Episode 71 Epic Africa Adventure [Namibia Botswana + beyond]

In episode 71 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy is joined once again by seasoned traveller Tanya Munro, who continues her remarkable African journey -this time through Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

From Namibia’s Skeleton Coast and cultural encounters with the Himba and Herero people, to serene river cruises in Botswana surrounded by elephants and hippos, and the bucket-list thrill of witnessing Victoria Falls from both Zimbabwe and Zambia, Tanya shares captivating stories of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural moments.

Together, Tracy and Tanya dive into the realities of planning an overland safari, from choosing routes to navigating group travel, offering a mix of honest reflections, practical tips, and heartfelt experiences. This episode is packed with inspiration for anyone dreaming of an African adventure.

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Episode 71 – What you’ll learn in this episode

📍 How to plan and pace a multi-country overland adventure (including must-knows for routes and distances in southern Africa)
📅 Tips for balancing structured tours with independent travel days plus advice on picking the right overland safari operator
🚄 Realities of transportation in Namibia and Botswana: from bumpy roads to safari trucks and scenic flights
🛏️ Accommodation options, from rustic bush camps and riverside lodges to special sunset dining spots on Atlantic jetties
🥢 Memorable food and drink experiences: from biltong and bush dinners to brave bites of mopane worms and local delicacies
😲 How to safely navigate wildlife encounters, cultural insights from traditional communities, and the joy of unexpected discoveries

Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned

Places

Walvis Bay Airport: A small international airport dramatically positioned amid Namibian desert, the starting gateway for Tanya’s northern Namibia exploration.
Swakopmund: A German-influenced coastal town with striking colonial architecture, Atlantic beaches, and a unique jetty restaurant experience.
Sandwich Harbour: Where mighty sand dunes meet the ocean, best seen via thrilling 4WD drives.
Pelican Point: Home to a bustling seal colony and abundant birdlife including flamingos—an easy day excursion from Swakopmund.
Skeleton Coast: A remote stretch of desolate coastline famous for shipwrecks and dramatic desert landscapes.
Brandberg Mountains: Namibia’s highest mountain range, renowned for ancient San rock paintings like the White Lady and hiking opportunities.
Etosha National Park: A premier, arid wildlife sanctuary with waterholes that promise dramatic multi-species encounters, including night-time elephant and rhino visits.
Okavango River/Delta: Botswana’s wildlife-rich delta, explored by scenic flight, 4WD, and traditional mokoro canoe, offering close-up views of hippos and Cape buffalo.
Maun: A key gateway for Okavango Delta adventures, and base for scenic small-plane flights over the delta.
Chobe National Park: Famed for its epic river cruises and dense elephant populations, providing iconic safari moments.
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe & Zambia): One of the world’s great natural wonders—best seen from both countries; includes sunrise tram rides, helicopter flights, and wet-and-wild walking trails.
Shearwater Village: Centrally located accommodation in Victoria Falls town, a base for tours and cultural experiences such as local theatre shows.
Zambezi River: Riverside lodges offer serene African sunsets and surprise hippo encounters just outside your door.

Foods

Biltong: A beloved chewy South African dried meat snack, finally sampled by Tanya after a fortunate truck breakdown in Namibia.
Mopane Worm: A traditional Zimbabwean delicacy—a crunchy protein-rich treat, sometimes bravely sampled at cultural dinners.
Game Meats: Including local specialties such as kudu and impala, often available at bush dinners and “boma” restaurants near Victoria Falls.
Salad Servers & Stone Ornaments: Typical souvenirs crafted by local artisans, purchased in markets and supporting community economies.

Words/Concepts

Overland Safari Truck: A robust, bus-like vehicle used for multi-day African road adventures—designed to handle rough roads but not high on luxury.
Nomad Africa: The safari company featured in this episode, known for flexible overland itineraries and skilled guide/cooks.
Bush Toilet (Bushy Bushy): A term for impromptu outdoor toilet stops—a reality of rural African road travel.
Himba & Herero: Traditional ethnic groups in Namibia, each with distinctive attire and ways of life; encounters with these communities are both educational and moving.
Makoro: A dugout canoe used for Delta explorations—offering a peaceful, if slightly nerve-wracking, ride close to hippos and buffalo.