Do neighbouring countries make worthwhile road trip destinations in summer?
A look at why Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia are excellent summer destinations for adventurous travellers.
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Esté Kruger
Travelling into Zimbabwe, Botswana or Namibia during the summer holds enormous appeal for holidaymakers seeking variety, space and new sights beyond familiar South African routes. Each country offers unique landscapes that feel worlds apart yet remain comfortably accessible by road.
Zimbabwe attracts travellers with dramatic scenery, wildlife and heritage. Victoria Falls continues to be the main drawcard, but summer rains bring fresh vegetation, vibrant colours and cooler evenings. National parks remain active with wildlife, although thick vegetation requires more patience for sightings. A festive atmosphere in towns like Victoria Falls and Bulawayo adds warmth to the journey.
Botswana appeals to travellers who enjoy stillness, wilderness and quiet lodges. The summer season is the green season, when the bush transforms into lush grasslands. Birding becomes exceptional, and dramatic skies add depth to photographs. Road trippers enjoy well-maintained tar roads on main routes, but also need to account for slower driving through wildlife corridors. This is part of the charm, though it demands focus.
Namibia offers an entirely different environment with massive open spaces, wide horizons and spotless roads. Summer brings hot days, but mornings and evenings are ideal for exploring. The coastal belt, including Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, provides cool relief from inland temperatures. Travellers who enjoy scenic photography find Namibia unmatched, while those seeking a relaxing seaside escape appreciate the calmness of the coast during this period.
The beauty of neighbouring countries lies in their contrasts. One trip may include Zimbabwe’s waterfalls, Botswana’s wildlife and Namibia’s desert coastline. Summer invites travellers to chase variety and collect experiences that feel fresh and rewarding.
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