What a start to 2026!! Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways was the dream trip for me; totally immersive (in more ways than one!) and an amazing lifetime experience to really see what life is like on an adventure safari, rather than the "day trippers" who go on game drives and then return to an air-conditioned lodge.
Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways: The Ultimate Practical Guide to a True African Overland Experience
An Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways trip is not a traditional holiday. It is an immersive, sometimes raw, often dusty, always unforgettable journey into some of the wildest and most beautiful landscapes in Africa. This is real safari travel: camping under the stars, waking to the sound of birds and distant animals, driving through national parks where wildlife dictates the pace, and learning to live simply, efficiently, and consciously.
This guide is designed as a comprehensive, practical resource for anyone preparing for an Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways experience. It is based on real-world lessons learned in the field, including packing advice, logistics, personal comfort tips, hygiene realities, technology considerations, and what to expect day to day on safari. If you are looking for an honest, no-nonsense guide to help you arrive prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy every moment, this is it.
Understanding the Reality of an Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways Trip
An Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways tour is overland, mobile, and camp-based. You are not staying in luxury lodges with air conditioning and WiFi. You are living in a tent, travelling with a small group, helping with camp duties, and adapting to the rhythm of the African bush.
This is exactly what makes the experience extraordinary and as immersive as you want it to be.
Bushways safaris are well organised, professionally guided, and extremely safe, but they expect participants to be self-sufficient, flexible, and engaged. The more you lean into the experience, the richer it becomes.
I went to a UK travel agent to arrange this, and a couple of activities once I had reached Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe). It worked about 90% of the time, mainly due to the number of companies involved in the organisation. If I'd done it again, I'd ask the main UK travel agent to coordinate with Bushways direct. If you are really interested, I may be able to get you a discount; drop me a line!
Packing
Flights, Luggage, and Weight Limits
One of the first pleasant surprises on our Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways trip was that the internal flight was on a jet, not a prop plane. This meant the luggage allowance was 20kg, not the 12kg stated in the joining instructions. This gave a bit of breathing space when packing, though it is still wise to pack light and efficiently.
This was a bit of a bugger, to be honest... as the joining instructions stated 12kg for internal flights, I packed for 12kg. That included clothes, sleeping bags, camera kit, etc., etc. Managed to get it all in at about 11.5kg. Pretty impressed. However, I brought everything I needed and even went back on the home flight to Heathrow wearing a totally clean UK-washed pair of socks and knickers :-)
That said, you should not rely on this being the case on every Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways itinerary. Always pack as if you have a strict limit, because some internal transfers do use smaller aircraft.
Why did I have silver tape...
Daypacks and Carry-On
In addition to the main bag (make sure it's a soft hold-all, not a hard case), I also used a smaller bag as a day sack.
A 20–30 litre daysack is ideal. It doubles as:
- Game drive bag
- Day-to-day essentials holder
- Carry-on luggage for flights
It should be comfortable, lightweight, and easy to access while seated in the safari vehicle.
Booking Issues in Victoria Falls: A Lesson Learned
One of the few frustrations during our Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways trip occurred before the safari officially began. The activities in Victoria Falls were not fully detailed in advance, so we had to make an international phone call to resolve the bookings at a cost of £10. This seemed to be a communications error on the UK side.
Lesson learned:
Before your Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways departure, confirm all optional activities in Victoria Falls (or any pre-safari stop) by email and ensure you have written confirmation of:
- Dates
- Times
- Pick-up points
- Payment details
This avoids unnecessary stress and cost on arrival.
Toilets on an Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways Trip (The Honest Truth)
This deserves its own section because it’s one of the most common concerns.
Type 1: The Wild Wee
On many game drives and transit days, toilet facilities are wherever you find a bush or tree. This is normal, expected, and quickly becomes second nature.
Type 2: The Bush Toilet
At campsites, you’ll often find a basic latrine:
- A 2ft hole in the ground
- A toilet seat placed on top
- Soil nearby to cover waste
Careful aiming is required, and you must always cover faeces and toilet paper. It is basic, but perfectly functional.
By the way... You do have a open air tent that goes around you for this in real life. The photo is just to show you !
