14 days

Botswana self drive round trip in 4x4 with roof tent camping

Explore Botswana yourself with your rental car without a guide. Everything is booked for you, you can decide independently when you want to drive from place to place during the day.

(5/5)
5/5
from 1999€ p.p.

What awaits you

Would you like to discover the beauty of Botswana, but not give up flexibility and independence in your vacation? Do you have no time to organize such an extensive trip yourself or are you unsure? Then let us inspire you here and now with our Self-Drive Botswana Round Trip - Perfect for couples, families and friends! Drive with a rented car to desired places at desired times! Discover the rich wildlife of Botswana and explore the area on safaris. Get to know the culture and people and experience dreamlike sunsets at the unique river landscapes.

What awaits you

Would you like to discover the beauty of Botswana, but not give up flexibility and independence in your vacation? Do you have no time to organize such an extensive trip yourself or are you unsure? Then let us inspire you here and now with our Self-Drive Botswana Round Trip - Perfect for couples, families and friends! Drive with a rented car to desired places at desired times! Discover the rich wildlife of Botswana and explore the area on safaris. Get to know the culture and people and experience dreamlike sunsets at the unique river landscapes.
Travel duration
14 days
Price p. person
from 1999€
What is included?
What makes our trips special

Itinerary

Click on individual days for details

You have the option to book your flights separately or contact us quickly and easily via WhatsApp for a personal flight quote. If you book your flights separately, please plan your arrival so that you arrive at the airport around afternoon to start your Botswana adventure together in the evening.

After your arrival at the airport you will be warmly welcomed by our local partner and brought to your guesthouse.

Breakfast

Shuttle (approx. 15 km / 20 min)

Rondavel Double BB

Today's highlight: Relax in the small town of Gumare!

Your first drive will take you to the small town of Gumare, in northwestern Botswana. On the way, about halfway, you can stop at Lake Ngami, where you can see pelicans or flamingos. In Gumare you can enjoy the evening in a local restaurant.

private transfer (approx. 300 km/ 4,5 hours)

Nguma Island Lodge Campsite

Your highlight today: Experience the untouched nature of Namibia!

Look forward to the probably most unique national park in Namibia! On your way you have the possibility to take a break in Rundu after half of the distance and relax a bit. Rundu is the second largest city in Namibia after Windhoek and at the same time a very young city. It is known for its beautiful woodcarving art, which you can see or buy at the market of the cooperative Mbungura Woodcraft. After you have completed the second half of your journey, the beautiful Bwabwata National Park awaits you. Wonderful green landscapes and abundant wildlife await you. There are also several villages, which makes the park very different from others. Bwabwate plays a crucial role in the conservation of elephants, here you can find one third of all gentle giants living in Namibia. Also for many other animals the habitat is very important and you can look forward to great animal observations and of course pure nature! It is also a clear recommendation to visit the great Khwe Living Museum.

private transfer (about 150 km/2,5 hours)

Nunda River Campsite

Your highlight today: Namibia inspires you with tropics and lots of water a true animal paradise!

Today you can look forward to wonderful nature and great animals. Also on your way to the park great nature is already waiting for you, generally speaking this area is called the golden triangle, a perfect wilderness area and a completely untouched nature. Besides the many wonderful animals, like elephants, zebras, lions, leopards, antelopes or buffalos, you will also find hippos and crocodiles in the south near the waters. You can especially look forward to the bird diversity with over 400 bird species. It is recommended to visit the interesting Mafwe Living Museum.

private transfer (about 220 km/2,5 hours)

Namushasha River Lodge Campsite

 

Your highlight today: Optionally visit the beautiful river island Impalila Island!

Today you will travel to Botswana, on the way you can make another stop in Katima Mulilo, the capital of the Zambezi region in Namibia if you want to take a break. Once you arrive in Kasane, a visit to the beautiful Impalila Island, located in the middle of Chobe National Park, is definitely a great recommendation. It is located in the 4 country corner and can only be reached by boat or plane. Here you will also find especially many elephants, as well as other water animals. Enjoy the sunset and watch the elephants bathing in the water. In addition, a magnificent variety of birds is waiting for you!

private transfer (approx. 230 km/ 2,5 hours)

Chobe Safari Lodge Campsite

Your highlight today: Experience flamingos and pelicans at Nata Bird Sanctuary

On your way from Kasane to Gweta you will pass through several nature reserves. You will meet a lot of animals and the drive will give you great views. You will have several opportunities to make stops. Worth mentioning is the Nata Bird Sanctuary. Large colonies of pelicans and flamingos await you in the sanctuary. Especially at the large salt lake, flocks of flamingos will fly past you. Enjoy the sunset before you go to your next accommodation.

private transfer (approx. 400 km/ 4,5 hours)

Planet Baobab Campsite

Your highlight today: A unique biodiversity awaits you in the oldest nature reserve in Botswana.

