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Planning an African adventure and looking for a self drive Botswana itinerary? Look no further: this itinerary is the absolute best for self-drivers, offering the best safari experience.

A self-drive safari is the most rewarding and adventurous thing you can do as a traveller; however, finding the best self drive Botswana itinerary can take ages, and it can get overwhelming really quickly because of the vast number of safari stops in Botswana. Predictably, you are likely doing all the research you can to make sure you organise the best itinerary.

As a Botswana native passionate about safaris, I share with you the best self drive Botswana itinerary to ensure you visit all the best safari areas in Botswana for an unforgettable experience.

This post is all about the self drive Botswana itinerary.

Self drive Botswana Itinerary

Self drive meaning

Self-drive safari basically means taking the safari adventure into your own hands, driving yourself instead of being driven by a guide. You can either rent a 4×4 vehicle or use your own if it is suitable.

However, you can stay in a safari lodge, although campsites are standard with self drivers.

In order to drive Botswana, a 13-day safari will be ideal. Here is the best self drive Botswana itinerary.

Self drive Botswana Itinerary:Day 1-2

Maun is a great starting point for a self drive safari because it’s easier to get to, and it’s a big town where you can get supplies and rent a vehicle. Additionally, the town and its surroundings have some great things you can do before you head up north.

For example, you can visit Thamotelele and do the famous horseback safari before heading into the Okavango Delta.

 Self drive Botswana itinerary: Day 3-5: Moremi Game Reserve

This is one of the most loved Botswana self drive safari itinerary. On this itinerary, travellers head straight to the Okavango Delta from Maun, particularly Moremi Game Reserve. Moremi is famous among self-drivers for its excellent campsites and abundant wildlife.

Here are the popular campsites in Moremi Game Reserve.

Xakanaxa campsite 

This is a typical campsite located inside the Moremi Game Reserve, on the banks of the Khwai River. At this camp, you will have shared facilities like ablution blocks and toilets.

Although there is no electricity, you will have a hot shower, which is a big deal because some camps do not have this wilderness luxury.

On the other hand, if you want a more comfortable lodging experience, I highly recommend Camp Xakanaxa, which is nearby and will not interfere with your self-drive adventure.

Just so you know, Camp Xakanaxa is a proper tented safari lodge, not a campsite.

Third Bridge campsite 

Third Bridge campsite is one of the most popular campsites in Moremi. Besides the fact that the area is teeming with wildlife, the campsite has hot showers, shared facilities, and a small shop: a shop in the wilderness!

Like most camps, there is no electricity. However, if you want a comfortable accommodation, there are safari lodges nearby, from luxury to mid-range. For example, Xigera safari lodge and Camp Moremi are great options.

Day 6-7: Khwai Community Concession

It will take about 4 hours to reach the Khwai community area from Moremi. The campsite here is community-run. This area offers an authentic safari experience and is one of the cheapest camping sites; however, the facilities are minimal compared to Moremi.

As for wildlife sightings, you’ll be glad you stayed here. You’ll see elephants and spot members of the big five here.

Here is the popular campsite in Khwai.

Magotho campsite

I think this is the most popular campsite in Khwai. The campsite has basic facilities, running water and showers. This is a community-run camp, and you can book through Khwai Development Trust.

For those who love to self-drive but want comfortable sleeping options, here are the lodges you can stay at in the Khwai community concession.

Saguni safari lodge

This lodge overlooks Mbudi lagoon, making wildlife viewing much easier, as animals gather around it. Additionally, Saguni Safari Lodge offers great amenities without breaking your budget. Moreover, the lodge’s location is excellent, ensuring outstanding game viewing.

self drive Botswana itinerary: Day 8-10: Savuti

This self drive Botswana will always include the iconic Savuti. Although Savuti doesn’t make the headlines like the Okavango Delta, it is an iconic safari destination in Botswana. However, seasoned self-drivers know about this master piece.

With its beautiful raw landscape, I highly recommend you include Savuti in your safari itinerary, even if you are on a 7-day safari; it will be so worth it.

What sets Savuti apart from other regions is the prey-predator dynamic, in which lions hunt elephants, and the feud between lions and hyenas. I always say this is where you get to witness predators in action.

Where to camp?

Savuti campsite

Savuti campsite is the only campsite in the area. It is unfenced, comes with shared facilities, and a braai stand, which is nice. Also, there is a small shop on-site with limited supplies, so I recommend that you don’t rely on it.

Savuti has only 14 pitching sites, and it is very popular with self-drivers, so I recommend you book well in advance. The best way to book is through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks or SKL camps.

As wild and remote as Savuti is, the region boasts of gorgeous luxury lodges. So if you prefer not to sleep in a camping tent, here are some of the stunning lodges in the area.

Savuti Safari Lodge

This ultra-luxurious lodge is popular with self-drive guests. The camp overlooks the permanent water hole in the Savuti Channel. It is a gorgeous camp guaranteed to give you an exceptional safari experience.

Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge

This beautiful camp, with its rustic design, reflects the spirit of Savuti. Located near a waterhole, this camp allows guests to relax at the camp and let the safari come to them as animals gather around the waterhole.

Self drive Botswana itinerary: Day 11-13: Chobe Riverfront

It will take you about 4 hours to reach the Chobe riverfront. Once you are here, there are plenty of activities to do. Obviously, you will be visiting the legendary Chobe National Park and going on the river safari, which is exceptional. In fact, I enjoyed the river safari more than the Chobe National Park game drive.

Where to stay?

Ihaha Campsite

This is the famous campsite on the Chobe riverfront, inside the Chobe National Park. This camp has shared facilities and is unfenced, as with other camps. Since this is a really popular camp, I think you should book well in advance; in fact, it is required.

Unlike other camps, you will also pay park entry fees at this camp, which is separate from campsite fees.

Chobe Sunset River Camp

If there is no availability at Ihaha, consider this camp. It is located on the riverbank, outside the park, and it is very similar to Ihaha in terms of facilities. You will find shaded picnic areas, fire pits and clean ablution blocks.

While staying at this camp, you can enjoy game drives, a Chobe River cruise and exploring the town of Kasane

As for alternative accommodation, you’re in for a treat. There are many  Chobe accommodation options, including hotels and cottages.

How to book a campsite in Botswana

You can book a campsite through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, email them at [email protected], or book through private operators like SKL. This is because the government runs some campsites, while others are run privately.

This post was all about self drive Botswana itinerary