DAY 4

and turn north. This tar road has a few potholes and bad stretches. It runs parallel to the Okavango Panhandle, giving you access to the river at villages like Sepupa and Shakawe. Once you’re on the riverbank you can relax and start enjoying your holiday. Spend at least two days here if you can.

See page 60 for places to stay.

Okavango Panhandle & Tsodilo Hills

Drive to Tsodilo Hills. It’s a World Heritage Site and has some of the most unique rock art in southern Africa. Go on a guided tour, on a route that suits the fitness and interest level of your group.

Or stay at your camp and catch tiger fish.

See page 60 for more about Tsodilo Hills.

DAY 5 Okavango River, Namibia

Cross into Namibia at the quiet Mohembo border post. There’s a 20 km section of dirt road on the Namibian side of the border before you hit tar again. Don’t worry – the dirt is in good condition.

The Zambezi Region is your secret weapon on the Great Northern Loop. Previously known as the Caprivi Strip, it offers fantastic value-for-money accommodation and access to game-rich parks that are more affordable than their Botswana counterparts. Experiences you might think of as unique to Botswana, like mokoro rides, tigerfishing and river cruises to see game, can also be done here at a fairer rate.

See page 84 for places to stay.

DAY 6 Okavango River, Namibia

Two days next to the Okavango is the minimum requirement. Visit Mahango Game Reserve, go