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9 Questions for the Experience Safari Travelers... - Botswana Forum

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9 Questions for the Experience Safari Travelers...

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I've finally booked my Botswana safari! I'll be staying at Lagoon Camp, Kwara Camp, and Sango Safari Camp. Travel in mid November. I have a question or two:

1. Is it easy to recharge camera batteries at these camps (in your tent or is there a central charging area)? I am taking an extra battery for each camera and will have a portable power pack.

2. Do I need a mosquito net?

I have a smaller university-type backpack if the first one is too big.

4. Do you tip at the end of your stay or each day? Is tipping expected? What is an average tip for the driver, camp staff, tracker? I'm going to guess that USD is OK for tipping, but the bills should not be older than 2006?

5. If you have to pay for premium drinks, do I pay with local currency or USD?

6. Do I need hiking boots for safari walks? I'll have a good pair of trail shoes and lightweight sandals for around camp. I don't want to pack heavy hiking boots if I don't need them.

7. Are there any good travel wildlife book(s) for Botswana? or will the camps have plenty of guide books?

8. Kwara camp, I see there are game drives, walking safaris, merkoro, boat, and night drives. Are you limited to picking two per day, or can you do a morning drive, mid afternoon boat/merkoro/walk, afternoon drive, night drive?

9. Can I get a yellow fever vaccination in Victoria Falls? Just walk in, pay, and get the paperwork? I know I don't need it for travel to or from Zambia. The cost in the US is rather high. If I can get one for cheap cost, it will be worth it for future travels.

I haven't been to Sango, but both Kwara and Lagoon have central charging stations. Whether it's easy to find space can depend on other guests and how many gadgets they have. Last time I was at these camps (June 2015) I couldn't believe how many phones were on charge, for example. Take a South African adaptor. They do provide multi country adaptors, but space on these is in demand. I forgot my adaptor last time and was kicking myself because at Lagoon all the space on the adaptors was being used, but there were loads of South African outlets free so if I'd had my adaptor I'd have been fine! Good thing I travel with multiple spare batteries.

No. Kwara and Lagoon don't have them but they use mosquito coils in the rooms. I don't think you'll find anywhere to hang one anyway.

This sounds pretty small to me so it should be fine. Just a note on packing light, and the rainy season- you could get rain in November. Camps rely on air drying laundry and if it rains, your laundry might not come back very quickly. What if you get soaked on a game drive, and your other set of clothes is in the laundry and they can't dry it? Beware of being too ruthless with packing as you could get caught out!!

At the end of your stay- there's usually a box for general staff, the guide and tracker are tipped separately. I prefer not to comment on amounts as I think tipping is down to the individual and it's quite a personal thing. Your tour operator can give you guidance. Yes, should be new bills.

Either. They might even take a credit card. I must say, I've never felt the need to indulge in "premium drinks". Most things are included.

No, I don't think so. As long as the shoes are enclosed (not sandals) I think you'll be fine.

Usually there are books around. I don't take books with me because of the weight but if you want to read up before you go, or if you need to ID birds from photos after your trip, I'd recommend the Bradt guide to Botswana and the SASOL Birds of SOuthern Africa.

Usually, there are 2 activities a day- morning and afternoon. Morning starts around 6am, and you come back for brunch at 11-12ish. Afternoon usually goes out about 4 or 4:30 (the times vary at different times of year depending on heat and sunrise/sunset). The night drive is usually an extension of the afternoon drive, so you might not get back for diner until 8-8:30 (again, depends on sunset time). I've never seen anyone go out after dinner, for example. The boat trip will usually replace a drive- afternoon seems to be favoured for boats. Mokoro and the walk they usually combine in a morning activity.

I've no idea, but this seems like a waste of holiday time to me.

You have had your questions answered well from Stokeygirl. I will just jump in with the one reply. I purchase a lovely, small book on Botswana wildlife and its a real winner. From the Did You Know series, "Mammals of Botswana and Surrounding Areas, by Veronica Roodt. Its perfect to read ahead or (at only 100+ pages) to take along.

ISBN 978-0-9869926-6-7

Publisher: http://www.africa-maps.co.za

Email to the author: [email protected]

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mammals-Botswana-Did-Know-Nature/dp/0986992666/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1458149091&sr=1-6&keywords=%22mammals+of+botswana%22

We visited Lagoon and Kwara in early December 2014. I think it was Stokeygirl who suggested we take our own raincoats and we did this. On several days we had rain, sometimes prolonged and heavy. The ponchos provided by the camp are only suitable for light rain, they will not keep you dry in really wet weather. I regretted not having taken my waterproof trousers with me .

We found that sitting in a game drive vehicle in the rain, meant that our shoes became wet. These were very difficult to dry. I now take a pair of Crocs with me on safari, useful if needed in the shower, round the camp, or on a game drive in the rain!

Pleased to hear my advice has been of use!

I also remember the wet shoe issue. Mine weren't too bad as my trainers are leather which is fairly water repellant. But I started wearing sandals on drives, just because I wanted to have warm dry shoes to put on afterwards, and I didn't want to risk getting my trainers too wet. Feet dry a lot quicker than shoes.

You could be lucky and have no rain, of course. The most rain I've had was my first green season trip in early Dec 2011. But when I went in Jan/Feb 2013 we had practically no rain at all for 15 days, and last Nov I had none. But it's best to be prepared, because being wet is pretty miserable.

Thanks for the great advice (and the book recommendation)!

Not sure how heavy the rains will be, if any, but I do plan on packing my hiking rain jacket and rain paints. I'll have closed toe trail sandals that dry easy, plus a pair of trail shoes.

Do they provide something to eat when you are on the game drives that return at 8pm?

There are usually some snacks with sundowners, but nothing all that substantial, just some popcorn or biltong or canape type things. But you get "tea" before you go out at 4pm- this is usually cake and something savoury like mini pizzas. I've never heard of anyone complaining about going hungry on safari.

That is good to know, I was going to guess that you were given a hearty snack before that long game drive. Another question, bathroom breaks. How do they handle these when you are out on a game drive? Do the trackers find a safe spot before you venture into the bushes?

Yeah, usually they check for lions before they let you go behind a bush.

As far as guidebooks go, I bought "Wildlife of the Okavango", by Duncan Butchart, ISBN: 978 1 86872 538 0. Nice & small, with lots of pictures.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wildlife-Okavango-Common-Plants-Animals/dp/1868725383/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460892474&sr=8-1&keywords=wildlife+of+the+okavango

Hi Stokeygirl,

If the guides "Usually" check for Lions before you go in the bushes what happens on the other trips (A volunteer from the audience?) :)

Johannesburg to Maun 16:18
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Savute to Machaba camp (Khwai) self driving - how long? 18 April 2024
how cold at night mid May, what clothing to bring? 18 April 2024
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Tours & Campground in Maun 14 April 2024
Maun to Windhoek on public transport 13 April 2024
Late Nov for Eagle Island/Savute Elephant Lodge 12 April 2024
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Botswana Safaris

Botswana safari guide – where & when to go, and what to see.

Botswana safaris are truly special. The country doesn’t see as many tourists as most other countries in Southern and East Africa, but this in no way diminishes the quality of the game viewing and safari experience Botswana has to offer – and in many ways, it’s a bonus. Rural Botswana is an inhospitable place for humans, but a country that manages to support an incredible diversity and density of animals. Botswana wildlife is hands down some of the best anywhere in the world.

Botswana is a large, wild country (approximately the size of France) with a decent – but very limited – road network where only the major roads are tarmacked. This makes Botswana a safari destination for the intrepid. If you’re planning on doing an independent, self-drive safari in Botswana a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and spirit of self-reliance are essential to get the most out of your visits to the national parks. The country is easily accessed from South Africa, with the capital Gabaronne just a few hours’ drive from Johannesburg.

Self-drive safaris are a big thing in Botswana and are popular with overland tours and independent travellers alike. You’ll need a rugged 4WD to access all areas, and be confident that you’re totally self-sufficient if camping on your own in the bush. If this safari-style doesn’t appeal then browse our guide to safari companies in Botswana to speak to a professional.

Geographically Botswana is covered in scrub brush and savannah grasslands, with the occasional impressive geographic feature such as the Okavango Delta and adjoining Chobe National Park, huge salt pans, and the brutally picturesque Kalahari Desert. The country is landlocked and lies at a fairly consistent average elevation of 1,000m. The windswept and sand-based Kalahari Desert covers over 80% of the country in the south, west, and centre. To the north lies 15,000 km sq of the Okavango Delta, fed by the Okavango River and forming the northern border with Namibia . To the east lie the great salt and clay desert of the Makgadikgadi Pans and occasional deciduous forests towards the Zimbabwe border.

One of the most impressive African rivers for wildlife, Okavango River supplies year-round water to much of northern Botswana, and ends in the inland Okavango Delta, support a vast array of Southern African mammal species. These include the big five , wild dogs , hippos , hyenas , honey badgers , and a broad range of gazelles and hoofed mammals.

Each year Botswana is home to one of Africa’s largest annual migrations , featuring huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, and other wild animals as they move from their winter ranges in the Makgadikgadi plains to the summer feeding grounds of the Nxai Pan region. Not as large in scale as the East African ‘ great migration ‘, but there are also far fewer tourists around to take away from the experience. This lack of tourists, the sheer scale of the wilderness and the abundance of game in Botswana’s national parks come together to make Botswana a safari destination that’s hard to better, wherever you visit in Africa.

Useful resources

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Botswana safari highlights

Okavango delta botswana, fly-in safari.

Safaris don’t come much better or more luxurious than an all-inclusive fly-in safari deep in the Okavango Delta . Take a four-seater flight over the wetlands, wildlife spotting as you’re flown to an exclusive, out-of-the-way lodge for a few days of game drives, safari walks , and boat trips .

Big five spotting

Go big game spotting at Chobe National Park – perhaps Botswana’s most famous national park . Boat safaris are a big draw here, with a waterfront teeming with wildlife… but you’ll have to be very lucky to see all big five from a boat – game drives in a 4X4 jeep are more the order of the day.

Leopard spotting in Moremi

leopard lies on the branch of a sparse tree, with blue sky behind

The east side of the Okavango Delta Moremi Game Reserve is regarded as one of the top African leopard hangouts. On the fringes of the delta where water collects in small lagoons and fills grassy floodplains, antelope (and all sorts of other wildlife) are plentiful. Perfect leopard country.

Mokoro safaris on the water

man standing in mokoro on Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta offers ample opportunities to get out on to the water for some top-class wildlife viewing. Traditional wooden mokoros are a fun and eco-friendly way to head out on a canoe safari , though propeller boats are on offer too, and can easily be combined with superb walking safaris .

Best time to safari in Botswana

May to August is the best time to organize a safari in Botswana, as during this winter season the days are cool and sunny, and the lack of water drives the wildlife to congregate around permanent water sources. At this time getting around the country is fairly straightforward, with dust rather than water being the main obstacle. During winter months wildlife spotting is easy – simply find a river or watering hole and dig in to wait for the action. Bear in mind is that July and August is school holiday time, meaning more tourists than usual, higher prices for safari accommodation and tours, and busier national parks.

October to April is summer season in Botswana but brings with it severe heat and the rains – occasionally in extreme amounts. Getting around the country by road during summer can be disrupted by flooding, as many of the secondary roads are not tarmacked. Wildlife is also more dispersed and harder to spot, hidden by lush vegetation. An exception to this is in parts of the Okavango Delta where there’s so much flooding that many islands form, trapping wildlife which can be viewed from a boat – though vegetation still causes a problem.

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National parks in Botswana

All national parks in Botswana are run by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), based in Gaborone, who enforce a strict no driving after dark rule in the parks. ( See this great article on driving in Botswana .)

Whilst not actually a national park or reserve, Botswana is renowned worldwide for the Okavango Delta region in the north of the country, providing water and supporting an incredible array of African wildlife.

Top Botswana national park picks

Moremi Game Reserve

Botswana safaris: Lion with buffalo herd

The only part of the Okavango Delta that’s officially a national park, Moremi covers almost one-third of the delta, and is packed with wildlife. There’s no public transport so you’ll have to get yourself there, but the trade-off is fewer tourists to share the plethora of wildlife with.

Chobe National Park

Elephant on edge of Chobe River, viewed by boat safari

Chobe National Park was Botswana’s first national park at an impressive 11,000 km sq. There’s easy access for spectacular game viewing from a boat on the Chobe river and the network of dirt and gravel roads. The Savuti area in south west Chobe is recognised as having one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.

Makagadikgadi Nzai Pan National Park

Feel the unfettered freedom of driving through the never-ending parched-white salt pans, or plan your trip for the when the rains come and bird life and herd animals abound, including one of Africa’s largest migrations .

Central Kalahari National Park

One of Africa’s largest protected area at a whopping 52,000 km sq. Braving the tough conditions of Central Kalahari National Park in your own 4WD may reward you with viewings of hyena packs and prides of lions in the unforgiving desert.

All national parks in Botswana

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Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Makgadikgadu National Park
Nxai Pan National Park
Okavango Delta

Botswana safari resources

Botswana safari companies.

Though Botswana has a relatively low number of inbound tourists each year, a very high proportion of these come for the wildlife. Around the capital Gabarone and also Maun – the de-facto capital of the Okavango Delta – there are numerous safari tour companies to suit all budgets. Check out our reviews of safari tour companies in Botswana .

Botswana safari lodges

Botswana has a focus on low-impact, high-end safaris, and the accommodation on offer reflects this. Luxury safari lodges are the primary accommodation in Botswana, though there are also mid-range accommodation in the tourist enclaves of Maun and Gabarone. If you have your own tent most safari lodges have an area where you can pitch up for the night, along with decent washing and BBQ facilities as standard. Search and book safari lodges in Botswana , or find all accommodation in Botswana below.

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Read safari guides to all countries

Botswana safaris , Namibia safaris , Rwanda safaris , South Africa safaris , Tanzania safaris , Uganda safaris , Zimbabwe safaris

Do you have any experience of planning or going on safari in Botswana?

We’d love to hear any feedback or tips you may have – please get in touch , or add to the comments below.

Top countries for safaris

Botswana safaris
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Safari basics

Safari animals
How to find the right safari company
When to go on safari
What to take on safari
Safari clothing – what to wear
Safari rules & etiquette
Wildlife spotting tips

Africa’s best game reserves

Chobe National Park, Botswana
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

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The Ultimate Botswana Self-Drive Safari Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide + Map

December 15, 2023

Paula Martinelli

If you are dreaming about an adventure trip to Botswana, and wondering how to go on safaris, you are in the right place! Going on a Botswana self-drive safari is the best way to discover the country! This is the Ultimate Botswana Self-Drive Safari Itinerary that will take you to the removed, isolated, and wild parts of the country…and the best way to experience Botswana’s landscape and wildlife are by road trip.

I combined my Namibia trip itinerary and Botswana self-drive safari itinerary, and I am here to share all I have learned and discovered along the way.

In this very detailed Botswana Self-Drive Safari 10-day itinerary, I covered the most important regions and safaris in Botswana, from Chobe National Park to the Okavango Delta.

During my 10-days in Botswana, I self-drove my 4×4 rental truck to the most amazing safaris in Botswana, I slept in the tent on top of the truck, cooked all my meals, took thousands of photos, and learned all about how to explore Botswana independently (not an easy task!).

