9.6/10 based on 53 reviews

Namibia and Botswana Wildlife & Salt pans journey

Namibia and Botswana, two beautiful countries combined in to a stunning self drive safari. An adventurous 24-day self-drive 4×4 tour of the pristine desert of Namibia combined with the safari animals & salt pans of Botswana. During this 4×4 tour you will for example explore these two special countries in Southern Africa. A beautiful combination between rugged and unspoiled nature in Namibia and also the adventurous game parks in Botswana.

The itinerary also includes the sand dunes at Sossusvlei, Spitzkoppe, the Etosha National Park, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans nature reserve and the Moremi (Okavango Delta). Above all Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana also guarantees seeing the safari animals in a real Africa & bush setting. One of the highlights of this trip is the special Kubu Island in the middle of the Salt Pans of Botswana.

On this self-drive Namibia & Botswana tour, camping is alternated with fixed accommodations. This way you can enjoy more luxury after camping for a few nights. The journey can of course also be adjusted to your personal wishes. Ask us about the possibilities.

Advantages of self-drive 4×4 package trips

  • Inclusive support and professional advice safari trip
  • Inclusive GPS with Tracks4Africa software and all 4×4 waypoints and destinations for your trip
  • Inclusive CDW2 insurance with Zero Excess
  • A perfectly mapped route with optimal travel distances
  • SGR cover for pre-paid funds (incl. Sicherungsschein for Germany)

Alternative 24 days itinerary:

If you wish you can also book our alternative Namibia and Botswana tour. This tour is without the salt pans but with for example 2 extra nights in the Chobe National Park.

Gemsbok
Muchenje campsite Namibia and Botswana
Spitzkoppe Namibia and Botswana

Itinerary

  • 1: Windhoek
  • 2: Sesriem
  • 3: Sossusvlei/Solitaire
  • 4: Swakopmund
  • 5: Spitzkoppe
  • 6: Twyfelfontein
  • 7: Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo)
  • 8: Etosha National Park (Halali)
  • 9: Etosha National Park (Namutoni)
  • 10: Rundu
  • 11: Okavango Delta (Ngepi Camp)
  • 12: Okavango Delta (Ngepi Camp)
  • 13: Chobe River Camp
  • 14: Kasane (Botswana)
  • 15: Kasane (Victoria Falls)
  • 16: Nata
  • 17: Kubu Island
  • 18: Gweta
  • 19: Maun
  • 20: Moremi Game Reserve
  • 21: Moremi Game Reserve
  • 22: Ghanzi
  • 23: Windhoek
  • 24: Return Flight
house icon white 5 nights lodge / B&B
tipi tent icon white 18 nights camping
car icon white 23 days 4x4 rental

Route & itinerary

24days
1

Day 1: Windhoek

After you have arrived in Windhoek, the first day of your Namibia and Botswana self-drive journey starts. After arrival at the airport you will be welcomed and picked up by our partner, the car rental company for the transfer of the car. You will then receive an extensive instruction and after completing the formalities, the self-drive journey starts. The first night of the trip is planned in Windhoek at the Arebbusch Travel Lodge You would have enough time to acclimatize and, for example, to go shopping in the nearby shopping center and also get to know the 4×4 car.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: 40 km.

2

Day 2: Sesriem

When you have done your shopping on the first day, you can also start early today for the trip to Sesriem and the Namib Desert (Namib Naukluft Park). Your journey goes through Rehoboth and then along the Remshoogte Pass. After that you will arrive in Sesriem in the afternoon at the Sesriem campsite

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 330 km.

3

Day 3: Sossusvlei/Solitaire

A full day to visit the sand dunes of Sossusvlei and also Deadvlei. It is advisable to start early in the morning, so that you are at the dunes in time for the sunrise. A breathtaking spectacle with red and orange colors and deep shadows. The journey up and down to the dunes is about 120 km. You spend the night at the foot of the Spreets Hoogte pass. This is about a 110 km drive from Sesriem. You will stay at the special Camp Gecko.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 230km

4

Day 4: Swakopmund

After the two nights at the sand dunes, your Namibia Botswana tour continues to the next destination: Swakopmund located on the Atlantic Ocean coast. The road that you will follow will cross the Kuiseb Canyon and after that the vast gravel fields of the Namib Desert. You will arrive in Swakopmund in the afternoon. Beware of excessive speeds on the gravel roads! 80 km per hour maximum. In Swakopmund, for example, you can also undertake an optional activity such as sand boarding. You will stay at Desert Breeze on the edge of the sand dunes.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: 350 km.

