Traveller’s Experience: Botswana & Zimbabwe – Masjids, Halaal Food, and Essential Tips

Zimbabwe as well is a landlocked country. This country is known for its cool climate, lush landscape and scenic beauty. The country experiences a rainy season from November to March and a dry season from April to October. The best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on what kind of experience you are seeking. High Water Season is from February to May. During this period, the falls are at their most powerful, with an immense volume of water cascading over the edge.

The spray from the falls is spectacular and can be seen from a distance, creating rainbows and a dramatic view. The Zambezi River forms the northern border with Zambia, is the fourth longest river in Africa and makes up the spectacular Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest and most famous waterfalls. The falls is named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, named by the Scottish explorer David Livingstone, who is believed to have been the first European to view them in 1855.

The first people known to have lived in the area around Victoria Falls were the Khoisan hunter-gatherers, followed by the Tonga and Lozi peoples. The Tonga, in particular, have lived in the region for centuries and refer to the falls as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” which means “The Smoke that Thunders” in their language. The Lozi people, who lived further west, also interacted with the area around the falls.

Choosing to travel to Botswana and Zimbabwe was an easy decision for us. Having grown up surrounded by wildlife and nature, we are naturally drawn to these destinations. Additionally, since some of our staff are from Zimbabwe, we felt it was important for our children to experience their country firsthand. Botswana is home to the “Okavango Delta” which is a spectacular destination renowned for its unique ecosystem and stunning beauty. This vast inland delta, with its intricate network of channels, lagoons, and islands, offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa.

Visitors can experience its breathtaking landscapes through game drives, mokoro (dugout canoe) trips, and walking safaris, encountering diverse species such as elephants, lions, leopards and an array of birdlife. The Okavango Delta truly stands out as a must-visit natural wonder. Besides witnessing the beauty of the Delta, every horse rider needs to experience the ride in the delta on horseback.

The best time to travel to Botswana is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this period, wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals gather around water sources, and the weather is generally pleasant with warm days and cool nights. Additionally, the lack of rain makes it easier to navigate the country and enjoy outdoor activities. Another reason for visiting Botswana was to enrich the children’s travel experience by allowing them the opportunity to go through the immigration process of an African country.

We left Port Elizabeth at 4 AM and drove to the Skilpadshek border crossing, arriving around 8 PM that night. The border checkpoint is on the South African border with Botswana, located 52 km northwest of Zeerust in the North West province. Due to delays at the border, we only passed through immigration after 9 PM. It was too dangerous to drive at night because of animals roaming freely on the road, so we stayed at a guest farm right at the crossing called Chasmiru Farm. The owner, Susan Cronje, was incredibly welcoming and kind-hearted. She accommodated us and our six kids in quaint rooms that were cozy and warm. Her hospitality won’t be forgotten and is an important contact to have when delayed at the border crossing especially at night with kids.

The next morning, we left Chasmiru Farm and  began our drive, passing through Lobatse until we reached Kang. Our first stop was at a place called Kalahari Rest, where we spent two days hunting. From Kang, we traveled approximately 8-10 hours to Sapopa, where we parked our car for a few days. We then boarded a boat that transported us to a town called Seronga a magical and exciting, journey as we saw abundant wildlife along the way (a journey that took about 2 hours) we were warmly welcomed by Mr Beruti at the jetty who transferred us into his 4×4 safari cruiser and whisked us away to our private resort at Jumbo junction in the Delta.

We chose Jumbo Junction as our first destination in the Delta because of its location which is in the northern part of Botswana. They come highly recommend and is known for their meticulous care and warm, welcoming staff. Their attention to detail and personalized service make it a standout destination in the heart of the Okavango Delta. They offered a private retreat and a variety of experiences and amenities including luxury accommodation. Comfortable and well-appointed lodges or tents.

Guided game drives and walking safaris to see the diverse wildlife of the delta, including elephants, lions, hippos, wild dogs, and a variety of bird species. Boat excursions, scenic boat rides through the Delta’s waterways, providing unique opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the tranquil environment. Fishing excursions in the delta’s waters, where you can catch species like tiger fish and bream. Horseback safari to see the stunning wildlife across the delta. Their incredible team of staff was exceptionally hospitable, even babysitting the toddlers while we went on our safari.

Bird watching: The delta is a bird watcher’s paradise, with numerous species to spot. Star gazing: Clear night skies provide an excellent opportunity for stargazing, where we got to see the Southern Cross, also known as Crux, is a prominent constellation in the southern hemisphere’s sky. It’s one of the most recognisable constellations and consists of five main stars that form a distinctive cross shape. The Southern Cross is not visible from most parts of the northern hemisphere, making it a unique feature of the southern night sky. It’s often used for navigation because its orientation helps determine the direction of the south celestial pole.

Overall, Jumbo Junction offers an immersive and luxurious experience in the heart of the Okavango Delta, seamlessly combining adventure with relaxation. Delicious meals were prepared with fresh, local ingredients, often enjoyed in beautiful outdoor settings. A relaxing lounging area to unwind. It was incredibly hard to leave the wonderful souls and Mr Herman who touched our lives so dearly.

He chose Savuti Elephant lodge as our third destination in Botswana because of its unique and breathtaking wildlife animal encounters. The Savuti, is a place of mystery and intrigue; and is known for its fascinating geography. Tectonic plate movement causes erratic flow of water to the Savuti Marsh and dried up for some 28-30 years causing herbivores great distress, and predators angling for opportunities to feed on whatever prey was readily available.

