique meerkat encounter.

From Makgadikgadi salt pans, you can also visit The Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which is located central part of the country and is one of the world’s largest protected areas, encompassing vast expanses of semi-arid desert. Its attractions include stunning desert landscapes, unique floras and faunas, and vibrant wildlife such as lionesses, cheetahs, giraffes, and springboks. You can also enjoy thrilling game drives and cultural experiences with San peoples, who share their traditional bits of knowledge of the land. It’s a must-see for adventurous travelers seeking serenity and raw beauty.

Lions Spotted on a Safari in Botswana

Botswana’s exclusivity comes at a price; its high-end lodges and camps, often accessed by bush plane, prioritize responsible, low-impact tourism. For a budget-friendly alternative, consider mobile safaris – group adventures offering camping experiences and exploring Moremi and Chobe, combining wildlife viewing with affordability.

Best time to visit for a safari in Botswana

The optimal time for a Botswana safari is during the high and dry seasons, from June to October. This period boasts the most favorable conditions for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around the remaining water sources, making animal siteing easier.

In these months of the year, the Okavango Delta is always at its peak when the level of water rises, allowing the amazing mokoro rides, gliding silently along the waterways, offering amazing opportunities for wildlife watching. Imagine yourself gently drifting, surrounded by the serene beauty of the delta, while elephants bathe nearby and hippos lazily submerge. The drier climate also ensures comfortable temperatures, ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes and embarking on game drives in the national parks. While the dry season is the most popular time to visit the country, it’s also the busiest, so booking in advance is important to secure your preferred accommodations and activities.

Where to stay on safari in Botswana

The rapid development of the tourism industry in the country has led to the establishment of many accommodation facilities in the country and in the tourist attractions. For example, when you visit Chobe National Park, there are several lodging options, like the Chobe Game Lodge (the only lodge inside the park), Chobe Safari Lodge, and Chobe Bakwena Lodge. Photographers will appreciate Pangolin Chobe Hotels, which provide specialized boats featuring swivel seats and gimbal mounts for optimal wildlife photography on the Chobe River, allowing you to capture stunning images.

When planning a safari to Botswana, just be sure that you can get accommodation of your budget.

How to Travel around Botswana

4×4 Land Cruiser for Self-Drive Hire in Botswana

Traveling in Botswana is an adventure with several options to explore its breathtaking landscapes. For budget travelers, buses and shared minibusses (combis) are widely available for getting between towns, though schedules may not always be fixed. For more remote areas like the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park, self-driving 4×4 vehicles are popular, but ensure you’re prepared for rough terrain. Domestic flights or chartered planes are another option, especially for reaching remote luxury lodges. Safari operators often offer guided tours, combining transport and activities. Hitching rides is also common among locals but should be done cautiously. Always prioritize safety and plan routes carefully!

To make the most of your safari, approach it with a sense of humor, treat your driver well (as an unhappy driver can spoil your safari experience), and try to get along with your fellow travelers. Safaris to destinations such as Arusha National Park, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park are the best start from Arusha City. For trips to Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi, and Ruaha National Parks, Dar es Salaam serves as the ideal starting point.

It’s essential to explore the different parks by vehicle, as walking is generally not permitted within most park areas. You can join an organized safari through a Travel Agent or choose to go self-drive by renting a safari vehicle or you can decide to take your car if you trust it. We recommend hiring a guide upon arrival at the park to ensure you don’t miss out on spotting the incredible wildlife.

This website lists numerous safari companies. You can book your safari in advance or upon arriving in Tanzania. While you might find discounts by booking locally, it’s important to ensure the safari company is properly licensed and a member of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO). TATO represents over 240 tour operators and is an excellent starting point for your search.

If you decide to book your safari upon arrival in Tanzania, be cautious of companies offering suspiciously cheap deals on the street. These often turn out to be unreliable and may seem inexpensive because they don’t include park entrance fees.

Game Drive

Safari prices and durations vary greatly, but generally, you get what you pay for. The cost can fluctuate significantly based on your accommodation and group size.

