For my next trip I'd like to avoid Johannesburg completely.

Has anyone ever entered/exited Zimbabwe overland from Namibia or Botswana carrying guns and ammo? Any border hassles?

As far as entering/exiting Namibia with firearms, I can get a letter of invitation to hunt before and after a Zim hunt so that would not be a problem, I think.

Namibiahunter

how would you get to Bots in the first place, if not by air from RSA?

Windhoek eastward by road on B6 toward Ghanzi.
Ghanzi to Maun to Nata to Francistown to Plumtree
Plumtree to Bulawayo
Windhoek to Victoria Falls via Caprivi

Is it doable with guns?

Namibiahunter

I didn't have my gun with me, but just drove from Windhoek to Vic falls via the Caprivi and it was cake. We crossed borders 7 times and it was very, very easy. I suspect that as long as paperwork is in order it shouldn't be too tough. We were never asked if we had firearms actually, and the truck recieved only a cursory look a few times looking for food products in coolers.

Had to bribe the old man at the Zim gate with milk before he would let us through....