Field notes and travel guides
Practical, honest advice for planning a safari in southern Africa, from people who’ve done it.
Eight things we wish someone had told us
The practical lessons from years of travelling southern Africa, and from driving the Victoria Falls to Hwange road in September 2026.
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Your first safari: where to start
Turn "one day" into a plan. Seven decisions that shape a first trip to southern Africa, in the order we'd make them.
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When to visit southern Africa
There is no single best month. Here is how the seasons change across Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia, and how to choose yours.
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Visas and border crossings
What to check before a trip that crosses borders, from passport validity to cross-border vehicle permits.
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Malaria and safari health
Sensible health preparation for a safari in southern Africa, and the questions to ask your GP.
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What to pack for safari
A packing list built for cold dawn drives, hot afternoons and small-plane luggage limits.
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Chobe: the river of giants
Why time on the water and time on land together make a Chobe stay so special.
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Victoria Falls: give it more time
How to make the Falls a highlight of your trip rather than a quick photo stop.
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Mana Pools: making time for the wild
A closer look at Zimbabwe's great river wilderness, and why it rewards a slower pace.
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Lower Zambezi: a safari shaped by the river
Game drives, river time and space to slow down in one of Zambia's most beautiful parks.
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Lake Kariba by houseboat
Shared meals, open water and a slower rhythm: what to check before you book a houseboat.
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Plan Southern Africa like a local.
Where to go, when to go, the wildlife you’ll meet, what it really costs, and the things we wish someone had told us.