For an all-inclusive safari staying in large lodges with twice-daily game drives and buffet meals, expect to pay around $150 to $250 per person per day. This price can increase if you opt for air transfers.

On the top bar of the scale, staying in luxury tented camps and lodges, and flying between destinations, you can expect to pay over US$500 per person per day.

On the budget end, a camping safari using standard campsites in national parks costs approximately US140 to US180 per person per day. This is reasonable considering that park entrance fees alone can be US$50 per day in some parks.

The rates usually include park fees, vehicle and driver costs, and food. You’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and possibly a roll mat. Some companies provide drinking water, but you should purchase enough bottles to last you the entire trip before you depart.

Known as the ‘Spice Island,’ Zanzibar is a tropical paradise with palm-dotted beaches, clear blue waters, and an amazing blue sky. The island is found 25 miles off the coast of mainland Tanzania.

Organizing a safari or holiday to Zanzibar needs a lot of preparation, although some parts of Zanzibar have become commercialized and lost some of their original charm, you can still find tranquil beaches if you take the time to plan your visit to this enchanting archipelago.

The main island, commonly known as Zanzibar Island, is an amazing destination to visit located east of mainland Tanzania, stretching approximately 96km in length and 38km in width. The island is popular for its beautiful beaches, swaying palm trees, delectable seafood, vibrant coral reefs, and the Stone Town, which UNESCO has recently acknowledged as a World Heritage Site.

The island’s northeast part, known as Matemwe, is famous for its amazing natural beauty and being near to the famous diving spots. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of the vast Indian Ocean, stroll along pristine white-sand beaches, and admire the breathtaking coral reef at Mnemba Atoll. The area is also home to lush, wild vegetation and a small fishing village, where fishermen set out each morning in their traditional dhows to sail the expansive ocean.

Zanzibar Island also has an international airport (Abeid Amani Karume International Airport) with direct flights to Europe and regional destinations such as Dar es Salaam, and Arusha and other destinations in east Africa like Nairobi Kenya, Entebbe Uganda, and others. Additionally, you can travel by water using the daily ferry services that operate between Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. Transfers to or from the seaport, Stone Town, or the airport can also be organized for your convenience.

Stone Town – Zanzibar

The island’s specialty is fresh seafood, which is obtained from the local market daily. The dishes offer a delightful blend of African and European flavors. Don’t miss the beautiful sunrise views as you enjoy your tea or coffee on your veranda. In the evening, witness the moonrise over the sea—a breathtakingly romantic sight that is memorable. On moonless nights, gaze up at the brilliantly star-lit sky.

The local snorkeling and diving sites cater to all experience levels, from beginners to experienced divers. The reefs, especially around Matemwe, are rich in variety. You’ll find an abundance of hard and soft corals, sponges, and anemones. The diverse species of fish will surely amaze you. If you are a lucky traveler, there is a chance of spotting dolphins or even a whale passing by the reef. The chances of seeing whales are higher from August to October.

Enjoy the amazing local culture and the vibrant village life in Zanzibar from the neighboring village.

Zanzibar’s history dates back to the eras of the earliest dhows from India and Arabia, which found this African natural harbor. The island served as a stopover for caravans traveling deeper into Africa. Over time, permanent settlements emerged, leading to the establishment of Stone Town.

Upon arriving in Stone Town by sea, visitors are welcomed by the House of Wonders, a stunning building that once served as the administrative center for the sultan. Adjacent to it is the sultan’s town palace, with the now decrepit walkways that once connected the two structures. Nearby, the Portuguese Fort stands as a reminder of their short occupation of the people on the island. Not far from here is the Anglican Cathedral, built over the site of the ancient slave market to help heal the wounds of a painful past. The major historic tourist site on the island is the Stone Town much like beaches, famous for its serene seascapes and island charm. Visitors can choose from several beaches, each offering tranquil, crystal-clear waters and a tropical climate.

