If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to wake up to elephants outside your room, spend your afternoons on a river cruise surrounded by hippos, and then float above it all in a hot air balloon… welcome to my Botswana & Namibia trip.

Spoiler: I wasn’t nearly as graceful as the giraffes, but I had the time of my life.

🚤 Cruising the Chobe River

There’s nothing like gliding along the Chobe River while elephants drink on the banks and hippos pop up like oversized bath toys. I tried to act like this was my normal commute, but the 200 photos on my camera roll say otherwise. The staff on the cruise were incredible — friendly, funny, and patient enough to answer all my “Is that a crocodile?!” questions.

👉 Plan your own Chobe River adventure with Viator tours

🦁 Chobe National Park Safaris

Morning safaris? Magical. Evening safaris? Even more magical (and dustier — my hair may never recover). From lions to elephants to zebra that looked like they were auditioning for a fashion show, every drive was a surprise. And our guides? Absolute legends — part wildlife experts, part comedians.

👉 Find safaris and tours in Chobe here at → Viator

🎈 Hot Air Balloon Rides in Namibia

Just when I thought things couldn’t get more surreal, I went up in a hot air balloon over Namibia’s desert landscapes. Floating silently above the dunes as the sun came up was one of those pinch-me moments… until I realized everyone else looked elegant and windswept while I looked like a lost tourist clinging to my GoPro. Still worth it.

👉 Check balloon rides & tours on Viator

🐘 The Wildlife Parade

I lost count of how many animals I saw between Botswana and Namibia: elephants, lions, hippos, giraffes, buffalo, crocodiles, and enough birds to make me pretend I was a birder. Pro tip: keep your camera ready at all times. The best moment always happens right when you put it away.

🏨 Where to Stay

Botswana and Namibia are filled with incredible lodges and hotels — from safari-style tents to river-view lodges. I’ve linked my favorites so you can find your perfect base without spending hours scrolling.

👉 See the hotels I personally recommend and stayed! on Expedia

🍷 Final Thoughts

Between river cruises, safaris at sunrise and sunset, and soaring over the desert in a hot air balloon, this trip checked every bucket list box I didn’t even know I had. The only thing I didn’t do? Look cool while doing it. But you definitely can.

👉 Start planning your Botswana & Namibia adventure -- Check out my Expedia suggestions.

👉 Book your tours & safaris in advance - check out my suggestions at Viator