Don’t travel to Botswana before you read these very important articles:

28 Things You Must know about Self-Drive and Camping in Botswana
Ultimate Guide to the Best Safaris in Botswana
Botswana Camping Safari

Botswana self-drive safari itinerary with elephants

Botswana Self-Drive Safari itinerary Overview

10 days doing a self-drive safari in Botswana is an ideal amount of time to discover the best safaris in Botswana and to visit the most incredible areas in the country.

However, it is not easy to self-drive in Botswana because of the poor road conditions. Also, if you are short on time, you can spend less time and concentrate on the Chobe River Front safari, as it is very well located in the country. You can fly into Kasane Airport (BBK) and you can pick up your 4×4 rental car at the airport .

Check Expedia or Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Botswana and compare prices to get better deals. If you are looking for domestic flights to Kasane you can book them through Air Botswana .

Here is an overview of how to spend a perfect 10-day self-drive safari in Botswana:

Botswana Self drive Safari Map

Renting a Car for your Botswana Self Drive Safari

You will need to have a 4×4 vehicle to go on a self-drive safari in Botswana . It can be confusing renting a car in Botswana since there are different providers, offering different options.

First of all, you will need to decide if you will rent a 4X4 truck or a 4×4 truck with a tent on top (if you are planning to camp around the country).

I recommend booking your car way in advance , and you can quote below, to have access to cars from many major companies which you can compare the best prices and find the best deal for you.

You can save on your rental car when you book through this site . I use and recommend Discover Cars because it is the most reliable rental car source, and it allows you to compare the prices of different plac es.

Botswna self-drive safari itinerary at Okavango Delta

10-Day Botswana Self Drive Safari Itinerary

Day 1 botswana self drive: arriving in botswana.

Let’s start day 1 of my 10-day Botswana self-drive safari itinerary. I had spent the previous 10 days self-driving in Namibia and it is a great itinerary to combine Namibia and Botswana. I crossed the border to Botswana on the ground at the Ngoma border crossing in the Caprivi Strip.

I got my Botswana Visa at the border checkpoint. There was a line, and it took about 1-hour to get my visa and pass the inspection of my car and food. The procedure was easy and uncomplicated!

Even better, I had the chance to make new friends while I was in line. I met this very nice couple from Zambia that were traveling home. They asked if I could give them a ride to the Zambia border which was on my way to Botswana.

DRIVING THE CAPRIVI STRIP

The driving from Namibia to Botswana on Caprivi is one straight line all the way to the border. You will pass many villages, plenty of cows and people walking on the side of the road.

I stopped along the road to donate all my food (meat, fruits, and vegetables) as we cannot enter Botswana with food. It is a great opportunity to get to know some local people, and also, they will appreciate you sharing the food with them.

STOP AT KASANE FOR SUPPLIES

Next, I stopped in Kasane to refill my gas tanks (the truck had 2 gas tanks), got someand money from the ATM, bought food and water – This is the last opportunity to refill before you head to the National Parks.

BEST ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

CAMPING OPTION

Mwandi View is the place i stayed and recomend. They have areas for camping in your own tent, or you can rent one of their large tents, with private bathroom and a small kitchen. The views are incredible and you can see animals from the infinity pool. Restaurant with incredible food is avaialbe.

LODGE OPTION

The Residence Kazungula is a marvelous guest house located in Kasane, with free Wi-Fi, parking on-site, a complete kitchen, and a pool. They can also arrange a variety of activities including game drives, boat cruises, and day trips to Victoria Falls.

ALL-INCLUSIVE OPTION

If you are looking for a great accommodation option, with all-inclusive, the Jacklberry Chobe is the best option. With drinks, meals, and 2 wildlife activities per day included, plus terrace and gorgeous views of the river

DAY 2 BOTSWANA SELF DRIVE SAFARI : Explore Chobe National Park

On day 2 of my Botswana self-drive itinerary, I spent 10-hours driving safari at Chobe National Park .

SELF-DRIVE SAFARI AT CHOBE RIVERFRONT

Chobe is one of the best places for a safari on the Planet, and I really recommend spending at least 2 days here .

Even if I had done other safaris before, this is the most I have seen animals in one single day: hundreds of zebras, waterbok, giraffes, springboks, and of course elephants.

The best spot to see the big cats, including lions is at the Ihaha Camp . I drove in the morning and afternoon but didn’t get lucky enough to see any.

self-drive safari at Chobe National Park

SEE THE LARGEST HERD OF ELEPHANTS IN THE WORLD

At around 1:30 p.m. I stopped to see a herd of elephants at a waterhole close to the Elephant Grave when more elephants arrived from everywhere and I was surrounded by hundreds of elephants. This was the highlight moment of my trip to Chobe .

Back to the Mwandi Camp to enjoy the sunset from the infinity pool, while watching some elephants at the waterhole, cook dinner, and crashed from this tiring day.

DAY 3 Botswana Itinerary: Self-Drive Safari at Chobe then Drive to Savuti

On my second and last day of self-drive safari at Chobe National Park , I started my day very early (5 a.m.) and enjoyed 5 hours of safari.

GO ON A RIVER CRUISE SAFARI AT CHOBE

Another specialty and a must-do are to go on a river-cruise safari . This is a must-do activity at Chobe National park as you can see the wildlife from a boat is totally different experience than from a car. During the water safari, you have the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and f you are lucky you can also see elephants swimming.

DRIVING OFF-ROAD TO SAVUTI

After lunch, I began my journey south through Chobe to my next destination: Savuti. There are no gas stations or stores until you exit Okavango Delta. Make sure you are full-on fuel, water, and food before leaving Chobe (Kasane town).

The driving to Savuti was very challenging (and scary) and it is not for the faint-hearted! I only recommend self-drive here if you are a very experienced driver and have some basic mechanical knowledge because things can, and will happen to the car.

The “road” is very isolated, and only a 4WD can drive here. The “roads” you will follow are nothing more than dirt roads and trails. At times you will follow some old tire tracks through grass fields, and other times you will be driving through deeply rutted sandy “roads”. You cannot drive on a rainy day (or wet season). I drove for 7-hours without seeing another car. I had 1 flat tire and had to change it on a very deep sandy road and got stuck on the sand a couple of times. The speed limit is around 15km/h and you will be driving very slowly on very bumpy roads.

TOP TIP: If you are going on a self-drive in Botswana, most of the driving will be off-road. I recommend carrying a backpack as it will protect your belongings on bumpy roads. Check here the Review on Top Backpacks on the market today.

Camping and driving in the remote safaris in Botswana

ARRIVAL AT SAVUTI

Arrived at the remote Savuti Gate and I had to pay for my entry permit – it costs US$85 for 3 days of the game reserve. The only way to enter the Savuti Gate (and all other gates) is to have proof of camping reservations.

I finally arrived at the Savuti Camp near dark, found my reserved camping spot, and cooked dinner. The camping staff came to warn me that it was life-threatening to be out of my tent at night because it is very common for hyenas and lions to visit the campsites at night.

I spent 2 nights at the Savuti Camp . All 14 campsites lie under shady trees while some have a view of the Savuti Channel. There is a large elephant-proof ablution with shared bathrooms and showers. The campsite is operated by SKL Camps.

If you are looking for a lodge at Savuti, Ghoha Hills Savuti has accommodations with free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive. There’s a fully equipped private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. The lodge offers a continental or buffet breakfast.

DAY 4 Botswana Itinerary: Self-drive Safari at Savuti

The Savuti is a region within the heart of the Chobe National Park that is secretly located. Savuti covers almost 5,000 square kilometers and includes the Savute Marsh and Channel, the Mababe Depression, and Magwikhwe Sand Ridge – each feature fashioned by the tectonic instability of the region.

It is the best place to spot big cats, including lions and leopards. It is also renowned for the masses of game, and it has its own unique scenery such as the Baobab Gallery trees and rock paintings. I recommend spending at least 2 days in Savuti.

EXPLORE THE VAST WILDLIFE IN SAVUTI

Start your first day at Savuti doing what is the best thing to do, with a self-drive safari.

Start your day very early (before 7:00 a.m) as the chances to see active animals are higher. I started my first day seeing a lion eating his kill and it was a pretty amazing experience to just park my car very close, behind the bushes, and just observe, smell, and hear while he was enjoying his breakfast.

During my day of safari at Savuti , I saw many giraffes, springbok, and elephants. In the afternoon I visited the Baobab Trees and the rock painting.

I saw many bones of animals and mostly close to the campsite – which makes me think that predators hang out around campsites. At night I was visited by a very large hyena and I also could hear the lions roaring all night from a distance. Exciting!

VISIT THE ROCK PAINT AND BAOBAB TREES

Expend the afternoon exploring more of the Savuti beauty!

Savuti is not only about wildlife, here you can also find ancient art – search the rocks of the Gubatsa Hills for delicate, stylized paintings of buffalo, giraffes, the magical eland, and other animals. They were painted in natural ochres, blood, and possibly snake venom up to 1,500 years ago by the San people. They still shine despite being fully exposed to the elements.

Then, visit the incredible Baobab Trees. The baobab trees boast a circumference of around 7 meters (23 feet) and a height of around 5 meters (17 feet). Take some time out to reflect in the shade of the centuries-old trees, humbled by their large presence and the secrets that flow deep within their roots. Savuti is incredible!

DAY 5 Botswana Itinerary: Self-Drive Safari in Savuti, then Driving to Okavango Delta

Morning safari at savuti.

Early in the morning, I saw 2 lionesses with 9 cubs – 7 older and 2 younger. I heard from the locals that they live under the bush, and they were just enjoying the early morning sun. I parked my car, and took amazing pictures, and observed them for over 1-hour from a very close distance. They didn’t seem to be bothered by my presence. This was certainly one of the highlight moments of my trip to Botswana.

I saw many other animals during my second day of safari in Savuti, and even if I really wanted to see leopards, I had no luck seeing any.

DRIVE TO OKAVANGO DELTA

After lunch, I started driving to the Okavango Delta and I drove all the way to the next camping site destination in Kawai . It was 3.5 hours of very bumpy and sandy road, and again, driving at a very low speed.

Upon arrival at Khwai Gate you need to pay for the permit again; remember to have cash with you as they don’t accept credit cards.

The camping site is situated in an area called Dombo Hippo Pools, and guess what you can see a lot? You are right, hippos.

The Khwai Camping Site is very basic. The camping site has a tree, running water, and a fire pit area, and a small ablution is available. The game views and bird watching in this area are superb. The campsite is operated by SKL Camps.

If you are looking for amazing luxury glamping in Botswana, O Bona Moremi Safari Lodge offers it all. All means, drinks, and laundry service are included plus all the game drivers and night drives.

VILLA OPTION

If you are looking for a great option, Khwai Villa provides accommodations with free private parking. All units come with a balcony with river views, a kitchenette with a fridge and an oven, and a private bathroom with a shower.

DAY 6 Botswana Self-Drive Safari: Okavango Delta Safari

Explore the khwai region.

The day of my self-drive safari in Botswana was exploring the Khwai region, part of the Okavango Delta.

The Okavango Delta is like the crown jewel of safaris in Botswana , as this area is usually known for the abundance of water, stemming from the Okavango river – which starts in Angola – and is also dubbed “the river that never finds the sea”. Instead of ending in the ocean, the water seeps away into the Kalahari desert.

I was up early and went on a long game drive to explore this region. There are large tracts of Mopane forest with pools and floodplains interspersed. I saw a lot of different animals including hippos, crocodiles, water buffalos, red lechwe, waterbucks, and blue wildebeest.

This area is challenging to drive, as there are deep mud pools on many of the trails and some wet areas that make it impossible to pass.

I spent 2 nights at the Xakanaka Campsite . This area offers many options for day trips, such as Khwai and Third Bridge. There are two boat stations close to the camping site. The camping area is very simple and is located by the water, that is the reason there are so many hippos on this campsite. An ablution (communal bathroom) is available.

If you are looking for an all-inclusive lodge accommodation, the Khwai Experidtions Camp offers all meals, drinks, and game reserves. Located on a gorgeous facility with a patio with incredible views, including wild animals come to visit.

DAY 7 Botswana Self-Drive Safari: Okavango Delta Safari

I didn’t sleep very well, as the animals are very active at night around this area. I could hear lions and hippos, and I saw a couple of hyenas searching my campsite for food at night. The only thing the hyena found and decided to take with her was my sneakers…ha!

EXPLORE THE XAKANAKA REGION

After spending 2 nights at the Khwai Campsite, I moved on to another camping in the Okavango Delta, Xakanaka – so I could explore different areas.

The drive to Xakanaka took around 2-hours and it was also very challenging. The roads are rutted and winding. During the rains, it is almost impossible to drive, with some very deep waterholes on the road and the journey can take up to 4-hours.

The game reserve in this area is phenomenal – but a day doing a self-driving safari is exhausting – the vegetation is very dense and there are a lot of dead trees on the ground. Also, there are so many holes with water and mud, which makes the driving very challenging if you are trying to spot animals, take pictures, and drive.

After a whole day of self-drive safari – with a 1-hour break for a nap under a tree in the middle of the day – time to go back to the camp, cook dinner, and get some rest.

While I was cooking, a hippo crossed right in front of me which left me speechless for a few minutes – “What was it? a hippo!?” Yes, it was a hippo!

DAY 8 Botswana Self-Drive Safari: Okavango Delta

Spend the morning driving at xakanaka.

\My day 8 of my self-drive safari in Botswana was spent driving around the Xakanaka area.

Xakanaxa occupies a narrow strip of land surrounded by marshes and lagoons . At night you can easily hear the animals, especially elephants, or be serenaded by hippo grunts.

This area is one of few offering a year-round land and water game-viewing experience, possible to explore by car or powerboats.

On a day of safari in this area , it is easy to spot a large variety of animals such as elephants, buffalo, hyena, giraffe, hippo, wildebeest, kudu, lechwe, and if you are lucky, lion and leopard, among many others.

DRIVE TO THE THIRD BRIDGE

After lunch, I head to my next camping destination, Third Bridge Campsite.

In a dry season, it is an easy drive but there was very deep sand after the 2nd bridge. Got to the camping, and this was my favorite campsite in Botswana because the location is absolutely gorgeous, just by the river and the wildlife is very abundant here.

TOP TIP: Make sure you pack lots of water, as you will be very isolated in this part of Botswana. I thought I had enough water, but with the hit and humidity, I ran out of water 2 days earlier than I had planned and I had to boil water from the Okavango Delta to drink. It is smart to also pack some portable water filters.

I spent 2 nights at the Third Bridge Campsite . This campsite was my favorite during my self-drive in Botswana. It is an excellent choice as there are so many options for game drives and there is always animal activity in camp. There is a boat station at the camping site, making water activities extra options. Booking is through Xomae

DAY 9 Botswana Itinerary : Water Safari at Okavango Delta

1. morning safari at third bridge.

I spent the last day of my self-drive safari in Botswana doing the best thing you can do in Botswana: safari. The wildlife in this section of Okavango Delta is incredible for safari, and you feel all the time that you are truly amongst the wildlife.

At lunchtime, I was back at the campsite to skip the mid-day sun and cool down in the shade of the trees, while cooking lunch. When a herd of elephants had the same idea and I had to share my shade with them. It was a magical moment, and one of the highlights of my trip to Botswana.

2. Water Safari at Okavango Delta

I took the afternoon to do a water safari and it was just incredible, I strongly recommend if you are visiting the Okavango Delta to go on water safari, as you will have a different view and will see so many different animals. I had the chance to visit the Hippo Pool, which is a lagoon with hundreds of hippos.

