Why see Botswana & Namibia together?

“Namibia and Botswana are very special countries offering totally different landscapes, from the oldest desert in the world to the largest natural salt pans and the largest freshwater delta that does not enter the ocean. Travelling through both countries on a land combi tour gives you an experience next to none.”

They’re the wise words from our safari specialists, Sunway Safaris, who run our popular Namibia and Botswana safari.

Namibia and Botswana share a border in Southern Africa, and their proximity to each other and the fact that they are generally long-haul travel destinations means combining them on a single trip makes good sense. But choosing to see Namibia and Botswana together is about so much more than practicalities and drive times, and a combined trip always delivers way more than simply double the fun.

Travelling to both Namibia and Botswana in a single trip is multi-layered, with numerous opportunities to compare and contrast experiences, landscapes, wildlife, sunsets and even weather. Was wildlife viewing more exciting in Etosha or Chobe? Did the vast expanses of the Kalahari wow more than the towering dunes of the Namib Desert? Was a stroll along the atmospheric Skeleton Coast more rewarding than a mokoro ride in the Okavango Delta? Of course, this isn’t a competition; one country won’t impress you more than the other. This is a rich, fascinating, on-the-move travel experience – two countries delivering tons of memories.

Namibia is a land of wide-open spaces, known for its contrasting landscapes and the Namib Desert is the oldest in the world, with an awe-inspiring sense of space. Botswana is the premier wildlife destination in Southern Africa and the remote atmosphere of its wildlife areas offer real adventure.

Combining Namibia and Botswana on a single holiday means travelling extensively overland. Although drive times can be long, particularly in Namibia, the roads are pretty good. It’s worth noting, however, that during the rainy season some unpaved roads can be washed out, disrupting travel.

Although it’s possible to self drive in Namibia, it’s less easy to do so in Botswana, so your best bet for seeing both countries on a single holiday is to join one of our organised small group tours. These typically have around 12 people accompanied by a local guide and a driver experienced in tackling the rough, often sandy roads. A well-planned itinerary will make the best use of your time, accommodation and park permits are arranged, and you’ll benefit from the knowledge and enthusiasm of your guide.

Given the distances that you’ll be covering by road, really you need 2-3 weeks to do Namibia and Botswana justice. Our three-week looping route that begins and ends at Victoria Falls (which actually straddles neighbouring Zimbabwe and Zambia’s borders) can take you along the Caprivi Strip, towards the coast of Namibia, down to the Namib Desert and back into Botswana to enjoy the Kalahari, the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Shorter trips of two weeks typically have Victoria Falls and Windhoek or Swakopmund as start and finish points.

You can take a combined trip to Namibia and Botswana at any time, but wildlife is easier to view in both countries during the drier months (May-October), when animals cluster around the few remaining waterholes, while temperatures are still comfortable – mid to high 20°Cs throughout the region, with cool nights. The heat peaks in October and from November-April it’s the summer wet season. January and February are particularly wet in Namibia, but the country’s arid landscapes are refreshed.

For budget travellers, our group holidays in Namibia and Botswana tend to be the most economical option. Travelling as a group keeps costs down as you’re sharing guides, transport and facilities. If you’re travelling solo, you’ll share a room with a person of the same sex – although private accommodation is often available for a supplement.

Many safari lodges in Namibia, and pretty much all of them in Botswana, are quite high-end, and correspondingly expensive. If you’re prepared to skimp on luxuries and instead settle for more basic facilities, then camping will give you a classic safari experience.

Campsites are usually located within or on the outskirts of national parks and feature shared washing facilities. Meals are shared too, perhaps around the campfire. Our camping tours to Namibia and Botswana use a mixture of campsites in towns, national parks and reserves, and in Botswana in particular there’s the opportunity to camp in the wild, with no facilities and only a tent between you and the lions, elephants and hyenas.

Some trips will have stripped-down itineraries where you can add in optional activities in each destination according to your budget and interests. Ensure you book these in advance through your tour operator to avoid disappointment.

Our holidays contribute to the survival of traditions and customs in local communities. They help to support small businesses, including lodges, campsites, and local guides. And they support conservation efforts, through national park entrance fees.