Our journey through Botswana and Zimbabwe was more than a vacation- it was a homecoming to nature. As a family deeply connected to the wild, the idea of exploring these two incredible African nations came naturally. Botswana’s serene deltas and wildlife-filled plains, paired with Zimbabwe’s majestic Victoria Falls, offered us an unforgettable experience — one that strengthened our bond, tested our endurance, and filled our hearts with awe.
Botswana
Geography & Climate
Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, shares borders with Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Zambia. The vast Kalahari Desert covers much of its terrain, while the Okavango Delta- one of the world’s largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site- brings life and color to its landscape.
The country’s semi-arid climate means hot summers, warm winters, and seasonal rains from November to March. For travelers, the best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October), when wildlife congregates around watering holes, making for spectacular game viewing.
Journey to the Heart of the Delta
We began our road trip from Port Elizabeth at 4 AM, reaching the Skilpadshek border post by nightfall. After crossing into Botswana, we rested at Chasmiru Farm, a charming guest lodge near the border run by the kind-hearted Susan Cronje. Her hospitality was the perfect start to our adventure.
The following morning, we set off through Lobatse and Kang, stopping at Kalahari Rest for a few days of hunting and exploration. From there, we drove 8-10 hours to Sepopa, where we left our car and boarded a two-hour boat ride to Seronga- a magical journey surrounded by hippos, birds, and the tranquility of nature.
Waiting for us at the jetty was Mr. Beruti, who transported us in his 4×4 to Jumbo Junction, our first stop in the Okavango Delta.
Jumbo Junction: Where Luxury Meets the Wild
Located in the northern Okavango Delta, Jumbo Junction is a haven for travelers seeking both adventure and comfort. Their staff’s warmth and attention to detail made us feel like family. From private luxury tents to candlelit dinners, everything was perfect.
Activities We Enjoyed
- Game Drives & Walking Safaris: Spotting elephants, lions, and leopards in their natural habitat.
- Boat Excursions: Peaceful rides through winding delta channels.
- Horseback Safaris: A dream come true for every rider- exploring the wild on horseback.
- Bird Watching & Stargazing: The southern sky unveiled the Southern Cross (Crux)- a breathtaking constellation visible only in the southern hemisphere.
Leaving Jumbo Junction was bittersweet. The memories- and the kindness of Mr. Herman and his team- remain deeply etched in our hearts.
From Delta to Desert: Flying to Savuti
From Sepopa, we drove to Maun, where we spent the night before catching a 45-minute flight with Major Blue Air to Savuti. This quick journey spared us the long and rough 10-hour drive through sandy terrain.
At Savuti, we stayed at the luxurious Belmond Savuti Elephant Lodge, nestled in Chobe National Park- the elephant capital of the world. The lodge offered breathtaking views, fine dining, and close encounters with Africa’s giants.
Why Savuti Stands Out
- Unique Wildlife Behavior: The region’s shifting water systems have shaped fascinating predator-prey dynamics.
- Epic Elephant Encounters: Large herds roam freely, providing unmatched viewing opportunities.
- Luxury & Culture: Expert local guides, fine cuisine, and cultural exchanges with nearby communities made our stay deeply enriching.
Crossing into Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls
From Kasane, we crossed into Zimbabwe via the border near Kazungula. To simplify logistics, we left our vehicle in Botswana and hired a guide to take us across by van.
A short drive later, the mighty Victoria Falls- known to locals as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “The Smoke That Thunders”- greeted us with its roar. The spray, visible from miles away, created shimmering rainbows that danced above the gorge.
Highlights at Victoria Falls
- Scenic Viewpoints: Trails on both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides offer stunning angles of the falls.
- Adventure Activities: White-water rafting, ziplining, bungee jumping, and gorge swinging for the brave-hearted.
- Cultural Encounters: Visits to traditional villages and markets revealed Zimbabwe’s warmth, artistry, and heritage.
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans: Earth’s Mirror
After Zimbabwe, we drove 4-6 hours to the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world. The endless white landscape felt surreal- especially at sunset, when the skies turned to gold and pink.
Depending on the season, travelers can spot flamingos, zebras, wildebeest, and the iconic baobab trees that have stood for centuries.
Our final stops included Francistown and Gaborone, Botswana’s capital — a bustling city of modern malls, restaurants, and warm-hearted people. After 11 incredible days and nearly 4,770 km, we crossed back into South Africa with full hearts and unforgettable memories.
Halaal Food in Botswana
Finding Halaal food was surprisingly easy:
- Debonairs Pizza, KFC, and Nando’s (many outlets are Halaal-certified)
- Shoprite and Spar – great for snacks and groceries
At our lodges, Halaal meals were arranged in advance- including chicken from Maun and freshly prepared fish dishes.
People & Culture
Both Botswana and Zimbabwe impressed us with their hospitality.
Botswanans are gentle, soft-spoken, and community-driven, while Zimbabweans are known for their resilience, artistry, and kindness.
Everywhere we went, we were greeted with smiles, generosity, and genuine warmth.
Masjids in Botswana
Botswana has several masjids serving its Muslim population:
- Jamia Masjid (Gaborone)
- Francistown Masjid
- Maun Masjid
- Lobatse Masjid
- Kasane Masjid
Travel Tips for Botswana
Best Time to Visit:
- Dry Season (May–October)- Ideal for game viewing
- Wet Season (Nov–Apr)- Lush greenery but limited access in some areas
Health:
- Take malaria precautions (especially in the north)
- Stay vaccinated (hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever if applicable)
Safety:
- Botswana is one of Africa’s safest countries, but always stay aware of wildlife and your surroundings.
Practicalities:
- Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)
- Most cards accepted in towns; carry cash for rural stops
- Dress modestly in villages and respect local customs
Getting Around:
- Fly into Gaborone, Maun, or Kasane
- Domestic flights connect major parks
- For hassle-free travel, consider booking guided safaris or tour packages
About the Bemat Family
We are the Bemat family- a proud “wild pride” made up of the Lion, the Lioness, and six cubs (ages 21, 19, 13, 6, 4, and 2). Each cub brings their own spark, turning every trip into an adventure filled with laughter, discovery, and love.
Our travels are more than journeys- they are lessons in faith, gratitude, and awe for Allah’s creation. Through every border crossed and every sunset watched, we see the beauty of His world and the blessings of togetherness.
Follow our journey as we continue exploring the wonders of the world- one wild adventure at a time.
Author: Sameera Bemat
Botswana’s climate is semi-arid, characterized by hot summers and warm winters.
Botswana’s climate is semi-arid, characterized by hot summers and warm winters. Rainfall is highly variable and primarily occurs during the summer months, from November to March.
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.