While on a water safari at Okavango Delta, it is the best option for bird-watching too. The tour took longer than planned – around 4 hours – because our boat broke and we had to ask for help.

In the evening, my campsite got visited by many hyenas and I spent my last night camping in Botswana and hearing the lions roaming. Absolutely fascinating!

DAY 10 Botswana Itineray: Return Back to Namibia

I woke up very early (as usual) and spent a few hours driving around on a self-drive safari before heading back to Namibia.

I saw a large variety of animals just around the campsite, and I started to feel sad to leave Botswana. I certainly had one of the best trips of my life. Just being in the wild, surrounded by majestic animals, and enjoying the solitude of incredible nature. I truly recommend doing a self-drive safari in Botswana as once in a lifetime adventure.

The drive back to Namibia was long but safe. The road conditions are mostly well-paved the whole way.

I stopped for an overnight in Ghazni, as it was dark and it is not recommended to drive in the dark because of the wildlife on the roads. If you don’t have an extra day, I would recommend skipping the morning safari in Botswana and starting to head back to your departure destination.

I spent another day and night in Namibia before I headed back home, as this was a great farewell from my amazing Africa trip! You can read here my full Namibia Itinerary if you are looking to combine your trip or continue your Africa Trip.

BONUS SECTION: The Unique Tourism in Botswana

Botswana has a very unique tourism industry, based on a sustainable tourism model. Botswana relies on a low volume high revenue tourism strategy , and it serves as an example all over Africa and the Planet. In other words, it is not cheap to visit Botswana!

The business model in Botswana helps the local economy and assists with keeping balance in the fragile ecosystem and controlling the number of tourists. Higher prices help to support this sustainable system of tourism in Botswana.

TRAVEL BOTSWANA INDEPENDENTLY: If you choose to travel independently to Botswana, keep in mind that the planning will take time and (a lot of) patience. It took me about 3 months of hard work to plan my itinerary in Botswana, especially, to be able to book all the campsites. Communication with Botswana is challenging and it may take days, or even weeks to answer back to you. Plus, consider that you will be driving in very remote and isolated areas. You will need to have some basic mechanical skills (changing tires), and expertise in driving off-road (mud, deep sand, crossing water, etc.).

TAILOR-MADE TRIP IN BOTSWANA: A popular alternative to visiting Botswana is to hire an expert local company. They can incorporate any destination into your travels or even any animal species that you hope to see. You can create a bespoke itinerary, and design your ultimate safari to match your interest, budget, and travel dates. I highly recommend Wild Wonderful World , as they put together incredible itineraries, and part of the profits are used on amazing conservation efforts in Africa

I have great news for my readers, I used and I recommend Wild Wonderful World – I partnered with them to offer a discount to you! Just sign in below to receive a discount code directly in your email.

Botswana Self-Drive Safari | Trip Planning Resources

Planning a trip to botswana.

If you are going to travel to Botswana, pre-planning, researching, and understanding what you are looking for in a destination will help make your travels far more successful and safe. Here is some further information I think you might need to plan your Botswana self-drive safari itinerary.

For planning my trip to Botswana I used the Lonely Planet guidebook, which contains helpful information.

Best Time to Visit Botswana

The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season between May and October when you can expect warm, sunny days (22°C-35°C) and chilly nights. This is also when the water levels in the Okavango Delta are at their highest, creating the waterways and channels Botswana is famed for.

The green season – from November to April – is a great time to travel if you don’t mind the odd shower. Visitor numbers and prices are lower, the scenery pops with verdant foliage, and animals give birth to their young.

What to Pack for a self-drive safari in Botswana

You want to pack light….but at the same time, you will be so remote for many days that you will want to pack heavy. So, let me help you PACK SMART!

GPS and a good Botswana map .
Extra flashlights and batteries
A well-equipped First Aid kit (including a snake bite kit)
Rehydration solution
Satellite phone
Inflatable LED Solar Lantern.
Bring a warm blanket for cold nights.
Camera and safari lens
Toilet paper
light hiking pants
long sleeves shirts
good face cover
polarized sunglasses
Hand sanitizer
LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle and Emergency water supply
External battery charger

PACK SMART ALERT!

If you are planning to carry a backpack for your trip to Botswana, I have compiled a very detailed review of the Best Backpacks for Travel in the market today – Also, I recommend bringing a waterproof jacket for your trip, check my complete review guide on the Top Jackets for Travel and pack smart!

Airports in Botswana

Botswana’s main airport is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) , located 11km/7miles north of Gaborone, the capital.

If you are flying from South Africa, you can take a direct flight from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) , Johannesburg, or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) .

It is also common to fly into Maun Airport (MUB) and Kasana Airport (BBK) . When combining a safari in Botswana with a visit to Victoria Falls, it is common to fly into Maun and depart from Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe or Livingstone Airport (LVI) in Zambia.

Borders of Botswana

Botswana is bounded by Namibia to the west and north (the Caprivi Strip), Zambia and Zimbabwe to the northeast, and South Africa to the southeast and south. The Zambezi River border with Zambia is only several hundred yards long. The point at which the borders of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe meet in the middle of the river has never been precisely determined.

Price to Travel to Botswana

When you travel to Botswana you can easily spend 1,000 to 2,000 Dollars per day/ person. This kind of money will bring you to some of the most exclusive lodges, and to areas that aren’t accessible any other way, including private flights to the lodges. Of course, you can plan your self-drive safari in Botswana and save tons of money – which will force you to do a lot of planning yourself.

Prices below are the average for 10-day for 2 people (it doesn’t include international flights):

Accommodation in Botswana

Keep in mind that booking wild campsites in Botswana is extremely challenging and requires lots of patience and persistence.

I have done all the work and wrote this very detailed guide for Camping in Botswana – with all the best options for accommodations.

The campsites in Botswana are run by different private operators, The gates and reception have booking agents, but I strongly advise you to reserve your accommodation before your trip to Botswana, as the number of campsites is limited. You will be turned away if no space is available, and you will have a long trip back to the nearest town.

Things in Botswana move much more slowly than I am used to. The booking in Botswana is a very manual process, still, carbon copy receipt based rather than Internet bookings. Please read everything you should know before you go camping in Botswana before you make any reservations.

If you are planning to stay at lodges, Booking.com is the best option as it is a reliable source and they have a 24-hour cancellation policy that I have used several times.

Botswana camping under the stars in the remote camping

Renting a car in Botswana

You will need to have a 4×4 vehicle to go on a self-drive safari in Botswana , either if you decide to go with a tour operator, or if you decide to go on an independent adventure.

Request a quote and save on your rental car when you book through this site. I use and recommend Discover Cars because it is the most reliable rental car source, and it allows you to compare the prices of different places.

Self-driving in Botswana

Self-driving in Botswana can be a challenge depending on your level of experience but also depending on the season.

I recommend you rent a fully equipped 4×4 car, preferably with a GPS with camping sites and other important GPS coordinates pre-programmed. This will help guide you to stay on track and be able to orientate yourself, ensuring your drive will be a safe one for you and your close ones.

You can always ask one of our staff members for advice on what routes are recommended at the moment since this might change from one part of the year to another. Remember; in the African bush anything is possible so coming prepared and aware are factors that can help your drive be a successful one that will give you, your friends, and family memories for life.

Additional Tips for your Self-Drive Safari in Botswana

Currency: The local currency in Botswana is Pula. They widely accepted South African Rand. You can use an ATM in one of the main towns. Always carry money with you, as most places do not accept credit cards.
Fuel: on long drives pick up fuel regularly in the major towns as there can be long distances between stations.
Supplies: Snacks and drinks are available at most of the fuel stops and the bigger towns had a well-stocked Spar Supermarket.
Maps/GPS: Download maps onto your phone which can be accessed offline. Also, keep a paper map in the glove box just in case!
SIM cards: it’s easy to pick up a pay-as-you-go SIM in the airports as well as in local mobile network stores.
Internet: If you are planning to go on a mobile camp safari, note that you won’t have access to the internet. I spent 10 days in Botswana without internet access.

Travel Insurance for your trip

I never leave my home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover your expenses if something goes wrong on your trip. Things can go wrong, and you don’t want to get stuck paying tons of money if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance.

World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers, to cover their trip essentials. Especially if you are like me, travel insurance is ideal for adventurous travelers. Travel smarter and safer – You can do your quick quote below and find out how little you can pay for the essential benefit of Travel Insurance for your next trip!

Botswana Self Drive Safari Conclusion

This is my very detailed Botswana Self Drive Safari Itinerary, and I hope this can help you to plan your Botswana Trip!

I have done other safaris in Africa before, but Botswana surpassed my high expectations. Nature, the diversity of wildlife, and the hospitality in Botswana made it an incredible trip.

Botswana is not a cheap destination to visit, therefore if you want to visit on a budget just like me, be prepared to have to start planning your trip well in advance in order to book your accommodation (good luck with that!), book your car and start to study the maps, since you will be driving on very remote and isolated areas. You need at least to feel somehow familiar with the region you will be driving.

I truly recommend anyone to go on a trip to Botswana, and if you are convinced, continue reading as I prepared the whole BOTSWANA TRIP PLANNING section here for you!

Here is some further information I think you might need to plan your trip:

21-Days Namibia and Botswana Self-Drive Road Trip Itinerary
Namibia self-drive road trip Itinerary
28 Things you need to know before you go Camping in Botswana
The Best Camping Safari in Botswana

This is the ultimate Botswana self-drive safari itinerary for a 10-day road trip in Botswana

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Botswana safari from Chobe to Okavango Delta

Ultimate Botswana Camping Safari Guide (for Independent Travelers)

Namibia & Botswana Itinerary: Ultimate 3-Week road trip from the Dunes to Safaris

Camping in Botswana: 30 Things You Absolutely Need to Know!

28 thoughts on “the ultimate botswana self-drive safari itinerary: a complete travel guide + map”.

Such an amazing drive and so impressed you did a self drive! I visited here on tour and it was such an amazing country!!!

Wow! What an amazing experience! I totally would love to do this one day and I like how detailed your blog post is. Hoping to go in the near future. 🙂

This drive looks amazing! I’m always hearing that Botswana is one of the best places to experience Safari in Africa, moreso than the typical Kenya or Tanzania. I can’t wait to plan a visit! Thank you for sharing.

This is such a complete post with its itinerary and other details that nobody would want anything else! Thank you very much for this. It’s just a matter of time, and people would start traveling again. 🙂

This is so cool! Beautiful photos and Botswana sounds like a great experience for a self drive safari. Botswana just got a place on my list on where to take an safari in Africa.

What a great self drive adventure through Botswana and such a detailed post. BTW, I never look as lovely and glamorous as you when I have traveled through parts of Africa! 😉 I normally end up being covered in dust.

These pictures make me want to go on safari!!! I can’t believe you drove over that bridge. What an amazing adventure.

Absolutely stunning pictures and amazing itinerary. I can’t imagine how much work went into planning this trip but I’m sure it’s helping many others interested in taking a similar adventure in the future!

Wow! what a great and detailed post! Oh how I would love to visit Botswana and do a self-driving tour

HI Marika, I hope that one day you get to go on a self-drive in Botswana. It is so incredible and unique, a real adventure.

What nice feedback Michelle, thank you so much. Yes, it was a lot of work planning as I couldn’t find much information for an independent trip to Botswana and the booking process was a lot of planning and hard work to be able to schedule.

I know, right?! Ha… That bridge. Now looking at my pictures and remembering all the adventures I went through during this trip, is insane and I am so thankful I only had some minor problems with this trip.

I love it Alma…haha…believe me, I was so dirty on these pictures too. My hair is always braided for a reason, and my boots were so dirty and dusty at the end of the trip that I didn’t even want to pack them back in my backpack. I am so glad you enjoyed this post.

HI Cosette, thanks for reading and I am so glad you enjoyed this itinerary. I so hope you get to travel to Botswana, you will absolutely love it.

Thank you so much for your kind comment, I hope this itinerary helps a lot of people who dream about self-drive independent to Botswana. I cannot wait to be able to travel safely again.

Hi Jade, glad you enjoyed this post. Oh, Botswana is simply incredible for safari and you really feel that you are super isolated the whole time, only sharing the wild with the gorgeous animals. It is just an incredible feeling.

Thanks Taylor, glad you enjoyed it. I so hope you get to go to Botswana too.

The self-drive is not an easy task in Botswana, that is the reason I was honest to say that I don’t recommend it unless you have great off-road skills and some mechanical. I am sure you had an amazing time in Botswana, it is amazing, isn’t it!?

Que fotos mais maravilhosos, que lugar de tirar o folego, acredito ter sido uma experiência única. Parabéns, o blog está ótimo, a viagem super detalhada e muito descritiva. Obrigada por com partilhar…

Obrigada Patricia e fico feliz que gostou desse artigo.

Hey Paula, I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your adventure experience. I’m originally from Tanzania and now I live in New York now. I run a tour company here in the USA bringing American to Tanzania. Trying to expand my business to other parts of Africa and Botswana clicked my head from reading your self drive experience in Botswana!

Hello Protus, thanks for your comment and I am glad you found my article about Botswana. This place really holds a special place in my heart, and I cannot wait to go back to Africa. Tanzania is very high on my bucket list.

We are going in december and are very nervous about the road conditions between Kasane and Maun – would you be able to share some images of the worst parts you’ve crossed to give us an idea?

Hello – it will depend on the weather conditions, as you will be driving between towns and also, off-road. I got lucky because when I visited Botswana it was not raining and I could drive off-road to many “roads” where normally you cannot drive if it is raining. If you see my pictures, you will see a lot of deep sand where you can only drive if you have a 4×4 vehicle appropriate for off-road, but if you are driving during the rain, you will have to cross the same roads on the mud or even water ponds.

Thanks for all your research and your effort in documenting everything in detail! We have read everything and planned the entire self-drive safari according to your itinerary, only in reverse order (from Maun to Kasane). Do you have any tips on how to plan the individual days? How to explore a certain area around a camp? How to plan the boat trips? And do you still consider your itinerary perfect or would you have liked to stay longer or shorter in a particular camp/area?

Below is what we have booked for the fall:

Wednesday Maun Thursday South Gate Friday Third bridge (depending on availability) Saturday Third Bridge Sunday Xakanaka Monday Xakanaka Tuesday Khwai Wednesday Savuti Thursday Savuti Friday Mwandi Saturday sleep in Kasane, but explore Ihaha and Chobe river during the day

Hello Bastiaan – I am so glad to hear that my itinerary is helpful and you are using it to help to plan your trip. When I planned my trip to Botswana it took me around 3 months to put this itinerary together, as they are not a lot of information on the web, and there is no road to follow. Have you checked my other blogs about Botswana? I have great advice on how to explore each safari area, and also, how to plan your camping safari, in case you are camping along the way. Or if not, I also give great recommendations on places to stay. Check these other articles, and if you still have any questions, please let me know: https://www.paulapinstheplanet.com/botswana-safari-chobe-okavango-delta/ and this one should be good too https://www.paulapinstheplanet.com/botswana-camping-safari/

Hi Paula, I didn’t see your reply until now. Thanks for responding! We have read all your blogs on Botswana and have everything booked according to your itinerary (camps, vehicle, days at each location). Just one question we have is how to make the most of the day trips from the camps? Did you use local maps or did you randomly explore and hope to find good spots for game viewing?

