South Africa, Botswana & Zambia Self Drive

Begin this self-drive trip through Botswana and South Africa with a night in the Waterberg Wilderness on the road north to Mapungubwe National Park. You can make the first game drives here, and get familiar with the 4×4 and the camping gear. You stay at Bontle Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 180 km.

Mapungubwe is a relatively young and undiscovered National Park. It has also historical value because the Mapungubwe people have lived here. The location on the border of Zimbabwe and Botswana and the confluence of the Sashe and Limpopo Rivers make for a spectacular view. In addition, you’ll have a good chance of seeing elephants and even some rhinos. Lions and leopards also call the park their home. Go on game drives and relax in the camp, enjoy the sunset and a campsite barbecue. You stay at Mazhou Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 300 km.

Another night at Mazhou Campsite. A while day in Mapungubwe National Park. Go e.g. on game drives or one of the optional excursions, like a hike with a ranger.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: resting day.

Travel farther north to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Depending on when you leave, you will arrive in the afternoon. See the last rhinos of Botswana here: if you’re lucky, you’ll see several on the game drive through the park or at one of the waterholes from the hide.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 150 km.

Kubu Island in the Makgadikgadi salt pans is the next destination in Botswana. The journey will first take you across gravel and tarmac roads, but after that the real 4×4 adventure begins with a winding track across stretches of salt pans. After various cattle fences you will be able to see Kubu Island on the horizon. The campsite is simple and located near the island. Discover Kubu Island on foot and enjoy the big view and a stunning sunset.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 250 km.

Drive North and head straight across the Ntwetwe pan today, which is definitely one of the main attractions of this self-drive journey. The dusty journey will be rewarded with a stay at Planet Baobab in Gweta. Explore Gweta in the afternoon or relax at the pool.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 110 km.

A short drive to Maun. After 6 nights of camping, there is a lodge for this night. You can also arrange various things for your journey in Maun, like buying supplies and filling up with diesel for the coming days of wildlife reserves. You stay at Discovery B&B.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: 200 km.

After spending the morning in Maun, continue to the Moremi Game Reserve. Third Bridge, at the border of the Okavango Delta, is today’s destination. After you’ve crossed Buffalo Fence, this day will be filled with game drives and spotting the safari animals of the reserve. You have a good chance of seeing lions, hyenas, and leopards, just as elephants and antelopes. The campsites in Botswana do not have fences, so various animals will visit the camp during the day and in the night.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 130 km.

The 4×4 journey from 3rd Bridge to Khwai in the Moremi Game Reserve is one big game drive where you’ll see many animals. We advise you to start early so you can make another game drive loop around the Savuti camp before you go on to the Moremi Reserve. Arrive at North Gate and the Khwai campsite in the afternoon. After setting up camp, you can e.g. relax or go on an evening game drive along the Khwai River.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 60 km.

Travel north from Moremi and deep into Chobe National Park. The 4×4 is indispensable on the sandy tracks. Arrive in Savuti Campsite in the afternoon. This part of Chobe is well-known for its bull elephants and the Savuti Pride (a lion pride) living in the Savuti Marsh. Savuti Channel, running through the area and ending in the Savuti Marsh, was dry for many years, but water has been running through for several years now. In the afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time for an extensive game drive and continue to explore this remarkable region of Botswana.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 110 km.

A bumpy ride across dirt roads leads straight through Chobe National Park to Ihaha at the Chobe River. You can make a game drive in the morning before you head for Ihaha Campsite. In addition to seeing the many kinds of antelopes, it’s very likely you’ll meet lions, elephants, and bison.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 140 km.

Head east next, and follow the Chobe River to Kasane. On the way you have a good chance of spotting animals, like elephants at watering places. Arrive at the Chobe Safari Lodge in the afternoon, where you can go on a sunset cruise on the Chobe River.

Accommodation: lodge. Travel distance: 40 km.

Deliver the car to the rental agency in the morning, before continuing to Zambia. Arrive at your lodge in Livingstone around noon. You stay at Zambezi Waterfront Lodge.

Accommodation: Hotel with B&B. Travel distance: 80 km.

Optionally, travel to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, rather than Livingstone in Zambia!

Second night at Zambezi Waterfront Lodge. An entire day off to relax at the hotel, go on an excursion like rafting on the Zambezi River, and of course visit Victoria Falls!

Accommodation: Hotel with B&B. Travel distance: resting day.

The last day of the journey. In the morning, you will be escorted from the hotel to the airport for your return flight.