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Botswana

Deep sandy tracks. Elephants roaming along the riverbanks. Endless stretches of wilderness where you can drive for hours without seeing another soul. Botswana is a land of untamed beauty, where a 4x4 adventure takes you deep into the heart of the African wilderness. From the winding waterways of the Okavango Delta to the vast, open landscapes of the Kalahari, every journey is an adventure waiting to unfold. You choose the route. Nature decides what you discover along the way.

Southern Africa

Maun or Kasane
as a starting point

Best time to travel

May till October

Driving skills

Intermediate to experienced

A country where nature sets the pace.

In Botswana, an elephant might suddenly cross your path. You switch off the engine and wait. A few moments later, it disappears into the bush, and you're back on the sandy track. No rush, no fixed schedule. Just you, your 4x4, and the wilderness ahead. A self-drive safari in Botswana is all about the freedom to explore at your own pace. One day, you're navigating the sandy tracks of Moremi Game Reserve, watching elephants along the Chobe River, or discovering the waterways of the Okavango Delta. The next, you're heading south towards the endless salt pans of Makgadikgadi or the wide-open landscapes of the Kalahari. Every stretch of road brings something different. Driving is a big part of the adventure. Expect deep sand, remote tracks, occasional water crossings, and long distances between stops. Out here, there's often no one else around, and that's exactly what makes the experience so special. But Botswana isn't a destination where you simply hit the road without a plan. Good preparation, the right 4x4, and a carefully planned route make all the difference. With your own 4x4, you're in control of the journey. Stop to watch a herd of elephants, take your time at a waterhole, or simply enjoy the silence of the African bush. At the end of the day, settle into a remote campsite under the stars or relax at a lodge surrounded by nature. A Botswana self-drive adventure takes you beyond the usual safari routes, bringing you closer to wildlife and some of Africa's most remote landscapes. The driving can be challenging, but with the right vehicle, a well-planned route, and a sense of adventure, exploring Botswana independently becomes an experience unlike any other.

Botswana

is the right choice if.

  • Want to drive independently through national parks.
  • Dream of wildlife in its natural environment.
  • Enjoy camping in remote locations.
  • Believe the journey is as important as the destination.
  • Have around 20 days or more.
Please take into account:
  • Many routes follow sandy tracks where a 4x4 is essential.
  • Distances between facilities can be considerable.
  • Wildlife always has the right of way.

A destination made for 4x4 travel.

After a full day behind the wheel, navigating Botswana's sandy tracks, you find your campsite and park your 4x4. The rooftop tent goes up, the camping chairs come out, and the last light of the day slowly disappears behind the trees. For many travellers, this is what a <strong>self-drive adventure in Botswana</strong> is all about.

With a fully equipped 4x4, you carry everything you need for the journey. Your rooftop tent, cooking equipment, and camping gear travel with you, giving you the freedom to explore remote areas and spend the night at campsites in or near Botswana's national parks and game reserves.

Fancy a proper bed and a little more comfort along the way? You can mix camping with stays in lodges or tented camps. Spend a few nights camping in the bush, cooking your own meals and enjoying the sounds of the wilderness, before heading to a lodge by the river for a well-earned break.

Whether you choose to camp throughout your trip or combine camping with lodges, having your own 4x4 allows you to explore Botswana at your own pace and enjoy the journey as much as the places you visit.

Everything you need to know before you go.

No surprises along the way—that’s our motto. That’s why we’ve outlined the most important practical information about Namibia below. You will receive more details in your personal travel documents and via the app.

Driver's license

You need a valid driving licence and an International Driving Permit.

Traffic

Traffic drives on the left. Outside towns, traffic is generally light.

Roads

Botswana has paved roads, gravel roads and deep sandy tracks. In national parks, a 4x4 is essential.

Currency

The official currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP). Carry cash in remote areas.

Best time to visit by region

From May to October. This is the dry winter season when you’re most likely to spot wildlife.

Vaccinations

Consult a travel health clinic or healthcare provider before departure.

Which

Botswana

trip is right for you?

From changing landscapes to routes with a pace of their own. Explore our self-drive trips and find a starting point that suits the way you want to experience the country.

Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls self drive
19
days
from
1990
1990
p.p.
The sun rises over the dunes of Sossusvlei. An elephant appears at a waterhole in Etosha. And further along, the lush landscapes of the Okavango and Chobe await. Over these nineteen days, you travel through three countries, with the freedom to make your own choices along the way. You camp in remarkable places, swap gravel roads for 4x4 tracks and finish with two nights at Victoria Falls. The final stretch? You can leave the driving to someone else.
Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Windhoek - Victoria Falls self-drive
19
days
from
1990
1990
p.p.
A lion beside the track. An elephant slowly crossing your path. And at night, the sounds of the bush, right beside your rooftop tent. On this self-drive journey, you travel from Namibia's desert landscapes to Botswana's national parks, where the adventure takes on a new dimension. For four days, you venture deep into the wilderness, tackling rugged sandy tracks and staying at unfenced campsites. Your journey ends at Victoria Falls. You return your 4x4 in Kasane and leave the final stretch to someone else.
South Africa
Botswana
South Africa & Botswana self-drive
20
days
from
2050
2050
p.p.
Spotting a rhino from your 4x4. A lion resting right beside the track. Or waking up at a campsite with no fence between you and the wilderness. On this self-drive journey, you travel from South Africa through Botswana, from the national parks around the Okavango Delta to the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. You tackle rugged sandy tracks, camp deep in the bush and take time along the way to enjoy the comfort of a safari lodge. And the best part? Even your first and last days are all about safari. So you can make the most of every day on the road.