9.4/10 based on 42 reviews

Botswana Self Drive Adventure 19 days

A stunning self-drive Botswana journey which will show you the most special areas of this Southern African country. This Botswana Self Drive is the most complete self drive journey you can imagine, including Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, the Kalahari Desert (Central Kalahari Game Reserve), the vast Makgadikgadi Pans and remarkable Kubu Island. Also visit the fertile and verdant Okavango Delta.

19 days of African highlights packed into one package. A purely self drive 4×4 adventure with camping in the untamed wilds, animals in the camp, endless vistas, stunning sunsets and remarkable 4×4 routes. You can also sometimes stay in fixed B&Bs and/or lodge accommodations.

Advantages of Self drive4x4 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 Botswana Self Drive Adventures

This tour to long for you? Have a look at our 16 days or 14 days or 12 days Botswana tours.

Third Bridge Moremi Game Reserve
Lion Third Bridge
Kubu Island Makgadikgadi

Itinerary

  • 1: Kasane
  • 2: Caprivi (Kongola)
  • 3: Okavango Delta (Ngepi Camp)
  • 4: Okavango Delta (Ngepi Camp)
  • 5: Maun
  • 6: Makgadikgadi National Park
  • 7: Gweta
  • 8: Kubu Island
  • 9: Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Deception Valley)
  • 10: Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Passarge Valley)
  • 11: Central Kalahari Game Reserve
  • 12: Maun
  • 13: Moremi Game Reserve (Third Bridge)
  • 14: Moremi Game Reserve (Khwai)
  • 15: Chobe National Park (Savuti)
  • 16: Chobe National Park (Ihaha)
  • 17: Kasane
  • 18: Kasane
  • 19: Kasane/return flight
house icon white 2 nights B&B
tipi tent icon white 16 nights camping
car icon white 19 days 4x4 car rental

Route & itinerary

19days
1

Day 1: Kasane

Arrive in Kasane, Botswana, today. After picking up the 4×4, drive to the camp for your first night in Botswana. You can also go on a sunset cruise on Chobe River. You stay at Senyati Safari Camp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 10 km.

2

Day 2: Caprivi (Kongola)

Heading off to Camp Kwando through the Caprivi Strip. A beautiful green and watery area.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 250 km.

3

Day 3: Okavango Delta (Ngepi Camp)

The journey to Ngepi Camp (Bagani) on the Okavango River in the Okavango Delta’s Pan Handle crosses straight through the Caprivi Strip. From Ngepi Camp you can visit the Popa Falls or make an excursion into the Okavango Delta. If you like simply relax a day in the camp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 250 km.

4

Day 4: Okavango Delta (Ngepi Camp)

The second day at Ngepi Camp. Go on a trip on the Kavango river (with Mekoro boat) or relaxt in the camp. Visit Popa Falls you can take an excursion over the Kavango rivir (with Mekoro) or just relax in camp. From Ngepi Camp you can also visit the Popa Falls and the exciting Mahango National Park.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: resting day.

5

Day 5: Maun

After your stay at Ngepi, you will move on to Maun today. You will arrive there in the afternoon, and you’ll have time to buy supplies and fuel. You stay at Discovery B&B.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: 310 km.

6

Day 6: Makgadikgadi National Park

Early in the morning you will have time to make a round flight above the Okavango Delta if you like: one of the most beautiful areas of Botswana. Then, you’ll continue your 4×4 trip east and the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Camp for today Khumaga Campsite on the border of the Boteti river and the Makgadikgadi National Park.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 160 km.

7

Day 7: Gweta

Time for a relaxed scenic drive in the park before heading off to Gweta. The little town of Gweta and the Planet Baobab camp at the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans are the next destinations. On the way to Gweta it is also possible to make a detour into Nxai Pan National Park and visit Baines Baobabs.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 115 km.

8

Day 8: Kubu Island

Today you’ll enjoy the beautiful trip to Kubu Island. You will cross the Nwetwe salt pan, and you’ll reach Kubu Island around lunch time. At the end of the dusty journey you will be rewarded with beautiful Kubu Island, a rocky island filled with stunning Baobab trees. The campsite is simple and located near the beach. You can discover Kubu Island on foot and enjoy the wide view and a beautiful sunset.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 150 km.