When you choose to travel with African Jungle Adventures Ltd, you can expect to collaborate with a dedicated and passionate team that is proud to share the beauty of the African continent with you. At African Jungle Adventures Ltd, we will ensure that we create amazing safari packages for adventurous travelers. Africa’s remarkable wildlife and breathtaking landscapes are highlighted in each meticulously designed safari package. Our safari itineraries are designed to cover different tourist attractions and are made uniquely to fulfill every tourist’s needs.

Destination Uganda

Uganda, often known as the Pearl of Africa, stands as an amazing tourist haven, celebrated for its natural beauty and strategic geographical location. The national parks and game reserves boast majestic wildlife roaming freely. Going for a memorable trip of tracking mountain gorillas and experiencing the adrenaline rush of rafting the Nile are among the thrilling adventures awaiting you.

A visit to the Ishasha sector in the Queen Elizabeth National Park provides an opportunity to witness tree-climbing lions, forest elephants, and the elusive shoebill stork. Exploring the pygmy village, home to the Karamojong tribe offers a unique cultural experience. Visit the website of African Jungle Adventure Ltd and check a variety of safari packages available and book your memorable Uganda safari.

Kenya

Flamingos in Kenya

Kenya, on the other hand, showcases a breathtaking landscape featuring lakes, forests, deserts, and a tropical coastline. The vast land of Savannah grassland, teeming with abundant wildlife, makes Kenya among the best safari destinations on the continent.

Enjoy the breathtaking spectacle of over a million zebras, wildebeests, and Thomson’s gazelles migrating across the Mara River. Lake Nakuru offers an amazing sight of thousands of pink flamingos. The snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya famous as the second-highest peak in Africa is a perfect destination for those interested in mountain climbing. You can visit the African Jungle Adventure website to check all the Kenya safari packages we offer.

Tanzania

Tanzania is renowned for its expansive wilderness and a rich variety of flora and fauna. The country is home to Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. The Serengeti National Park spans vast areas and is home to over 3 million wild animals including the “big five” – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. In addition to the amazing wildlife in the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater is another amazing destination to visit when you are on a safari in Tanzania, the country is among the best safari destinations to visit in Africa.

Rwanda

Rwanda, known as the land of a thousand hills, boasts an exceptional landscape. Going on a hiking tour in Rwanda to explore the volcanoes, including the famous Nyiragongo craters which are found at the Rwanda and DRC border. In the bamboo forest of the Volcanoes National Park, tourists can encounter elusive golden monkeys and endangered mountain gorillas. In Rwanda still, tourists can enjoy kayaking and boat safaris at Lake Kivu or go bird watching and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park those who are animal lovers a visit to Akagera National Park is a perfect option. Rwanda is a small country that can be explored on a 5-day trip and gorilla trekking is the main tourist activity to do when you are on Rwanda safari. Visit the website of African Jungle Adventures Ltd to check all the Rwanda safari packages.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Uganda. It’s home to over 400 mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places in the world for gorilla trekking. With a car rental, you can easily get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and explore the area. The park also offers other activities such as bird watching, hiking, and cultural experiences.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Uganda. It’s located in southwestern Uganda and offers a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and chimpanzees. With a car rental, you can easily drive through the park and see the wildlife up close. There are also boat tours available on the Kazinga Channel, which is home to a large concentration of hippos and crocodiles.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park – Lions

Murchison Falls National Park is located in northern Uganda and is known for its stunning waterfall. The park offers a range of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and lions. With a rental car, you can easily explore the park and see the wildlife. The park also offers boat tours on the Nile River, which is a great way to see the wildlife and the waterfall.

Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is a beautiful lake located in southwestern Uganda. It’s known for its stunning scenery and is a popular destination for swimming, kayaking, and hiking. With a car rental, you can easily get to Lake Bunyonyi and explore the area. There are also a number of resorts and lodges around the lake, making it a great place to stay.

