Guided, self-drive safari: Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls
In our ignorance, Africa was not originally a place we thought to visit and we believed it would be outside our comfort zone to drive ourselves. However, after our Overland 360 trip it is now a place we want to return to and very high on our ‘recommend list’. Our 28-day 4WD trip around Namibia through Botswana and concluding in Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) was full of adventure, packed with wild life sightings and encounters, and vivid memorable 4WD experiences.
We camped by rivers, had breakfast with elephants walking by the campsite, watched stunning sunsets with cocktails, visited remote Himba villagers, and drove through rivers, deserts and steep mountain passes.
Our guide Stevie is a person of many talents and literally worked tirelessly from before dawn to well after dusk. His expert guiding enabled us to spot many animals and birds every day and helped us become confident navigating roads and local cultures and customs. His planning was exceptional and the itinerary was purposefully structured to incrementally build our 4WD skills and ability to camp in increasingly remote locations. Without doubt we would not have been as confident in spotting animals and navigating some of the more remote locations and tracks.
The combination of roof top tenting and staying in spectacular lodges was well managed and even though we loved the wild camping, it was also nice to be pampered from time to time. Last, but definitely not least, were his excellent culinary skills including his pre-trip preparations to prepare slow cooked meals for strategic release along the journey.
We made new friends. The small group convoy was excellent to get to know others, share sightings and tips over the two-way and of course have a drink and laugh at the end of the day. We were also lucky to have one of the owners of Avis Safari accompany us and it was easy to understand his passion for traveling through Africa which motivated him to start up the company. The only challenge is organising the thousands of photographs taken of animals, birds and places.
Cars performed superbly, and the roof top tent set up was surprisingly simple to erect, comfortable, and equipped with all we needed. Our experience seemed in stark contrast to some of the other hire arrangements we observed along the way.
In short, our trip exceeded all expectations and we have indelible memories. We now watch Sir David Attenborough’s documentaries on Africa with new eyes and understanding. We are already planning a return journey and convincing friends to join us.
Do it!
Stephen and Jenny, Brisbane
Guided, self-drive safari: Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls
Overland360 