It’s funny how a friend’s travel photos can ignite a spark, pulling you back to your own unforgettable journeys. Over a year has passed since my partner and I embarked on a monumental slow-travel adventure through Southern Africa, a trip that, despite its incredible highs and a dramatic, unexpected turn at its conclusion, never quite made it fully onto my blog. Until now. Inspired by those rekindled memories, I’m thrilled to finally share the unfolding story of our weeks spent camping and driving through the vast, awe-inspiring landscapes of Namibia, the wild heart of Botswana, and the majestic Victoria Falls.
Every grand adventure has a beginning, and for us, that meant a colossal 16-hour flight that stretched across hemispheres, transporting us deep into the lower reaches of the African continent. It was a journey that truly put the “long” in long-haul, a testament to the immense distances we were covering to reach our destination. We departed from Atlanta, Georgia, leaving behind the familiar rhythms of the American South for the promise of uncharted experiences.
Our first stop on this epic itinerary was the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg, South Africa. Known affectionately as “Jo’burg” or “Egoli” (the City of Gold), Johannesburg serves as the economic powerhouse of South Africa and a vibrant melting pot of cultures, histories, and aspirations. For many travelers, it’s the gateway to the incredible diversity that Southern Africa offers, acting as a crucial hub for connecting flights and onward journeys.
Arriving in Johannesburg, there’s an immediate energy that hits you. This isn’t just a city; it’s a living narrative of South Africa’s complex past and its dynamic present. While our time here would be brief before heading into the wilder expanses of Namibia, Botswana, and eventually Victoria Falls, it was an essential and exciting first step. It was here that we truly began to feel the shift in pace, the subtle but profound difference in the air, signaling that we were no longer just planning a trip – we were living it.
Stay tuned as we delve into the heart of Southern Africa.
This entry is part of a trip. Continue the story? —> Forward
Helpful Links
- Travel Guides
- Namibia Self-Drive Guide by Tracks4Africa
- Namibia Map by Tracks4Africa
- Botswana Self-Drive Guide by Tracks4Africa
- Botswana Map by Tracks4Africa
- Insight Guides Namibia (Travel Guide with Free eBook): I have come to like these books more than Lonely Planet.
- Free walking tours in Johannesburg
- Places to stay in Johannesburg
- History of Johannesburg – Wikipedia
- Free tour of the history and lifestyle of Soweto
Stepping Thru Our Story:
- Exploring Southern Africa: A Journey Through Namibia and Botswana
- Understanding Johannesburg’s Complex Past and Present
- Exploring Soweto: A Walking Tour Through History
- A Journey through Windhoek: History and Highlights
- Camping Under the Stars in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert
- Discover Wildlife in the Okavango Delta: Canoe and Safari Experiences
- Exploring Wildlife in Chobe National Park
- Navigating Chobe’s Sand: A Journey Through Savuti
- Explore Chobe Riverfront: A Wildlife Paradise
- Victoria Falls: The Mighty Wonder Between Zimbabwe and Zambia
- Exploring Victoria Falls: A Guide to Zambia’s Hidden Gems
- Driving the Caprivi Strip
- Exploring Namibia’s Etosha National Park
- Exploring Etosha: Elephants and Conservation Stories
- A Scenic Journey to Swakopmund from Etosha National Park
- Exploring the Namib Desert: A Guide to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
- Lost in Namibia: A Travel Experience to Remember
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