Africa’s landscapes are best explored at your own pace, with the road beneath you, the wind on your face, and the horizon stretching ahead.
Ilha do Ibo, Mozambique/Dimitry B/Unsplash
Beyond the usual safari routes, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique offer deserts, deltas, rivers, and quiet coastal villages. On these routes, the journey is just as exciting as the places you reach.
Planning your loops
Bwabwata/Delabye S, Sedláček O, Maicher V, Tropek R (2020)/ Wikimedia Commons
Two primary loops take adventurous travellers deep into Southern Africa’s hidden gems:
Loop A: Northern Namibia → Okavango Delta → Mozambique Coast
Start in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, then head north into the Zambezi Region, home to the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KaZa TFCA). Here, parks like Mudumu, Nkasa Rupara, and Bwabwata offer solitude, wildlife, and spectacular riverscapes far from crowded tourist routes.
Cross into Botswana via Ngoma Bridge or Mohembo, entering the Okavango Delta. Glide through waterways in a mokoro, track wildlife in Moremi Game Reserve, and feel the vastness of the delta’s seasonal floodplains. Continue east to Chobe National Park, where river cruises bring you close to elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.
From Botswana, make your way into Mozambique, emerging onto the coastline where pristine beaches, vibrant fishing villages, and hidden estuaries await. This loop transforms from desert to wetlands to ocean in a single expedition.
Loop B: Southern Namibia → Kalahari → Botswana → Mozambique via Limpopo
Quiver Tree Forest, M29, Keetmanshoop/Wietse Jongsma/Unsplash
For those chasing isolation, begin in southern Namibia at Keetmanshoop, crossing into Botswana’s Kalahari at Buitepos/Mamuno. The endless dunes, sparse population, and big skies offer a truly wild driving experience. Heading north or east, venture toward Botswana’s wetland regions, then thread through border crossings into Mozambique via Zimbabwe or South Africa, culminating in Mozambique’s warm coastline.
Crossing borders
Aerial view of Ngoma Bridge/Hp.Baumeler/Wikimedia Commons
Border crossings are more than formalities—they are part of the adventure. Namibia and Botswana share multiple checkpoints: Buitepos–Mamuno on the Trans-Kalahari Highway, Ngoma Bridge, and Mohembo in the Caprivi. Always check operating hours; remote posts may close at sunset.
Documentation matters: carry your vehicle registration, insurance, letters if the car is financed, and permits if using a rental. Border delays can be unpredictable, so plan for a relaxed schedule.
Hidden gems along the way
- Mudumu & Nkasa Rupara: Remote parks with rivers, hippos, and seldom-seen wildlife.
- Okavango Delta: Seasonal floods make the delta a labyrinth of islands and channels, perfect for mokoro excursions and birdwatching.
- Chobe Riverfront: Hippos, elephants, and dramatic sunsets.
- Mozambique Coast: Escape tourist hubs for quiet fishing villages, mangrove-lined estuaries, and coral-fringed beaches.
Off-grid lodges, rustic campsites, and local homestays enhance the sense of immersion. Pack binoculars, cameras, and a sense of curiosity.
Challenges to embrace
- Road conditions: Gravel, corrugation, and dunes can test your driving skills. Some routes are impassable during the rainy season.
- Remote stretches: Fuel, water, and mobile signal may be scarce; carry spares.
- Wildlife encounters: From nocturnal predators to elephants on the road, vigilance is key.
- Border unpredictability: hours, queues, or paperwork delays can arise.
Seasonal awareness is crucial. Dry months offer the safest driving conditions, while wet seasons transform dirt tracks into rivers.
Practical tips
- Vehicle: 4×4 recommended; consider spare tyres and tools.
- Accommodation: Mix campsites, lodges, and wild camping where permitted.
- Supplies: Stock up on food, water, and fuel in larger towns.
- Navigation: Offline maps or GPS units are essential for remote stretches.
- Packing: Sun protection, insect repellent, and first-aid kits are non-negotiable.
Sample itinerary (2–3 Weeks)
Windhoek savanna/Peinge Nakale/Unsplash
- Day 1–3: Windhoek → Zambezi Region, explore Mudumu & Bwabwata.
- Day 4–7: Cross to Botswana, Okavango Delta adventures.
- Day 8–10: Chobe Riverfront and Kasane wildlife.
- Day 11–14: Enter Mozambique, coastal explorations, village visits, beach downtime.
Extended versions of this loop allow for more time in Botswana’s remote parks or Mozambique’s northern archipelagos.
Why take the road less travelled?
These loops aren’t about ticking off the usual destinations—they’re about immersing yourself in Africa’s diversity: the quiet power of desert landscapes, the rhythm of the delta, and the vibrancy of coastal life. Along the way, the journey reshapes your perspective: adventure isn’t just about where you arrive but how far you venture beyond the familiar.
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