Jinja

Jinja is a town located on the shores of Lake Victoria in eastern Uganda. It’s known as the adventure capital of Uganda and offers a range of activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, and kayaking. With a car rental, you can easily get to Jinja and explore the area. There are also a number of resorts and lodges in the area, making it a great place to stay.

Kibale National Park

Chimpanzees Kibale Forest National Park – Uganda

Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda and is known for its chimpanzee population. The park offers chimpanzee trekking, which is a great way to see these amazing primates up close. With a car rental, you can easily get to Kibale National Park and explore the area. The park also offers other activities such as bird watching, hiking, and cultural experiences.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is located in western Uganda and is home to the Rwenzori Mountains, which are some of the highest mountains in Africa. The park offers a range of hiking and trekking opportunities, including the famous Rwenzori Mountains trek. With a car rental, you can easily get to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and explore the area.

Sipi Falls

Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls located in eastern Uganda. The falls offer stunning views and are a popular destination for hiking and trekking.

All the above destinations can be visited on self-drive where you just have to rent a car from any of the car rental agencies in the country and enjoy a self-drive safari throughout the country. From as low as 45% per day you can hire a 4×4 and explore this amazing country and for those who would love to explore deep remote areas of the country, it is recommended to opt for a strong 4×4 like a Toyota Land cruiser V8, Nissan Patrol, and other strong SUVs.

What is a self-drive safari?

As the name implies, a self-drive safari places you in control of everything. You will drive yourself into the wild on a typically simple camping safari. In most eastern African national parks, the roads are often in poor condition, necessitating the use of a 4WD vehicle. If you opt to embark on this adventure independently with a 4WD, it is advisable to include a familiarization course in your plans. This course can serve as a refresher for those with prior experience or as a beginners’ training session for novices, ideally conducted in the same vehicle you intend to travel in.

Several rental companies provide 4×4 campers that are equipped with all the necessary amenities for complete self-sufficiency. These campers typically include a rooftop and/or ground tent or a pop-top with a sleeping area on the roof. Additionally, they are equipped with fridges, gas stoves, cutlery, sleeping bags, camp tables, and chairs. While the upfront costs for such vehicles can be a bit high (starting at approximately $110 per day and often higher), it is understood that you are paying for both transportation and accommodation in a single package. In these instances, the only additional expenses would be campsite and national park fees, as well as food, which can be purchased affordably at local supermarkets in most African countries.

Bad Roads in East Africa

A variety of car rental agencies, including Car Rental Kenya, 4×4 Uganda, 4×4 Self Drive Kenya, and 4×4 Tanzania, Drive Kenya offer these types of vehicles. An even more convenient option is 4×4 Self Drive Africa, which procures cars from these and other agencies and can handle campsite bookings and other arrangements on your behalf. It is worth noting that organizing self-drive safari is considerably cheap in Uganda and Kenya than in Tanzania.

For those seeking the best of both worlds in the upper end of the self-drive market, there are alternatives available. These options allow you to relish the excitement of off-road driving while indulging in the comfort of luxurious lodges and tented camps, all while someone else is doing all the arrangements. African Jungle Adventures Ltd stands out as the premier company providing this service.

What are the Advantages of Self-drive Safaris?

Imagine a scenario where you have diligently saved throughout your life for an extraordinary African safari experience. Finally, you are in Africa, encountering a lion pride with adorable cubs. You don’t mind sharing this awe-inspiring moment with fellow tourists in a safari vehicle. However, once the other tourists decide to move. While you wish to linger for another ten minutes, maybe even an hour longer, the guide starts the engine, and you’re reluctantly compelled to leave the lions behind. But on a self-drive safari, this predicament would never arise – you have complete control over when and where you go. This freedom permeates every aspect of your safari.

Land Rover Defender in National Park

Another significant advantage is the cost. In countries like Tanzania, where organized tours and safari lodges can be quite expensive, opting for a self-driving camping safari can be a cheap option.

What are the disadvantages of self-drive safaris?

