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!

AT THE BORDER

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

CHECK THIS

A wild ride • Watching a pack of wild dogs on the hunt is an unrivalled, primal experience that stays with you forever. Maria Stallmann recalls the thrill of the chase in the Okavango Delta.

NORTHERN BOTSWANA

SOUTHERN BOTSWANA

Mission to Maun • This route takes you through the central parts of Botswana – Serowe, Letlhakane, Mopipi and Rakops – to Maun. It’s suitable for 4x2 vehicles and is an easy introduction to rural Botswana before things get really wild further north.

Botswana's road warrior • If you’ve driven anywhere in Botswana, you’ve probably winced at the sight of a run-over bat-eared fox, lilac-breasted roller or other poor creature. A new project, run by Australian-born DrTempe Adams, aims to use roadkill data to make the roads safer for wildlife – and motorists.

Gold dust, last light • With its minimalist plains and infinite skies, the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park offers a transcendental photography experience. Jacques Marais followed ancient elephant trails on a mountain-bike ride from Maun to the Makgadikgadi.

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 2026. Use them as a guideline only. Always call or e-mail to double-check beforehand.

Senyati Safari Camp

Soaking up a Caprivi summer • The long, thin finger of the Caprivi Strip – now officially known as the Kavango East and Zambezi regions of Namibia – remains one of the best value-for-money areas that can easily be added to your Botswana itinerary. It gets very hot here in summer, but the wet season also gives you a full-colour, boisterous experience.

NAMIBIA

ZIMBABWE

56 reasons for a Zim holiday! • Zimbabwe is a paradise for birdwatchers. Ansuri Welman from Pretoria lived her dream when she toured Gonarezhou National Park and the Eastern Highlands – and came home with 56 new species on her life list.

ZIMBABWE

MAP: ZAMBIA

Zambia for the ages • This epic 14-day road trip is designed for first-time visitors to Zambia. We’ve packed in a variety of sights, including the Zambezi River, Ngonye Falls, Kafue National Park, Kariba Dam, Livingstone and Victoria Falls. Let’s go!

Sekoma Island Lodge

ZAMBIA

LETTER FROM Lower Zambezi • Very far from home, Toast Coetzer is getting a bit too much sun in the Lower Zambezi River Valley.

ZAMBIA AT ITS BEST