An Aussie Overlanding Adventure in Botswana and Zimbabwe

Overlanding Botswana & Zimbabwe with Aussie Friends Join our Australian friends on a two‑week overland odyssey across Botswana and Zimbabwe. From a historic gold‑rush town to remote wetlands, roaring waterfalls and rhino sanctuaries, this vlog chronicles every stop in order with wildlife encounters and 4×4 camaraderie. Francistown – Gear Up and Go Our adventure began in South Africa where after we made our way to Francistown, one of Botswana’s oldest towns and former centre of southern Africa’s gold rush. As a key gateway to the north, it made a perfect supply point before we headed north on the open road. Elephant Sands – Camping with Giants At Elephant Sands we pitched camp beside a waterhole where wild elephants drink, bathe and play. Situated on a 16 000 ha conservancy that pumps water during droughts, this unique bush lodge let us watch herds up close from our rooftop tents. Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge We then reached Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge in the Kasane Forest Reserve, where Botswana and Zimbabwe meets. Chalets face a busy waterhole, and activities include sunset game drives, boat cruises and day trips to Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls – The Smoke That Thunders Crossing into Zimbabwe we explored Victoria Falls, a 1 700 m‑wide curtain of water plunging 108 m into the Zambezi gorge. Its spray, locally called Mosi‑oa‑Tunya (“the smoke that thunders”), can be seen for kilometres. We hiked rainforest trails and took a helicopter flight to appreciate its scale. Chobe River Cruise Back in Kasane we cruised the Chobe River, lifeline of Chobe National Park. This river draws elephants, buffalo and antelope in the dry season. We watched elephants splashing, hippos surfacing and fish eagles overhead, while crocodiles and buffalo lined the banks. Chobe National Park & Linyanti Chobe National Park protects around 10 700 km² of floodplains and savanna. It is renowned for enormous herds of elephants and buffalo and a rich mix of antelope, zebra, giraffe, warthog and monkeys. Over 450 bird species also call the park home. In the secluded Linyanti Reserve, mokoro trips and night drives revealed intimate encounters with elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and wild dogs. Thobolo’s Bush Lodge & Savuti At Thobolo’s Bush Lodge, our campsite overlook a revived pan where predators and antelope gather – wild dogs, leopards, lions, impala, roan, sable and buffalo. Further south lies Savuti, whose 100 km channel supports huge concentrations of game and is famous for its lions and spotted hyenas. Khama Rhino Sanctuary Our odyssey ended at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a community‑run reserve established in 1989 to combat rhino poaching. White rhinos were reintroduced in 1992 and there are now about 35 under the protection of sanctuary staff and the Botswana Defence Force. Game drives and bush walks let us observe these rare animals up close. Why Watch & How to Support This video isn’t just a travel log – it’s a celebration of friendship, conservation and the joy of discovering Africa’s wild places. If you enjoy this epic road trip, like, comment and subscribe. Share your own safari memories or ask questions about overlanding – we love connecting with fellow travellers. #Overlanding #Botswana #Zimbabwe #AfricanAdventure #TravelVlog #Safari #Wildlife #Nature #4x4 #RoadTrip #VictoriaFalls #ChobeNationalPark #ElephantSands #Linyanti #Savuti #RhinoSanctuary #AustralianTravelers #Explore #Adventure #Travel #aussie #camping