5

Day 5: Spitzkoppe

This morning after breakfast at the B&B you have for example time to explore Swakopmund and to do some shopping if necessary. You then continue to the next destination of this Namibia and Botswana self-drive journey, the pointed rocks of Spitzkoppe. A beautiful area with walking and climbing options with phenomenal views! This morning, for example, it is also optional to first drive to the sea seal colony at Cape Cross and then continue the journey to Spitzkoppe.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 160 km (via Cape Cross 290 km).

6

Day 6: Twyfelfontein

Today your Namibia and Botswana self drive will bring you to Twyfelfontein. Via a rough, scenic and unique route in Damaraland. Along the way you can also visit the Organ Pipes and the Petrified forest. You will stay at Mowani Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 224 km.

7

Day 7: Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo)

From Twyfelfontein your self-drive journey continues to the Etosha National Park. Subsequently you will in total stay three nights in this vast game park in three different rest camps. In Etosha, for example, you have a good chance of seeing all kinds of wild animals such as elephants, rhinos and lions. The lighted drinking places in the resting camps are also above all highly recommended. You can also easily visit this on foot within walking distance of the camp. You will spend the first night in the Okaukuejo Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 340 km.

8

Day 8: Etosha National Park (Halali)

The second day in Etosha National Park. For example, you have the choice to make an early morning game drive and then return to Okaukeujo or immediately break up the entire camp and start the game drive towards Halali. At the Halali Restcamp you can also spot wildlife at the Halali waterhole in the evening. It is not uncommon to see hyenas, elephants and / or rhinos here, for example.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 100 km.

9

Day 9: Etosha National Park (Namutoni)

The third day of the stay in the Etosha National Park. Today you will also go on an extensive game drive towards the Namutoni Restcamp. Be sure to make a stopover at the viewpoint on the salt pans. And also today you have the choice between starting early and taking a walk around the camp or immediately breaking up and continuing the self-drive tour Namibia Botswana to Namutoni.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 100 km.

10

Day 10: Rundu

In the morning you have still time for a final game drive from the Namutoni camp. After that you will break up the camp and leave the Etosha National Park behind you. Today you will be getting closer to the Namibia and Botswana border. The road to Rundu is an asphalt road as a result progess is good. Along the way, for example, a stop can be made at the Hoba meteorite and you can, for example, stock up supplies in the city (Grootfontein). You will also pass various souvenir stalls where the locals offer all kinds of goods for sale. You will stay at the n’Kwazi Lodge.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: 420 km.

11

Day 11: Okavango Delta (Ngepi Camp)

The journey to Ngepi Camp is a simple and short drive of 210 km. Ngepi Camp is located on the Okavango River at the start of the “panhandle” of the Okavango Delta. In the afternoon, for example, there is time to visit the nearby, small but surprising Mahango National Park. You can also take a dive in the swimming pool in the river.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 210 km.

12

Day 12: Okavango Delta (Ngepi Camp)

A full (rest) day at Ngepi Camp. It is also possible to undertake an activity. Various excursions are offered at Ngepi Camp, often also on the water of the Okavango River with a local guide. For example: mekoro safari of boat safari. Recommended!

Accommodation: camping.

13

Day 13: Chobe River Camp

From Ngepi Camp you now drive further east through the Caprivi Strip onwards to Ngoma and the Botswana border. In the afternoon you will arrive at Chobe River Camp, situated on banks of the Chobe River. At the camp you can join one of the organized activities like sun downer cruise or kano trip.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 390 km

 

14

Day 14: Kasane (Botswana)

Today you will make a short drive to Kasane. However we advise you to drive via the Chobe Riverfront. In the Chobe National Park you have a good chance of seeing various antelopes, elephants and buffalo. When you drive through the Chobe National Park you will be on the road for about 3-5 hours depending on what animals you will encounter. The final destination for today is Kasane in Botswana, located on the border with Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The campsite also has an illuminated waterhole where you can certainly see elephants from very close by. You will stay at Senyati.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 80 km.

