go!

South Africa’s number one travel and outdoor lifestyle magazine. We pay our own way and tell it like it is. We drive back roads and speak to real people, giving you practical information about affordable destinations in southern Africa. Each issue is crammed with excellent photography, honest gear reviews and delicious recipes to make at home or in the bundu. Whether you’re looking to escape for a weekend or a month, your journey starts here.

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Go! Botswana Guide

AT THE BORDER

Good Khama • Having grown up in Serowe, Leanne Rencken has visited the nearby Khama Rhino Sanctuary for more than three decades. In January, she went back for her birthday…

MAPS OF BOTSWANA

Thunderbolts and lions • It’s no tall tale when you hear someone boasting about how many big cats they saw in Mabuasehube. Vic Ives explored the furthest reaches of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and got rained on for his trouble.

The last ferry to Seronga • A new bridge across the Okavango River at the northern end of the Panhandle has opened up the eastern side to commerce and tourism. Before the first cars were allowed across, Toast Coetzer lined up for one of the final ferry rides.

Birds of the Chobe • On a river cruise or in a vehicle, Chobe National Park offers excellent opportunities for bird photos. Three Kasane-based guides from Pangolin Photo Safaris share some of their best shots – and tips to get the same results.

Dumela, Central Kalahari • The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the remotest and wildest parks in Africa. If you do a guided tour like François Haasbroek did, you can concentrate on enjoying the experience while Bhejane 4x4 takes care of the nerve-wracking stuff.

Make the most of Maun • Maun changes in subtle, almost imperceptible ways, just like the watery wilderness of the Okavango Delta next door. Fiona McIntosh sampled the local culture, the best eggs Benedict in town, and the Delta’s finest cider.

Meet the Delta fixer • If your bakkie breaks down in the middle of Moremi, Louis Milne should be the first contact saved on your satellite phone.

Botswana by bike! • Adventurous journalist Cally Silberbauer cycled from Cape Town to Kilimanjaro in 2022. This is how she made her way across Botswana.

In search of camping nirvana • A great add-on to any Botswana road trip is the Kavango East and Zambezi regions (the old Caprivi Strip) in neighbouring Namibia. You can camp on the banks of incredible rivers and enjoy wildlife sightings to match any in Botswana.

Still smokin’! • Whether you fly into Vic Falls for a quick escape, or if you arrive by road from nearby Kasane in Botswana, no visit to the Smoke That Thunders will ever disappoint. Fiona McIntosh pulled into town after a 15-year absence.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

PLACES TO STAY • A holiday in Botswana means you’ll be driving long distances and a good overnight spot is a necessity. Our writers recommend these places in Botswana and along its borders. Unless stated otherwise, the rates listed here are for 2023. Use them as a guideline only. Always call or e-mail to double-check beforehand.

SOUTHERN BOTSWANA

CENTRAL BOTSWANA

NORTHERN BOTSWANA

NAMIBIA

Greater Kalahari & Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park • Join us on “The Highwayman’s Adventure Route” through the vast expanse of the world’s largest continuous sand mass – the Kalahari.

Game-rich northern Botswana! • Explore this country on the journey of a lifetime and discover some of Africa’s wildest places.

LETTER FROM The Tuli • Time alone on top of a hill, after an unforgettable cycle tour through the Tuli Block, gives Pierre Steyn the chance to reflect.

BOTSWANA AT ITS BEST