Hi r/Travel …. We are leaving in January 2017. I am just booking my Around Australia campervan for the western Australia portion of this trip, and have a NZ almost mapped out. Europe is going to be easy, because we have a bit more background there. My big questions relate to travel and fun in South Africa and Namibia. After some review online we are planning to arrive in Joberg, drive to Royal Natal and Central Drak parks, staying probably 4-5 days in each spot. Then to Windhoek (by 2 hr flight? via combo of train and bus?) and self drive to Etosha for another 4-5 nights there. Our plan is to book the cabins at Etosha, then grab guided drive and walk safaris from the parks on arrival. In Drak and Royal Natal, we hope to also grab cabins, and do some hiking, hopefully some or even all of that without guides. We are mid 50s, experienced hikers (in a Canadian context …) and know our physical limits. Not at all sure about how safe (wildlife, crime, etc) this plan is in an African setting. We hate organized all-in holidays and really are trying to see and participate in Africa, though obviously with safety in mind.

If you have background in this area, I would really appreciate your stories. Booking flights and vehicles in Africa within the next 10 to 14 days, probably, so fill my inbasket please 🙂

Thanks guys 🙂

PS: more than happy to share any of the research I do for this trip, so if you are doing something similar and have questions, just ask!

Oh! We had an epiphany … might look to take four weeks, drive from Joburg to Etosha and back doing a circuit through Botswana. I think roughly 3500 kms … gulp … but comments on the safety and road requirements for this would also be welcome 🙂