9.4/10 based on 42 reviews

About the Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari tour

This Zimbabwe and Botswana Selfdrive trip with 4×4 car has the start and end point at Kasane in the northeast of Botswana. From Kasane, travel on to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and then through Hwange National Park. There you will stay 3 nights in different camps. From Hwange you travel back to Botswana. Return to Kasane via the salt pans, the Moremi Game Reserve and the Chobe National Park. A very special and varied self-drive 4×4 journey.

The trip is available for 2 to 4 people per car. The standard car used is a Toyota Hilux 4×4 double cab 2.4 diesel. The price for 5 persons or more is on request and also depends on the possibilities on site and space in the car to be used.

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)

Extend this Zimbabwe and Botswana tour?

You can easily extend this 16 day Botswana safari and see more of Zimbabwe and Botswana. Ask us about the possibilities.

Chobe National Park
Third Bridge Moremi Game Reserve
Third Bridge Moremi 4x4 safari

Itinerary

  • 1: Kasane
  • 2: Victoria Falls
  • 3: Victoria Falls
  • 4: Hwange National Park
  • 5: Hwange National Park
  • 6: Hwange National Park
  • 7: Nata
  • 8: Kubu Island
  • 9: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
  • 10: Maun
  • 11: Moremi Game Reserve (Third Bridge)
  • 12: Moremi Game Reserve (Khwai)
  • 13: Chobe National Park (Savuti)
  • 14: Chobe National Park (Ihaha)
  • 15: Kasane
  • 16: Kasane (return flight)

Route & itinerary

16days
1

Day 1: Kasane

Today you arrive in Kasane, Botswana. After the transfer of the 4×4 car you will then drive to the camp for the first night of your Botswana Selfdrive trip. Optional this day is, for example, a sunset cruise on the Chobe River. You can also fit this activity in later when you return to Kasane. You will stay at Senyati Safari Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 10 km.

 

2

Day 2: Victoria Falls

Today you cross the border into Zimbabwe and arrive in Victoria Falls around noon. You will stay at the Victoria Falls Backpackers where you will camp.

Optionally, these two nights in Victoria Falls can be upgraded to a luxury lodge. At the Victoria Falls Backpackers you can also upgrade (for a discount) to, for example, a safari tent.

Accommodation: camping Travel distance: 90 km.

 

3

Day 3: Victoria Falls

A full day in Victoria Falls. You can visit the waterfalls and engage in more diverse activities. For example, take a scenic flight or raft on the Zambezi River. Mountain biking or taking a walk is also possible. But of course you can also acclimatize and read a book! A second night at the Victoria Falls Backpackers.

Accommodation: camping Travel distance: N/A

4

Day 4: Hwange National Park

After Victoria Falls, you now travel to Hwange National Park. This park is Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife park. This is where the adventure really begins. The small Silwane camp is not fenced and animals can visit it freely. You will stay at the Silwane Campsite located not far from the Main Camp entrance gate.

Accommodation: camping Travel distance: 210 km.

5

Day 5: Hwange National Park

Today you travel from Silwane to Kapula South Camp in the middle of the Hwange National Park. This day is a full day game drive through the Hwange National Park. You can stop at several waterholes and study the animals that come to drink from the game viewing hide. During the day you will arrive at Kapula South Camp. And at the end of the afternoon you can enjoy the sunset and the peace and quiet at the safari tent. It is also possible to make a short game drive.

Accommodation: self catering safari tent Travel distance: 125 km.

6

Day 6: Hwange National Park

A third day in the Hwange National Park. You can sleep in or opt for an early morning game drive. And, for example, after coming back to the camp to make brunch. You then travel from Kapula to Robins Camp in the eastern part of the National Park. Along the way you can spot various animals and stop at a picnic area such as Detema Dam. A visit to the Mandavu Dam is definitely worth it. At the end of the afternoon you can go on another game drive in the area around Robins Camp. You will be staying at the Robins Camp Campsite.

Accommodation: camping Travel distance: 60 km.

7

Day 7: Nata

After your stay in Zimbabwe, you will now travel back to Botswana. You cross the border at Pandamatenga and then you drive with the 4×4 rental car to the Elephant Sands Campsite near Nata. In the morning there is time to make another game drive at the Robins Camp where you also have a good chance of meeting various animals.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 210 km.

