Botswana Self Drive Safari: A Complete Guide To Help You Travel Like A Pro

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Want to know the ropes of Botswana self drive safari? This is the tried-and-true Botswana self drive safari guide that every nature enthusiast should know about.

Planning a Botswana self drive safari is an exciting experience, but it can also become overwhelming as you prepare for every scenario, all while ensuring you have a fantastic time.

If you’re a huge planner like me, you are probably doing all the research you can to ensure your Botswana safari trip goes according to plan. In this post, I am sharing the best Botswana self drive safari tips that have been used over and over again.

You are going to learn all about the best Botswana self drive safari itinerary, Botswana self drive tips, and more.

After learning about this Botswana self drive safari, you will be extra equipped with knowledge and skills to organise your safari like a pro.

This post is all about the best Botswana self drive safari every safari lover should try.

The Best Botswana Self Drive Safari

1. Botswana Self Drive Safari Itinerary

I have done a summarised self-drive itinerary below; however, if you want more detailed information, this self-drive itinerary will be super helpful.

First things first, you must ask yourself, which country is best for self drive safari? I can confidently say Botswana is one of the best countries in Africa for a self drive safari.

Mainly because it offers true wilderness, low tourism density, and it is generally a safe country.

Once you have decided, you will need to determine your self drive safari itinerary.

There are many Botswana self drive safari routes you can use. For example, from Maun, head into Moremi Game Reserve.

If you have been dreaming about seeing African predators, Moremi Game Reserve is the best place to be. Moremi Game Reserve is rich with wildlife. In addition, Moremi has great camping sites.

From Moremi Game Reserve, head to the Khwai Community Concession. This area is budget-friendly and suitable for mobile campers.

The Khwai community concession has excellent wildlife density, especially elephants. Please don’t attempt to enter Khwai Private Reserve, as self-drivers are not permitted.

You will have a great time in the Khwai community concession; it has a lot to offer. From Khwai, the journey heads on to the wild Savuti, which is loved by safari self-drivers for its excellent predator sightings.

Furthermore, if you are on a Mababe self -drive safari, this will be the perfect route.

From Savuti, drive to Chobe. Chobe is known for its high concentration of elephants, particularly along the Chobe River. However, the Okavango Delta has just as many elephants, if not more.

In my experience, I have seen far more elephants in the Okavango Delta than in Chobe. That being said, the river cruise safari is a unique, thrilling experience. So, it’s definitely worth visiting Kasane for that.

Campsites to consider

The following are snippets of a variety of campsites you can stay at during your adventures.

Xakanaxa Campsite– This campsite is located in Moremi Game Reserve. It is accessible by road from Maun.

I recommend you drive a capable 4×4 safari vehicle, as you may encounter sandy roads and need to cross water, especially during the rainy season. Expect the drive to take about 4 hours from Maun.

Third bridge campsite – Just like Xakanaxa camp, this camp is one of the campsites in Moremi Game Reserve, and self-drivers love it. It is located on the northwest gate near the Moanachira River.

Magotho Campsite – This is one of the Khwai campsite. Run by the Khwai community Concession.

Camp Savuti- Remote and full of wildlife drama. It is located in Savuti. Although it is remote, wildlife sighting is superb.

Ihaha Campsite- This campsite is located at the iconic Chobe National Park, overlooking the river. As you might have guessed, it is a famous and busy campsite.

Botswana self drive tips

Now, safety! Whether it is your first time going on a Botswana self drive safari or you are an experienced safari explorer, these are tips and tricks to consider.

This is to ensure you are safe during your travels and have a fantastic time without any challenges.

To ensure an unforgettable safari experience, consider the weather, safety, equipment, and more.

1. Rent a high clearance 4×4 safari vehicle

This is an absolute must if you intend to do a true self drive safari. Choose a vehicle suitable for the road conditions you’ll encounter on your safari. Preferably with a roof tent. Additionally, do not forget to take spare tyres and recovery gear.

