11 Day Botswana and Victoria Falls Safari

Zimbabwe is generally safe for guided groups, but certain areas (e.g., Chizarira) are very remote with limited cellular coverage and basic medical access. Insurance that includes emergency evacuation is vital.

Zimbabwe offers several less-traveled but equally rewarding destinations such as Chizarira National Park, Bvumba (Vumba) Mountains, Mount Selinda / Chirinda Forest, Nyanga National Park and the Chinhoyi Caves.

Many nationalities including South African passport holders do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, because overlanding involves multi-region travel, and if you are planning to visit neighbouring countries such as Namibia or Zimbabwe, you may require a double-entry visa. Essentially, it is always best to check the latest visa requirements with the Botswana Embassy or consulate in your country.

Best Overall Months: June to October and January to February

If you’re looking for a sweet spot for both Southern and East Africa, the dry season from June to October and January-February is widely considered the best time to visit. Why?

Dry weather easier travel and fewer mosquitoes

Peak wildlife viewing animals gather around waterholes and are easier to spot

Cooler temperatures  especially pleasant in places like Namibia, Botswana, and Kenya

Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia)

Best months: May to September

June–August: Excellent for safaris; cool mornings, dry days

September–October: Hotter, but fantastic for wildlife as animals cluster near water

November–April: The green (rainy) season — landscapes are lush, but wildlife is harder to spot and roads can get muddy. Great for birdwatching.

Top pick: July or August — dry, clear, and great for game drives in Kruger, Chobe, and Etosha.

East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda)

Best months: June to October and January to February

July–September Prime time for the Great Migration in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara

January–February Short dry season, good for safaris and gorilla trekking

March–May Long rains — travel is still possible, but muddy conditions and wildlife dispersal can be a challenge

Top pick July or August — Great Migration + ideal gorilla trekking conditions in Uganda and Rwanda

The expense of exploring Botswana varies greatly on your chosen travel style. Opting for a tailored, private safari will entail a considerably larger investment than joining an overland tour, and each option has its own set of trade-offs. A private guided Botswana safari allows for travel at your own pace, whereas an overland adventure operates within a specific timeline. Nevertheless, the shared cost of an overland tour makes it more economical, earning you more bang for your buck, without sacrificing the opportunity to encounter some of the world’s best wildlife sightings.

Absolutely! Botswana is one of the most sought after destinations in Africa because of its kaleidoscope of wonders. From the life-drenched arteries of the Okavango Delta to the legendary wildlife spectacles within Moremi, Khwai and Chobe, travellers are truly spoiled in this beautiful country. It is also perfect for those looking to explore predator rich areas and birdlife.

Begin your packing list with essential documents: your valid passport, necessary visas, and comprehensive travel insurance. For your Botswana tour specifically, consider bringing lightweight clothing suitable for fluctuating temperatures, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, flip-flops, insect repellent, sunscreen, a headlamp, and a sleeping bag if camping. Other useful items include a reusable water bottle, personal medications, a quick-dry towel, and a retractable washing line. Given the soft-sided luggage requirement and the emphasis on packing light for overland vehicles, it's wise to consult your travel specialist for tour-specific recommendations, ensuring you bring only essential items.

Should you be arriving from or transitioning through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you are required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, issued at least 10 days before arrival. This is applicable to travellers ages one year and above.

An Africa overland tour isn’t your average holiday, it’s an unforgettable, boots-on-the-ground adventure. These journeys are all about the experience of traveling overland: crossing vast landscapes, spotting wildlife, meeting local communities, and embracing the unexpected.

Whether you’re exploring South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, or beyond, this is travel at its most raw, real, and rewarding.

It's definitely not for everyone — but perfect for those who want a true adventure.

Expedition Vehicles

Travel in rugged, purpose-built overland trucks, 4x4s, or expedition vans.

These vehicles are designed for tough conditions and long distances from smooth tarmac to remote dirt tracks.

Small Group Travel

Most tours run with 4–20 people, creating a friendly, team-based environment.

Expect to make friends quickly you’ll be sharing campsites, stories, and daily responsibilities.

Immersive Cultural Experiences

Go beyond the guidebook.

Visit remote villages, interact with local communities, and experience traditions and ways of life far from the tourist trail.

Flexible Itineraries

No two trips are ever exactly the same.

Weather, road conditions, or spontaneous local events might shift the route but that’s part of the fun.

Stunning and Varied Landscapes

From the towering dunes of Namibia to the wetlands of the Okavango Delta and the savannas of Kruger, you’ll see some of the most breathtaking natural sights Africa has to offer.

Hands-On Involvement

Many overland tours are participatory.

You’ll help with setting up camp (if you doing a camping safari), prepping meals, and pitching in where needed. It’s all part of the experience and part of the story you’ll tell later.