8

Day 8: Kubu Island

From Elephant Sands you then drive south and Nata on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. After a dusty and adventurous drive on tracks through the bush you arrive at Kubu Island in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans of Botswana. The dusty journey is also really rewarded with the special Kubu Island, a rocky island full of beautiful Baobab trees. The campsite is also simple and located near the island. You can then explore Kubu Island on foot and also enjoy the wide view and, for example, a beautiful sunset.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 120 km.

9

Day 9: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

In the early morning there is still time to explore Kubu Island. Then this Botswana Selfdrive goes a bit back to the North and one of the cattle fences. This journey then crosses the Ntwetwe pan towards Gweta and then to Khumaga. This drive is definitely one of the 4×4 highlights of your self drive journey through Botswana. Around noon you will be in Gweta, where there will also be time for lunch and a short stop.

Optionally (when the pans are wet) you can also travel south from Kubu Island and drive to Khumaga via the Orapa – Motopi road.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 260 km.

 

10

Day 10: Maun

From Khumaga you can go directly over the asphalt to Maun. But you also have the option of taking an extra game drive through the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park to Maun. Tonight you will stay at Discovery B&B.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: 160 km.

11

Day 11: Moremi Game Reserve (Third Bridge)

In the morning there is still time to do some shopping in Maun and to fill up with diesel. Then your self drive 4×4 safari continues to the Moremi Game Reserve and Third Bridge Camp. The camp is situated on the edge of the Okavango Delta. This day soon becomes dominated by game drives and spotting the many safari animals that live in the Moremi Reserve. You also have a good chance of seeing lions, hyenas and leopards. Elephants and antelopes are also often seen here. Because the camps in the parks of Botswana are not fenced, the various animals will come into the camp both at night and during the day. A unique experience!

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 130 km.

12

Day 12: Moremi Game Reserve (Khwai)

After the morning game drive, continue the journey through the Moremi Game Reserve to the second camp, Khwai (North Gate). This day is also completely devoted to game drives and spotting the many safari animals that live in the Moremi reserve. For example, you have a good chance of seeing lions or encountering a leopard. In the afternoon you will arrive at North Gate and the Khwai campsite. After setting up the camp there is time to relax and for example take an evening game drive along the Khwai River.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 55 km.

13

Day 13: Chobe National Park (Savuti)

The 4×4 track from Khwai in the Moremi Game Reserve to Chobe Savuti is a great game drive where you will see many animals along the way. It is advised to start early and do another game drive loop around the North Gate camp before continuing the journey to Chobe National Park. During the afternoon you will arrive at the Savuti Campsite. This part of Chobe is also known for the many Bull Elephants and the Savuti Pride (troop of lions) that live on the Savuti Marsh. The Savuti Channel runs through this area and empties into the Savuti Marsh. The channel has been dry for many decades, but water has been flowing again for several years. In the afternoon there is also plenty of time to make an extensive game drive and further explore this special area of ​​Botswana.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 110 km.

14

Day 14: Chobe National Park (Ihaha)

After Chobe National Park Savuti, this Botswana Selfdrive continues the journey to the North. The northern part of the Chobe National Park is your next destination. The 4×4 also comes in handy here on the sandy tracks. In the afternoon you will arrive in Ihaha on the banks of the Chobe River. For example, after setting up camp, you can make a game drive with the 4×4 car. You will stay at Ihaha Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 130 km.

15

Day 15: Kasane

You drive to the Chobe Safari Lodge in Kasane. With a bit of luck you will see various antelopes and perhaps also predators such as lions or even wild dogs. If you leave Ihaha in the morning, you will be in Kasane early in the afternoon. From here you have two full days to spend at leisure. In the afternoon you can drive around the Chobe National Park.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance 50 km.

This last night is optional to stay in a lodge and not to camp

16

Day 16: Kasane (return flight)

The last day of your Botswana trip, after returning the 4×4 car you will continue your journey to your next destination or back home.

Note: you can also travel this self-drive trip the other way around and then end it, for example, in a lodge at the Victoria Falls. You can then fly back from Victoria Falls International 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

Prices per person for various dates in 2024 and 2025. The Zimbabwe and Botswana 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.

5 January - 19 March, (2024)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 1.920,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.510,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.250,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 370,- per trip.

20 March - 30 June, (2024)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.030,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.570,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.305,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 370,- per trip.

1 July - 10 November, (2024)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.455,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.870,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.535,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 370,- per trip.

11 November - 4 January, (2025)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.030,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.570,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.305,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 370,- 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 (optional)
Third Party insurance Zimbabwe (+/- US$ 100)

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