2. Have a map

Study the map well in advance to ensure you have a good grasp of the area. It makes your travel easier, allowing you to find your nearest stop or town if you need to return.

In addition, let someone know your itinerary, including your daily schedule with specific times.

This is especially important for solo travellers. The reason is safety!.

3. Use a reputable Botswana self drive tours operator

Botswana self drive from johannesburg — Dudu Mogale on a Botswana safari

Safari planning can be stressful; however, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. If there are services out there to help, use them. One of them is self-drive tour operators.

They will come in handy for gathering information, booking campsites, preparing equipment, and suggesting the best campsites for your itinerary.

They can also arrange a 4×4 safari vehicle for you. In addition, they will provide you with the best travel tips and tricks to make your journey as effortless as possible because they know the safari regions better.

4. Pack the safari essentials

Now, about the packing list! If you are going to self-drive on your safari, what you pack is going to be entirely different from what it would be if you were staying in a lodge.

Check in advance what will be provided at your campsite, and pack what’s not. Some campsites provide tents and some basic camping equipment, some don’t.

By the way, do not forget to bring extra batteries, headlamps, extra fuel, and a small first aid kit. You’ll need it.

5. Be an early riser

For excellent wildlife viewing, wake up early. Animals are most active in the morning and late afternoon.

During the day, animals seek shade under trees to escape the extremely hot temperatures. I am not an early riser, but on a safari, I look forward to waking up at 5 AM.

6. Follow the rules

Please follow the campsite rules and respect authorities. It makes life easy for everyone. In the same way, please respect animals’ habitats. Do not leave trash behind. Keep a safe distance from the animals, observe, don’t interfere.

In addition, do not go off the designated track, and this varies a lot depending on your itinerary. This is for your safety.

7. Be a thoughtful, prepared traveller

Be wise in your actions; for instance, we all know it is a bad idea to leave your tent at night while on an African safari. On another note, make sure that you fully stock up your supplies.

FAQs about Botswana self drive safari

Botswana self drive guide — The reason why you must never leave your tent at night on an African safari.

Can you self drive in Botswana?

Yes! You can definitely self drive on your safari in Botswana. In fact, Botswana is the perfect country to do so; moreover, it is ideal for adventure seekers who love wild, uncrowded landscapes.

Is Botswana good for safari?

Yes, Botswana is considered one of the best safari destinations in Africa. Additionally, it’s a beautiful country with excellent wildlife and very low tourism volumes. Furthermore, Botswana tops the list of luxury safari destinations worldwide.

Can you self drive in the Okavango Delta?

Yes, you can self drive Okavango Delta. There are fantastic camping sites in the Okavango Delta. However, self-drivers are not allowed in the Khwai Private Reserve, something to keep in mind.

Do you need a 4×4 for Botswana?

Yes, you need a high clearance safari 4x 4 to self drive in Botswana, any other car is just not suitable due to the road conditions.

However, if you are only driving in Chobe National Park, I think you can get away with a regular car, though a 4×4 is highly recommended.

Can you self drive in Moremi Game reserve?

Yes, you can self drive in Moremi Game Reserve. There are camping sites within the reserve, making it a fantastic place for wildlife sightings.

Is Moremi Game Reserve part of Okavango Delta?

Yes, Moremi Game Reserve is located within the Okavango Delta, on the western part of the Delta.

Are there rhinos in Moremi Game Reserve?

Yes, both the black and white rhinos can be seen in Moremi Game Reserve. However, due to extremely low rhino numbers in the reserve, you might not see any on your visit. If your dream is to see African rhinos, consider visiting Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

Is it safe to self drive in Botswana?

Self-driving is generally safe in Botswana; people are friendly, it is not overcrowded, and the country has a low crime rate. However, use common sense on your safari and be prepared for the experience in general.

Firstly, the roads will be rough and bumpy, secondly, you will be driving in the middle of nowhere, so make sure you have enough supplies.

Is wild camping allowed in Botswana?

No, wild camping is not allowed in Botswana; you must camp only at designated sites. Not only that, you must have a valid camping permit.