Pilikwe, Botswana

Pilikwe is the kind of place where you either embrace rural Botswana or go stir-crazy. The hill to the north gives the village some topographic relief, but this isn't a destination with expat infrastructure. Chief Seretse's presence underscores traditional governance still running things here.

Football talent pipelines mean locals care more about the pitch than catering to foreigners. The 10km distance from Martin's Drift highway matters — you'll need a reliable vehicle for supplies. This works for self-sufficient types who want off-grid living at African village prices.