Botswana or Namibia?

Botswana or Namibia? Which one would you like to visit first?

Botswana and Namibia are both wonderful countries, but surely opposites in terms of self-drive safari destinations. Why? In short, if you look for a prime wildlife experience, Botswana is your choice. If your desire is to experience the most amazing landscapes and populations, Namibia is the place where you want to be. 

Of the two countries, Namibia has a wider diversity of more unique landscapes, from a deep canyon in the south (the Fish River Canyon) to rugged mountains in the north (Damaraland), the salt pans of the Etosha National Park and the old red dunes of Sossusvlei. If your primary interest is wildlife, then Botswana’s Okavango Delta is an obvious choice.

In terms of wildlife, Botswana has Africa’s largest elephant herds and huge numbers of buffalo, lion, and leopard, which makes for rewarding game viewing in its excellent parks. Namibia, on the other hand, something so special that it is very hard to describe in a few lines. 

Namibia is heaven for overlanders. You will experience some of the most beautiful natural landscapes you can witness in the world. Driving in Namibia is safe, easy, and always rewarding. Every corner will offer you a different experience, an epic adventure. Furthermore, Etosha National Park adds to the adventure an outstanding wildlife experience with its waterholes and their huge density of animals who give self-driving visitors some of the most beautiful views of majestic beasts anywhere in the wild.

Botswana is well known for its flying safari and the exclusive lodges in remote and wild places. However, self-drive is surely doable. Depending on the seasonality, the driving may become challenging. During the dry season, driving in the salt pans is exhilarating, and experiencing the sunrise from your rooftop at Kubu Island in the Makgadikgadi Pan is truly unique. When staying in the lodges, the guiding is second to none and you will learn bush skills, tracking animals by their behavior and spoor, getting that all-important glimpse of Africa’s big cats. In Namibia, in stark contrast, you have total control of your journey and you will leave by the day. Take to the quiet roads, wind your way through mountains of rock and sand and arrive at unique and stunning lodges or campsites in total safety, with a sense of accomplishment. 

Here is a suggestion: why don’t you combine both? We have done this with many clients. Please Enquire Now for an informal chat. We will be pleased to help you become confident in your travel decisions.

Feel free to explore our Botswana and Namibia destinations with the v-adventures Team.

2 Replies to “Botswana or Namibia?”

  1. I have no doubts: both! If you like driving, Namibia comes first. If you are on fire to see the best possible wildlife viewing, then Botswana should be the choice.

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