Self-Drive Classic Botswana - 15 Days

(Partly Camping / Partly Accommodated)

“The soft indent of the paw print in the sand alerted us to the fact that lions were indeed nearby. We scanned our surrounds, taking in the sandy hues, trying to spot any small movement. Our ears tuned in to the sounds of the bush and we became alert to the myriad of wildlife that surrounded us. It was our first morning camping in Botswana and the magic had already begun…”

Offering an unmatched variety of wildlife experiences across diverse and iconic landscapes, our Classic Botswana itinerary delivers one of the most comprehensive safari adventures in Southern Africa. From the waterways of the Okavango Delta to the predator-rich plains of Savuti, the elephant stronghold of Chobe National Park, and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, this journey showcases Botswana & Zimbabwe at their very best.

Designed as a self-drive Botswana camping safari, this itinerary is ideal for adventure travellers, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an immersive, hands-on safari experience that will leave you inspired and eager for more.

Moremi Game Reserve (on the edge of the Okavango Delta) – Savute in Chobe National Park - Chobe Riverfront - Victoria Falls - Nxai Pan

4x4 Hire – 4x4 dual cab with 1 rooftop tent includes camping equipment (Toyota Hilux or similar). Pick up and drop off Maun Airport. For details of the vehicle types available please see - Self Drive Safaris.
4x4 hire vehicle cover - unlimited kilometres, collision damage waiver (USD3,000 excess), second driver, taxes and tourism levies, introduction to vehicle, travel pack and GPS unit.
Accommodation as indicated below.
Full day unguided Victoria Falls Day Trip (excludes Zimbabwe visa fee).
Relevant Travel Africa Information sheets.

With Travel Africa you are safe in the knowledge that you are working with people who are experts in self-drive travel. We have driven the types of vehicles you are looking to hire and driven them in the places, and on the road conditions, that you will experience. We have enjoyed all kinds of self-drive trips in southern Africa for over 25 years – from quick flits along the Garden Route to 8 month adventure trips with fully equipped 4x4s and roof top tents throughout southern Africa.

We give you peace of mind by working closely with you to custom-make and book your itinerary – ensuring you have the most appropriate type of vehicle and accommodation for your trip. We also provide you with detailed trip dossiers, which include routes, directions, tips and hints on driving in southern Africa, ensuring you have all the information you need to enjoy every minute of your trip and feel comfortable and secure with your holiday plan!

Our in-depth knowledge of destinations, conditions, vehicles and equipment, based on extensive personal experience, gives you the peace of mind you need for your self-drive safari.

Interactive itinerary

Detailed itinerary

Pick up your vehicle from Maun International Airport. After settling in to your overnight accommodation, stock up with food, water and fuel as you prepare for your prolonged period driving through Botswana's wilderness areas where there are no shops or petrol stations. In addition, take some time to become familiar with your vehicle and equipment.

Okavango Delta Add-On options:
The perfect add-on to your Botswana trip is a visit to the water and wildlife wonderland that is the Okavango Delta. This truly magnificent landscape and unique ecosystem attracts animals from kilometres around and creates one of Africa’s greatest wildlife concentrations. Travel Africa can assist you with a number of fantastic options to enjoy this special place:

A fly-in package to stay at one of the lodges / camps in the Delta's heart.
An Eastern Delta mobile camping trip providing a walking and mokoro experience for the more budget conscious traveller.
A full day mokoro or boat trip into the Delta - Contact us for details.
A scenic flight over the Delta - Contact us for details.

Stay at:
The Maun Studios or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 140kms, dirt roads - possible water crossings.

Renowned as being one of the most beautiful game reserves in Africa, Moremi offers an abundance of wildlife and birdlife. Unique delta scenery combined with Mopane forests and open flood plains. Spend two days searching for animals and birds on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta where towering mopane forests dominate the flood plains. Wildlife viewing here can only be described as superb, with a very good chance of seeing some of the big cats and wild dog.

Stay at:
Third Bridge Campsite or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 60kms, dirt roads - possible water crossings.

The Khwai River forms the northern border of Moremi Game Reserve and the Khwai Community Trust Concession lies along this river between Moremi and Chobe National Park. This is a magical area which is a magnet for animal and bird life, especially along the fabulous Khwai River floodplains. All major animal species including elephant, lion, leopard and endangered wild dog occur in the region as well as more unusual water-loving animals such as red lechwe antelope and more than 500 types of birds. Self-drive travellers can support the local Khwai Community by staying at the fantastic private camp sites within this stunning location, and being contiguous with Moremi, self-drive safari drives can be done in within both the Khwai Community Concession or the Moremi Game Reserve.

During your stay at Khwai a recommended activity is a morning guided mokoro trip along one of the tributaries of the Khwai River. This is a relaxing way to enjoy your surroundings and view wildlife from a different perspective. A mokoro trip can be pre-booked, recommended during peak season (July - October) or arranged on arrival at the camp.

Stay at:
Magotho Campsite or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 110kms, dirt roads - possible soft sand.

Enjoy your drive to Savute - either taking the Sand Ridge Road or Marsh Road. At the heart of Savute is a relic marsh that is watched over by seven low lying hills. Savute is an ancient channel that only flows in periods of extreme rainfall. The Joubert's documentaries made the area famous for its large lion prides, hyena and elephant bulls.

Stay at:
Savute Campsite or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 160kms, dirt roads - possible soft sand.

Kasane is a great base for exploring two of Africa's major highlights - Chobe Riverfront and the Victoria Falls. Chobe Riverfront has very high concentrations of animals – especially in the dry season when the animals are drawn to the river. Chobe is famous for its huge herds of elephants which together with massive herds of buffalo often delight visitors. A sunset cruise on the Chobe River is a wonderful option - cruise amongst the grunting hippo or watch the elephants wade amongst the reed beds.

Only 90 kilometres to the east experience Mosi-oa-Tunya (the 'Smoke that Thunders') the amazing Victoria Falls. Included is a one day unguided trip to see the wonders of the Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side.

Extend your trip with a Victoria Falls Add-On option:
Travel Africa can assist you with a number of fantastic options to enjoy Victoria Falls:

A 3 night package stay - Victoria Falls Magic.
For those craving more wildlife and a little touch of luxury, why not combine a trip to the Falls with a visit to Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls & Hwange.
Extend your self-drive into Zimbabwe and combine Victoria Falls with Hwange National Park and possibly Matobo National Park - Contact us for details.

Stay at:
The Old House or similar

Travel distance: Approximately 320kms, good roads.

Overnight at Nata Lodge - enjoy the facilities and perhaps see a Lesser Bushbaby spring through the trees after dusk. Depending on the season consider a visit to the Nata Bird Sanctuary - an area set aside by the local community as a refuge for pelicans and flamingoes who congregate on the Sowa Pan after rains have fed the Nata River.

Stay at:
Nata Lodge or similar

200kms, good and dirt roads - possibly soft sand.

Stock up with food, water and fuel before driving to the enormous salt pans l of north east Botswana - some of the largest salt flats in the world. These vivid landscapes consist of a dry salty clay crust most of the year. However, when the annual rains fall they become covered with grass and water and are transformed into a refuge for birds and animals including wildebeest, one of Africa's largest zebra populations and of course the large predators that prey on them. The wet season also brings migratory birds including Great White Pelicans and one of only two breeding populations of Greater Flamingoes in Southern Africa.

Stay at:
South Camp or similar

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