To begin with, when it comes to a self-drive safari, you are solely responsible for navigation. While many companies offer sat navs to assist you and they always advise you to get a local sim card for easy communication and also use Google map for directions, it is crucial to be able to road paper maps and follow road signs. If any issues arise during your self-drive safari, you are the one tasked with handling them. This could involve coordinating repairs with the Rental Company or waiting for a replacement vehicle to be delivered. Additionally, it falls entirely upon you to ensure you carry sufficient supplies and a satellite phone in case of unforeseen emergencies. Consequently, this type of safari needs meticulous thought and preparation compared to an organized tour.

Unless you opt for luxurious lodges, a self-drive camping safari tends to be modest in terms of comfort. You will be responsible for cooking your meals, sleeping on thin mattresses or camp beds, and generally embracing a more rugged experience in the wilderness.

In the driver’s seat of an open-topped 4WD, a cheerful African safari guide is depicted.

Your safari is an investment in your future memories. I’m talking about those stories or emotions that will stay in your memory to create unforgettable bonds with your family, children, friends, and travel companions… And for the trip to be memorable, it must be perfectly planned and organized.

5 tips for making your trip a success:

1. Gather enough information about the destination

You should not visit Kenya or any other African destination and miss the main attraction because you were misinformed. You need to do enough research about the destination in case you planning a self-guided safari and in case you going on a guided safari that is where a credible and trusted travel agency like African Jungle Adventures Ltd, Simba Paka Safaris, and others come in to help you organize your travel itinerary because they have enough knowledge about the destination.

2- Ask for a competent and professional tour guide

It can be so annoying to you to plan your safari to one of your favorite destinations and miss the day’s tour because your tour guide/driver was late… You should choose a serious and competent tour agency that knows how to select its vehicles, drivers, and guides.

3- Book everything in advance

Am sure it can’t be a good idea to arrive in an unfamiliar land and waste your time searching for someone to arrange your transfer or organize your tour. Prior arrangements must be made and everything should be well-organized and booked in advance. In case you going for a self-drive safari, let your 4×4 safari vehicle be booked in advance so that by the time you arrive at the airport, you find it ready waiting for you to start your safari and the same thing must be done on hotels, and others. It is important to effectively manage your travel schedule.

4- Choose the destinations to visit well

You should not go to hotels just to sleep under the pretext that you want to see all the tourist spots! No. If you have to run around all day, your itinerary is poorly constructed… A good selection of places to visit allows you to determine the duration of your trip. No rushing. After all, you’re on vacation.

5- Good selection of hotel

It’s not reasonable to just sleep in the hotel again. After all, you’re on vacation and also need a break, to recharge with good energy, which the environment of your hotel will provide. So you need a good selection of hotels and not just a randomly purchased room on an online site because the price is attractive.

Your well-being and easiness at the camping ground depend majorly on the gear and essential items packed for the safari. Choosing what to pack is not a simple task. It is about packing the most vital items and getting the right weight. The weight of the equipment and space to put them can be an issue, particularly during transit or even when engaging in some activities.

Follow these 5 simple packing tips for camping:

• Make a list

Coming up with a list of vital items is surely important and helpful while packing for your safari. Most importantly when it is the first to go on a camping expedition. Categorize the items in different sections like camping gear, clothing, cooking tools, personal items, and sanitary items

While packing, ensure to tick the items so that you don’t leave out something significant. If you have no clue what to pack for your safari, go online to look out for the ideal items for camping. Pick what is needed and cancel out what is unnecessary.

• Use clear plastic bins

It is wise to pack items separately into sections so you can spare time when you reach the camping ground. Plastic bags are important, it makes your work of finding anything you wish to use from the boxes easy.

Put label stickers at each plastic bin for example cooking tools (plates, pans, cups, glasses, and cutlery) camping gear (tent, mattresses, and sleeping bags), foods (canned foods, snacks, and so on) sanitary items (soap, jelly, sanitizer, insect repellents, etc.). Those are the groupings you may begin with.

