From Rainbow Mist to Elephant Sands: My Overland Adventure Through Africa
Guest blog by Charné Munien, who travelled on Acacia Africa’s 8-day Victoria Falls to Windhoek Camping Tour.
Overlanding through Africa isn’t just a bucket list item. It’s the kind of immersive, unpredictable, soul-shifting experience that reshapes how you see the world. With Acacia Africa, I joined a group of fellow adventurers to travel from Victoria Falls through Botswana and into Namibia. If you’re wondering whether it’s the best way to explore this part of the continent, let me save you some time: it absolutely is.
It’s not five-star luxury, and that’s the point.
The trip is raw, real, and full of surprises—some that leave you speechless, some that leave you soaked to the skin, and all of them unforgettable.
The Route at a Glance
Zambia > Botswana > Namibia: From waterfall mist to desert skies, this route is a masterclass in contrasts.
Victoria Falls (Zambia): We felt the spray before we even saw it—literally kilometres away. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), Victoria Falls can throw over 500 million litres of water a minute in peak flow. We went in the wet season (Jan-April), which meant constant rainbows and walking through clouds of mist. Bring a raincoat or rent one on-site—trust me on this one.
Chobe National Park: We cruised past elephants drinking at the river and saw a pride of nine lions on our first drive. The early morning game drives were chilly, so don’t forget your layers (a hoodie, beanie, and socks go a long way).
Elephant Sands: Where else in the world can you brush your teeth while an elephant walks by? Our tents were pitched three meters apart to allow the elephants enough space to roam. Magical. Slightly terrifying. Completely wild.
Okavango Delta: We reached camp via Mokoro (dugout canoe), guided by locals who somehow make gliding across water with a stick look easy. I tried it. I spun in a circle. Twice. But the peace of that untouched place and the swim in the Delta with a guide while hippos grunted in the distance? Worth every wobbly moment.
Zelda’s Guesthouse (Namibia): Camping near a watering hole with thunderclouds rolling in, and learning from the KhoiSan how they live from the land. We watched kids dig up “treats” from under the sand, saw leaves used as medicine and natural dye, and just felt deep respect for their way of life.
Windhoek: Our final stop, filled with German-influenced architecture and a memorable dinner at Joe’s Beer House—a local classic.
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before the Trip
1. Accommodation is flexible: Acacia provides amazing tents, but if you’re craving aircon and a roof (we were after a few sweltering nights), most sites offer an upgrade option. We splurged for two nights and had no regrets.
2. Expect the unexpected. As our guide put it, “This is Africa.” Things break. Weather turns. A thorn may end up in your foot (true story). It’s all part of it. And sometimes the unexpected is wonderful.
3. The mist at Vic Falls will soak through your clothes. That’s not an exaggeration. Rent or bring a raincoat, and if you’re committed to capturing the moment, bring a waterproof case for your phone/camera.
4. It is safe. But respect the rules. Don’t wander alone at night. Camps like Elephant Sands have actual wild elephants roaming free. That’s part of the magic – but also why you follow your guide’s instructions.
5. Snacks are important. You’ll stop at well-stocked shops along the way, but plan ahead. Nothing worse than hitting a border hungry.
6. Cash is still king. USD is best, and rands go a long way too. ATMs exist (mostly FNB or ABSA), but sometimes they’re out of order or out of cash. You’ll need cash for tips, local crafts, or when card machines fail.
7. Say yes to everything. Mokoro lessons, swimming in the Delta, playing card games with strangers who become friends. This is where the good times really come to light.
8. You’ll probably cry once. Whether it’s the lions at dawn, the quiet of the stars, or leaving people you barely knew two weeks ago but now can’t imagine not knowing. This journey gets under your skin, in the best way.
Highs + Surprises
Highs:
- Watching lions stroll past our vehicle like we weren’t even there
- Swimming in the Okavango
- Sharing slow mornings, camp chores, and late-night chats with incredible women.
Surprises:
- The group dynamic. From retirees to adventurers on sabbatical, everyone had a story.
- The fact that every single place had electricity, hot water, and Wi-Fi (most of the time)
- How hard it was to say goodbye in Windhoek. Many travelers carried on, and I already knew I wanted to come back for the full extended tour one day.
Final Thoughts
Overlanding Africa isn’t a holiday. It’s an experience. A real one. It teaches you to let go of control, lean into the wild, and connect with new friends in a way modern life rarely allows.
You won’t forget the lions or the sunsets. But more than that, you won’t forget who you were out there, with sweat on your face and joy in your chest.
Blog post courtesy of Charné Munien — follow her journey on Instagram: @sponte_ney_ity
Inspired to go? Explore the same overland route here and start your own wild African journey.