Hello Batiann – That is so nice my blogs about Botswana helped you to plan your trip, it is not an easy task as it is remote and doesn’t have much information on Botswana on the web. Now, how you can make the most of your trips from the camps, buy a Lonely Planet book about Botswana (this is what I used and was very helpful) and I bought the maps at the entrance of the National Parks in Botswana where you can see main spots to visit and see wildlife. Other than that, just drive, drive, drive and you will see a lot anyways. It is very wild and the chances to see wildlife are high anyways.

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Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

The Perfect Self-Drive Botswana Itinerary for an Epic Safari Trip

September 12, 2019 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lauren Melnick

When my friend Melanie told me about her plans to go to Botswana, my eyes lit up, my heart started pounding, and my hands got a wee bit sweaty.

I hadn’t been to Botswana since 2015 ( omg where has the time gone?! ) when I travelled overland from South Africa to the Vic Falls Carnival New Years Eve Festival .

But I had only had enough time in the country to see dusty roads and drive past small towns.

Since then, I’ve been daydreaming about exploring the Kalahari , going on game drives through Chobe National Park , driving through the Makgadikgadi Pans and spending a night in the Okavango Delta .

Suffice to say, it didn’t take much to get me to add my name to her road trip roster.

Before long, we had whipped up an epic week-long Botswana itinerary that included some of the country’s top safari destinations.

Here’s my 4×4 self-drive Botswana itinerary for an epic safari trip!

Table of Contents

Travel Tips for Your Botswana Itinerary

The best time to travel to botswana, tips for renting a 4×4 vehicle for botswana, what to pack for botswana, things to remember, where to stay in nxai pan national park, activities at nxai pan national park, day 5: one more game drive & drive to maun, day 6: go on an overnight mokoro safari, day 7: fly or drive back to south africa, activities in chobe national park, victoria falls.

Malaria: If you’re planning a holiday in Botswana during the wet season, it’s a good idea to speak to your local travel clinic about getting malaria pills. For safari trips in the dry season, the risk is much lower. But you’ll still need to cover up in the evenings and use mosquito repellent .

Plugs: I’m happy to report that all of the hotels (and Gabarone Airport) we stayed at in Botswana had South African plugs! If you’re visiting from Europe or America, the country also uses plug types D and G.

Wildlife Safety: Please, please, please DO NOT get out your car when you’re inside a national park. During our trip to Nxai Pan , we were watching two lions in the distance when another vehicle pulled up, and the passenger got out of his car to take photos of some elephants. Just because you can’t see a predator doesn’t mean there aren’t any around you.

Travel Insurance: While Botswana is the second safest country in Africa, you still need travel insurance. From protecting your camera gear (especially if you’re renting a decent lens) to cancelled flights, take out a policy with World Nomads . The company specialises in covering travellers for all kinds of adventure activities, and you can claim online from anywhere in the world.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Botswana is one of those destinations that has something special to offer no matter when you plan your safari.

If you want incredible wildlife sightings and to boost your chances of seeing the Big Cats, book your trip to Botswana for the dry season. From May to September, Botswana experiences hardly any rainfall, driving the animals to congregate around the dwindling water holes.

The famous Okavango Delta floods from June to October. If a mokoro safari on the delta is on your bucket list, this is the best time to go!

But if you want a wildly different experience, plan your Botswana road trip for the wet season (November to April). The dry, arid landscape is transformed into an emerald green wilderness.

The rains are usually short-lived, and you’ll get to see plenty of newborn animals and migratory birds!

7-Day Self-Drive Botswana Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Johannesburg to Nata Lodge

Alright, day one is all about setting 4 AM wake up calls and squinting while brushing your teeth because your eyes aren’t ready to start working so early.

The drive from Johannesburg to Nata Lodge is 10-hours. You’ll want to pack plenty of snacks and get the car ready to go by 5 AM. It’s the only way to avoid the hell that is Johannesburg rush-hour traffic.

Once you make it over the border, there’s a tar road all the way to Nata Lodge. The only snag? Botswana has a single lane highway.

Use the Stockpoort port of entry . Why? Trucks can’t use it because the bridge is only big enough for regular ‘ol cars. That means the entire border crossing process will only take a couple of minutes because no one else will be there. I’m serious. There was no one else when we arrived. We were stamped out of South Africa and into Botswana in under 15 minutes.

You can’t take fresh produce over the border. If you want to snack on fresh fruit, vegetables, meat or cheese, you’ll need to buy all that good stuff in Botswana. If border patrol inspects your car and finds your contraband, someone else is going to be enjoying your lunch.

You can only pay for your car in cash. The Botswana border had a card machine, but it wasn’t working. Don’t count on it working when you arrive. Come prepared with cash. There is a currency exchange office, but the rates won’t be great. Try to get some Pula before you arrive.

Day 2: Nata Bird Sanctuary and Salt Pans Safari

You might be wondering: “ Why should I stay at Nata Lodge? What’s so special about this place? Can’t I stay at a backpackers or another hotel? ”

You can, but you’ll be missing out on a pretty epic experience.

Nata Lodge is situated in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and is a short drive from the Nata Bird Sanctuary. Inside the sanctuary is a massive salt pan that fills up during the wet season and attracts THOUSANDS of flamingos and pelicans!

If you stay at the lodge, you only need to pay entrance to the bird sanctuary. The lodge also includes game drives to the salt pans if you don’t feel like driving yourself and want a knowledgable guide at your side.

Unfortunately, the salt pans were as dry as the Sahara desert during our trip to Botswana. There wasn’t a bird in sight, but we still had a great time exploring the sanctuary.

We saw herds of buffalo and ostrich grazing in the distance and stayed for the sunset. We cracked open a few bottles of beer, drove onto the salt pans (something that you can’t do in the wet season) and watched the sun go down over the plains.

12/10 would recommend!

Entrance Fee: P100 (R135 / $9 USD) for non-residents and P35 (R47 / $3 USD) per vehicle.

Day 3: Drive to Nxai Pan National Park & Planet Baobab

Start your day with Nata Lodge’s delicious buffet breakfast. You can choose from a continental that features pancakes, scones, fresh fruit, muesli, cereal and yoghurt or you can get a classic breakfast with eggs done in your style of choice.

There aren’t a ton of options for vegans at Nata Lodge. If you’re plant-based and planning a self-drive safari in Botswana, bring all the essentials like soya milk, instant oats and anything else you like that isn’t fresh fruit.

Once you’re done stuffing your face, pack up your 4×4 and start the 5-6 hour drive to Nxai Pan National Park!

The road is tar all the way to the park’s gate – but be warned traffic cops are aplenty. Botswana also has some fancy-schmancy speed radar device that tells the cops how fast you’re driving before they see your car.

And yes, we did get a fine.

Along the way, you can make a quick detour to Planet Baobab . It’s a camp that’s famous for its massive baobab trees and stopping here is the perfect excuse to load up on some caffeine!

If you’re wanting to do a Botswana safari on a budget, stay at Planet Baobab . It’s one of the most affordable camps in the area.

Entrance: Free! Mahala!

At the entrance of Nxai Pan National Park, you’ll need to lower your tyre pressure for the sandy roads. The park is only accessible with a 4×4, and the roads are super corrugated.

That being said, you don’t need to be a 4×4 expert to drive through the park. But once you start driving, you can’t stop until you get to the second gate.

If you do, you’re going to find yourself stuck.

Entrance Fee: P120 (R162 / $11 per day) per day for a non-resident (for up to date rates contact Kwando Safaris )

Day 4: Explore Baine’s Baobabs and Go on Safari

For our trip to Nxai Pan National Park, we were lucky enough to spend two days at Nxai Pan Camp .

And boy, oh boy, did the lodge exceed my gastronomy expectations.

As a vegan, I’m used to my catering options being slim pickings when I travel. That was so far from the case at Nxai Pan.

The on-site chef whipped up vegan-friendly treats for my high tea and delicious plant-based meals for my lunch and dinner. I didn’t have to dip into my snack reserves once!

Game Drives: During our stay, we went on a full-day guided game drive, one evening guided game drive and a self-drive when we left. The park is home to 4 of the Big 5, and we were lucky enough to see a small pride of lions!

Baines Baobabs: Nxai Pan Camp includes a day trip to the legendary Baines Baobabs as part of your stay. It’s one of the best places to visit in Botswana. The trees were immortalised in paintings by Baine during his expedition to Victoria Falls with David Livingstone. The area is also popular with the elusive Oryx.

Bushman Walk: One of our guides from Nxai Pan was Shoes, a San bushman. On our last morning at the camp, he took us on a short walk into the national park to show us how the San lived in the Central Kahalari. We learnt how to make fire with two sticks, how to set a trap for guinea fowl and the many uses of elephant dung.

The Pool: The pool at Nxai Pan Camp deserves a special mention because it’s a couple of meters away from a watering hole that’s a firm favourite with the local elephants. Every day, without fail, a massive herd would arrive to splash around. If you have the time in your itinerary, spend an extra day poolside and watch the wildlife wander past with a cocktail in hand.

Wake up slowly and enjoy your last breakfast at Nxai Pan Camp around the fire. If you’re not too keen for the bushman walk, you can swap it for another morning guided game drive before you leave.

The drive from the camp to the park exit will take about 2-hours. Take your time driving back through the park, and you might have some last-minute sightings.

We saw a small pride of lions and watched a herd of elephants running up to the watering hole!

Once you reach the tar road, it’s an easy 4-hour drive to Maun.

Where to Stay in Maun

Sitatunga Camp: Sitatunga Camp is a gorgeous rustic camp 13km outside of Maun. You can choose to stay at the campgrounds, tented camps or the chalets. There’s also a swimming pool and an on-site restaurant. We spent one night here before our Mokoro safari and stayed in a tented camp.

Old Bridge Backpackers: We spent the night at Old Bridge after our Mokoro safari in the Okavango Delta and loved it! There are hippos and crocodiles chilling in a pool of water right in front of the backpackers. The WiFi is decent, and the restaurant has quite a few vegan options on the menu. Plus, you can get a private room for only P200 (R270 / $18)!

I don’t know about you, but safaris turn me into a little kid. Few things excite me as much as seeing elephants, big cats and other wildlife I never see in my day-to-day life.

A mokoro safari in the Okavango Delta has been at the top of my Botswana bucket list for years.

I mean, it’s pure magic.

Located in the Kalahari Desert, it became the 1,000 UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 and is home to an abundance of wildlife.

The best part?

You get to experience it without noisy car engines. You’ll sail down the sparkling lagoons, watch hippos grunt in the distance and elephants graze only meters away from you.

It’s a unique safari experience that you’re not going to get anywhere else in the world, and it’s worth every. single. penny.

We booked our Okavango Delta Mokoro Safari with Delta Rain , and I could not recommend them enough. We stayed at their camp for one night, and the staff took us on a walking safari where we got to see a herd of seven giraffes up close!

Overnight Mokoro Safari Cost Uncatered: $230 (R3385)

Overnight Mokoro Safari Catered: $300 (R4416)

elephant and hippo in the okavango delta

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And just like that, you’re at the end of my one week Botswana itinerary. It’s time to pretend your bags don’t weigh more than 20kg pack your bags for the airport. Maybe sit on your suitcase for a bit and try squash in all the souvenirs you’ve collected along the way.

If you want to save time, I recommend hiring a 4×4 from a rental company that’s going to let you pick up the car in South Africa and drop it off at an airport in Botswana.

This way, you can catch a flight back home instead of doubling back.

A word of caution for those that choose to fly like we did, book a morning flight. Do not choose the layover in Gabarone and fly in the afternoon.

Never in my life have I experienced such a turbulent flight because of the hot air pockets. I prayed so hard, you guys. So hard.

Additional Adventures for Your Botswana Itinerary

Chobe national park.

Want to visit one of the best wildlife destinations in the world? Continue your Botswana road trip with a stop at the iconic Chobe National Park.

You’ll need to drive back to Nata Lodge (a seven-hour drive from Maun) to travel up to Kasane – the gateway to Chobe. There is another option to cut across to Kasane from Maun, but the road isn’t in great condition, and it won’t save you any time.

Once you arrive, you can choose to camp inside the park, stay in one of the luxury lodges or spend the night on a houseboat.

• Self-drive and guided game drives • Photographic safaris • Boat cruises

If you want to avoid paying vehicle fees to enter Zambia and Zimbabwe, you can book a day-tour to Victoria Falls – one of the 7 Wonders of the World!

It’s an easy way to add The Smoke That Thunders to your Botswana itinerary!

Most tours include the transfer to and from Kasane, but you’ll still need to pay separately to go into the falls. While a day trip is a great option for travellers short on time, it’s worth crossing the border if you want to do more than one adventure activity .

Entrance Fees for Victoria Falls: $30 (R441.00)

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

Reader Interactions

May 26, 2020 at 1:54 pm

This information is lovely to read and very informative. any one would like to travel immediately when they read this. thank you

January 23, 2021 at 4:33 pm

I am definitely following this road trip of yours. Thank you for all the details and wonderful tips!!

January 29, 2021 at 2:18 pm

Hope you have an incredible time!

April 3, 2021 at 7:29 pm

Please give an estimate of the total cost of this trip excluding car rental and flight back to SA

April 3, 2021 at 7:35 pm

Hi! I did this trip in 2019, so prices won’t be the same. Your best bet is to contact the hotels and places you want to visit to get 2021 costs so your budget is as accurate as possible.

July 29, 2021 at 3:39 pm

Very informative article for all drivers. Thanks for the share.

February 1, 2022 at 10:56 am

Very useful info for all Self-Drivers thanks for share.

March 12, 2023 at 11:27 pm

Hi, Thanks for the info, everything seems really exciting!! I’ll be travelling with my sister in summer (we are 24 and 30). Is it safe ? Do you think there is a way to travel without a car but by bus (train?)…?

Do you think a 20days trip from Jobourg and back to Jobourg is recommended : – Mkgadikgadi – Victoria Falls – Chobe – Maun – (Central Kalahari)

Thanks a lot,

March 17, 2023 at 10:07 am

Safety is relative. Bad things happen everywhere in the world, so I can’t guarantee anything. But I’ve never felt unsafe in Botswana.

You could technically travel by bus, but you won’t be able to get anywhere beyond the major towns. For example, there are no buses to Mkgadikgadi. You’d likely only be able to get to Maun/Vic Falls. I’ve never used public transport in Botswana/Zimbabwe so I’m not sure on the routes and schedules.

I think 20-days for that is doable. You’ll just need to time it right and prepare yourself for long drives / checking conditions of the roads for the vehicle you’re using as well as the long waiting times at land border crossings.

March 19, 2023 at 12:23 pm

Thanks a lot again for your comment and infos. The best would be as you recommend to drop off the car on Botswana. Could you give me the name of the Company you found for that ? Thanks a lot !

January 31, 2024 at 2:33 am

Is this safe for single women. I’m travelling solo, really solo.

March 5, 2024 at 10:46 am

Botswana is one of the safest African countries, but as long as you have the skills to do everything yourself (like change a tyre etc.) you should be good. However, bad people are everywhere, so it’s always good to be cautious and practice common sense.

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Safari in Botswana

An expert guide to botswana's best safari reserves, camps and experiences.

Anthony Ham

In this guide

Okavango Delta

Chobe national park, central kalahari game reserve, makgadikgadi pans national park.

Need to know
Getting around
How it works

Of all the places I’ve been on safari in Africa, I think Botswana tops the list. There is so much to enjoy and, unlike in bigger safari destinations, in Botswana you’ll see a lot more wildlife than other travellers.