Your next tour will take you to Moremi National Park, where you will have two days to explore everything. The Moremi Game Reserve is located in the east of the world famous Okavango Delta. A remarkable number of wildlife species, a diverse bird life and a varied landscape. A combination of mopane forests, floodplains, fabulous lagoons, papyrus rivers and acacia forests. There is no other place in Africa where so many ecosystems merge seamlessly.

private transfer (approx. 330km/ 5 hours)

Mbudi Campsite and Third Bridge Campsite

Your highlight today: Discover the Safari Capital!

Maun has been the starting point for expeditions into the wilderness areas of Botswana since the turn of the century and is now the safari capital of the country and the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Here you can also look forward to a breathtaking animal and plant world. At the same time you can always relax in the camp and enjoy a massage or two.

Breakfast

private transfer (approx. 130 km/ 3 hours)

The Waterfront Guesthouse

If you book your flights separately, you can flexibly plan your return flight on the day of departure.

We would love to welcome you back for your next adventure!

Rental car

Your car (H - TOYOTA HILUX 2.4L TD 4X4 CAMPING)

Get to know the great Botswana on your self-drive trip with a 4×4. Enjoy great landscapes during your trips and discover fantastic nature and look forward to interesting places. For this you will get the Toyota Hilux on your trip, which is best suited for driving on tarred roads, gravel roads or off-road.

Type: Pick up 4 x 4

Gearbox: Manual transmission

Luggage: 4 x large

Air conditioner: Yes

Audio: Radio/USB/AUX

Seats: 5

Plenty of space and comfort - Perfect therefore for adventurers in Botswana

Accommodation

Discovery Bed & Breakfast (Day 1)

Location: Maun

Room category: Standard room at Rondavel

Equipment: Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, parking, bar, café

The guesthouse offers a unique accommodation experience in a small African village, wonderful hospitality and a convenient location. The accommodation is about 20 minutes from the city center and is located in a quiet residential area near the Thamalakane River. Arrive here relaxed and prepare for adventure.

Nguma Island Lodge Campsite (Day 2)

Location: Skegau

Room category: Campsite

Equipment: Toilets, showers, restaurant, bar

Nguma Island Lodge is open and a true African experience awaits you in the Okavango Delta. Here you have many possibilities to occupy yourself after a long day in the wilderness. Be it bird watching, fishing or a sunset cruise. A great campsite awaits you for the first night.

Nunda River Campsite (Day 3 and 4)

Location: Kavango East Region

Room category: Campsite

Equipment: Wifi, Bar, Pool, Mosquito net

Nunda River Lodge in the eastern Kavango region of Namibia is an experience rarely encountered on the southern African continent, offering a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere and a true African wilderness experience. Nunda, the local Thimbukushu name for the fruit of the Jackalberry tree, is located on the Okavango River in the homeland of the Hambukushu tribe. Unique views and great wildlife await you here.

Namushasha River Lodge Campsite (Day 5)

Location: Kavango East Region

Room category: Campsite

Equipment: Wifi, Bar, Pool, Restaurant

At the lush Namushasha River Campsite, set up camp on the grassy bank under old grandfather trees and breathe in the spirit of the river. After a guided trip into Bwabwata National Park, collect bundles of firewood and return to your campsite.

Chobe Safari Lodge Campsite (Day 6 to 8)

Location: Kasane

Room category: Campsite

Equipment: Wi-Fi, Bar, Pool, Restaurant, Entertainment Lounge

Chobe Safari Lodge in Kasane is located right on the banks of the majestic Chobe River. Chobe Safari offers various activities including game drives in Chobe National Park, boat trips on the Chobe River and fishing trips. Day trips to Victoria Falls can also be arranged.

Planet Baobab Campsite (Day 9)

Location: Gweta

Room category: Campsite

Equipment: Wi-Fi, Bar, Pool, Restaurant, Lounge

Experience the vast remoteness of the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Kalahari Desert at this accommodation, a place of endless horizons and four thousand year old trees. Shake off the heat of the day and the dust of the desert in the largest and coldest swimming pool in the Kalahari.

Mbudi Campsite (Day 10 and 11)

Location: Khwai

Room category: Campsite

Equipment: Toilets, showers, fireplace

The campsites are an inviting retreat for any adventurer, tucked away under a shady canopy of ancient leadwood trees. Here you can expect a great location on the banks of the Mbudi River, bordering the game-rich Khwai. The camp also offers a beautiful wildlife experience with animals roaming freely in the area.