Essential Tip
Bring at least 10 large wet wipes per day, stored in a plastic bag. They are invaluable for:
- Toilet hygiene
- Washing hands
- Quick body clean
- Freshening up in the heat
On an Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways trip, wet wipes are gold.
Showers and Washing: Managing Water in the Bush
Water conservation is taken seriously on any Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways tour. Showers are limited and basic.
A typical shower is:
- A bag of water
- Hung in a tree
- With a simple shower head
- Producing a slow trickle
You can manage a quick strip wash (face, pits, bits) every morning if you get up 15 minutes earlier than the group. So another good tip is to take a flannel for the strip wash.
Smell Management
Do not stress about wearing the same trousers or shirt multiple days. Instead:
- Prioritise clean underwear
- Keep your “bits” clean
- An easy way to think about hygiene in the bush is to wash - Face, Pits, Bits and Feet and in that order, using the same water. Use a flannel.
- Use deodorant if concerned, and talking is useful if you may chafe.
- Accept that dust is part of the experience
Clothing: What Actually Works in the Bush
Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential on an Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways expedition.
Recommended Clothing
- Long-sleeved tops (sun + insect protection)
- Long trousers
- Long socks
- Muted colours: khaki, tan, green, brown, grey
- Sweat rag or buff for neck cooling
Avoid bright colours and white. They attract insects and show dirt instantly.
Footwear
Do not wear sandals or flip-flops in the evening. You will get bitten, se them only for showers.
Walking shoes are great; you don't really need boots. For the wet season use shows that will easily dry
Sleeping: Tents, Heat, and Comfort
Tents on an Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways trip are easy to put up, but there is a knack. Ask the guides for help on day one; they are happy to show you. They are strong, sturdy and made of canvas with steel poles. Not sure they are lion-proof, though!
Sleeping Equipment
You can hire sleeping bags and mats from Bushways, or bring:
- Single sheet
- Light sleeping clothes
- Jungle blanket
- This is a lightweight blanket that you can wrap yourself in, and it's a great option other than a sleeping bag. I used this Therma Rest Argo sleeping blanket and bought it from Amazon.
In January, night temperatures were around 21°C, but tents can feel hotter due to limited airflow. The blanket was more than adequate when paired with lightweight clothes to sleep in.
Game-Changing Tip
Bring a USB-powered fan for your tent. It makes a huge difference in hot conditions and uses minimal power. I didn't, and I regretted it; however,r with the hindsight of more weight I would have brought one
Power, Charging, and Technology
Charging devices is one of the biggest challenges on an Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways tour. The vehicles have very limited 230v and USB charging.
Power Banks
Bring a large power bank (up to 99Wh for flights). This is essential. I used this one, which has a small solar panel attached. The solar panel would need two full days to recharge the battery, but every little helps.
Solar Power Bank 26800mh USB C fast charging - again from Amazon.
Solar Panels
A 40W solar panel proved incredibly useful and was later gifted to the guides, who rely heavily on solar charging. If you bring one, you will use it every day. I left mine with one of the guides (Kashi, who was an outstanding cook) as it's pretty pointless in the UK when I have a 405W on the campervan!
FlexSolar 40w Solar Panel, again from Amazon
Cameras
- Bridge camera with long integrated zoom
- 256GB SD card (more than enough)
- Multiple batteries (preferably rechargeable)
- 360° camera for immersive footage
Guess what...yes I got my camera from Amazon. wasn't going to bring the prodfessional interchangable lenses on a trip like this.
Sony DSCRX10M3 4K Premium Digital Bridge Camera with a 24-600 mm F2.4-4 Zeiss Vario-Sonar T Lens
Navigation, Apps, and Connectivity
eSIM
An eSIM is highly recommended.
Holafly provided all-Africa coverage for £65, which worked well throughout the trip.
Offline Maps
The Tracks 4 Africa app (£12 for all of Africa) is excellent:
- Works offline
- Uses airplane mode
- Accurate tracks and park routes
This app is especially useful on an Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways trip where you often travel beyond marked roads. It has pretty much all the bush track included and all the major and minor roads for Africa. Totally THE purchase of the trip for me.
Some of the tracking screenshots -
I also subscribe to OSGB Online Maps, and that has a facility to use satellite photos for tracking, so I used that to get a Lat and Long of where I was along the route.