Botswana is where I went on my first self-drive safari, and, to this day, it remains my pick as the best place to drive yourself out into the wild in Africa. All but the inner reaches of the Okavango Delta are accessible in your own 4WD, and the experience of driving out into, and sleeping overnight in, lion country, or the amazing world of elephants, or miles from the nearest human being, remains my favourite way of going on safari.

At the heart of Botswana’s appeal are its signature wildlife destinations whose names – the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve – read like a roll-call of storied wildlife kingdoms. And it’s not just the wildlife. From the deep greens and blues of the Delta in flood to the yellows and reds of the Kalahari, or the blinding whites of the salt pans, there is something elemental about Botswana’s call to the wild. In the following pages I’ll explain some of my Botswana safari highlights, and how you can see them for yourself.

featured botswana safaris

Popular Botswana Safari Through the Delta

Discover Botswana

Explore the okavango delta, kwando, the kalahari and chobe.

Best of Botswana Lodge Safari

Makgadikgadi Pans & Okavango Delta Safari Adventure

Botswana's Northern Highlights

10 day small group tour.

Okavango Delta horse riding safari

Discover botswana's amazing wildlife.

Affordable Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari

Chobe Camping Safaris

Okavango Kayaking Expedition

Unique camp-to-camp safari adventure.

Botswana Wildlife Camping Safari

Botswana's hidden gems.

Unlike Africa’s safari giants like Kenya , Tanzania , and South Africa , Botswana remains blissfully under the radar. Yet, it too faces the travel industry's irritating habit of focusing on the popular easy sellers at the expense of everywhere else. There's much more to Botswana than the Okavango Delta. In this guide I'll show you some of my favourite lesser-known Botswana safari spots.

Aerial view of the vast Okavango Delta, one of the best safari destinations in Africa

The best safaris in Botswana

Popular highlights & hidden gems, kgalagadi transfrontier park, tsodilo hills, northern tuli game reserve, okavango panhandle, nxai pan national park, kwando reserve.

Okavango kayaking expedition

Pretty much every Okavango tour itinerary will include a paddle on a traditional mokoro canoe. For something very different, set out on a multi-day, camp-to-camp kayaking expedition through the Delta. Paddle the gentle water spotting the planet's greatest wildlife and camp each night under the stars. Truly unique.

See elephants and more in Chobe National Park

Chobe incorporates two distinct regions: Chobe River (close to the Zimbabwe and Zambia borders), famous for its large elephant herds; and Savute (in the west), where a juxtaposition of contrasting habitats and handful of pumped water holes sustain a melting pot of species.

Chobe in general, but especially the riverfront, has one of the highest elephant densities in Africa and close-up sightings are almost guaranteed. Lions and leopards are also possible here, with giraffe, zebra, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles all commonly seen.

Game drives are the order of the day in Savute where wildlife-viewing is good year-round. Savute is known for its predators – I’ve always had luck with lion, leopard and cheetah here, and on my last trip I spent an afternoon watching a highly active den of African wild dogs. As with the rest of Chobe, elephants are everywhere in Savute.

Explore water world in the Okavango Delta

This is a world without fences and, because of the water levels, human settlements are mostly restricted to the Delta’s perimeter, leaving the rest to wildlife.

In the southern part of the Delta, including in Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai Community Concession, expect a mix of luxury tented camps and budget campsites catering mostly to those on self-drive safaris. The deeper you go into the Delta, the more the crowds thin, with entire concessions given over to the exclusive lodges and tented camps that are such a feature of a safari in Botswana. For most of the tourist season, many of these camps and lodges can only be reached by small plane. Out here, I’ve had the wildlife entirely to myself.

Taste true wilderness in the Central Kalahari

Measuring 52,000 square kilometres, I think this vast wilderness is a signature Botswana safari experience. Known for its golden grasslands, salt pans, sand dunes covered in vegetation and wide former river valleys, it’s a soulful experience that’s custom-made for a self-drive safari.

The mammal density and diversity are not quite a match for the northern parks making it less well-suited to first-time safari travellers but for the feel of a true African wilderness, CKGR is tough to beat.

Hugging the park’s northern boundary, the Hainaveld consists of a handful of compact, segregated, privately-owned reserves. The denser habitat means the landscape is less scenic than inside the park, but pumped waterholes concentrate the game in the dry season. Several of the lodges employ local Kalahari bushmen with legendary tracking skills, who will also teach you about their way of life on a guided walk.

Off the beaten path in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

In the far south of Botswana, this transfrontier park spills over into South Africa. The Botswana side of the park receives far fewer visitors than the South African sections across the border.

The scenery here consists of a dense scrubland and some of the loveliest salt-pan scenery anywhere in Botswana. With a number of hills overlooking these pans, they’re spectacular places, especially at sunset, and many of the self-drive campsites take full advantage of these hilltop positions.

Kgalagadi is known for its classic Kalahari wildlife, and aside from the usual oryx (gemsbok), giraffe and wide range of antelope species, I’ve always had luck with the extravagantly horned greater kudu, lion, cheetah and even a fleeting glimpse of meerkats.

The park provides habitat for nearly 300 different bird species, and I was particularly thrilled when the elusive Kalahari scrub robin and the vivid violet-eared waxbill visited my campsite one evening.

Ancient history in the Tsodilo Hills

Rising from the barren, sandy plains of the Kalahari in a remote corner of north-western Botswana, these four hills project a certain kind of magic. Sacred to the indigenous San people and reputed to possess mystical powers (as Laurens van der Post found in the 1950s on a visit that formed the centrepiece of his classic The Lost World of the Kalahari), the Tsodilo Hills are best known as one of the world’s finest galleries of ancient rock art. More than 4,500 artworks – mostly paintings, but engravings, too – adorn the rock walls of the range, and some date back thousands of years.

Walking trails lead past the artworks that range in subject matter from whales and penguins (despite Tsodilo Hills being more than 1000 km from the ocean) to lions and human figures. I highly recommend you visit with a local guide to greatly enhance your visit.

Unless you’re self-driving and staying at one of the campsites in the shadow of the Tsodilo Hills, there is no accommodation nearby.

Explore Northern Tuli Game Reserve

In the far southeastern corner of the country and formerly divided into a number of segregated farms alongside the Limpopo River, NTGR is now one of the largest privately-owned conservation areas in southern Africa. The spectacular landscape, featuring rolling hills, basalt cliffs, ancient riverbeds and towering granite kopjes , is unlike anywhere else in Botswana. In fact, when combined with its impressive portfolio of wildlife, it remains a mystery to me why more people don’t visit this remarkable place.

Expect regular sightings of elephant, giraffe, lion, leopard and cheetah as well as less common species like eland and klipspringer, and over 350 bird species. Ground-level photographic hides, ancient archaeological ruins and a choice of horse-riding, walking or even cycling safaris complete a chocolate box-assortment of activities.

Spot the flamingoes of Makgadikgadi Pans

Makgadikgadi Pans is famous for hosting one of the largest zebra migrations in Africa. Every year, tens of thousands of zebra migrate east-west through the park, between the pans in the east and the Boteti River out west. From high on the riverbank at the latter, I’ve watched zebras swarm down to the water’s edge in a haze of raised dust, dizzying stripes and distinctive zebra barks.

I’ve also seen flamingos away on the eastern pans in flocks so vast that they seem to move as a single entity. And I’ve drawn near to habituated meerkats just outside the park, and seen brown hyenas and aardvarks close to sunset.

Birding in the Okavango Panhandle

Although not a big game destination, the broad and meandering Okavango River in the northwest of the country is a birder’s paradise, with over 350 recorded species including several iconic Okavango specialties. It is also popular among anglers, particularly around September, when the receding flood waters concentrate huge shoals of baitfish, attracting a melee of catfish, tiger fish, bream and birds. Activities are mostly by boat or on foot.

Other wildlife is far less common, and you’d be lucky to see much more than a crocodile or hippo in the river’s waters.

Zebra migration in Nxai Pan National Park

I’ve always loved Nxai Pan – it’s never busy, my sightings of lion, elephant and cheetah seem perfectly framed by these big horizons, and the baobabs by the salt pans here are a striking presence. With a handful of campsites (including at remote Baines’ Baobabs, a remarkable cluster of seven ancient baobabs (named after explorer and painter, Thomas Baines) and just one upmarket lodge, there’s rarely more than a couple of other vehicles at any sighting.

As well as plenty of elephant, and a good chance of seeing lion and cheetah, Nxai Pan has a couple of other wildlife highlights to draw you here. After the rains, thousands of zebra migrate here from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers after the rains forming part of Africa’s longest zebra migration. And for reasons unknown, Nxai Pan is the only place in Botswana where you can see springbok and impala in the same place.

Linyanti, Kwando and Selinda Reserves

Scattered along the northern waterways of the perennial Linyanti and Kwando rivers, and the seasonal Selinda spillway, the camps in these three neighbouring private concessions operate in a similar manner to those inside the Okavango Delta.

Game-viewing is as good as in the Okavango, with predator-tracking a particular specialty of the Kwando camps. Most camps offer game or wildlife drives, mokoro boat trips, and sunset boat excursions.

What you see in these parts depends very much on the time of year you visit. In Linyanti, for example, from May to October, expect to see lots of elephants, while zebras migrate through the area, usually from February to April. At other times, wildlife can be very scarce, although the November-to-April wet season is excellent for birding in all three concessions, with migrants from Europe and North Africa here en masse.

Chitabe & Qorokwe concessions

In 25 years of African travel, I’ve never seen as much high-quality wildlife as I have in these fabulous Okavango concessions. Over two recent days, I saw leopards, nearly 30 lions, dozens of elephants, a pack of 20 wild dogs, and a cheetah mother with six sub-adult cubs.

Splash Camp

Rory Sheldon

Splash Camp is a small camp in the private Kwara Reserve. Operated by Kwando Safaris who have better responsible travel credentials than most: locally based, no greenwashing, and supporting valuable community projects.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Botswana doesn’t have many rhinos but most of them are here in this small, little-known sanctuary, in Paje, east of Central Kalahari Game Reserve. On a recent visit, I was waylaid for nearly an hour by two male black rhinos fighting for dominance right along the main track.

See the baobabs of Kubu Island

For the best of the pans, Kubu Island is a glorious ‘island’ of baobabs south of Makgadikgadi. This was the first place I ever camped in Botswana, and the magic has never left me.

Camp out in Khutse Game Reserve

The southern extension of the CKGR, Khutse gets very few visitors (except on weekends). I love its remote campsites (I once slept here, 40 km from the nearest person), its classic Kalahari scenery, and its lions, leopards and so much more.

Nata Bird Sanctuary

Out in the east of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the pans of this rarely visited community sanctuary draw up to 250,000 flamingos and other waterbirds from November or December until March or April.

Planet Baobab

A budget-friendly option with self-drive access, offering all the activities of its more expensive sister camps on the edge of the pans.

Savute Under Canvas

Easily the pick of the mobile camps in Chobe, &Beyond’s tented camp moves around the park almost weekly and captures the spirit of a mobile camp at its best.

Botswana Camping Safaris

Into Botswana & Zimbabwe

15 day small group tour, botswana safaris: need to know, everything you wish you'd known before you booked, inside tip: self-drive safaris.

Much is made of Botswana aiming for high-end, low-density safari tourism and it’s not uncommon for a luxury camp in the Delta to cost well over US$1,000 per person per night in high season. But it’s actually the mid-range, rather than budget, traveller that finds it difficult to build a reasonably priced safari in Botswana.

Much as the Botswana government prefers not to publicise the fact, it has a fantastic network of campsites around the country. Some are privately run, others are run by the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). Standard camping fees are USD $50/25 per adult/child. You can book directly through the park authorities or the private operators of the campsites, but you're better off booking through an agent. Renting a 4WD camper can seem expensive, but a two-week self-drive safari could end up costing the same for two people as one day on a fly-in, fly-out safari.

The best times for safari in Botswana

My favourite time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, June to September. During this time, most 4WD tracks are open, water levels in the Delta are ideal for mokoro trips and wildlife watching.

This period also corresponds with the high tourism season (which usually starts in June or July), so it’s also the busiest (and most expensive) time of year. During these months, it can also get extremely cold overnight and early morning throughout much of the Kalahari.

May or October can be a good compromise, although there’s a risk that the rains could linger or arrive early.

Access to the Delta may be limited, but the best months for birding are from November to March or April, when hundreds of migratory species arrive from Europe and North Africa.

Getting there & around

Although Gaborone is the capital of Botswana, the overwhelming majority of safari visitors to Botswana fly into Maun, in the country’s north-west. Maun is right alongside the Okavango Delta and not far from the Kalahari, and it has lots of safari companies, hotels, camps and restaurants and places to stock up on supplies making it the ideal gateway town.

Those heading to Chobe National Park may fly into Kasane, in the north-east. Kasane receives fewer international flights than Maun, but its proximity to Victoria Falls (84 km away by road, across the border in Zimbabwe) makes it well worth considering.

How a Botswana safari works

There are two main ways to go on safari in Botswana. One is to fly into Maun or Kasane (perhaps stay overnight, perhaps not) and then fly into one of the airstrips of the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park. There you’ll be picked up by your accommodation, and then fly in and out of however many tented camps you’ll be staying in.

You can book all of this yourself, but most international visitors tend to book it via a tour operator.

The other option is a self-drive trip. You can fly into Maun or Kasane (or even Johannesburg) and pick up a 4WD, which will usually have a rooftop tent or other camping equipment. You’ll then drive yourself from one campsite to the next. Road and driving conditions in Botswana are significantly better than elsewhere in Southern Africa, but you’ll need to take obvious precautions such as driving during the day time and ensuring you’ve got sufficient supplies for long journeys.

Safari in the Okavango Delta

About the author.

Anthony is a renowned travel journalist and guidebook author and is one of the world's leading authorities on Africa safari, wildlife and conservation. He has been travelling to Africa for more than two decades to research Africa safari guidebooks for Lonely Planet. He is widely published in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, The Monthly, Virginia Quarterly Review (VQR), National Geographic Traveler, BBC Wildlife, Lonely Planet Traveller, Africa Geographic, The Independent, Travel Africa, among many others.

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We just got back from a forty day honeymoon in Africa. We both said it would be a "one and done" trip - never go back to Africa and we were definitely wrong! We did Egypt, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa. It was truly the most incredible trip ever - I am way way behind on posting but I will eventually get to posting photos from each day on 'happilyeverafrica_' if anyone wants to know what we did!

With that said, we are wanting to do Botswana next year but realizing that maybe we should have done Botswana on our honeymoon for the amazing discounts as it seems much more expensive than places we stayed in South Africa and Kenya which were definitely 5 star! (the honeymoon discounts definitely helped!)

So here are a few of my questions - I had a lot of help here planning our honeymoon and appreciate it! I will post a detailed review of our trip in the next couple weeks!

(1) is 9 nights in Botswana for 8000USD pp not realistic at all?

(2) We are open to time but do feel like out time in Sabi Sands this past September was not truly as amazing as we expected due to the ONLY 2 days of rain in months and in the future forecast, occurring while we were there. We had game drives cut short and far less sightings than even the rangers and guides expected. Ideally, we were hoping September because its a good time for us to both get time off work however, realizing this is still an expensive time to go. How bad are the rains in October? When is the best game viewing?

