On business in South Africa during the pandemic period of late March 2021 – early April 2021, and in no hurry to return to France to confine myself, I took a ten-day vacation on the spot – with friends – and the firm intention of going to Bostwana, a country renowned for its wildlife and a unique opportunity that wouldn’t come around again anytime soon.

A quick web search brought us to the Tawana Self Drive website, a way of traveling close to the wildlife, quick to set up and with an acceptable budget compared to the cost of (very expensive) lodge accommodation. A message to Julie and Vincent, a French couple based in Bostwana who run the site… And a huge thank you for their responsiveness! Vincent calls me right back. 5 days, 2 conversations, 3 proposals and an online payment, and here we are with a program all set up, but on our own. All that’s left to do is buy the tickets to Maun! Tawana Self Drive had even sought out the laboratories to carry out the PCR tests required for flights and for crossing the Zambian border to visit Victoria Falls.

Autonomous, but not alone! Julie/Vincent’s added value is much appreciated.

– French-language exchanges, especially in the event of mechanical problems. Not everyone knows the English terms for engine/transmission mechanics, and exchanges are made easier (real-life experience).

– A central point to discuss any problem with. Julie and Vincent have developed a very appreciable ecosystem of contacts/assistance/support (also a real-life experience).

– Route tracking and a phone call in the evening to check that we’ve reached the stage. A satellite phone and a local sim card were provided for easy communication; the satellite phone is an important safety feature on the savannah tracks, where we met no one and had no telephone network (we hadn’t thought of that!).

– 2 GPS units supplied (one portable, one with the car), another safety feature, with a big bravo for the detailed maps built by Julie and supplied with the road book, enabling us to navigate all the reserves without GPS.

– A detailed roadbook. Where to stock up on food, where to get petrol, PCR tests, cost of reserves, park, advice on optional activities, at every stage. Very comprehensive! We had abandoned the Petit Futé to read the road book, which was even more practical and complete.

All in all, a superb, colorful journey through the varied landscapes of northern Bostwana, in total symbiosis with nature, with many animals and hundreds of photos (!), and with an adventurous tone, enough to fill winter evening conversations, but in complete safety.

– A detailed briefing to get to grips with the car, with driving tips (repeated in the road book), the attitude to adopt with the (still) wild animals, and the roles reversed (we’re in their homes).

Au final, un superbe voyage coloré des paysages variés du nord du Bostwana, en totale symbiose avec la nature, aux multiples animaux et centaines de photos (!), et à la tonalité aventureuse, suffisante pour meubler les conversations des soirées d’hiver mais en toute sécurité.

Published on: 3 May 2021