Botswana and Zimbabwe:  A tale of two countries

  • by Johané van Dyk
  • 03 Oct, 2023
These two landlocked African countries are the perfect partners on a single trip through Southern Africa. Abundant wildlife in both, with Zimbabwe adding the Victoria Falls, ancient settlements and a complex history to the mix. Visiting both countries reveals a range of landscapes, wildlife and culture; providing a unique, unforgettable experience to travelers.

After an unforgettable 12-day familiarization trip through Botswana and Zimbabwe, our Chrisna and Nadine were back on home soil and we caught up with them to hear all about their trip and the amazing sights, smells and surroundings they had the opportunity of experiencing.

Upon arriving in Maun, we were greeted with Botswanan smiles and transferred to our home for the first three days of our trip. Tucked away in a grove of mopane trees and mysterious woodlands in one of Botswana's most coveted regions, Mankwe Tented Retreat is situated in a private concession on the doorstep of the Moremi Game Reserve. Two hours later, we reached our destination and were treated to an afternoon game drive, where we had the opportunity to encounter some incredible wildlife. 

During our stay, we were also spoiled with a boat cruise on the Xakanaxa Lagoon, in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve, and this exceeded all our expectations! The views of the Khwai River and its wildlife delivered some spectacular sightings some people only dream of. We were lucky to spot a herd of elephants that came down to quench their thirst and the boat made it possible to get up close to these gentle giants. After the cruise, we had a lovely picnic lunch before heading back to the lodge.

After three days, it was time to bid farewell to Mankwe Tented Retreat and their wonderful staff and start the second leg of our journey.

Chrisna enjoying the elephant views during the boat cruise on the Xakanaxa Lagoon in the heart of Moremi Game Reserve

The next day we travelled south and visited a few hotels on the way, all whilst listening to stories and interesting facts our guide told with unmatched knowledge which only comes from years of experience and growing up in this vibrant country. We checked in at our hotel for the evening - Cresta Maun Hotel. Situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River in northern Botswana, this hotel offers a tranquil setting for both leisure and business travelers alike. 

Travelling east the following day, we made our way to the small village of Gweta; about 250 kilometers from Maun and 100 kilometers from Nata. This village derived its name from the sound of croaking bullfrogs, and is generally considered the gateway to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana. 

In the vicinity of Gweta, national monuments take the form of ancient baobab trees. One such tree, Greens Baobab, located 27 kilometers south of Gweta, bears inscriptions from 19th-century hunters and traders like Frederick Thomas Green and Hendrik Matthys van Zyl, along with other intriguing characters. About 11 kilometers further south lies the turnoff to the even more impressive Chapman's Baobab. This remarkable tree boasts a circumference of 25 meters and once served as a crucial navigation beacon. It also doubled as an early post office for passing explorers, traders, and travelers, many of whom left their mark by inscribing the tree's trunk. Tragically, on January 7, 2016, Chapman's Baobab fell. The cause of its collapse and its current state of life remain uncertain.

The highlight of our trip was, without a shadow of a doubt, the sleepout we had at Ntwetwe Salt Pan, closely situated to Gweta Lodge. Can you imagine a more ideal way to conclude the day than sipping on a glass of wine, taking in the amazing red sunset, and reflecting on your day while gazing into a small campfire? The clean, clear Botswanan skies ensured a magnificent view of the constellations as we were lulled to sleep by the crackling of the campfire and night sounds that surrounded us.

After an unforgettable evening under the stars, we went on a game drive through the famous Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The vast expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans dwarfs Switzerland in size. Originally, these pans were a thriving river-fed lake, but today it lies barren and saline. Scattered across this desolate landscape are ancient stone tools and artifacts, some dating back as far as 500,000 years.

During the wet season, a remarkable migration unfolds, as 35–75,000 zebras and wildebeests pour into the region. Along their path, lions, cheetahs, and other predators make frequent appearances. This migration is not only the last surviving of its kind in southern Africa but also the second largest globally. When water remains, hundreds of thousands of flamingos descend upon the pans to feed. These vast, empty expanses also serve as a permanent refuge for desert-dwelling creatures, including the meerkat and the elusive brown hyena, the world's third rarest carnivore.

Our day came to an end at Nata Lodge, which offers something for everybody. This lodge is a favorite among campers, glampers and self-drive adventurers. The fact that it offers great food, cold beer, and a swimming pool are all added bonuses.  
The following day we had quite a journey ahead of us as we made our way towards Kasane. After our site visits to various hotels and lodges in the area, we finally checked in at Kwalape Safari Lodge.

Nestled between the northern Botswanan towns of Kazungula and Kasane, and situated across from the Chobe River, Kwalape, which translates to "home" in Setswana, is conveniently just an hour's drive from the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. It's also a mere kilometer away from the convergence point of four great nations: Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

This prime location provides unparalleled opportunities to intimately engage with the region's wildlife through captivating activities such as boat cruises and game drives into the Chobe National Park.

The lodge itself comprises a total of 12 charming thatched chalets, each boasting spacious living areas, en-suite bathroom facilities, and a private veranda. Additionally, there are 10 comfortable twin canvas safari tents with shared ablution facilities, and 8 generously sized camping grounds, all equipped to accommodate both overland and private tours.

The next day we headed to Chobe Savanna Lodge, which is on the Namibian side of the Chobe River. After checking in,we departed on a two hour boat cruise to see what the mighty Chobe had in store for us.

Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa was our home for our last day in Botswana, and it ended on a true African safari note as we went on our final 4x4 game drive in Chobe National Park. The countrymen of Botswana have truly kept this country as natural as possible, making it a destination that offers travelers one of the most authentic safari experiences. As the sun set over the Chobe River, we were sad to leave this country that gave us so many amazing memories, but we looked forward to what Zimbabwe would offer!

Before we knew it, we had crossed the border and were headed to Bayete Guest Lodge in Victoria Falls. After checking in and another round of site visits, we were treated to a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River where we got to experience the peace and tranquility of this mighty river, all whilst enjoying some snacks and beverages as we watched the sky change color.

The next morning we went on a guided tour of the Victoria Falls - talk about a showstopper! After such an exciting start to the day, our tummies were grumbling and we made our way to Chinotimba for lunch at Dusty Road Township Experience. Here, our tastebuds were introduced to authentic Zimbabwean cuisine prepared the traditional way - on open fires and in cast iron pots and ovens. 

After lunch, we headed to Zambezi National Park for an afternoon game drive and we ended our fun-filled day with a dinner at The Boma Restaurant in Victoria Falls, which was a whole experience on its own. During dinner, the entertainment incorporates mbira music, traditional dancers, a local folk storyteller, a hair braider, elaborate face painters and souvenir sellers. But the highlight of the evening’s entertainment was the renowned energetic interactive drumming show - this is the only interactive drumming show in Zimbabwe. Guests were each handed a djembe drum and given the opportunity to participate in the drumming show by learning a few rhythms. After the drumming show, guests were invited to the dance floor. The evening was capped off with a group of acapella singers serenading us at our table.

After a day packed with adrenaline and adventure, we were more than ready to call it a (very successful and memorable) day, and we allowed the sounds of the far-off Falls to lull us to sleep in our rooms at Shongwe Oasis - Victoria Falls' first adults-only lodge.

The last day of our trip ended on a literal high. We were extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to do a helicopter flip over nature's grand spectacle - the Victoria Falls. This activity simply took our breath away and it was one of the most beautiful sceneries we have ever encountered. A trip to Botswana, combined with the Victoria Falls should be on everyone's bucket list!
Share by: