Namibia

Mozambique

Cross-border tourism is increasingly popular, and Botswana has more than fifteen border posts with South Africa, four borders with Namibia, and the Kazungula border in the north links the country with Zambia and the Victoria Falls. Botswana’s neighbours have a lot to offer, and itineraries can be arranged either in conjunction with a Botswana self-drive trip or separately.

The scenerary in Namibia is truly spectacular, and this is what most people visit the country for. The dunes at Sossusvlei are probably the most famous landmark, and the Fish River Canyon in the south is the second largest in the world. There are rugged mountain ranges, rocky inselberg formations, and grassy plains. The Caprivi region is completely different that the rest of the country, with lush riverine forests and a healthy wildlife population.

Etosha National Park is equally impressive for game, and in the dry season the waterholes in this park can yield spectacular game viewing. The Kaudom Game Reserve is rugged and more remote, on the eastern border with Botswana.

Accommodation in Namibia is excellent value for money, with many guest houses, game farms and lodges. For those who want a bit of luxury, there are some very fine upmarket lodges in exquisite locations. The country has some beautifully located campsites too, and many of the towns scattered throughout the country have small bistros and cafes - a perfect destination for the self-drive tourist.

Namibia is a fascinating country to explore - with a perfect mix of landscapes, wildlife viewing, architecture and culture. The country has a well developed road network, and most of the roads in the country do not require any 4x4 skills.

Key locations: Fish River Canyon | Sossusvlei | Damaraland | Etosha | Caprivi | Waterberg wilderness | Swakopmund | Skeleton Coast | Khomas Hochland mountains

Zambia

Many people visiting Zambia do so to see the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls and don’t venture further than Livingstone, but Zambia has a lot more to offer for the adventurous traveller.

While self-drive isn’t as popular as it is elsewhere in Southern Africa, it is growing, and travelling in Zambia gives you a memorable wilderness experience. We don’t currently arrange itineraries in northern Zambia due to the remoteness and distances involved (none of our trips start in Lusaka). Itineraries focus on the southern Kafue National Park (Nanzhila Plains and Itezhi-Tezhi), Lower Zambezi and Lake Kariba.

Key locations: Victoria Falls | Kafue National Park | Lower Zambezi | Lake Kariba

South Africa

With the majority of visitors to Southern Africa arriving into Johannesburg, spending a few days here en route to Botswana or Namibia is worthwhile. Tourism in South Africa is well developed, and while the country doesn’t have the remote wilderness appeal that parts of Botswana or Zambia do, there is plenty to see in the way of wildlife.

The most famous park is the Kruger National Park, but South Africa also boasts the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which it shares with Botswana. The South African side features small and intimate wilderness camps, and the drive to the Botswana side is an exciting 4x4 trail across vegetated dunes.

South Africa also contains some spectacular scenery - from the rugged Drakensberg Mountains, to the arid Karoo and the scenic coastline of the western Cape. Cape Town itself is a popular place to begin or finish a safari trip, and for the ultimate experience, the luxurious Rovos Rail train between Cape Town and Pretoria is a unique way of seeing the country in style.

Between Johannesburg and eastern Botswana lies the Waterberg region, which is an ideal place for those starting from Johannesburg to relax after a flight, being a mere 2 hours drive, or unwind after a self-drive safari.

Key locations: Cape Town | Waterberg | Kruger | Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park | Garden route | Marakele National Park | Drakensberg Mountains

We can also arrange beach holidays in Mozambique - very popular with honeymooners or as an add-on at the end of a longer safari trip. We don’t currently offer Mozambique as a self-drive option, but there are easy flight connections from Johannesburg to Vilanculos and Inhambane.

Zimbabwe

At the moment, the only destination in Zimbabwe included in our self-drive itineraries is Victoria Falls, but we can arrange non self-drive guided trips in tented camps in Hwange National Park and the Mana Pools, as well as walking and canoe safaris.