AFRICA

For our very first international 50th anniversary trip, ARB headed to Africa and what followed was nothing short of unforgettable.

We left the bitumen behind and dived headfirst into the wild, which unlocked a whole new definition of adventure. Corrugated tracks, deep sand, river crossings, and surprise encounters with elephants, giraffes, zebras and hippos were just the beginning.

Each day brought a new challenge, whether it was tracking wildlife through remote bushland or dancing under the stars, this was off road exploration at its rawest.

Want to see the adventure for yourself? Hit the link to watch it all unfold on ARB’s YouTube channel.

WATCH HERE

Day 1: Johannesburg → Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Our journey began with a 620km drive from Johannesburg, crossing the Groblersbrug border into Botswana. After fuelling up (and grabbing essential and traditional snacks like droewors and biltong in Lephalale), we continued through Palapye to our first stop – Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

With groceries picked up in Serowe, we settled in for a true bush experience, capping off the day with a fireside braai (BBQ) under a sky full of stars.

ARB Tip: Watch the sunset in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary surrounded by Giraffes and Zebras – a true bucket list experience.

Day 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary → Maun

After an early start from Khama Rhino Sanctuary, we journeyed 520km north toward Maun, refuelling and recharging with snacks in Boteti. Rolling into Maun by afternoon, we stocked up on supplies before settling into Crocodile Camp, which was our base for the night on the edge of the Okavango Delta. The day wrapped up with a traditional buffet dinner, enjoyed as the sun dipped behind the palms.

ARB Tip: Stick around after dinner as the campfire comes alive with traditional dancers – an unforgettable display of local culture under the stars.

Day 3, 4 & 5: Maun → Xwabaxwa Campsite

Leaving Maun behind, we aired down in Shorobe, where the bitumen ends and the real adventure begins! A short but scenic 120km journey took us deep into the Khwai Concession, where our base camp at Xwabaxwa sat beside a bustling watering hole. Here, elephants and zebras wandered through camp by day, while nights were reserved for fireside meals and stargazing (just don’t wander alone after dark)!

With rooftop tents set and the campfire always stocked thanks to the locals, each evening brought traditional bush dinners, while days were spent exploring Moremi Game Reserve and gliding through the Khwai River by mokoro or boat – an unforgettable immersion into Botswana’s rich wildlife and culture, where lions, giraffes, crocodiles, and hippos were never far from view.

ARB Tip: ARB LED camp lights will help you spot all of the animals making noises around the camp fire when its dark. Make sure you don’t leave anything out at night as Hyenas will come into your camp.

Day 6: Xwabaxwa Campsite → Francistown

We hit the road for a 600km journey from Xwabaxwa Campsite back through Maun to Francistown, stopping at the vibrant Nata Lodge for a relaxing lunch at this traditional African retreat. Arriving at Woodlands in Francistown, ARB rooftop tents remained essential – especially with the local snakes nearby!

The day ended perfectly around the campfire with a braai of local meats and roosterkoek, paired with a cold St Louis Lager.

ARB Tip: Look out for Elephants crossing the highway! Not even an ARB Bull Bar will protect you from these animals!

Day 7: Francistown → Johannesburg

The final stretch covered 700km back to Johannesburg, crossing the Groblersburg border and making plenty of fuel stops along the way. A recommended pit stop at Lephalale fuel station offered tasty droewors snacks to keep spirits high!

ARB Tip: After all those kilometres, unpack, enjoy a hot shower, and raise a cold drink to celebrate an unforgettable journey!

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