Embarking on a 12-day overland tour from Swakopmund, Namibia to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe booked with African Overland Tours was an adventure of a lifetime! As a solo female traveler, I was initially apprehensive about navigating Africa, but the structured group tour offered the perfect balance of independence and support. Booking through African Overland Tours was seamless, and their pre-trip information and assistance were invaluable in preparing me for the journey ahead. I had a lot of questions and was always answered quickly and felt reassured. Let's be real – the trip wasn't always a walk in the park. The first few days were challenging. Homesickness crept in, and the long drives coupled with setting up camp each night definitely tested my resilience. However, this is where the magic of group travel shone through. My fellow travelers were incredible! We quickly formed a tight-knit community, helping each other with tent setup (I even learned some pro tricks!), sharing stories around the campfire, and making even the long drives fun with games like Sudoku. Relationships formed that will last a lifetime and we are all still in contact. The support from our guide was also exceptional. Our lead guide, Keith, deserves a special shout-out. His warm smile and endless patience were a constant source of encouragement. He shared fascinating insights into local culture and wildlife, drawing from his own experiences growing up in Zimbabwe. I was particularly touched to see him extending his help to other tourists at Victoria Falls, even though they were not part of our group. He's a truly compassionate and knowledgeable person, and his presence made a huge difference in my overall experience. The challenges of the first few days quickly melted away when we reached Botswana. Botswana was the absolute highlight for me. The wildlife viewing was simply unparalleled. We were incredibly fortunate to witness an abundance of animals – leopard, elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, zebras, and even the ground hornbill, which I believe is endangered. We were so lucky! By the end of the trip, the initial homesickness was replaced by a sense of accomplishment and a tinge of sadness that it was all over. I left with not only incredible memories but also lifelong friendships and a newfound confidence. If you're looking for an authentic adventure that will challenge you, reward you, and leave you with unforgettable experiences, I highly recommend booking with African Overland Tours.