15

Day 15: Kasane (Victoria Falls)

During this Namibia and Botswana tour you will stay another night at Senyati. A full day off to fill in yourself. For example, it is possible to take a day trip to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or to drive around the Chobe National Park for a full day. Relaxing in the camp is of course an option.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: resting day.

16

Day 16: Nata

From Kasane you will continue this Namibia and Botswana journey to the South. Optionally, a game drive can be made in the Chobe National Park in the morning. You then continue to Elephant Sands where you will arrive in the afternoon. When you drive directly to Nata you also have the option to visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 300 km (excluding game drives).

17

Day 17: Kubu Island

Just outside Nata you leave the asphalt and start the dusty ride to Kubu Island. After that you drive to the South via various winding tracks. The GPS supplied by us makes itself very useful here. Along the way you will pass a cattle post and one of the large cattle fences. After passing the cattle fence, the last part of the route to Kubu Island starts. This island full of Baobab trees is one of the most special locations in Botswana. After setting up the camp you also have the opportunity to explore the island on foot.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance 80 km.

18

Day 18: Gweta

Today, after a quiet start where you also have every opportunity to roam around Kubu Island, you continue your journey to Gweta. The ride goes back to the North and then after passing the cattle fence to the West. Via winding tracks you reach the Nwetwe salt pan. You will cross this vast plain with the 4×4. The spatial feeling is enormous, there is nothing to see on the horizon. In the afternoon you will arrive in Gweta. You will stay at Planet Baobab.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 110 km.

19

Day 19: Maun

Gweta to Maun, a short drive is waiting for you. After camping for 9 nights you will now stay in a lodge. In Maun you can for example arrange practical things for the trip, for example grocery shopping and refueling for the coming days and also arrange the permit for the Moremi Game Reserve. You will stay at Discovery B&B.

Accommodation: chalet. Travel distance: 200 km.

20

Day 20: Moremi Game Reserve

After the morning in Maun you continue the journey to the Moremi Game Reserve. Campsite Mbudi on the edge of the Okavango Delta is today’s destination. This day, after you have passed the Buffalo Fence, is completely devoted to game drives and spotting the many safari animals that live in the Moremi reserve. You have for example a good chance of seeing lions, hyenas and leopards. There are also many elephants and antelopes here. The camps in the parks of Botswana are not fenced and the various animals will also come into the camp at night and during the day. A special experience!

Alternatives depending on availability for Mbudi are Khwai, Third Bridge, Magotho, Xakanaxa and Moremi South Gate Camp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 110 km.

21

Day 21: Moremi Game Reserve

You will stay another night at Mbudi. Get up early for the morning game drive! Today you also have the whole day to search for wild animals. For example, you have a good chance of seeing lions, elephants, antelopes, hyenas and leopards. The camps in the parks of Botswana are not fenced and the various animals will also come into the camp at night and during the day. An alternative from Mbud is to make a mekoro excursion.

Alternatives depending on availability for Mbudi are Khwai, Third Bridge, Magotho, Xakanaxa and South Gate Camp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 25 km.

22

Day 22: Ghanzi

Early morning game drive. After breaking up the camp, this self-drive 4×4 journey now goes back to civilization. After two nights in the Moremi Game Reserve, you now travel via Maun to Ghanzi. The drive to Ghanzi in the middle of the Kalahari Desert is an easy journey. After the sandy roads through the parks and the gravel in the direction of Maun you are now on an asphalt road again. If you arrive on time, it is for example also possible to undertake an activity with the Bushmen. You will stay at the Palm Afrique.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 400 km.

23

Day 23: Windhoek

The final drive back to Windhoek. After breakfast you drive to Windhoek. Along the way you will lastly cross the border with Namibia. After you have arrived in Windhoek, you then return the car to the rental company at the end of the afternoon. From there you will be taken to your accommodation. you stay at the Arebbusch Travel Lodge.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: 530 km.

