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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

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AT THE BORDER

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Cocooned in Khwai • On a two-week camping trip with his family through northern Botswana, Jon Minster discovered the simple pleasure of being all together in a small space.

NORTHERN BOTSWANA

SOUTHERN BOTSWANA

Eight days to Chobe and back • This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors to Botswana, who want to pack a variety of sights into an eight-day road trip to the Chobe River and back. Mind the elephants!

OUR ROAD TRIP RIDE

RUGGED CAMPING GEAR

ESSENTIAL EMERGENCY KIT

Power to the people • Travelling through Botswana, you’ll encounter a diverse range of people involved in the tourism industry. Some are at the centre of it, as camp managers or bush pilots, while others might make the gin you’re sipping at sunset!

Just you and the camel thorns • There’s a lot of Kalahari out there, and exploring it doesn’t mean you must stay within the confines of the well-known parks. In this story, we visit two remote concession areas in Botswana via two smaller South African game reserves that also offer rock-solid Kalahari experiences.

A first-timer’s guide to Moremi • Moremi. The word alone is iconic, but what does it actually take to visit this famous reserve on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta? Can you just show up and camp? Do you need a snorkel for your 4×4? Jump in and let’s find out!

The heart of Hwange • Hwange National Park is the biggest of all Zimbabwe’s parks and teems with wildlife. It borders Botswana and it’s close to Kasane and Vic Falls, so you can easily add it to your itinerary. Here’s your guide for planning a trip.

Rhino Republic • Khama Rhino Sanctuary has rhinos, you don’t have to worry about that! Many tourists use the reserve as a quick overnight stop, but it’s better to spend two or three nights here to get real value for your money.

A dash of Namibia • Any loop around northern Botswana should include a few days in Namibia’s Zambezi Region, and a few days along the Okavango Panhandle. The rivers that bring life to these areas - the Kwando and Okavango - are what gives them a unique charm and character.

So this is a safari! • On a guided mobile safari into Chobe National Park with Kalahari Tours, you can sit back and let someone else do the driving. And dinner will magically appear on your plate!

SIX PROS OF A MOBILE SAFARI

Where less is more • The Central Kalahari Game Reserve never gets crowded, and that’s a good thing. It’s a place where the animals still rule.

PLACES TO STAY • A holiday in Botswana means you’ll be driving long distances… A good overnight spot is a necessity. Our writers recommend these places in Botswana and along its borders. Unless stated otherwise, the rates listed are for 2025. Use them as a guideline only. Always call or e-mail to double-check beforehand.

SOUTHERN BOTSWANA

CENTRAL BOTSWANA

NORTHERN BOTSWANA

CHOBE RIVERFRONT

NAMIBIA, ZAMBIA & ZIMBABWE

LETTER FROM Maun • In high summer, the Boteti shrinks to a few pools in the riverbed. Toast Coetzer watches the morning traffic from Drifters Maun Lodge.

BOTSWANA AT ITS BEST