(3) Any recommendations for lodges? We had an AMAZING time on our honeymoon but DO NOT need that luxury, nor do we ever travel to places like that so it was definitely a once in a lifetime trip. We would like comfort, dryness, etc but do not need 5 star places throughout. We DO WANT lodges known for good game viewing as that would be our priority. We do not need all inclusive (especially alcohol) but it seems this is the norm for safari lodges. Are there any people can recommend based on experience that are under $1000USD pp/night and have great game viewing

(4) Areas to go to - our big thing is game viewing! My husband would love to see lions and besides that, we are open to seeing any animals, just wanting good viewing and experiences. Some boating/canoe would be nice to see the water side of Botswana. We would also prefer private game reserves based on being able to go off road.

I really appreciate any tips or advice I can get on here :)

13 replies to this topic

2- Best game viewing is probably when it's very dry so September/October, however to my mind what makes Botswana so special is not just the wildlife, but the water. So I might be tempted to aim a little earlier when you will have more choice of places to do mokoroing.

3- Yes, depends on seasons significantly as to the price, but Gomoti Plains or Mma/Rra Dinare would be a pretty good place to start, and I'd do this in combination with somewhere you could do more water activities.

4- Again this will depend the season as to what works within your budget, but with 9 nights I would probably aim for 3 nights Chobe Riverfront/Linyanti (the western end of the park is quieter if the private concessions blow the budget), 3-4 nights somewhere for good land-based "dry" game viewing like the Dinares or Gomoti, and 2-3 nights somewhere you can really enjoy the beauty of the water- this latter will depend a lot on the time of year you go- places you can mokoro at in June can be bone dry in September etc.

Alexandra- Extraordinary Africa

In my limited experience I agree with the above more expert poster--Botswana is about more than game. I am going back for my third visit next June and hope to see the flood at last (in July 2019 it was very, very dry although there was plenty of water this March at the end of the rainy season). You might consider working at least one stay at a private concession to experience the sense of solitude and intimate encounters--in contrast, Sabi Sand in June 2021 seemed "busy" although our game viewing was excellent.

Thank you very much! We definitely want to try the Mokoro and get in some water activities and even fishing (we did tiger fishing on the Zambezi last month and loved it!)

Would these stops make sense - I am still researching the areas of Botswana and am confused by which parks/reserves are where!

Sept 12 Land in Zimbabwe at 12:10pm

Sept 13 Zimbabwe

Sept 14 Transfer to hwange national park

Sept 15 hwange national park

Sept 16 transfer to botswana, Chobe

Sept 17 Chobe

Sept 18 Linyati

Sept 19 Linyati

Sept 20 Linyati

Sept 21 Moremi

Sept 22 Moremi

Sept 23 Okavango Delta

Sept 24 Okavango Delta

Sept 25 Okavango Delta

You had mentioned DInares or Gomoti for Land Based Options - where is a good water based option?

I have only been twice. But, like you booking your Honeymoon, I got amazing advice and opinions from here to make my decisions. I also have chatted with many tour operators who have considerable experience with Bots. These chats were invaluable. I really recommend you reaching out.

1). It might be, if you want private concessions in high season. Perhaps consider a shoulder season? I myself do not mind the rains. It cools things down considerably. Gets the cats moving. And provides fresh tracks. I also prefer the skies for the spectacular sunsets. Having said that, if I encountered "days-on-end" rain, I think it would be different. I've only travelled in the end of Nov-beginning of Dec (twice) so far. And so we had short, intense bursts of rain. And with the heat......they were most welcome.

Hang on.......I misread. $9k USD is totally doable. (I was thinking CAD, as I am from Calgary, and no. $9k in Cad is tough in private concessions)

2) October is the hottest month. (according to my research.....I have never actually been there in October.). The rains are supposed to start mid-November. This, of course, changes year over year. When I was there in 2019, it was a drought year. In 2021, there was green grass already, and lagoons were full. And rains were every second day. (for short 15 min bursts). And I actually enjoyed it more.

Both trips though, regardless of the rains, were in "low-flood" season. Please note, that the "flood" is not connected with the local rainy season. In fact, it might be directly opposing. So if water activities are a must, then you should book according to that.

Ker and Downey

Natural Selections

I have only visited Kwando properties......but have a fair lovely itinerary planned with Ker & Downey properties. Perhaps someone else can chime in with recommendations for public areas with good wildlife experiences.

4). Although not in private conservancies, I would suggest hitting the desert. It is such a complete contrast to the Delta. And the numbers of visitors is indeed lower.

There are many others. Botswana is SO diverse topographically, that you could craft an untold number of trips. It's why I'm hooked. But, boy, I'm SO drawn to the OD. I wouldn't miss it. I feel it is the draw to Bots.

Lions?? Lebala Camp. Tau Pan Camp. (of course, this is just my personal experience......I have not had a shortage of lion sightings at any of the camps I've visited). But at each of these camps in 2019, 2 nights of 3, we had lions roaring IN CAMP. Footprints on the sand paths. So.....4 nights of 9 were pretty much sleepless.

Your budget could dictate everything… a brief outline of Botswana explains that the easiest time of the year to see game is from about April through December…. With January through March being the most consistent with rain… every year is different so you can’t absolutely state that any month is actually bad… and it all depends on how much rain has fallen. The rainy season can actually be fantastic as it’s the best season in areas like the Kalahari, at which time its the best for game viewing there, as this is when all the game comes into the area.. Animals don’t disappear when it rains.

“Peak” season should only be referred to as this for pricing (as its not necessarily peak for game viewing), meaning that in general all lodges will be at their peak for pricing from July through October… with about 60% of lodges extending this to include June.

Lodges can be split in two ways… those who are in private concessions where you can travel fully off-road, do night drives etc, and those who are in National Parks where the rules state you cannot go off road and have to be back at the lodge by dark, they are also public with other lodges, mobile safaris and self drivers.

In general, with a few exceptions, the lodges in National Parks are a bit less than those in private concessions.

For Private Concessions I think you will struggle to get a 9 night safari for USD8000 during the peak pricing months in private concessions. The Dinare lodges which Alexandra mentioned are Mma Dinare and Rra Dinare, they represent two of the lowest priced entry points for lodges in private areas, and they retail at USD1135 per person per night in the peak priced season, plus you need a flight to get into the lodge at about USD250 per person. Gomoti Plains is higher and they regard June as peak pricing as well. Even at an agents best discount it would be difficult, but not impossible.

For any private concession lodge I think you would need to look outside the peak season pricing, there are some for June as mentioned (Like Mma and Rra Dinare), but for 2023, June is looking very full for bookings for the handful of companies who regard June as a lower rate.… but even earlier like May is still perfect… and also November December…. November is actually one of the very best months for wildlife here and also it’s a lower priced month.

Or then you can look at National Parks for the peak season priced months… The best group of lodges for this is Desert & Delta, with great lodges mostly inside the parks and a couple in private areas… for the highest cost months of July through October, they can provide something like 3 to 4 lodges for 9 nights for about USD8500 to UDSD8800… and that includes all the charter flights you will need…. They have all their lodges in great areas except Linyanti, there are only private concessions there.

Looking at your itinerary, it’s a very good one actually if you can get to the lodges… You have opportunities in Hwange yes… our clients favourite is Somalisa, but with flights it’s a fair bit… and there are others…. But I’m not sure with your itinerary that I would do that though unless you really want to go to Hwange… two nights is quite short and may be better spent at a lodge like The Old Drift Lodge which is much closer to Vic Falls…. Stunning area and right on the Zambezi and includes a trip to the Falls etc… that’s perfect for two nights and it’s a lower price.

Getting across the border is very simple and relatively quick.

For Chobe I would look to the only lodge inside the National park and to Chobe Game Lodge as mentioned… or to the quieter western end and to either Muchenje, Ngoma Safari Lodge or the lower priced Chobe Elephant Camp.

The real part of Linyanti is huge and is mostly served with 5 star and very expensive lodges, but Kwando Lagoon and Lebala as Tracy mentioned, are superb and seriously good 4 star lodges owned by Kwando.

For Moremi there are Camp Moremi, Camp Xakanaxa and Okuti.

And the Okavango there are a many and wide choice, too many to mentioned but its all fly in.

There is another trick to use, if you stay with a company who owns a few lodges to make a good circuit, you can get a decent long stay rate… Tracy mentioned some like Ker Downey and Kwando, with another being Desert and Delta…

The very best of these with probably the best circuit is Kwando…. And they have a brand new camp opening in June 2023, which has not even been announced yet, right in the best area of the Okavango which I happen to know will be well priced.

So try and stick to one or two lodge companies max for the best discounts, and try and stay out of the peak season pricing.

Hope that helps

Owner of Safari Lifestyles

Local Operator

Have you thought about self drive and camping? That would be super hard core, but so much fun!

You have mentioned you want water based activity so you might like to consider overnight -2-3 days kayaking with Kayaktive in the Delta or an overnight mokoro trip with Old Bridge backpackers. Both are reasonably priced

I've been to Botswana several times in different months - March, May, June, July - and have enjoyed each visit. My last three trips I've stayed mostly at Kwando properties. They have excellent guides and very good game-rich private concessions in all months. March is a comparatively less expensive time to go, and for the most part the rains should have stopped. It's a great time to see summer migrating birds. The Kalahari and Makgadikgadi areas are almost empty of safari-goers. Kwando camps are surprisingly luxurious considering their more competitive prices. On my last trip there I opted for a totally different adventure in addition to stays at Kwando properties - a mobile safari with Letaka - an amazing experience! Unbelievably inexpensive for the services one gets including very good guiding. I now spend more time in Zambia because of the lower costs with excellent guiding and gameviewing, but Botswana is something to see, at least once.

So we finally have chosen our itinerary (life got crazy and africa planning was put aside!)

But I just need some reassurance we aren’t making a mistake. We will be going in November - after the 15th for the Kwando special with a possible add on of chobe.

However, the more I read into it, the more I am thinking it may not even be worth it to add on chobe in November. Any feedback on this? We are choosing November for a couple reasons - easier time off for us and the price is much cheaper. We have had safari in Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa so not the first time but first time in Botswana. Is it smarter to wait a couple years and just save up to be able to go during September instead?

Nov 13 - possible chobe at chobe game lodge or &beyond chobe under canvas

Nov 14 - possible chobe at chobe game lodge or &beyond chobe under canvas

Nov 15 Pom Pom

Nov 16 Pom Pom

Nov 17 Lebala

Nov 18 Lebala

Nov 19 lagoon

Nov 20 Kwara

Nov 21 Kwara

Nov 22 Kwara

If no chobe, we’d do a third night at Pom Pom. But even still - will we see good game and animal at this time or is it best to wait ?

Chobe is mainly to see large herds of elephants (I’d love to see swimmming elephants) but not sure if that’s possible at this time.

The rest we aren’t caught up in the big five or anything specific, just want quality sightings - predators, elephants, hippos etc and we never saw a cheetah in Kenya or SA so would love to see one !!

Thanks so much!

The Chobe waterfront is delightful to see, particularly from the river, and if you get the chance to see the elephants play in the river that is just amazing. You should expect cloudy skies and a lot of rain in November, but there are still a lot of animals.

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Botswana: Desert & Delta

Marketing itself as one of Africa’s most exclusive safari destinations, Botswana is an extraordinary place. This is the land of the Big Five – a critically important stronghold of lions, home to Africa’s largest elephant herds,...

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It was amazing to see the water and how passionate the local people are about taking care of natural resources!

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The Ultimate African Safari Packing List, For Botswana And Beyond

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For nature and wildlife lovers, there are few adventures more spellbinding than an African safari. From tracking lions as they stalk prey through grassy plains to watching graceful kudu sashay across rivers, it’s an epic outdoor experience. Since warm days on safari can turn into cooler nights—not to mention the sweltering sun, wind, dust and pesky insects that come up in between—it’s important to carefully plan your African safari packing list to prepare for it all.

Knowing how to put together a failsafe African safari packing list for your trip is essential.

As a journalist who has embarked on multiple safaris, including a trek through the Okavango Delta in Botswana most recently, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of having the right packing list for safari destinations across the continent. You’ll want to bring versatile items that are comfortable and protect you from the elements. Durable yet lightweight activewear and a sturdy pair of hiking boots are key for daytime excursions; you’ll also need lighter tennis shoes or sandals for the evenings in addition to key gear like a headlamp . Most importantly, be aware that many bush flights between tour destinations only allow for softside luggage that meets specific size and weight limits once packed—so depending on where you’re going, you may need to leave that hardshell suitcase at home.

Ahead, here’s what to prioritize on your African safari packing list so you can make the most of those morning game drives and active bush walks.

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses, Chosen By Sleep Experts

How to clean hardwood floors, according to professional cleaners, african safari packing list, at a glance :.

Best Luggage To Bring: Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack , Monos Metro Weekender , Fjällräven 23L Daypack

Best Clothing To Wear: Outdoor Research Women’s Astroman Long Sleeve Sun Shirt , Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pant , Oboz Men’s Sawtooth X Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Best Accessories To Carry: Fjällräven Abisko Sun Hat , Thinksport ClearZinc SPF 50 Sunscreen , Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent

Best Gear To Use: Sony Alpha 7 III , Nikon Monarch M5 Binoculars , Black Diamond Spot 400 Head Lamp

Best Luggage To Bring

Most bush flights in Botswana and other parts of southern Africa are restricted to soft-sided, carry-on luggage, with a total permissible weight of 44 pounds per person and the maximum size of an individual bag being 11.8 x 13.8 x 27.5 inches. East African bush flights share similar maximum dimensions for a single bag but typically have a lower total weight allowance, topping out at 33 pounds. Be sure to check with your tour operator about specific size restrictions, as exact regulations can vary, but these measurements are a good rule of thumb.

Yes, packing for a safari with only a carry-on and a daypack may seem daunting, but when you’re methodical about what you bring (more on non-negotiable essentials below), it’s easier than you think.

Best Carry-On Bag

Water-repellant with anti-theft technology, pacsafe exp45 anti-theft carry-on travel pack.

This Pacsafe backpack has served me well on numerous safaris and adventure-focused trips that require softside luggage. It meets bush flight requirements and is also designed with water-repellent fabric and anti-theft technology—it’s seen sun, rain, dust and sweat and can handle it all. Ergonomically designed, the backpack straps are soft and comfortable, and it can also be carried like a suitcase with its side handle. Outer and inner pockets keep everything organized and it’s deceptively roomy.

Best Duffel

Roomy and organized while still meeting size requirements, monos metro weekender.

For a more sleek, elevated style, I opt for the Monos Metro Weekender. Made of water- and scratch-resistant vegan leather, I’ve used this bag on multiple trips and have noticed it wears beautifully with time. Its outer and inner compartments keep everything organized and it even has a slip pocket for shoes. This bag also comes in a durable nylon fabric that can really handle heavy use.

Best Daypack

Fits all of the essentials for active days, fjällräven 23l daypack.

While on safari, you’re often away from camp for long periods on game drives, bush walks and cultural excursions. Bush flight luggage restrictions allow you to bring one bag outside of your main carry-on. A daypack ensures all your must-haves, including water bottle, sunscreen, extra layers and camera, are always within reach. This 23-liter pack from Fjällräven is an ideal size that fits all the essentials and comes in a range of colors. It’s made with durable, waterproof fabric and has an interior laptop sleeve and zipper pockets, as well as stretchy exterior pockets that fit most water bottles. It won’t look out of place in a city either, making it versatile.

Best Camera Bag

Protection for your dslr that doubles as a daypack, shimoda v2 25l backpack.