These conditions certainly carved the path for a new type of prey to target – elephants. These grey giants certainly provide enough meat to feed a massive pride of lions, which can sustain them until the next take down. Elephant Capital, Savuti is known as the elephant capital of the world, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe large herds of elephants in their natural habitat.

This luxurious lodge is situated in Chobe National Park, Botswana’s first and third largest national park. The lodges exude unique charm and personality, ensuring a five-star hospitality experience. Wildlife viewing, apart from elephants, Savuti is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a variety of bird species, making it a prime location for game drives and wildlife photography. Scenic Landscapes, The region is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Savuti Channel, which attracts a variety of wildlife to its water sources, especially during the dry season.

Cultural Experiences

Guests can also engage with local culture and learn about the traditional lifestyles and practices of the people living in and around Savuti. Expert guides: The lodge employs knowledgeable and experienced guides who enhance the safari experience with their insights and expertise on the local flora and fauna. Exclusive experience: Belmont Elephant Lodge offers an exclusive and intimate experience, with fewer guests and personalized service, ensuring a memorable stay. Visiting Belmont Elephant Lodge in Savuti promises a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury, making it an ideal destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

Savuti to Kasane

After Savuti, we headed to Kasane, a town in Botswana located at the northeastern corner of the country, where the borders of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe meet. It’s a gateway to the Chobe National Park and is renowned for its abundant wildlife. From Kasane, you can take boat cruises on the Chobe River, providing an excellent opportunity to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species up close. The distance between Kasane and Savuti is approximately 200 kilometers by road. My husband hired a private 4×4 with “Ngina Safaris”. The journey can take around 4-6 hours, depending on road conditions, as the route includes unpaved and sometimes challenging terrain. Alternatively, traveling by small aircraft is a quicker and more convenient option.

From Kasane, we hired a guide who had a combie, to take us across the border into Zimbabwe, to avoid the extra paperwork for our motor vehicle. We parked our car off at the border crossing. The time it takes to travel from the Botswana border at Kasane to Zimbabwe depends on your destination within Zimbabwe and the border crossing process. Typically, crossing the border itself can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the queue and customs processing. Once across the border, the drive to Victoria Falls, one of the nearest major destinations, is about 70 km  and takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by car.

Victoria Falls

Visiting Victoria Falls offers a breathtaking and unforgettable experience for several compelling reasons. It is a Natural wonder and one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world, known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “The Smoke That Thunders.” The sheer volume of water cascading over the edge creates a stunning and awe-inspiring sight. It has spectacular views. The falls span the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, offering spectacular views from both countries. Various viewpoints and trails allow visitors to experience the falls from different angles, each providing a unique perspective. Rainbows and mist/the constant spray and mist from the falls often create beautiful rainbows, adding to the magical atmosphere. The mist can be seen from miles away and creates a unique, humid microclimate around the falls.

Adventure Activities

Victoria Falls is a hub for adventure seekers, offering activities such as white-water rafting on the Zambezi River, bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, zip-lining, and gorge swinging.

From Zimbabwe, we returned to the Botswana border, collected our car, and left for the salt pans. From the Kazungula Border (near Victoria Falls), it typically takes about 4 to 6 hours to drive to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, depending on road conditions and stops along the way. The Makgadikgadi Pans, which are located in the northeastern part of Botswana are among the largest salt flats in the world and are situated within the Makgadikgadi region. At the Salt Pans you are likely to see vast, flat expanses of white salt crust that stretch out to the horizon. Depending on the season, you might have also seen:

We then drove from the salt pans to Francistown, where we paused for the night and got some rest. The drive from the salt pans to Francistown typically takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. The road from the Nata salt pans to Francistown is generally in good condition, being a well-maintained tarred highway. However, it’s important to be cautious of wildlife crossing the road, especially in the more rural areas. The next morning from  Francistown, we concluded our journey to Botswana by driving to Gaborone, which is the capital city.

It is a vibrant and rapidly developing urban center with numerous businesses, financial institutions, and corporate headquarters. The city plays a crucial role in the country’s diamond industry. Gaborone boasts modern infrastructure, including shopping malls like Riverwalk Mall and Airport Junction Mall, which offer a range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. We left Gaborone shortly after midday, drove to the Botswana border crossing called Tlokweng Border Post which is roughly a thirty minute drive.

When traveling from Lobatse to Sepopa, and from Kasane to Gaborone, there are several options for Halaal-certified meals, including major fast food chains and supermarkets.

Bringing a cooler bag of meat across the Botswana border was a risk we were willing to take as it could have been confiscated, but it worked out for us. At Jumbo Junction, they catered Halaal chicken from Maun and also provided fish, rice, and vegetarian options. Additionally, they prepared the meat we brought from South Africa. This flexibility ensured we had a variety of food options during our stay.

Although shopping wasn’t on our itinerary, we noticed that Victoria Falls had many curio shops and art galleries, offering plenty of opportunities for browsing and buying local art and souvenirs.

The people of Botswana are generally known for their warmth, friendliness, softness and hospitality. The country is renowned for its stable and peaceful society, and its citizens often exhibit a strong sense of community and respect for one another. Many visitors find Botswana to be welcoming and accommodating, making it a pleasant destination for travelers. Their culture is rich in tradition, and they are often eager to share their customs and stories with others. Additionally, the locals are known for their resilience and pride in their country’s achievements.

Botswana has a number of Masjids, catering to its Muslim population, with each town having its own masjid. Jamia Masjid, located in the capital city Gaborone, serves the local community. There are also masjids in Francistown, Maun, Lobatse, and Kasane.