self drive tours Botswana
Let us take you on a journey of a Lifetime!
There is no better way to explore Botswana than by driving yourself around the country. The main roads are (mostly) excellent and often empty. There are well appointed guesthouses and campsites everywhere. And there are all manner of interesting things to see and do along the way. With your own car you can set your own pace and make the journey the destination.
You don’t need to be an intrepid 4×4 enthusiast. Most Batswana drive themselves around their country in ordinary two wheel drive cars. There are even game reserves where a 2×4 is all you need. And if you want to head out into untracked wilderness from time to time there are well equipped tourist operators dotted around the country who will be pleased to take you.
Botswana is a peaceful haven in a sometimes troubled continent and a wonderful choice for a first visit to Africa. The people are welcoming and helpful; English is spoken almost everywhere; you can safely eat the food and drink the water; and everything works. Crime rates are very low, and the Police Service is routinely ranked as the best in Africa. It is as easy to go motor touring here as it would be in Australia, Britain or Canada.
And yet much of Botswana is undiscovered by tourists. The Okavango Delta is a wonderful destination, but there is so much more to this very diverse country. Check out our destination guides here; and read our general introduction to Botswana here.
Take a look at some…
Driving yourself gives freedom to follow your own interests. We highlight some interests you can follow in Botswana below. For a wider range of topics click on the ‘special interests’ tab above.
Our print-on-demand guidebook is unique. We print the sections on the places and activities that match your itinerary and interests and give you a copy on arrival. Scroll down to see some sample sections.
What’s happening right now?
Life inside Botswana is almost back to normal. All services are operating and there are no restrictions on movements and no curfew. Shops, restaurants and accommodation providers will undertake temperature screening and there will be hand sanitiser offered everywhere you go.
Wearing of masks is compulsory in public places both outdoors and indoors. Tourist arrivals are well down on pre-pandemic numbers, so accommodation is readily available even in the major tourist destinations and
you might have a game park all to yourself. Botswana is definitely ready to welcome back self-drive tourists.
Covid 19
What’s happening in Botswana?
Sample Itineraries
We work with you to create a unique itinerary tailored to your own interests, preferences and available time. There is no need to follow one of the three below. But if you want to follow one of them we will be pleased to organise this
for you. Prices include the rental of a Toyota Corolla with unlimited kilometres for comparative purposes, however we would encourage you to organise a rental car of your choice. Those activities that require pre-booking are also
include in the price.
Happy browsing!
Cost starting from: USD $1656.00(per family)
Departs from:Gaborone
Ends at: Kasane
People: 4
Accommodation: Camping
Aimed at: A couple with two pre-teen children seeking an educational outdoor holiday . Interested in wildlife,history, geography, and cultural experiences.
Route: Gaborone to Kasane with lots of interesting stops along the way.
Activities: A boat trip to view wild crocodiles (included in the price) Visits Boer War battlefields, archaeological sites, the place where diamonds were first discovered, Botswana’s only theme park, wildlife viewing and so much more.
Cost starting from: USD $3,396.00(per couple)
Departs from: Kasane
Ends at: Kasane
People: 2
Accommodation: Guest Houses
Aimed at: A couple in their twenties seeking adventure, physical exercise and wildlife
Route: South to Nata, west to Maun, a foray into the Okavango Delta, then follow the Okavango River north to Shakawe and return to Kasane via the Caprivi Strip.
Activities: Kayaking on the Chobe River and in the Okavango Delta, Hot air ballooning, An overnight trip by dugout canoe, cycling and horseriding with wildlife, hiking, visiting habituated meerkats and so much more. Overnight kayaking and mokoro trips, a night on the Makgadikgadi Pans are included in the price.
Cost starting from: USD $3870.00(per couple)
Departs from: Gaborone
Ends at: Gaborone
People: 2
Accommodation: Self Catering
Aimed at: A retired farming couple who enjoy wildlife, birdwatching, golf and cultural experiences
Route: North to Kasane with a detour around the Tswapong Hills. Then down the Okavango Panhandle to Maun and the Delta. Follows the Boteti River southward, and then south to Kanye with stops in Serowe and Shoshong
Activities: Boat cruises, game drives, farm tours, basket weaving workshops, golf, visuals arts, historical monuments, hikes and so much more.