Third Bridge Campsite (Day 12)

Location: Moremi

Room category: Campsite

Equipment: Toilets, showers, fireplace

Third Bridge Campsite is located on the western side of the Moremi Game Reserve along the tributary of the Moanachira River. The Third Bridge area, bordering the Delta and Mboma Island, has high wildlife numbers in the dry season. Here you can observe the last animals in the wild before the adventure soon comes to an end.

The Waterfront Guesthouse (Day 13)

Location: Maun

Room category: Standard room

Equipment: Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, parking, bar, TV, whirlpool, river view

Welcome to Maun Waterfront Guesthouse, idyllically situated on the Thamalakane River. Only a ten minute drive from Maun Village, it is considered the gateway to one of Africa's last wilderness areas. The tranquility of the Thamalakane River, the sights and sounds of the numerous birds, and the occasional sighting of a hippo or crocodile passing by your veranda will set the tone of your last night at this accommodation.

Request trip now

Simply request your desired date quickly.

What makes our trips special

Important information

Is it safe to travel by car through Namibia and Botswana?

Yes - Namibia and Botswana are safe countries for self-drive travel if you follow the usual rules.

On which side of the road do you drive in Namibia and Botswana?

You drive on the left side of the road in both countries.

Which car do we get?

4×4 off-road vehicle, automatic with camping equipment (R - TOYOTA HILUX 2.4L TD)

What is the condition of the roads?

The roads of Namibia and Botswana are generally in good condition. Most roads are passable with a normal passenger car, even the main routes through the deserts.

What happens in the event of a breakdown or accident?

In case something happens, emergency contacts are available, which you will be informed of upon arrival. The phone numbers are available around the clock. For small problems, so-called bush mechanics can usually provide direct assistance. Depending on the problem, you will be referred to the next possible garage, or a mechanic will come directly to you. If the car cannot be repaired, a replacement vehicle will be provided. In case of an accident, contact your emergency contact immediately and take photos of the damaged vehicle.

How does it work with navigation?

Before traveling to Namibia, we recommend the app Maps.me to install on your cell phone and download the Namibia Map there before arrival. It is a free app that navigates offline.

Should I get a SIM card?

It is recommended to get a SIM card (MTC Namibia or TN Mobile) and top it up with some phone credit if you plan to go to the parks alone.

What else should I look out for on a self-drive tour in Namibia-Botswana?

To have the smoothest self-drive adventure possible in Namibia and Botswana pay attention to the following things:

  • Always have enough cash with me (even at the gas stations is paid in cash)
  • Always take a charged cell phone with you
  • Always have enough water with you and if necessary something to eat
  • Find out in time where is the nearest gas station
  • Always park the car in a private/secured parking lot
  • Wild camping is not allowed
  • If possible, do not drive in the dark, from about 7 p.m. (many drivers sometimes do not turn on their lights, or drive with high beams).
  • Drive defensively - buses like to overtake, so always keep an eye on the rear view mirror
  • Always set the turn signal when turning and overtaking
  • Avoid potholes
  • Do not drive faster than allowed
  • Always turn on the central locking in cities
  • Do not leave valuables unattended in the car
  • Always have your driver's license with you
  • Do not overload the car
  • Always turn on your headlights
  • Drive carefully and take into account that wild animals may run in front of your car.
  • In the parks it is best to be accompanied by a ranger
  • No entrance to the national parks after 6 pm
  • You must be at least 21 years old to drive the car

Is the trip suitable for children?

Traveling by car through Namibia with children is possible and child seats for the car are provided on request.

Do you offer trip cancellation insurance?

Should you not be able to fly for health reasons, there is a Travel cancellation insurancee.g. from HanseMerkur.

Can I arrive earlier or leave later?

You can individually plan a few days in advance or add a few days to all our trips, as it suits you best. Of course, we are also happy to give you tips for accommodation!

What does your collaboration with local partners look like in concrete terms?

For us, supporting locals means working only with local guides, staying in local, family-run hotels, and eating at local restaurants. We often have a social/environmental cause that we incorporate into our trips (from volunteering at a wildlife rescue center in Namibia to the support of Buddhist monks in Nepal in their daily work or visiting a school in a Soviet ghost town in Kyrgyzstan and bringing soccer balls, books, pens, etc.).

General information

Please note that the itinerary, activities and hotels may be subject to change. These changes may occur without notice due to availability, inclement weather, seasonal changes or other circumstances beyond our control. We will always do our best to ensure that this has little or no impact on your experience.

