South Africa and Botswana Self Drive

A varied 20-day self-drive full of adventure through South Africa and Botswana.

South Africa & Botswana Self drive trip

This trip includes bookings for National Parks in South Africa and Botswana. It is also perfect for adventurous travellers who like the main part and the accommodations booked in advance. Prevent disappointments at National Parks and save yourself a lot or time: book this self-drive package deal, which includes, among other things, like camping spots in Moremi and Chobe National Parks. Drive through remote areas and meet the big five!

This journey includes a number or locations that can easily be upgraded to lodge or en-suite safari tent accommodations. That way, you can swap the adventurous camps for more comfort when you want to.

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)

Botswana Self Drive Chameleon

Third Bridge Moremi Game Reserve

Itinerary

1: Johannesburg
2: Pilanesberg National Park
3: Goo-Moremi Gorge
4: Khama Rhino Sanctuary
5: Makgadikgadi National Park
6: Maun
7: Moremi Game Reserve (Third Bridge)
8: Moremi Game Reserve (Khwai North Gate)
9: Chobe National Park (Savuti)
10: Chobe National Park (Ihaha)
11: Kasane
12: Kasane
13: Nata
14: Lekhubu Island
15: Francistown
16: Tuli Block
17: Tuli Block
18: Marakele National Park
19: Marakele National Park
20: Return flight

4 nights B&B or self catering chalet

15 nights camping

20 days 4x4 rental

Route & itinerary

20days

Day 1: Johannesburg

The first day or your journey, and your arrival in Johannesburg. Arrival time of course depends on your flight. You will stay at the comfortable B&B Sunrock Guest House or Country Park B&B.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: day of arrival.

Day 2: Pilanesberg National Park

This Botswana and South Africa self-drive starts with 2 nights in Pilanesberg National Park. Make e.g. your first game drives here and familiarise yourself with the 4×4 and the also the camping gear. You will camp at Manyane Resort.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 180 km.

Day 3: Goo-Moremi Gorge

Today is a long travelling day! You will cross the Botswana border and after that head for Goo-Moremi Gorge. Here you camp at the campsite of Goo-Moremi Gorge Resort.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 420 km.

Day 4: Khama Rhino Sanctuary

From Goo-Moremi Gorge northwards to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. In Khama you make for example a game drive and get used to driving in deep Botswana sand. There is also a viewing hide where you can watch the various animals drink. With a little luck you will also see undoubtedly multiple rhino’s this afternoon.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 140 km.

Day 5: Makgadikgadi National Park

Today you are going to travel to Makgadikgadi National Park, where you will stay at Khumaga campsite inside the park.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 400 km.

Day 6: Maun

Short trip to Maun today. After four days of camping, it is time for some more comfort in the beautiful Discovery B&B. In Maun you can go grocery shopping and also get fuel for the next couple days.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 160 km.

Day 7: Moremi Game Reserve (Third Bridge)

After leaving Maun you are heading for the Moremi Game Reserve. Third Bridge campsite, undoubtly one of the best places located at floodplains of the Okavango Delta.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 130 km.

Day 8: Moremi Game Reserve (Khwai North Gate)

The drive from Third Bridge to Khwai is one, big game drive. You will see a lot of wildlife on the way to your camp! e.g. Zebra, giraffe and most of all elephants. You’re staying at Khwai North Gate campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 60 km.

Day 9: Chobe National Park (Savuti)

Start your day with an early morning game drive. Afterwards you will travel from Moremi to the Chobe National Park where you will definitively use your 4×4 vehicle. In the afternoon you arrive at Savuti campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 110 km.

Day 10: Chobe National Park (Ihaha)

In the morning you can once more start your day with a short game drive around the Savuti Channel and Marsh. And after returning at your camp you can pack and thereafter start driving to the Northern part of the Chobe National Park. A sandy road leads you from Savuti to Ihaha campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 140 km.

Day 11: Kasane

A lazzy start or early morning game drive. Your next stop is Kasane at the Chobe River. You will stay at the campsite of Chobe Safari Lodge.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 40 km.

Day 12: Kasane

A full restday staying at Chobe Safari Lodge. You can for example visit Victoria Falls (border crossing) or relax at the camp. In addition you can join a boat safari on the Chobe river.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: resting day.

