“Detailed Travel Guide to South Africa’s Three Countries” – Botswana, Zimbabwe & Namibia Adventure

Image by Brendon

Among the African countries I’ve visited, this region of Southern Africa is “different.” There’s no lack of water here; instead, it’s abundant and flows in full force. This area isn’t impoverished; it’s actually a high-end tourist destination, and for many, it’s their “ultimate travel destination.”

Botswana was once known as one of the “most difficult countries in the world to obtain a visa.” Even Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, was denied entry.

Now, it’s one of the wealthiest countries in Africa, even surpassing Argentina and Chile. Contrary to the desert image people have, 90% of its land is grassland, making it incredibly rich!

Beautiful things are worth waiting for, and at the end of 2018, Botswana finally opened its doors to global travelers with a visa-on-arrival policy! This country, a regular feature on Lonely Planet’s “Top Countries to Visit” list, is now open to the world. However, its stunning natural landscapes are meticulously protected. Let’s take a look at its approximate geographic location.

“Water Planet” – Canoe Safari

The waterways that flow through Botswana’s land are a torrent of effort. They are the result of rain falling from the sky, gathering into a flood, and embarking on a long journey from the Angolan highlands.

These floods flow into the Okavango River, then pass through the Kalahari Desert, ultimately reaching the delta.

Upon arriving at the floodplains, they must break through the reeds. Finally, on over 20,000 square kilometers of land, they transform into countless channels and lagoons, providing a source of life for wildlife.

The most spectacular part of Botswana is the Okavango Delta. There, you don’t need to search for wildlife, it finds you.

The Okavango Delta, with its abundant water and fertile grasslands, attracts a staggering number of wild animals to feed and rest. So, savvy travelers know that Botswana offers a rich diversity of species and an awe-inspiring safari experience.

Unique Safari Experiences

If Botswana’s safaris were like any other in Africa, it wouldn’t be Africa’s most luxurious travel destination. The countless waterways and lagoons not only provide a lifeline for the animals but also offer adventurers unique safari experiences.

In Botswana, we can choose a canoe safari. Under the captivating sunset, we can sail on a small boat across the calm waters, becoming a transient visitor to nature, quietly encountering wildlife.

Home to 50,000 Elephants: Chobe National Park

Seeing the incredible herds of elephants in Chobe National Park will make the elephants you’ve seen in zoos seem like a compromise.

Chobe National Park, once a royal hunting ground for the British, was established in 1967 as Botswana’s first national park. The protected elephants have freely loved, procreated, and unknowingly spawned a vast family here. Today, around 50,000 elephants call this place home.

It’s the most concentrated area for African elephants. These elephants aren’t afraid of vehicles, often crossing roads. You can get up close and personal with their immense size, amazing!

Experience a God’s-Eye View – Small Plane

If you ask me what I recommend most in Botswana, it’s definitely a flight in a small plane overlooking the delta!

Soaring over Botswana in a small plane, migrating animal herds, winding rivers, and even massive elephant herds seem the size of your thumbnail. This God’s-eye view is truly unique!

Hangje Bushman Village

This is where the Bushman people gather. Here, we’ll observe their hunting techniques, how they build fires – a purely cultural experience.

Southern Hemisphere Stargazing Camping

Board a large truck and venture into uncharted territory. Camp out in the wilderness, enjoy the ultimate experience under the southern hemisphere’s starry sky.

African enthusiasts likely won’t be unfamiliar with this country, as it boasts a very distinct landmark: Victoria Falls.

This map shows Zimbabwe’s geographic location.

Victoria Falls

In 1855, a British man named David Livingstone, while traveling by canoe, encountered this awe-inspiring waterfall and named it after the British monarch Victoria at the time.

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in Africa and one of the three largest waterfalls in the world, spanning over 1,700 meters wide and reaching a height of 108 meters. However, due to the terrain, the main waterfall, the largest and most powerful part of Victoria Falls, is about 1,800 meters wide.

Victoria Falls is actually composed of a series of waterfalls, with five main ones. From west to east, they are the “Devil’s Cataract,” “Main Falls,” “Rainbow Falls,” “Horseshoe Falls,” and “Eastern Cataract.” Each waterfall has its own unique characteristics. Here are three of the most recommended.

/Devil’s Cataract/

The Devil’s Cataract has the most turbulent flow and the most majestic force. After plummeting over the cliff, the water flows far out, resembling a clawing and dancing devil, hence the name “Devil’s Cataract.” It’s an excellent spot for photography.

/Main Falls/

This is the most powerful part of Victoria Falls. Standing before the Main Falls, the massive spray will engulf you, leaving you surrounded by a white mist, unable to see anything clearly. Here, you’ll deeply experience the sheer magnitude of nature’s power.

/Rainbow Falls/

It’s famous for the rainbows you can often see here. The most magical sight is the “Moonbow,” which forms during a full moon. Due to the faintness of its colors, it’s difficult to see with the naked eye and requires long exposure photography to capture its true form.

The Zambezi River flows through Zambia, traversing a wide and flat plateau, its currents gentle and calm, serene and refined. But as it passes Victoria Falls, it instantly transforms into a passionate and wild force. Each second, thousands of cubic meters of water turn into a sea of white foam, cascading down the cliffs into a deep canyon. The waves churn and toss, creating a sea of white, with thousands of tons of spray; simultaneously, a thunderous roar echoes through the sky, shaking heaven and earth and weeping ghosts and deities.

Therefore, the locals call it “Mosi-oa-tunya,” meaning “the smoke that thunders.” In fact, “Mosi-oa-tunya” is its original name, while “Victoria” is more of its foreign name, common but lacking in character.

Walking with Lions – A Game for the Brave

Walk alongside lions, breathing the same air, under the guidance of a warden. At first, you might be intimidated by the “lions,” but don’t worry, experienced handlers can provide excellent guidance. You can even pat a lion’s butt, fulfilling that desire!

This is a place for those who seek solitude, a place where you can embark on your own journey. As Namibia already has comprehensive travel guides, we won’t repeat them here. You can click on “Wild Africa: Namibia” for more information.

Currently, there are no direct flights from China to these countries. You can choose to transfer in Johannesburg, South Africa, or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, before heading to your respective destination country.

May to August: Dry season, sunny, ideal for wildlife viewing. September to October: Extremely hot, ideal for viewing dry season wildlife. December to April: Rainy season, unique weather patterns.

The average altitude is over 1,000 meters, it gets cold in the mornings and evenings, so it’s recommended to wear long pants and long sleeves. The midday sun is strong, so prepare a sun hat and sunglasses. Avoid bright colors in your attire, a single, dark color scheme is more suitable.

Botswana is 6 hours behind China.

Let’s venture into Africa together and embark on a true journey!