• Check the weather forecast

Consider the time you will be going for your self-drive camping vacation in Uganda. The country has two climatic seasons, the dry spell and the wet one. The dry spell comprises January through Mid-March, June to mid-October, and December, and the wet season consists of April-May and November. Therefore, should pack items based on the climatic conditions to experience at the time of your trip.

Note that Uganda’s weather is one of the craziest in the world, no matter the season, it is warm during the day and relatively cold at night. So, bring one or two-layer clothes to wear during the day and a sweater for the night. You also have to carry a raincoat because it can rain anytime regardless of the climatic season.

• Plan your meals

Food is one of the most essential items to carry on your selfdrive camping safari. Life can become simple in the jungle if you plan your meals ahead and do the preparation work at home beforehand. Be sure to opt for easy-to-cook meals and to bring extra in case of an emergency. When packing snacks, remove carton packaging to save space.

• Smart packing of items in the rental car

When loading your camping items in the rental car, ensure to put the ones that you will need urgently last so that you can easily access them when you reach the camping ground.

Following the above tips, your camping vacation in Uganda will be convenient and remarkable.

1. Learn some basic mechanic skills

Changing Tire on a Roadside

Before you think about planning a self-drive safari to any African country, at least get the time and learn some simple mechanic tips like at least being able to change tires just in case you get a flat tire when you a safari. This is one of the common issues tourists on a self-drive safari in Africa face. Since all safari vehicles come with spare tires and tools, knowing how to change tires will save you time because you will not need to call the car rental agency to send you someone or to show you how to change it.

Another thing, also at least learn how to tighten the battery terminals, since most roads in national parks are bumpy, it’s easy for the battery to get lost the thing which can lead to the vehicle failing to start, in most cases when you see the vehicle as failed to start the first thing to check is the battery terminal and if you find that they are loose, you will need to get a spanner and tighten them.

There are also some things you have to learn to check every few days of the safari. Like is advisable to check your water levels in the radiator, windscreen wipers, oil level, brake fluid level, and tire pressure, and check also the lights, and other things for your safety on the road.

2. Don’t expect brand new 4×4 cars in Africa

4×4 Land Cruisers For Self-Drive Hire in Africa

Since most African countries drive second-hand vehicles from Japan, you should not expect brand new vehicles when hiring a vehicle for a self-drive adventure in Africa but safari car rental company do maintain their vehicles and service them regularly so that they won’t disappoint you when you are on a safari. So don’t be surprised if you get a 2002 model vehicle to take for a safari that can take something like 10,000 km.

Driving an old vehicle on an African safari is also part of the adventure because you will be used to driving a new vehicle in your home country so you should consider driving an old vehicle model as part of an adventure.

3. Road Conditions

Most roads in African national parks are in bad condition and it’s advisable to at least do some research and know how many kilometers you will have to drive on a gravel road and how many kilometers you will drive on a tarmac road so that you can be able to manage your travel time well. When someone mentions African safari this mostly means driving a lot on gravel roads.

4. Music is important

An open road and the largely blue sky can be so damn dazzling however music helps keep the long drive vivacious and energized. You need to take enough time like 2 or 3 months to work on your playlist as you plan your overland safari. Since African safari means a lot of driving, you definitely will not want to hear similar tunes again and again. Also, you can simply disregard streaming music or listening to radio broadcasts, when are in the middle of nowhere. While gathering your playlist, let others also take part so that everyone’s preferences are catered for.

5. Cash

Old people have a saying that states “Cash is everything” This is true in Africa more than anywhere else in the world. However, paying with a credit card is becoming common, however, there is always that interesting moment when you are in the middle of nowhere and you will need cash to pay for something and when there is no ATM in sight. So, whenever you leave a town center where there is access to a banking system make sure you budget your safari well and get enough cash to take you through until you will reach the next town center.