9

Day 9: Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Deception Valley)

After Kubu Island, the trip will take you on a long day’s journey to Central Kalahari Game Reserve. We advise you to leave early in the morning. The journey will take you south across the salt pans and on to a level stretch of tarmac, which is a welcome change. The turn-off to Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a dusty sand road. Upon arrival in the vast Kalahari Reserve, you will go on to the Kori Pan campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 300 km.

10

Day 10: Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Passarge Valley)

Two entire days for game drives in the Kalahari Desert. You can look for the Kalahari Lion with its dark manes, and you might see the rare brown hyenas. Jackals, Bat Eared Foxes and a Honey Badger are among the regular sights. Antelopes you’ll see are the Gemsbuck, with its long horns, and the Springbok. Both animals can survive in this arid desert area. You stay at Sunday Pan Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 40-200 km game drives.

11

Day 11: Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Today you will go to Motopi Camp in the western part of the reserve. The drive to go there is one big game drive.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 70-200 km game drives.

12

Day 12: Maun

After Central Kalahari, you’ll get back to civilisation on the journey to Maun. The first part of the journey will take you across dirt roads, while the second part consists of tarmac roads. You have the option of travelling by Kuke Fence. However, this is a longer route. In Maun it is possible to book a flight over the Okavango Delta. You stay at Discovery B&B.

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

13

Day 13: Moremi Game Reserve (Third Bridge)

In the morning, there’s time to buy supplies and Diesel in Maun. Then, your self-drive safari will take you through Moremi Game Reserve and the Third Bridge Camp. Third Bridge is at the edge of the Okavango Delta. This day is perfect for game drives and spotting many safari animals that live in the Moremi Reserve. You have a good chance to spot lions, hyenas and leopards. Even elephants and antelopes. The camps in Botswana are not fenced, so various animals may visit the camp at night.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 130 km.

14

Day 14: Moremi Game Reserve (Khwai)

After the morning game drive you will go on through Moremi Game Reserve and the second camp, Khwai (North Gate). This day is also reserved for game drives and spotting the many safari animals living in the Moremi Reserve. In the afternoon, you will arrive at North Gate and the Khwai campsite. After setting up camp it’s time to relax and make an evening game drive along the Khwai River.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 65 km.

15

Day 15: Chobe National Park (Savuti)

The 4×4 trip from Khwai in the Moremi Game Reserve to Chobe Savuti is one big game drive that will show you many animals. For any Botswana trip, it’s advisable to start early and go on another game drive around North Gate camp before you continue to Chobe National Park. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the Savuti Campsite. This part of Chobe is famous for its Bull Elephants and the Savuti Pride (pride of lions) living on the Savuti Marsh. The Savuti Channel running through the area to the Savuti Marsh was dry for many years, but it has seen running water the last few years. In the afternoon, there is plenty of time for an extensive game drive to discover this remarkable area of Botswana.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 110 km.

16

Day 16: Chobe National Park (Ihaha)

After Chobe National Park Savuti you’ll travel to the northern part of Chobe National Park. On the sandy tracks the 4×4 is indispensable. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Ihaha Campsite, at the Chobe River shore.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 140 km.

17

Day 17: Kasane

Today you will drive to the Chobe Safari Lodge. A short drive with early arrival in Kasane. You can use the afternoon to relax in Kasane. We recommend to go on the Chobe River Sunset cruise.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 40 km.

 

18

Day 18: Kasane

Another night at Chobe Safari Lodge. The last full day in Botswana. You can take a day trip to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or spend the entire day driving through Chobe National Park.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: resting day.

19

Day 19: Kasane/return flight

The last day of your Botswana journey, after returning the 4×4 car, you will go on to your next destination.

 

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

Prices per person for various dates in 2024 and 2025. This Botswana Self Drive Adventure 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 be requested and depends on the local possibilities and space in the preferred car. 4×4 cars (Land Cruiser or e.g. 4×4 camper) other than the default 4×4 car are available upon request.

5 January - 19 March, (2024)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.290,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.840,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.570,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 410,- per trip.

20 March - 30 June, (2024)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.465,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.940,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.645,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 410,- per trip.

1 July - 10 November, (2024)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.930,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 2.295,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.885,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 410,- per trip.

11 November - 4 January, (2025)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.465,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.940,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.645,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 410,- 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
Upgrade to Toyota Landcruiser or 4x4 camper unit instead of roof-top 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