Day 13: Nata

After Kasane you will travel southwards to continue your South Africa and Botswana trip. Your next stop is Nata and the Elephant Sands campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 320 km.

Day 14: Lekhubu Island

Kubu Island in the Makgadikgadi salt pans is your 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. In contrast to the green delta you this area is arid and semi desert. After various cattle fences you will soon see Kubu Island appear on the horizon. The campsite is simple and located near the island. Discover Kubu Island for example on foot and enjoy the big view and a stunning sunset.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 150 km.

Day 15: Francistown

Continue your self-drive 4×4 to Francistown, the second largest city in Botswana. You will stay at the campsite of Woodlands Stop Over, just outside the city centre at the Tati river.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 300km.

Day 16: Tuli Block

The next destination is the Tuli Block in Botswana’s southeast. Stay at the Serolo Safari camp at the Limpopo River.

Accommodation: self catering tent. Travel distance: 300 km.

Day 17: Tuli Block

A day off in the Tuli Block, second night at Serolo Safari Camp. Relax for example at the Limpopo River, where you can see many birds and waterfowl. Or visit Solomon’s Wall, which is fantastic. You can also join one of the activities organized by the camp.

Accommodation: self catering tent. Travel distance: resting day.

Day 18: Marakele National Park

Today you finally head back to South Africa. Marakele National Park is the last destination of this beautiful self-drive trip through Southern Africa. You will stay at Marakele Bontle Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 380 km.

Day 19: Marakele National Park

Another night at Marakele Bontle Restcamp. An entire day to explore this park and drive for example to the top of the mountain. You can find a remarkable population of vulture here. Organise a conclusion barbecue here and look back on a very special journey.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: resting day.

Day 20: Return flight

The last day of the journey. Today you will have time to sleep in and go for one final game drive. Afterwards, when you’re done, return to Johannesburg. After returning the car at the agency you will be escorted to the airport for the flight back home.

Changing the itinerary?

It is always possible to adapt this journey to your personal wishes. Limiting the journey or adding an extra destination, is no problem at all.
We are happy to help!

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 2023 and 2024. The South Africa and Botswana self drive 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. a Trax 4×4 camper) other than the default 4×4 car are available upon request.

5 January - 19 March, (2023)

2 people Rate per person € 1.990,-
3 people Rate per person € 1.650,-
4 people Rate per person € 1.420,-

Optional CDW2 insurance (Zero Excess) incl. tires and glass € 380,-

20 March - 30 June, (2023)

2 people Rate per person € 2.090,-
3 people Rate per person € 1.730,-
4 people Rate per person € 1.470,-

Optional CDW2 insurance (Zero Excess) incl. tires and glass € 380,-

1 July - 10 November, (2023)

2 people Rate per person € 2.630,-
3 people Rate per person € 2.090,-
4 people Rate per person € 1.740,-

11 November - 4 January, (2024)

2 people Rate per person € 2.090,-
3 people Rate per person € 1.730,-
4 people Rate per person € 1.470,-

Optional CDW2 insurance (Zero Excess) incl. tires and glass € 380,-

5 January - 19 March, (2024)

2 people Rate per person € 1.990,-
3 people Rate per person € 1.650,-
4 people Rate per person € 1.420,-

Optional CDW2 insurance (Zero Excess) incl. tires and glass € 380,-

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

Johannesburg

The economical centre of South Africa

Pilanesberg National Park

Een bijzonder nationaal park in de krater van een uitgedoofde vulkaan

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Sanctuary project to reintroduce the white rhino in Botswana

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Botswana

Impressive 12.000 km² salt pans including Ntwetwe Pan and Sua Pans

Maun

Gateway to the Okavango Delta

Moremi Game Reserve

One of the most impressive game areas of Botswana

Chobe National Park

Kasane

A town with perfect access to the North of the Chobe National Park

Nata

One of the gateways to the Makgadikgadi Salt pans

Francistown

Tuli Block

Marakele National Park

Impressive mountain landscapes

Gallery

Lion Moremi Game Reserve

Botswana Self Drive Third Bridge

Sunrise Moremi Game Reserve Botswana 4x4

Third Bridge Moremi Game Reserve

Botswana Self Drive Chameleon

10 / 10

Skillful people

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