If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable Botswana safari adventure, crossing vast desert landscapes, gliding through the Okavango Delta, and spotting wildlife in Chobe National Park, this is for you. I recently travelled through Botswana with G Adventures, starting in Windhoek, Namibia, crossing the land border into Botswana, and then continuing to Zimbabwe — and it was one of the most immersive travel experiences I’ve ever had.
Here’s a full breakdown of my journey, including highlights, activities, and why Botswana should be high on your Africa bucket list.
My Botswana Travel Route
- Ghanzi
- Okavango Delta
- Tutume
- Chobe
Crossing from Windhoek, Namibia into Botswana
Our adventure began in Windhoek, Namibia, where the group met before heading east toward the Botswana border (Trans-Kalahari Border Post). There’s something special about a land border crossing — watching the scenery slowly shift, feeling the cultural transition, and knowing you’re moving deeper into Southern Africa.
Once we crossed into Botswana, the landscapes opened up into wide, untamed wilderness. The sense of space here is incredible — Botswana feels raw, vast, and wonderfully untouched
Ghanzi: Learning from the San Bushmen
Our first major stop was Ghanzi, home to the San people (commonly referred to as the Bushmen), one of the oldest cultures in the world.
This was far more than a sightseeing stop. We learned about:
- Traditional survival skills
- Hunting techniques
- Tracking wildlife
- Bush medicine and plant uses
- Cultural storytelling
It was a humbling experience that offered insight into a way of life deeply connected to nature. Visiting Ghanzi added meaningful cultural depth to the trip and reminded me that Botswana is not only about wildlife — it’s also about heritage and human resilience.
Camping in the Okavango Delta: A True Wilderness Experience
Next, we travelled to the breathtaking Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Exploring by Traditional Mokoro
To reach our campsite in the heart of the delta, we travelled by mokoro — a traditional dugout canoe steered through narrow reed-lined channels. Gliding silently across the water while birds soared overhead felt surreal.
I even tried rowing the mokoro myself (it’s harder than it looks!). Balancing while pushing through the reeds takes skill — massive respect to the local polers who make it seem effortless.
Camping in the Centre of the Delta
We camped right in the middle of the delta, surrounded by nature. No fences. No city sounds. Just:
- The calls of birds
- Sleeping with hippos close by
- Rustling reeds in the wind
- A sky exploding with stars
It was one of the most peaceful nights I’ve ever experienced.
Safari Walk in the Delta
One of the highlights was a guided safari walk. Exploring on foot is a completely different experience from a game drive — every sound feels amplified, and you notice the smallest details. Learning to identify tracks and signs of wildlife made the bush feel alive in a new way.
If you’re searching for a unique Okavango Delta experience or Botswana camping safaris, I can’t recommend this enough.
Tutume: Staying by a Watering Hole
After leaving the delta, we stayed in Tutume, near a watering hole surrounded by nature. Sitting quietly and watching animals come and go felt like being inside a live wildlife documentary.
Botswana has a way of slowing you down. You don’t chase the wildlife — you wait, observe, and let nature unfold in its own time.
Chobe National Park Safari & Chobe River Cruise
Our journey continued north to Chobe National Park, one of the best places in Africa for elephant sightings.
Chobe National Park Game Drive
The safari drive through Chobe was unforgettable. We saw:
- Large herds of elephants
- Giraffes moving gracefully across the plains
- Antelope and buffalo
- Incredible birdlife
Chobe is especially famous for its elephant population — seeing so many in one place was incredible.
Chobe River Boat Cruise
If you visit Chobe, the boat safari along the Chobe River is an absolute must. Watching elephants gather at the water’s edge as the sun set was one of the most magical moments of the trip.
From the water, you get a completely different perspective — hippos surface nearby, crocodiles rest on the banks, and herds move freely along the shoreline.
Crossing into Zimbabwe by Land
Our Botswana journey ended with a land crossing into Zimbabwe, marking the next chapter of the adventure. Travelling overland really connects the experience — you see how landscapes, cultures, and energy shift gradually rather than abruptly.
Why Travel Botswana with G Adventures?
Travelling with G Adventures made the experience seamless while still feeling adventurous and authentic. It struck the perfect balance between:
- Cultural immersion
- Wildlife safaris
- Camping under the stars
- Responsible travel
- Local guides and knowledge
It’s ideal if you want an organised overland trip without sacrificing real, hands-on experiences.
Final Thoughts: Is Botswana Worth It?
Absolutely.
Botswana offers:
- Some of the best safari experiences in Africa
- Raw, untouched landscapes
- Unique water-based wildlife viewing
- Deep cultural encounters
- Peaceful, crowd-free wilderness
From the San Bushmen in Ghanzi to camping in the Okavango Delta and cruising through Chobe National Park, this journey reminded me why I love overland travel — it’s immersive, grounding, and unforgettable.
If you’re considering a Botswana overland safari, I can honestly say this route — Windhoek to Botswana to Zimbabwe — is an incredible way to experience Southern Africa.
