Overview

AN ACCESSIBLE, SAFE, EXCITING, GUIDED FAMILY SELF-DRIVE AFRICAN SAFARI
Forget the theme parks - adventure begins where the road turns to dust. Get ready for a wild family journey through the heart of Africa, from Botswana’s sparkling Okavango Delta to the thunder and mist of Victoria Falls.
Over 12 unforgettable days, you’ll steer your own 4WD through the wild soul of Southern Africa - kicking up dust on winding tracks, dodging curious warthogs, and watching elephants stroll across the road as if they own it, because, well, they do!
Each day brings a new surprise - golden mornings by the river, giggles around the campfire, and wide-eyed moments as hippos yawn in the shallows, giraffes peek over treetops, lions laze in the sunshine, and elephants stroll by. From Maun’s (the gateway to the Okavango Delta) mellow buzz to the green waterways of Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai River, and out across the wide, wild savannah plains of Savuti, every day feels like a new chapter in the ultimate family adventure. It's the land of hyenas versus lions, where for centuries the battle of supremacy has been played out before our eyes and ears, with battles and brawls echo across the vast savannah throughout the night. The sights and sounds will stay with you forever.
Our journey continues north through Chobe National Park, where the landscape changes from dry brown grasslands into the lush, sparkling floodplains of the Chobe River. Herds of elephants gather to play in the shallows, buffalo and antelope wander nearby, and fish eagles soar overhead as the sky turns every shade of orange, red and gold as the sun sets into the waterways. With hearts full and faces smiling, we follow the river towards Zimbabwe for a grand finale at Victoria Falls - or as the locals call it, 'The Smoke that Thunders' - truly one of the natural wonders of the world.
It’s a journey of laughter, dust, and childlike wonder - where every day ends beneath endless skies, every night glows with campfire stories and starlight, and every kilometre brings your family a little closer together.
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MINIMUM & MAXIMUM NUMBERS - This expedition requires a minimum of four vehicles for departure confirmation. Once we reach that number, the expedition is guaranteed to go ahead. If minimum numbers are not met, the expedition may be cancelled, and you’ll have the option to transfer amounts paid to an alternate expedition or departure date, or receive a full refund.
THE AFRICAN CAMPING EXPERIENCE
The campgrounds in Botswana are NOT like Australia. There are limited sites at each location (usually around 10), and each can house up to three vehicles. The campgrounds have limited facilities, but ample for what we need and support this overland style of travel. Showers are available every couple of days while travelling, and toilets are clean, well serviced and available throughout.
To ensure an intimate, small-group experience, the maximum number of vehicles we’ll have as part of our group, is five., plus our guide vehicle.
FOOD AND CAMP LIFE
You will be self-catering during our time on the adventure, and each vehicle comes with ample facilities for food preparation to make this easy and convenient. We have a large shop at a large supermarket in Maun at the start of the adventure to stock up the vehicle fridges with everything we need, and have access to clean water throughout.
On some nights, we can cook together, on others, you may prefer a more intimate dinner with just your family. All of this can be decided as we go, with no fixed meal plans to get in the way. When we get to the lodges and hotels, it's back to someone else looking after us! Please don't worry if you haven't enjoyed this style of travel or catering before, we can teach you all about it on the way.
All campgrounds are based in the middle of safari country, so animals can and do wander close to, and sometimes through, our camp sites. We need to be vigilant at all times, especially with young kids keen to run around and explore. Whilst it's something to be aware of, it's nothing to be worried about. Our vehicles are the safest place to be, whether that's inside the car or in the comfort of the rooftop tents. We have enough eyes between us to work as a village, as they have done for thousands of years in Africa,
LIFE ON THE ROAD
Each day is different, but as we travel from location to location to discover yet more exciting places and wildlife, the format of the day looks a little like this:
- A relaxed breakfast in camp. Time to wash, clean up and hear the sounds of the African bush come alive
- Prepare lunch for our day drive
- Break camp and pack the vehicles
- Drive for a few hours, slowly winding our way past herds of elephant, giraffe, zebra, as we navigate towards our next campground
- Stop for lunch somewhere on the way
- Arrive mid-afternoon and set up camp. Relax together and explore where we're staying.
- Prepare dinner, light the mandatory fire and share stories
- Take a sunset game drive complete with sundowners
- Return to camp and listen to the awesome sounds of the African bush
At some of the campsites we'll be staying for two nights, which means you can relax and enjoy the surroundings, or organise your own day adventure away from the group if that's what you'd prefer. The choice is very much yours.
THE VEHICLES
Your mobile house, complete with double bedrooms, a kitchen, nighttime viewing platform (AKA rooftop tent), and able-bodied 4WD that get you through rivers, deserts and safely to your next destination.
We have rented this type of vehicle for nearly 20 years and trust it with our lives. They are Toyota-based, built in South Africa (where they know about rugged quality) and easy to drive. If you haven't driven off-road before, don't worry - we'll teach you everything you need to know once we're out there.
You can find out more about the sleeping layout, what they come equipped with and everything else by visiting the HIGHLIGHTS section.

YOUR GUIDE
Hey, it's Ben from Best Life Adventures. I'll be your guide every step of the way so you can get the most out of your African adventure. Having spent nearly 20 years exploring the African continent from top to bottom, I know this part of the world intimately and will be there to teach you about the places, people, driving techniques and destinations we'll be visiting. I'll be your fixer for all the paperwork and people, to make your journey as pain-free as possible and an easy entrance into the 'Best Continent of Earth', bar none.
We'll also bring in the local experts to track and identify the creatures that call this part of the world home, and the kids will learn, love and live in the moment, seeing the world through the eyes of the experts. It's also the 'Best Classroom on Earth'.