6. Border crossing

When it comes to the issue of crossing the border there are some things you should keep in mind, because self-driving overland safari always includes crossing from one country to another. The day you have to cross the border to another country, you have to prepare yourself very well with all the papers you need and the requirements you need to cross to a certain country. Most border posts will request vehicle registration documents, and will also require you to buy a temporary Import Permit (TIP), Third third-party insurance, but in most cases, if you buy a COMESA  instead of Third-party Insurance, you can save much because that yellow card work in many countries like Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It’s also advisable to do serious research on what you will need to have in the car to drive in a certain country. Because some countries will need you to have a 5kg fire extinguisher, first aid kit, reflective triangles, and reflective jacket. So be sure to have all those in your vehicle.

7. Night-time Driving

There is nothing dangerous like driving at night in Africa most especially in the rural areas and that is why road trippers and overlanders should try to avoid it at all costs. This is because some parts of Africa are not safe at night and also when it comes to the road networks, some sections are shockingly bad and littered with livestock, and that is so hard to navigate successfully during daytime. Another thing. In addition, most roads in Africa lack street lights and traffic signs so it’s easy to miss a turn or a signpost for a lodge when driving at night.

8. Ask for an Air-conditioned vehicle

Since most African safari means spending much time in a vehicle traveling from one national park to another, it’s better to spend all that time when you are comfortable in an air-conditioned vehicle. In addition to that, some African countries like Namibia, Botswana, and others that have simi-arid types of climates are very hot during daytime the thing which will need you to have a vehicle with a working air conditioner.

9. Be Prepared for the Locals’ Gaze

Am sure everyone is aware that Africans are the friendliest and most welcoming people on this planet earth. So, when you set off for an Overland safari in Africa when you are not in a regular tourist handout, don’t be scared of seeing kids running after your 4×4, waving and smiling at you when you pass in a village. The adults also will gaze at you, and you might feel embarrassed. However, recollect it is just curiosity and that’s all. Locals will always be ready to help if the need emerges.

Passing out sweets and other gifts to village kids is not advisable. However, you can think of giving them books, pens, or paper. If you think the village is poor, you can also give out food to the guardians. This is because if you give something to one kid, you can cause a fight among them. In this way, ensure you give all the kids the same thing.

10. Learn to be Self-sufficient

Africa is wonderful, wide, and wild content. In this way, when you preparing your self-drive overland safari, recall help will not be close at hand. Always remember to carry important things like enough water supply, jack, axe, sand ladders, two extra tires, and winch and tow ropes. Additionally, figure out how to utilize these things the right way so you can resolve the problems that can happen during your safari.

The last thing you want is your safari vehicle getting stuck in the sand on your Kalahari safari or in mud on your game drive in Serengeti National Park and not understanding how to get your vehicle out. Preparing well for the wilderness will help you get out of challenging situations with ease.

After spending a week in Victoria Falls, Botswana was my next destination. As I mentioned, the falls are very close to the border with Botswana and I had already read about them in books. From Livingstone wanted to take a share to reach the border taxi but there was no one out there so I finally had to take a private one, but I went for a fairly reasonable price. Within an hour I was already there. In fact, Zambia and Botswana are played only a small dot on the map, known as Kazungula, next are Namibia and Zimbabwe. At this point, you have to cross the river with a small floating platform that continuously transports vehicles forth.

Before boarding, I asked a guy who was there what to do once he had crossed and he told me to ask another guy who was with a car to take me. At first, I did not feel it was a good idea to get in the car, but the guy was working for a car rental company and was returning the vehicle to the company after being left by the clients. It was nice and a great opportunity because I got a free ride, so I felt safe and we continued. I crossed on the ferry with the guy from the car and once on the other side went through the immigration offices of Botswana.

The truth is that I was lucky that this guy gave me a lift, there was no one and would have had to wait for a while. He left me in the town of Kasane, which is just a few kilometers from the border and is the main gateway to visiting Chobe National Park, one of the most famous in Botswana. The main problem with Kasane town is there is no cheap backpacker accommodation. But as I was with the tent could settle in any campground of any lodge. He planned to settle on one that had been seen in the directory but it was far from the center and the guy told me to go somewhere that was next to the supermarket and so could save on meals, it was good advice.