Your travel highlights
  • experience unique route together with loved ones
  • very extensive camping and tool equipment that leaves nothing to be desired
  • breathtaking wildlife and nature
  • impressive national parks
Catering
  • 2x breakfast
Accommodation
(These or comparable accommodations)
  • 1x overnight stay Discovery Bed & Breakfast
  • 1x overnight Nguma Island Lodge Campsite
  • 2x overnight stay Nunda River Campsite
  • 1x overnight Namushasha River Lodge Campsite
  • 3x overnight Chobe Safari Lodge Campsite
  • 1x overnight Planet Baobab Campsite
  • 2x overnight stay Mbudi Campsite
  • 1x overnight stay Third Bridge Campsite
  • 1x overnight stay Waterfront Guesthouse

Transport

  • Rental car during the trip
  • Airport transfer on arrival and departure day (07h30 - 16h30)

If the airport transfer is needed on another day, we can arrange it for you for an extra fee.

Camping equipment

  • 1 roof tent
  • 1 mattresses with sheets
  • 2 pillows/blankets
  • Refrigerator
  • Gas stove
  • Grill + Accessories
  • Table / 2 chairs
  • Gas cylinders
  • Pans/Pots
  • Cooking utensils
  • Tableware,...

Tools:

  • Toolbox
  • Tow rope
  • Warning triangle
  • Compressor
  • Tire tensioner
  • Jack + wooden block for jack
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid bag
  • Spade/axe
  • Spare fuses
  • Original
    Vehicle tools
Other included services
  • Necessary One Way Fee and Cross Border Fee of almost 500€.
  • Individual meeting on arrival
  • Standard car insurance
  • 24 hours roadside assistance
  • Unlimited kilometers
  • Compressor
  • 2 drivers allowed
  • Orientation maps
  • Vehicle/Self-Drive Briefing
  • Detailed vaccination and packing list (PDF)
  • 110% CO2 offset for flight and travel
  • 1 tree planted per person
  • 24/7 Whatsapp support through TripLegend before and during the trip
Before the trip
On site
  • Flights
  • Fuel
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Entrance to museums and national parks (~ EUR 18.- per day)
  • Standard deposit ( N$40.000 / ca.2.500€)
    • The deposit can be reduced for an additional fee. The following options are available for this purpose:
      • Reduced deposit 1: N$20.000 - fee per day: 8€.
      • Reduced deposit 2: N$5.000 - fee per day: 15€.
      • Reduced deposit 3: N$0 - Fee per day: 25€
Extras
  • Sattelite Phone -> on site
  • GPS/ navigation system -> on site
Optional activities 

Chobe Safari Lodge Activities Game Drive

For a surcharge of 110€ you can book a game drive in Chobe National Park in our store and experience Botswana's wildlife up close.

Chobe Safari Lodge Activities Boat Cruise

Would you prefer to explore Chobe National Park from the water? Then book it for 110€ in our store

German citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days per year.
In addition to the standard vaccinations according to the RKI, travel vaccinations against hepatitis A, and for long-term stays or special exposure also against hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies and meningococcal disease (ACWY) are recommended. Malaria is transmitted by crepuscular and nocturnal Anopheles mosquitoes. There is a high risk of malaria in Namibia throughout the year in the north and northeast of the country (Zambezi/Caprivi Strip, Kavango West, Kavango East, Ohangwena, in the north of Omusati, Oshikoto). A high risk of malaria can be expected in the Otjozondjupa district in the northeast of the country from September to May, and a low risk from June to August. A low risk exists year-round in the northwest including the Kunene District as well as Etosha National Park. In the rest of the country the malaria risk is minimal. Windhoek, the coast, the Namib Desert and the areas south of Karasburg are considered malaria-free. To avoid malaria, protect yourself consistently from insect bites as part of exposure prophylaxis. In Botswana, there is a high risk in the north (northern Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park with upper Kasana, Ghanzi, Ngamiland, Tutume District,Moremi Game Reserve), during the rainy season from November to May. There is a lower risk there in the dry season from June to October. From November to May, there is also a low risk of malaria in the parts of the country further east and southeast in the border areas with Zimbabwe (Bobirwa and Selebi-Phikwe regions) including Francistown and Palapye. Depending on the travel profile, chemoprophylaxis (taking tablets) is also advisable in addition to the necessary exposure prophylaxis. Various prescription drugs (e.g. atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine) are available on the German market for this purpose. Discuss the choice of medication and its personal adaptation as well as side effects or incompatibilities with other medications with a tropical medicine doctor or travel physician before taking it. It is recommended to take a sufficient supply with you.

You have the possibility to book your round trip both with and without included flight. If necessary, you can easily request your flights for the round trip via WhatsApp and we will send you a personal offer. All our selected flights are operated by renowned airlines. For a flight from/to Germany you can also book our "train to flight" offer. 

Please note that the itinerary, activities and hotels may be subject to change. These changes may occur without notice due to availability, inclement weather, seasonal changes or other circumstances beyond our control. We will always do our best to ensure that this has little or no impact on your experience.

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Testimonials

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