Namibia / Botswana in July / August
 

Hi,

We want to travel for 5 weeks in Namibia and Botswana, but hope someone give some nice route advice.

We hear a lot of stories that we must pre-book all campsites in Namibia and Botswana in that period. Is that really neccesary, because we don't want to plan everything in detail in front.

Does someone know if we can book campsites their when we arrive?

All campsites within the national parks should be pre-booked normally. Outside of the NP's you should be fine.

Be aware of the fact that in Botswana no motorbikes are allowed in the NP's.

5 weeks will allow you to see a lot of NAM and BOT. If you search the HUBB you'll find several posts where I made some suggestions what to see in NAM.

The most interesting places to visit are (starting from the South) Fish River canyon, Luederitz (with Kolmanskop), Sossusvlei (campsite at Sesriem), Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe, Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Epupa Falls.
Further east: Windhoek, Waterberg Plateau, Etosha Game Reserve.

Generally, motorbikes are not allowed in Game Reserves -> hungry cats.....
Same applies to BOT, except for the transit route through the Chobe NP.

75% of the roads in NAM are gravel roads, but usually well kept.


When riding from NAM to BOT an interesting suggestion would be to travel along the Caprivi Strip to Katima Mulilo, visit the Vic Falls in Zambia, return, and cross to BOT at Ngoma.
BOT isn't that interesting for bike riders - secondary roads are often very sandy, countryside is mostly flat as a pancake. The tourist destinations in BOT are the game reserves, because many campsites in the reserves are unfenced, meaning that elephants or cats can walk inbetween the tents :eek3: So, nothing for the faint-hearted ;o)

Keep in mind that July is deepest winter, so temperatures in the NAM highlands drop well below zero at night..... But in those months you should always find a spot to pitch your tent. As mentioned above, in the game reserves you should book ahead. For the game reserves you could think about renting a car or pickup for a couple of days, but this should be bokked well ahead too, because many people from Europe visit NAM during the european summer holidays.....

we will go in NAM in feb17/march17 by 4x4 with tent on roof
we've been also in aug16 by car 4x4
you can send a mail here for more details Into The World | INTO THE WORLD

ps
do you intend to rent a bike or send your?
if you rent, I'll be interested for details

Hot as hell !!!
 

You are going to MELT !!!!