Self-driving in Africa through Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
We landed in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, prepared for everything knowing that we would have 5000 km in front of us and we would cross 3 countries in Southern Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
We rented a 4X4 with rooftop tents for our journey and despite all the trouble we get into with the car, I don’t regret the option, because gives you enormous independence, it’s very versatile, and allows you to travel independently and discover with time these magnificent countries.
Visit these countries is not cheap but you can save the money for the room by camping. There are many campsites and some lodges also have campsites. The price of a 4×4 with rooftop tents depends on the time of the year you travel, and which borders you are going to cross.
Self-driving throughout the wilderness in Africa was one of the most exciting, adventurous and rewarding things I did so far – you just disconnect entirely and emerge yourself into one of the most beautiful natural sceneries on earth.
4×4 self drive adventures
Now you are asking about what kind of troubles I got into.. some are obvious and you are probably guessing it right.. but just to give some excuses first .. 🙂 we did some challenging routes and drove miles and miles through isolated areas 🙂
So here it comes.. during our journey our 4×4 broke down and got stuck a couple of times (sand, mud, water), we got a window broke and some values stolen… and there is more.. one of the tents broke… we got fined and towed twice.. so I can say it it was an eventful journey.
To do a trip like this you need to have a sense of adventure, and be prepared to have busy days and to change your plans constantly.
be safe 🙂
photography – all rights reserved – Ana Rocha
What a wonderful post! I used to live in Botswana and traveled quite a bit through the region when there. Your post brought back lots of memories. 🙂
Thank you ? I loved the country, how was it to live there ?
Warm and very friendly. 🙂 The nicest part was knowing that nature in all its raw splendor was just a 15 minute drive away from the city.
Speechless… wow you’re courageous!
The tents looked cool even if they weren’t, at some point, top notch. Must of been memorable.
Thanks Chantal, it was a trip of a lifetime
stunning photos
thank you Amy
Great post and photos! Love the idea of a self-drive trip in Africa.
I haven’t been to Africa since 1085 when I solo-backpacked around the world for 12 months. Africa was my first stop from Oz and spent 2 months there – I wanted to stay longer but had a 3-week Top-deck European tour pre-booked/paid for so had to leave.
wow, I’m sure it must have been memorable. In the ’80s travelling wasn’t as mainstream as it is today, and solo-backpacking even less I imagine.
That’s exactly right but I also think it was more raw and adventurous – these days travelling solo and backpacking are so much easier. 😉
I’m sure it was
Ha, ha, just realised my typo “1085” instead of “1985” funny as!
I assumed you wanted to say 1985 ?
Ana, Your blog is fabulous and I just nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award!
Here, take a look –
https://backpackingseries.com/2017/06/19/blog-recognition-award/
Camping out in Namibia is brave.
You’ve taken some wonderful photographs. Thanks for sharing!
It’s was a great experience 🙂 thanks for passing by
Nice to see you blogging about Zimbabwe like me @ https://kudzaigaparelifestyle.wordpress.com
This is fantastic! Africa is high on our bucket list. I love the tents on top of the car, really cute and space saving, especially fitting 4 adults… what an adventure! 🙂
Hi Juliet, thanks for passing by and leaving a comment. If you end up traveling there you will not regret it’s a magical place!! And I will follow your adventures through Africa for sure 😉
Hey! What a time! Well, at least you made some great pictures!
I’m here in South África, even me crossing lands, having fun, but traveling is always a little bit difficult at the moment, after when you remember is the best part isn’t it?
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Oi Thais, obrigada por deixares um comentário 🙂 estive perto mas nunca fui á Africa do Sul.. que sabe um dia 😉 que tal está ser a experiência? estás a gostar?
Nossa , a África do sul é maravilhosa! Mais uns 10 dias e volto pra casa e escrevo no blog. ?
vou ficar atenta para quando sair o post 🙂 aproveita bem 😉
thanks for sharing my post!
Great photos….I’ve had Namibia on my bucket list for quite some time!
You really should go it’s amazing, by far one of the best places i have ever visited…
Wow! Amazing photos!
Thanks Latha ?
Love, love, love these three countries, particularly Namibia! We did a self drive through Namibia but in a regular car (four flat tires—the one in Etosha next to two lions). Did you get to S.Luangwa Park in Zambia and Chobe in Botswana? Great places. You’ve got me all excited.
Yes I did but my favorite area was the Okavango Delta in Botswana ? (4 flat tires with lions WoW )
An exciting trip, well described and beautifully photographed. Are the sand dunes in Namibia? Wonderful that you saw (and photographed) a cheetah.
Thanks Brad, yes the dunes are in Namibia (sossusvlei)
As a fan of deserts, it’s a place I’d truly enjoy seeing. Thank you for a look at it.
We have an Afrikaans saying: “Afrika is nie vir sissies nie”, which roughly means: Africa is not for the feint hearted. You expierieced it. Glad you enjoyed the adventure!
🙂 hoo that’s a really nice saying , thanks
E have an Afrikaans saying: “Afrika is nie vir sissies nie”, which roughly means: Africa is not for the feint hearted. You expierieced it. Glad you enjoyed the adventure!
What an adventure to be forever remembered!
it’s true Greg so far was the biggest adventure of my life 🙂 was a great trip.. I’m still looking to find other countries that are at least as amazing as this ones!