Chobe Safari Lodge – Botswana

I stayed at Chobe Safari Lodge, very large and quite luxurious, very different from other places I usually stay. But Botswana is a very popular country for luxury and organized safaris and is not intended for independent travelers. Luckily this lodge has a camping area and there planted my tent. It is also very popular among travelers for adventurous rides on 4×4 through southern Africa, so the camping areas are full of jeeps with rooftop tents. The issue is that people travel in these jeeps carrying things to cook and then be saved. But if you can not cook, as I do, or eat in the hotel restaurant which is quite expensive, or strips of food from the supermarket, the options are very limited. The lodge was fine but it was not at all my style, not lower mean age of 60 and most were with organized trips, such that they have absolutely everything programmed. I fully understand that there are people who prefer to travel this way, but I do not feel identified.

What I loved about the site is that it was surrounded by animals. His shop is a few meters from the river with beautiful views. Around the camping area, there were several signs indicating that it could find hippos and crocodiles. In addition, throughout the grounds of the lodge, there were many monkeys, wild boars, and some gazelle. I realized that in Botswana, you are really close to the animals, in fact, on the way to the lodge I had seen some elephants in the distance.

After planting the tent, I had a good time watching and photographing the monkeys around him. There were so many monkeys playing around and jumping through the trees, running and playing with each other. It’s amazing how much they resemble humans. These are already very used to seeing people so let’s get close enough to them.

Morning Game Drive in Chobe National Park

It’s also very funny to see mothers with babies. When are newborns do not leave them alone for a moment and if they walk they carry and hang them on the belly. There was a female with a dead baby who had not realized he was dead and it was awesome because it was carried from one place to another and caressed as if it were alive. I wondered at what point it stopped! Males have a super eggs gaudy blue, something rather curious. Then I went to the central area of the lodge, where the restaurant and pool with several tables around. Also, monkeys scamper around in search of food. The Liab was enough and broke more than a glass jumping between tables. We must be careful because as dawdle a moment you run out of food. At night we heard the sounds of hippos so strong that it seemed were next door but actually were in the river. In the morning when I got up there was a group of more than fifty baboons, another monkey a little bigger, jumping and playing around. It was great to sleep surrounded by many animals. It’s such a lifetime adventure experience in Africa.

The next day, I went to visit Chobe National Park organized by the lodge where I slept, and joined a route three-hour drive through the park. We left at 6 am because it makes less heat and is the best time to see the animals. We were 6 people in a group. We were in an open three rows of three seats each jeep. It is curious why in every country I made safaris have a different standard vehicle. In Kenya are minivans and jeeps in Tanzania with the roof closed rising, and in Botswana open jeeps. In Uganda, they use a 4×4 Land Cruiser Prado or hard top and all with an enclosed roof but with a pop-up for excellent game viewing and photographing. Everyone was in the same type of car. Within minutes of leaving the lodge and before passing the park gate we came across a family of elephants on the road. Once inside we circulating paths with very soft sand, sometimes we were gliding. We were quite a while circulating parallel to the Chobe River, which crosses the park and attracts all the animals that come to drink. We saw a couple of lions resting in the distance, several groups of buffalo, antelope, and some giraffes. The scenery was very nice.

Boat Cruise on Chobe River

That afternoon I did a safari boat cruise on the Chobe River, also organized by the lodge. It was a huge boat with about 50 people, too many for my taste. We were about three hours on the river slowly. We saw huge crocodiles, buffalo, and hippos. But the best was the elephants. There was a huge group on the riverbank and we could see them for a long time at close range. It was late afternoon and the light was beautiful.

The next day happens me the lodge, sunbathing and bathing in the pool. It was really hot, about 40 degrees, and it was quite stifling. The town of Kasane has almost nothing, in fact, I think it can not be considered a city. There is a gas station, a supermarket, and a restaurant, but nothing interesting to see. The next day as I went to northwestern Botswana to see the beautiful Okavango Delta, as I tell you in the next post.