If you love photography, you’ll likely pack a professional camera to capture the astonishing array of wildlife you’ll spot on safari, and may want to opt for a daypack that doubles as a camera bag. The Shimoda V2 25L Backpack is a favorite among photojournalists. Water-resistant fabric, lockable zippers and a hidden passport pocket make it a great travel bag, and the Core Unit Modular Camera Insert System—sold separately or as part of the above set—provides shockproof protection for cameras and lenses. The side pockets can also store a tripod and water bottle.

Best Compact Bag

Ideal for evening essentials, monos metro mini crossbody.

If there’s room in your carry-on or daypack for a small sling or crossbody bag, it’s nice to have one at camp so that you can stay hands-free without lugging your bigger daypack to the dinner table. Stuff evening essentials like your phone, hand sanitizer, bug spray and even a small headlamp into this Metro Mini Crossbody and you’re good to go.

Best Clothing To Wear

Packing five days’ worth of clothing is more than enough for your safari, especially when considering the luggage restrictions on bush flights. Many camps offer laundry service, and even for those that don’t, only the elephants are around to judge your outfit repeats. Loose, long shirts and pants in light, neutral colors—bright colors will make you conspicuous to wildlife—are the best option for beating the heat and staving off insects like mosquitoes. Linen is a good go-to for any downtime (paired with a shell or fleece when the temperature drops) and durable yet lightweight activewear is key during daytime excursions.

“When it comes to the right clothing for a safari, the best advice I can give is simple: [focus on] layers , ” says Richard Avilino, a private guide with luxury safari outfitter Wilderness , who offers many safaris throughout Botswana. “They [keep you] comfortable and well-prepared for the extremes in temperature.” Pack the essentials below, along with a couple of breathable, long- and short-sleeve t-shirts.

Best UPF Shirt For Women

Made to shield you from the sun.

Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research Women’s Astroman Long Sleeve Sun Shirt

The sub-Saharan African sun can be brutal, and while you’ll want to make sure your face and hands are slathered with sunscreen, a long-sleeve UPF shirt will save you from constantly reapplying while giving you light wind protection. These button-up options from Outdoor Research are designed for maximum airflow, breathability and mobility while offering UPF 30 to 50+ sun protection. As opposed to pullovers, a button-up can be loosened and unbuttoned to help you regulate your temperature throughout the day.

Best UPF Shirt For Men

Feels light and cool while protecting from the sun, outdoor research men’s astroman long sleeve sun shirt.

Outdoor Research makes this shirt in both women’s and men’s sizes. In addition it’s sun-protecting qualities, this style is quick-drying; so whether you’re breaking a sweat on a bush walk or doing a quick clothing wash in the evening, you’ll never have to worry about lugging around soggy shirts.

Best Pants For Women

Lightweight but great for rigorous activity, patagonia happy hike studio pant.

While some safari-goers are comfortable in shorts, a lightweight, technical pant means one less layer of sunscreen and bug spray. Pants also add comfort on long game drives and are better suited for bush walks when branches can scratch your legs. Patagonia’s Happy Hike Studio Pant are streamlined, soft, stretchy and sweat wicking. While lightweight, they also stand up to longer day hikes and more rigorous outdoor activity—and are great for when temperatures fall in the evening, too.

Best Pants For Men

Durable and water-repellant, lululemon license to train jogger.

A comparable pant for men is the License to Train Jogger from Lululemon. They’re lightweight, durable and stretchy, plus they’re water-repellent, making them perfect for all manner of adventures.

Best Fleece Jacket For Women

Made to keep you warm on night walks, arc’teryx women's covert cardigan.

Even though you can expect heat throughout the day, safari excursions often start early or go late. You can expect to go on sunrise game drives and night walks where you’ll spot some of the wilderness’s nocturnal creatures like leopards—all of which means cooler temps. Pack a lightweight yet warm fleece to make the most of these moments. The women’s Covert Cardigan by Arc’teryx is warm, soft and breathable, and comes in a variety of light-hued, safari-friendly colors.

Best Fleece Jacket For Men

A warm and lightweight great for layering, patagonia men’s micro d fleece jacket.

Patagonia’s most lightweight fleece jacket offers comfort and softness and will keep you warm while still easily rolling up into your carry-on. Its front zipper makes it easy to pop on and off for layering, and it comes with a front pocket that you can use to hold hand sanitizer, sunscreen and more.

Best Walking Shoes For Men

Sturdy with a strong grip, oboz men’s sawtooth x low waterproof hiking shoes.

While a pair of sandals or tennis shoes is a nice-to-have for evenings at camp, a sturdy walking shoe is what you’ll be reaching for every morning. Choose a style with decent arch support and grip on the sole that can handle some dirt. These ankle hiking shoes by Oboz are both durable and comfortable, meaning you can go on adventurous treks all day long without having to worry about them holding up.

Best Walking Shoes For Women

Waterproof and made for long treks, oboz women’s sawtooth x low waterproof hiking shoes.

The women’s version of this shoe is also lightweight and breathable while still offering some water protection, so they’ll have you covered while you’re motoring down the Delta’s plains in a boat.

Best Camp Shoes For Men

Light and supportive, birkenstock men’s mogami terra sandals.

After spending the day in hiking shoes, you’ll want to swap them out in the evenings for something lighter. Tennis shoes or a pair of supportive sandals are your best bet. These classic, dual-purpose Birkenstock sandals in an easy-to-clean, waterproof material are perfect for going to dinner, or for staying poolside in the heat of the afternoon.

Best Camp Shoes For Women

A reprieve for your feet after an active day, birkenstock women’s mogami terra sandals.

One great thing about Birkenstocks are they look good on everyone. The women’s version of the Mogami Terra sandals provide the comfort and support the brand is known for, and are appropriate for both daytime and evening activities.

Best Accessories To Carry

Comfort on safari is all in the details: The best sun and wind protection often comes in the form of small accessories like hats and buffs that you can keep on hand in your daypack. So while packing space is certainly tight, it’s worth it throw these in—you never know when you might need them.

A Breathable Option That Will Keep Its Shape

Fjällräven abisko sun hat.

A wide-brim hat that keeps the sun off your face and neck is a smart packing move. The unisex Fjällräven Abisko Sun Hat is a great choice for warm-weather destinations: It’s lightweight, breathable and won’t get bent out of shape no matter which way you stuff it in your daypack. Plus, it comes in an array of neutral colors.

Best Sunglasses

Stylish and understated, ray-ban round metal sunglasses.

You can’t go wrong with a pair of classic Ray-Ban aviator or round metal sunglasses. They’re comfortable and have an understated look that’s perfect for game drives and sundowners (or bush happy hour) alike. Opt for a polarized version for a safari trip to reduce glare on boat and canoe rides, as well as river crossings.

Offers Built-In Cooling Technology And An Insect Shield

Buff coolnet uv neck gaiter.

Game drives can be windy and dusty, so a buff or neck gaiter is nice to have within reach, and they roll up to almost nothing in your carry-on. This CoolNet UV neck gaiter by Buff is made for warmer weather, integrating UPF 50 sun protection, cooling technology and a built-in insect shield. Wear it around your neck and quickly pull it up over your nose when the wind picks up. You can also use it as a headband to wick sweat and keep hair out of the way while your Land Cruiser careens down dirt trails and across rivers.

Best Sunscreen

Sweat-resistant and non-greasy, thinksport clearzinc spf 50 sunscreen.

Thinksport sunscreen has a great reputation among outdoor enthusiasts, and this Clear Zinc SPF 50 is my go-to. It’s sweat and water-resistant, free of harmful chemicals, non-greasy and has a significantly less white look than other zinc-based brands. It also boasts a long lasting, 80-minute wear time and it’s reef-friendly, in case you’re planning on extending your stay and visiting coastal countries on the continent. There’s a face version , too.

Best Bug Spray

Sure to keep pesky insects away, sawyer picaridin insect repellent.

Insects are a reality in most African countries. Although your doctor may recommend you take an anti-malaria medication before your trip, depending on which region you’re traveling to, your first line of defense is a good bug spray. Choose a formula made with Picaridin, also known as Icaridin, an effective alternative to DEET that won’t damage your clothing and gear (I’m a mosquito magnet and Icaridin does the trick). Do a light spray on skin under clothing and pay special attention to exposed areas like ankles, hands and ears.

Best Gear To Use

For many travelers, an African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Make sure you don’t miss a thing by packing a decent pair of binoculars and a camera that yields print-quality photos so that you can relive spectacular wildlife encounters and other memorable moments from the African wilderness. Here’s what else you need:

Best Camera

Lightweight and professional-quality.

Sony Electronics

Sony Alpha 7 III

Considering the packing restrictions on safari, a lightweight and compact mirrorless camera is your best bet. The Sony Alpha 7 III delivers professional-quality photos and videos with fast continuous and silent shooting—perfect for capturing wildlife on the move, even if you’re new to the technology and shooting on auto. Although the kit lens is great for everyday shooting, upgrade to at least a 70-300mm zoom lens to capture wildlife. Don’t forget to pack a universal adapter to keep your battery charged.

Best Binoculars

Bright and clear views, even in low light, nikon monarch m5 binoculars.

Chances are your guide will have a pair of binoculars on hand during game drives and other excursions, but you’ll often have to wait your turn if you’re traveling with a group. And while you’re almost guaranteed animal encounters during a safari in southern or East Africa, binoculars are handy for getting an even closer look at the jewel-tone colors of the country’s prolific birdlife or zeroing in on a high-octane chase. The lightweight, compact and waterproof Nikon Monarch M5 delivers eight times magnification power for bright, clear views, even in low light.

Best Headlamp

A versatile accessory for visibility.

Black Diamond

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp

A headlamp is a great little piece of gear to take on safari, whether you want to make sure that the throaty bellow of hippos in the middle of the night is indeed coming from outside your tent—or simply to make your way to dinner in the evenings with a bit more visibility. Black Diamond is a tried-and-true brand and the Spot 400 is one of the most versatile options on the market, with a lightweight, ergonomic design.

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Helps keep loud noises at bay, sony wf-1000xm5 noise cancelling headphones.

Part of the fun of a safari is hopping between camps on a puddle jumper, or small bush plane. What safari newbies might not be aware of is how loud those little planes can be, which makes a pair of noise-cancelling headphones a non-negotiable for me. A pair of AirPods can do the trick, but for the best noise-cancelling technology on the market, I like the Sony WF-1000XM5.

Best Water Bottle

Purifies water with the touch of a button, monos kiyu uvc water bottle.

Your safari camp may supply a reusable water bottle, but unless you live on the continent, your journey from home to said camp will likely be long. You can stay hydrated and avoid single-use plastic on the multi-leg sojourn by toting your own water bottle with a built-in filter. The sleek, stainless-steel Monos Kiyo UVC Water Bottle holds half a liter and serves up clean drinking water—a good option in many African destinations. The touch of a button activates UVC technology that purifies your water, eliminating up to 99.99% of bacteria.

How We Chose Items For An African Safari Packing List

Given the seemingly infinite amount of clothing, gear and accessories out there, it helps to have an expert on hand to pinpoint the true essentials for an African safari.

I’m a Vancouver-based freelance writer who has gone on safari in numerous African countries, including Botswana, Rwanda and Kenya. In particular, my recent travels through Botswana, from the Okavango Delta to the northern Linyanti region, helped me master the art of safari packing. Beyond Africa, I have extensive adventure travel experience across the globe, from trekking through the wilds of Patagonia and India to braving the Australian outback and Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest. I’ve learned through experience what to pack for a variety of different climates, natural elements and adrenaline-pumping activities.

I researched the items for this African safari packing list extensively and tested many of the items myself on recent safaris. I also pulled from decades of firsthand experience as an adventure traveler to find the best recommendations for your next safari.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

From meticulously testing and reviewing the best ski gear to narrowing down the best hiking boots for your trekking adventures, Forbes Vetted editors have dedicated themselves to helping you pack wisely for whatever trip you book. When putting together this African safari packing list, we applied the same unyielding commitment to ensure that our readers will enjoy game drives and bush walks stress-free.

We examined each contender on this list, closely considering the materials and construction, and testing them out on multiple safaris. To make the cut for this African safari packing list, products need to provide both comfort for active days as well as protection from the elements.

A safari through Botswana’s wildlife wonder

V eins of deep blue and algae green water intersect around parched islands, stretching as far as the eye can see like a complex train map. As we fly deeper into the heart of the Okavango Delta, the vast volume of water engulfs all but the highest points of land. This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 22,000 square kilometres in peak floods.

Within minutes of taking off from Maun, the tourism capital of Botswana, I’ve already spotted elephants, hippos, zebras, buffalos and giraffes from the plane window. Having contorted by body into one of only 12 seats aboard, it’s a thrilling start to my weeklong air-hopping safari.

The first stop is Vumbura Plains Camp in the eastern panhandle, ideally located for year-round, water-based activities. Within hours of arriving in Botswana, I’m skimming across the spillways in a traditional dugout canoe. The mokoro gets you stealthily close to the minutia of the delta. It takes remarkable balance as my poler stands and propels us with a long bamboo pole. Wary of the danger of a hippo torpedo, I’m assured the shallow waterway has been scouted.

Switching pace, we swap for a speedboat and now the company of hippos is very welcome. Skipper Masco whips through a maze of towering papyrus reeds, riding the channels of trampled hippo highways. Bugs sandblast my face and a few are swallowed as I grin wildly on a ride crossed between a go-kart and waterslide.

As the fiery globe of the sun sinks to the horizon, we stop in a lagoon painted in perfect duplication of the sunset. Hollow grunting calls of the stirring hippos and the woodwind chime of frogs is the ideal twilight soundtrack. Masco cautiously navigates us home; dodging hippo heads bobbing up and down like a reverse game of whack-a-mole.

Another short flight delivers me to the private 311,353-acre Linyanti Wildlife Reserve on the border of Namibia. This corner of Botswana is home to Africa’s largest population of elephants, and Little DumaTau waterfront camp is ideally positioned to catch the most mesmerising show – the swimming elephant. My safari mode is a pimped-out brunch barge floating along the Osprey Lagoon with a mimosa in hand. I sip as an elephant herd appears one by one.

The growing congregation frolics by the water edge, blowing bubbles through their trunks like a straw and hosing down their parched crinkled skin. The procession of 30 elephants sounds like the thunder of a waterfall as the log-like legs drag through the water. As the lagoon deepens, the body mass that labours on land in a rocking horse motion now gracefully glides with just the forehead and trunk snorkel staying dry.

Keen to burn a few calories, my guide Kitso suggests a walking safari. Armed with a rifle and only the cover of the odd termite mound, he leads the way on high alert to every movement and nature call. Honing my tracking skills, it’s an up-close lesson in identifying animal prints and, most importantly, how recently they’d been left. I soon discovered even poo reveals a lot, based on its contents, shape, and location.

Back in the relative safety of an open-air jeep, I witness a circle-of-life lion brunch. An imposing male lion feasts on an infant elephant carcass, his stomach distending before our eyes. The lion pants then takes a micro nap, building energy for one more bite. We are just two metres from this documentary-worth spectacle.

This encounter demonstrates why many consider Botswana the best place to go on safari. The country’s tourism model is simple: high value, low impact. The camps are premium and accommodate a few tourists; the reserves are privately operated, many in partnership with the surrounding communities; and sustainable tourism isn’t just a buzzword. There are no other jeeps sharing this experience and there’s no time limit on when I must leave.