Binoculars, Journals, and Wildlife Tracking
Binoculars are essential. You will see far more, especially birds and distant predators.
Bushways provides a tick book to track animals seen, which adds a fun, educational dimension to the safari. A notebook is also recommended for journalling – these memories deserve to be written down while they are fresh.
Hygiene Kit and Medical Essentials
Small Wash Kit
- Soap
- Toothpaste
- Travel toothbrush
- Nail brush
- Flannel
First Aid Kit
- Antihistamine tablets
- Antihistamine cream
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Plasters
- Blister treatment
- Paracetamol / Ibuprofen
- Small penknife
- Paracord
Sun & Insect Protection
- Factor 50 sunscreen
- 50% DEET spray
- Hand cream (dust dries skin fast)
Sunscreen goes on first, followed by the repellent.
Vaccinations and Health Prep
- GP surgeries can provide free vaccinations from some vaccinations
- Superdrug offers a comprehensive service, but it is expensive
Ensure you are fully vaccinated well before your Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways departure. Always check for Yellow Fever and get the injection if required, or at least an exemption card.
Food: Surprisingly Outstanding
One of the biggest surprises of the Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways experience is the food.
Every meal is cooked over a wood fire, often on a griddle, and the quality is exceptional. There is:
- Plenty of food
- Freshly prepared meals
- Lots of condiments and spices
- Hot breakfasts and hearty dinners
You will never go hungry.
Helping Out: Why You Should Get Involved
Although not mandatory, helping with camp chores adds hugely to the experience:
- Collecting firewood
- Washing up
- Digging latrines
- Putting up the shower
- Setting up the main tent
The guides will guide you, and they genuinely appreciate the help. On a Botswana Bushways Adventure Safari, participation is part of the immersion.
Yes...that's me helping to change brakes and callipers on the wagon we were driving. When I said immersive, I meant it. On this trip we also had to change a tyre due to a slow puncture, get some help from incredibly friendly locals when we got bogged down and finally took off a drive shaft as it was knacked. All in 35'C heat in the middle of nowhere :-)
Removing the driveshaft
The drive shaft after being removed
The incredible guides, Evans (Driver) and Kashi (Cook) checking out the route. Shortly after this, I spotted a baby crocodile just a few feet away from Evans!
Sanitary Products and Cultural Sensitivity
While not an issue on this particular trip (for me, or as far as I know for the females on the trip), previous experience makes this worth mentioning.
Sanitary products should be:
- Wrapped securely
- Placed in sealed bags (Ziploc or dry bag)
- Packed out to bins at camp or park gates
Never bury, burn, or leave them in the bush. Animals are attracted to the scent, and it causes environmental harm. The campsites used are marked and well know and are regulated sites; you can't just park and camp anywhere.
Consider:
- Menstrual cups
- Reusable pads
These are often easier for long safaris.
Water: The Golden Rule
Water is precious. On an Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways tour always:
- Use water sparingly
- Do not waste it
- Wash efficiently
- Refill collapsible bottles only as needed
A collapsible water bottle keeps your bag light and adapts to daily needs.
Park Gates, Facilities, and Rubbish Disposal
All park entrance gates have:
- Toilets
- Rubbish facilities
This is where you dispose of waste responsibly. It is part of the Bushways ethic of leaving no trace.
Activities in Victoria Falls (If You Have Time)
Before or after your Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways trip, Victoria Falls offers outstanding activities:
- Sunset cruise
- Angel’s Pool
- Guided Falls walk
- Helicopter ride (spectacular but expensive at £500 for two)
If budget allows, the helicopter ride provides an unforgettable perspective of the Falls.
Final Thoughts: Why Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways Is Worth It
An Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways safari is not luxury travel. It is something far better: authentic travel. It strips life back to basics and reconnects you with nature, people, and yourself.
You will:
- Wake with the sun
- Fall asleep to the sounds of the bush
- Learn patience
- Learn adaptability
- Gain deep respect for the environment
If you arrive prepared, open-minded, and willing to participate, an Adventure Safari Botswana Bushways experience will stay with you for the rest of your life.
It is not just a safari.
It is a journey to find and explore what really matters in the real world.
Gallery One - The Amazing Animals
Gallery Two - mobile phone
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