How you organise your holiday depends on what kind of a trip you're taking. Generally the more expensive the trip, the more organisation it needs.

Organising a budget or backpacking trip

If you're backpacking then usually you're more restricted by money than by time. Many of the side-trips and safaris that you take will be organised at the time, on the ground – and trying to do too much in advance might be counter-productive.

So, read the book, and head off. Start by heading towards Maun or Kasane, keeping your eyes open and talking to people you meet to see what's going on. And enjoy! Much of the joy is the unpredictability of these trips; if you want everything fixed and arranged then backpacking isn't really for you!