24

Day 24: Return Flight

The last day of the trip. For example, there is time to buy some souvenirs at the craft center in the middle of the city. Depending on the departure time of your flight you will be picked up at the accommodation and then taken to the airport.

Your custom self drive 4×4 itinerary

All our self drive trips can be adjusted to your personal requirements. Staying somewhere for a day longer or adding another destination is not a problem.
Ask us about the possibilities and we are happy to help you!

Your 4x4 rental car

The default car is a Toyota Hilux 4×4 double cab 2.4 Diesel.

The Toyota Hilux double cab is the most perfect 4×4 rental car for a self-drive safari in Africa.

It has much space and comfort, and has sleeping places in the roof tent. This Toyota Hilux Double Cab 4×4 has a separate boot where you can safely store your travel bags, together with all the camping equipment for your self-drive journey in Southern Africa.

Available for both 2 and 4 people, the Hilux is the best choice. For travels with 5 people (two adults and three children) the Hilux double cab can also be used.

If you’re with just two people, the back seat is especially useful for photo bags, day packs and supplies.

It is possible to upgrade car at extra costs.

Check here all our 4×4 rental cars.

RATES

Here you can see the prices per person for various dates in 2024 and 2025. The Namibia and Botswana Salt Pans Self Drive trip is available for 2 to 4 people per car. The default car is a Toyota Hilux 4×4 double cab 2.4 Diesel. The price for 5 people or more can for example be requested and depends on the local possibilities and space in the preferred car. 4×4 cars (Land Cruiser or 4×4 camper) other than the default 4×4 car are available upon request.

11 November - 4 January, (2025)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.290,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.910,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.570,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 490,- per trip.

5 January - 19 March, (2025)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.450,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 2.020,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.670,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 490,- per trip.

20 March - 30 June, (2025)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.730,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 2.190,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.820,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 490,- per trip.

1 July - 10 November, (2025)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 3.250,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 2.570,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 2.090,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 490,- per trip.

11 November - 4 January, (2026)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.590,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 2.090,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.730,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 490,- per trip.

Included

Toyota Hilux 4x4 Double Cab with complete camping & safari equipment
All accommodation during the journey
Two drivers
GPS & Tracks4Africa software
Advise by experienced self drive specialists
Airport transfers
Support

Not included

International Flights
Entry Fees
Fuel
Food & Drinks
Upgrades to fixed (luxury) accommodations
Upgrades to Toyota Landcruiser or 4x4 camper instead of roof tent
Zero Excess insurance

Highlights

10 / 10

Skillful people

It was a really good experience and they are skillful to plan and give quick response with answers.

Good knowledge of Africa and the countries there. What to visit and they plan the trip so it suits the customer.
Quick response when you have questions.

Christer Jonson

10 / 10

Adequate hulp

Selfdrive4x4.com biedt adequate en deskundige hulp bij zowel het plannen van het reisschema, het regelen van autohuur en het daarbij horende papierwerk (verzekeringen, transfers) en het vastleggen van de camping- en lodge-locaties.

Anonymous

10 / 10

Perfect organization

Selfdrive4x4.com offers the perfect organization of the trip for selfdrivers.

Strengths

Very easy handling, good communication.

Franziska

10 / 10

Perfect

Perfect, I would recommend it to everybody to work together with it.

Strengths

Friendly people – very fast in answering questions – high knowlede about the things you need at your destination and for a 4×4 driving holiday – easy to comunicate with.

Improvements or suggestions

Right know for my use it was perfect. Especially since I am not next door, and just worked together via internet and phone.

 

Niedereder Raimund

10 / 10

We would recommend Selfdrive4x4.com to our friends

We booked a last minute 17 day self drive trip through Namibia with this company and everything was just perfect. Contact with the company was very pleasant and they kept us posted with updates about the progress of our trip. Gps, maps, book and 12V equipment was sent to our home as soon as our trip was confirmed.

Price wise it was a great deal and everything in Namibia (car and layovers) were to our satisfaction. We would definitely book again with this company and we would recommend it to our friends.

Reinier