The unique ecosystems within Botswana offer wildly diverse landscapes and wildlife experiences. So far, my safari has included plane, jeep, foot and assorted boat, and now I’m adding plunge pool at Mombo camp. Aptly known as ‘Place of Plenty’, it’s where the animals come to you. Located on Chief’s Island, the largest island in the heart of Okavango Delta, each of eight luxury tents overlooks a dry floodplain dotted with scarce waterholes.

From the vantage of my private pool, the bush TV keeps me entertained with grazing zebras, elephants painting themselves with cooling mud, warthog families scurrying by, and a broad-shouldered eagle catching a snake in a flurry of wings and swallowing it whole.

An ideal respite from the afternoon heat is Mombo’s new walk-in wine cellar, an impressive circular display of 2000 bottles. Managed by Botswana’s first and only sommelier, Alfred, I swiftly add wine safari to my list.

I’m like a kid in a candy store, and Alfred is equally excited to host a private tasting of seven very agreeable wines. The pinnacle is a bottle of the 2019 Sadie Family Palladius, a sublime blend of grapes from 17 vineyards in Swartland, South Africa. It’s very special and, in Alfred’s words, “A special occasion is the day I open it.” It’s an occasion I won’t soon forget.

The post A safari through Botswana’s wildlife wonder appeared first on The Australian Women's Weekly .

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4x4 self-drive Moremi/Okovongo July 2024 -anyone interested? - Botswana Forum

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4x4 self-drive Moremi/Okovongo July 2024 -anyone interested?

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My wife and I are thinking of a 4x4 self-drive safari/overlanding trip to Botswana (Okovongo Delta - Moremi/Khwai area/ third bridge/ xakanaxa etc) for about 7-8 nights in July 2024. Can also think of Deception area in the Central Kalahari game reserve.

Just wondering if anyone is interested in joining/tagging along in their own 4x4? As you know, driving in that area can be tracherous during that time of the year due to floods in some areas and deep sand in others. Having a small group of people with similar interests will provide comfort/safety of the company while avoiding the hassle of the large group tours. And still offer the (partial) solitarity one seeks in a trip like this. May even cut the cost a bit from what I gathered. Happy to brainstorm more if someone is interested.

9 replies to this topic

i think that you should to the website: www.Safaritalk.net. There you'll find many people who go on self-drive safaris. Furthermore, there are plenty of people on this site who are used to driving in Africa.

Just looked at that site. It is so amazing. Thanks for the info!

There is also a Facebook group that you may want to post in. Primarily 4x4ers

Travelling Namibia &

Botswana: ideas ~ advice ~ experiences ~ inspiration!›

Sundowner Safaris

all great info! thanks

A 4x4 forum with more traffic than safaritalk is https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/forumdisplay.php/169-Botswana - lots of advice available on there...

Also maybe join the DriveBots Facebook group?

We did our 4x4 self drive on our own and I would say the vast majority of people we met did the same. Might be fun in a small group but depends no how well you get on 😁. We went later in the season (Sept into Oct this year) so there were hardly any water crossings to navigate (they are the things we were very wary of!) but the hotter weather made the sand even drier/hotter/softer so that was our main challenge (spade only needed once!)

Thanks. I joined the 4x4community forum as well as DriveBots.

I think I can do self-drive but we really want to visit the okovongo delta/chiefs camp area. I have read that that area can get flooded in July. Although with careful and risk-free driving, one may avoid getting stuck by taking detours, waiting for others to pass by etc, but its peace of mind knowing that another group in their own 4x4 is somewhere closeby in case you do get stuck. We will also have satellite phones in case we get stuck alone somewhere ... so not a big deal. Lots of good information for me to digest. Thanks!

You cannot 'drive' in the Okavango Delta, only on the edge of it (i.e. Moremi Game Reserve). We saw the edge of the floodwaters a lot there, and did a scenic helicopter over the delta itself, but to really experience the delta (at a 'wet camp') you need to fly in/out - which is out of our budget!

As PNP says you can't access Chief's Island as a self driver, the publicly accessible bit of Moremi Game Reserve is separated from Chief's by permanent water channels and to get there any other way would require permission to drive through concessions (which you aren't going to get).

Thanks. I am working on the 4x4 and campsite reservations as we speak. They are still available, luckily!

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Beginning stages 10:15 pm
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Travel forums for Botswana. Discuss Botswana travel with Tripadvisor travelers. Botswana. Botswana Tourism Botswana Hotels Botswana Bed and Breakfast ... Water safari in Delta - 3 nights? by ReneeDY. 8 Apr 07, 2024. by stargaize1 Okavango Delta: 2 week trip report (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana) by Cache. 11
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Early Green Season in Drought stricken Northern Botswana; Tracking Wild Dogs and cheetah; Sting of the blister beetle; Thrilling Wild dog hunts ; A million laughs - yet another Kwando Safari !!!! December 2023 1 2 3 4
4 Night Okavango Delta Safari: Trip Notes
The dogs are truly beautiful and fascinating animals. It seems that even safari veterans want to come to Botswana and the Delta to see the dogs, and we were very fortunate to have seen them. Another highlight was beginning our safari with a leopard sighting within 10 minutes of getting off the plane. What a great way to start a safari.
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13 helpful votes. 10. Re: Botswana Safari. 1 year ago. The Chobe waterfront is delightful to see, particularly from the river, and if you get the chance to see the elephants play in the river that is just amazing. You should expect cloudy skies and a lot of rain in November, but there are still a lot of animals.
9 Questions for the Experience Safari Travelers...
You have had your questions answered well from Stokeygirl. I will just jump in with the one reply. I purchase a lovely, small book on Botswana wildlife and its a real winner. From the Did You Know series, "Mammals of Botswana and Surrounding Areas, by Veronica Roodt. Its perfect to read ahead or (at only 100+ pages) to take along. ISBN 978-0 ...
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Travel forums for Botswana. Discuss Botswana travel with Tripadvisor travelers. Botswana. Botswana Tourism Botswana Hotels Botswana Bed and Breakfast ... Water safari in Delta - 3 nights? by ReneeDY. 8 07 April 2024. by stargaize1 Okavango Delta: 2 week trip report (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana) by Cache. 11
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Africa & the Middle East - Botswana safari - My husband and I have booked a safari in Botswana, May of 2024. ... Forum. Replies. Last Post. Botswana safari - Please critique my safari itinerary.
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I am looking for some advice on a safari holiday in Botswana for my wife and myself. We were in SA over Easter 06 and stayed at one of the Singita lodges in the Kruger which was fantastic. ... Botswana forums . Botswana forums . All forums . watchman48. Ireland. Level Contributor . 2 posts. 56 reviews. 67 helpful votes. Botswana Safari. 16 ...
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central kalahari game reserve Central Kalahari feb 2020, self-drive 1 2
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Travel forums for Botswana. Discuss Botswana travel with Tripadvisor travelers. Botswana. Botswana Tourism Botswana Hotels Bed and Breakfast Botswana ... Water safari in Delta - 3 nights? by ReneeDY. 8 07 April 2024. by stargaize1 Okavango Delta: 2 week trip report (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana) by Cache. 11
Botswana Safaris: A Complete Guide To Safaris In Botswana ️
Geographically Botswana is covered in scrub brush and savannah grasslands, with the occasional impressive geographic feature such as the Okavango Delta and adjoining Chobe National Park, huge salt pans, and the brutally picturesque Kalahari Desert. The country is landlocked and lies at a fairly consistent average elevation of 1,000m.
The Ultimate Botswana Self-Drive Safari Itinerary: A Complete Travel
DAY 1 BOTSWANA SELF DRIVE: Arriving in Botswana. Let's start day 1 of my 10-day Botswana self-drive safari itinerary. I had spent the previous 10 days self-driving in Namibia and it is a great itinerary to combine Namibia and Botswana. I crossed the border to Botswana on the ground at the Ngoma border crossing in the Caprivi Strip.. I got my Botswana Visa at the border checkpoint.
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What to Pack for Botswana. 7-Day Self-Drive Botswana Itinerary. Day 1: Drive from Johannesburg to Nata Lodge. Things to Remember. Day 2: Nata Bird Sanctuary and Salt Pans Safari. Day 3: Drive to Nxai Pan National Park & Planet Baobab. Where to Stay in Nxai Pan National Park. Day 4: Explore Baine's Baobabs and Go on Safari.
The Best Safaris In Botswana: An Expert Guide
Botswana is one of the best destinations for a safari adventure, with its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes and rich culture. Whether you want to explore the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert or the Chobe National Park, you'll find a safari that suits your budget, style and interests. Learn from our expert guide how to plan your dream safari in Botswana and discover the secrets of this ...
Trip Report-Botswana Solo Safari Jan 2024
I have written a trip report on the Botswana forum of my recent safari, which was a solo trip so it's worth including the link here- ... The itinerary was put together with light aircraft transfers between camps by a tour operator in Botswana, Safari Specialists. Reply. Report inappropriate content . 4 replies to this topic. 1-4 of 4 replies ...
10 Best Botswana Safari Tours: Our Top Picks
Ranging from luxury Botswana safari tours to rugged adventures and multi-generational family vacations, here's our list of the best Botswana safari tours - all tried and tested and completely customisable to meet your travel wishes: 1. Romantic Getaway to Chobe, Okavango Delta & Moremi.
Reviews of Botswana (From 17 Acclaimed Safari Experts)
Botswana: Land of desert and giants. Overall rating 4 /5. Wildlife: Bush Vibe: Scenery: Birding: Botswana's substantial safari appeal is largely founded on the following simple formula: an extreme abundance of dramatic landscapes and wildlife (including all of the Big 5), and a comparative dearth of people.
Botswana Safari
Botswana Safari - Botswana Forum. Africa ; Botswana ; Botswana Travel Forum; Search. Browse all 6,049 Botswana topics » Botswana Safari Watch this Topic. Browse forums; All. ... Reply to: Botswana Safari. Your message. Read our community guidelines. Get notified by e-mail when a reply is posted. Preview. Botswana forums . Botswana forums .
Botswana Safari Reviews (356 Reviews)
Our 25 award-winning experts contribute to our detailed travel guides and have written more than 1,000 expert reviews. Average rating: 4.8/5 stars, based on 356 safari reviews. Read our Botswana safari reviews from both users and specialized safari experts!
Botswana Safari Experience
Botswana forums . Botswana forums . All forums . TJPropco. Elyria, Ohio. Level Contributor . 1 post. 10 reviews. 4 helpful votes. Botswana Safari Experience. ... I'm so glad that you enjoyed your safari to Botswana. You'll find that safaris are so addictive. I've now been on 30 safaris all over Africa, and have spent more than a year and a half ...
The Ultimate African Safari Packing List, For Botswana And Beyond
Best Luggage To Bring. Most bush flights in Botswana and other parts of southern Africa are restricted to soft-sided, carry-on luggage, with a total permissible weight of 44 pounds per person and ...
A safari through Botswana's wildlife wonder
Why the African nation is one of the best to safari through. The post A safari through Botswana's wildlife wonder appeared first on The Australian Women's Weekly.
self drive safari botswana with no 4*4 experience
Re: self drive safari botswana with no 4*4 experience. Aug 2, 2023, 11:37 PM. We have done a self-drive from Windhoek to Maun,Moremi via Ghanzi and then to Gweta [Planet Baobab] to Kasane /Chobe crossing into Namibia at Ngoma then Nkasa Rupara,formerly Mamili NP in the Caprivi Panhandle [Nkasa Lupara Lodge] then Divundu [Nunda River Lodge] to ...
4x4 self-drive Moremi/Okovongo July 2024 -anyone interested?
Save. Hi All, My wife and I are thinking of a 4x4 self-drive safari/overlanding trip to Botswana (Okovongo Delta - Moremi/Khwai area/ third bridge/ xakanaxa etc) for about 7-8 nights in July 2024. Can also think of Deception area in the Central Kalahari game reserve. Just wondering if anyone is interested in joining/tagging along in their own 4x4?

9 Questions for the Experience Safari Travelers... - Botswana Forum

9 Questions for the Experience Safari Travelers...

Botswana Hotels and Places to Stay

213 topics in this forum

2021 Botswana Mobile Safari

A Senior Safari 1 2 3

Kwando Lebala - October 2009 - the Magician in action 1 2

Delta, Chobe, Delta: Botswana Nov. 2018 1 2 3

In Love in Botswana 2018

central kalahari game reserve Central Kalahari feb 2020, self-drive 1 2

Self-drive Kalahari Kgalagadi & Kutse national park February 2017 Botswana and South Africa.

Mpayathutlwa Symphony

Mobile Safari - May 2018

Family self-drive adventure JHB-Botswana-Vic Falls 1 2

Moe Cheetah tracking tales: Green Season Kwando Concession, Feb 2020 - Just in the nick of time! 1 2

Fabulous Selinda Reserve; Immaculate Great Plains Conservation; Driving around the reserve with the fabulous Vundi (November 2019) and lots lots more.... 1 2

Botswana Mobile Safari with Alwyn Myburgh 1 2

Tuludi Camp, Khwai private reserve : dry green season 1 2 3 4 6

A Kwando/Kwara Quickie

2 days in Chobe : februeary 2020 1 2

Brownies at Lagoon; Splash "special"; From Twin Pools to Kwena Lagoon and beyond - A Kwando Safari Oct/Nov 2018 1 2 3 4 5

Kwando is better the 2nd time around - Dec 2019 Kwara, Lebala and Tau Pan

BOTSWANA NOV 2019 - Part 4 (Chobe River)

BOTSWANA NOV 2019 - Part 3 (Chobe National Park)

BOTSWANA NOV 2019 - Part 2 (Okavango Delta)

BOTSWANA NOV 2019 - Part 1 (Moremi Reserve)

Selfdrive Camping Adventure in Botswana 1 2 3

Portraits from Mashatu 1 2

Mo(e) cheetah tracking tales; Winter's last Hurrah in drought struck Northern Botswana; From Kwena Lagoon to Twin Pools and everywhere in between - A Kwando Safari: August, 2019 1 2 3

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The Ultimate Botswana Self-Drive Safari Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide + Map

Botswana Self-Drive Safari itinerary Overview

Botswana Self drive Safari Map

Renting a Car for your Botswana Self Drive Safari

10-Day Botswana Self Drive Safari Itinerary

DRIVING THE CAPRIVI STRIP

STOP AT KASANE FOR SUPPLIES

BEST ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

DAY 2 BOTSWANA SELF DRIVE SAFARI : Explore Chobe National Park

SELF-DRIVE SAFARI AT CHOBE RIVERFRONT

SEE THE LARGEST HERD OF ELEPHANTS IN THE WORLD

DAY 3 Botswana Itinerary: Self-Drive Safari at Chobe then Drive to Savuti

GO ON A RIVER CRUISE SAFARI AT CHOBE

DRIVING OFF-ROAD TO SAVUTI

ARRIVAL AT SAVUTI

DAY 4 Botswana Itinerary: Self-drive Safari at Savuti

EXPLORE THE VAST WILDLIFE IN SAVUTI

VISIT THE ROCK PAINT AND BAOBAB TREES

DAY 5 Botswana Itinerary: Self-Drive Safari in Savuti, then Driving to Okavango Delta

DRIVE TO OKAVANGO DELTA

DAY 6 Botswana Self-Drive Safari: Okavango Delta Safari

DAY 7 Botswana Self-Drive Safari: Okavango Delta Safari

EXPLORE THE XAKANAKA REGION