Botswanan Road Trips Packages

Arriving for a few nights at a splendid luxury lodge offers a fantastic glimpse into the hidden gems of beautiful Botswana, but to fully embrace the untamed essence of this country, nothing beats hitting the open road.

Whether you’re cruising in a rugged 4WD or a compact sedan, embarking on a self-driving journey through national parks and wildlife-rich reserves will elevate your vacation into an exhilarating experience, enabling you to discover some of the finest attractions the country has to offer.

Traveling by car offers the exhilarating opportunity to camp in the wilds of the Okavango Delta, just like the safari pioneers of old, or to spend countless hours in the company of the majestic elephant herds in Chobe National Park. Explore the lesser-known paths to unveil Botswana’s secret gems, like revered waterfalls and San art studios that are off the beaten track, or seek out that perfect landscape shot in the Kalahari Desert while enjoying the freedom of your own itinerary.

From a timeless self-drive camping journey to smooth sedan-friendly roads, and an intriguing artisan path through the serene nooks of the Kalahari, here are eight of the finest road trips to experience in Botswana.

1. The timeless journey through Botswana

An exhilarating camping journey for thrill-seekers Maun–Chobe; 450km (280 miles); plan for 7 days

This road trip, reachable solely by 4WD vehicles, promises an exhilarating experience for those ready to embrace the challenge. Embark on one of Botswana’s most legendary journeys, where this renowned self-drive route begins in Maun and ventures north into the untamed essence of the country for an unforgettable off-the-grid safari experience. Gather an ample supply of fuel, water, firewood, and food, then bid farewell to the donkeys, dogs, and goats that wander the rustic edges of Maun. Crossing the veterinary boundary (often referred to as the “buffalo fence”) – which prevents diseases from passing between domestic and wild animals – marks the beginning of this remarkable journey. From here, you might encounter a playful elephant at any moment, or find yourself stuck in the challenging sand trails.

Camping at Third Bridge in Moremi Game Reserve or at a community-run campsite in the neighboring Khwai Community Concession offers a thrilling chance to encounter the swamp’s inhabitants, like the wading red lechwe antelope or the hippos making their presence known in the winding lagoons of the Okavango Delta. The path then shifts north to the vibrant Savuti marsh, where iconic lion prides roam, and concludes at the Chobe River within Chobe National Park.

Detour: While at Third Bridge, embark on an early morning drive around Mboma Loop and enjoy a mokoro (canoe) trip from Mboma Boat Station. If you are pressed for time, you can also opt for a trip from Khwai Community. The expansive grassy savannah of this 100-sq-km island, a striking extension of the Mopane Tongue, stands in vivid contrast to the surrounding landscapes and offers remarkable opportunities for dry-season wildlife observation – encounters with cheetahs, lions, and buffalo are quite frequent.

2. Botswana Awaits

Ultimate journey to encounter the Big Five Serowe–Chobe; 1200km (745 miles); plan for 10 days

Roll down the windows and prepare the camera: this road trip showcases the finest sights of Botswana, blending the thrilling wildlife experiences of the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park with the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Begin your journey with a walking safari to discover the majestic rhinos that call the Khama Rhino Sanctuary home, then take a detour into the pans through Letlhakane for a night under the breathtaking expanse of the Milky Way at Kubu Island. Passionate photographers will delight in the rugged silhouettes of baobab trees at golden hour, leading to stunning astrophotography chances once night falls.

Beyond the A3 highway awaits the hidden gem of Nxai Pan National Park, where the iconic Baines’ Baobabs stand tall and the longest mammal migration in southern Africa unfolds, best experienced during the vibrant summer months. Proceed to Maun and head north to embark on the iconic 4WD journey that weaves through the Okavango Delta, Savuti, and Chobe, as you seek out the last four of the Big Five. In these areas, you will have fantastic opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo.

Detour: Those with a passion for history and culture will find delight in exploring the charming old Victorian building that is home to the Khama III Memorial Museum in Serowe. With an enthusiastic museum companion, artifacts and exhibits spring to life as these guides share the captivating stories of the Ba-ma-Ngwato, tracing back to the era of Kgosi-Tona Khama III.

3. The road trip checklist

Ideal for families and those on a tight budget with limited time
Maun–Chobe; 680km (425 miles); plan for a minimum of 10 days
Opt for nearby campsites on this self-drive safari to keep the excitement flowing while reducing any potential worries. Traveling along the well-maintained A3 and A33 highways, you will discover affordable lodges that offer unforgettable wildlife experiences. After an overnight mokoro in Maun with Delta Rain, set your sedan on a course for Nata. (The A3 route is known for its uneven terrain, so plan for additional driving time and proceed with caution.) Soon, you’ll be interacting with the meerkats of the Makgadikgadi Pans during your time at Planet Baobab.

Continue your journey to Nata Lodge for an exciting guided excursion to the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where you are almost certain to encounter zebra, wildebeest, and ostriches roaming the sunlit grasslands. Depending on the season, particularly in winter after good rains, thousands of flamingos arrive to breed on the salt pans as they journey along their migration route. From Nata, it’s an exciting drive north to Kasane – just be sure to watch for elephants crossing the road. A multitude of operators and riverfront lodges offer sunset boat cruises and early-morning game drives to experience the rich wildlife and vibrant landscapes of Chobe National Park.

Planning tip: Even without the perfect vehicle, you can still dive into the excitement of camping in the great outdoors with an operator like Kalahari Tours, which provides an unforgettable overnight camp-out experience. After an exhilarating day of game drives, you will come back to find crackling fires, mouthwatering meals prepared just for you, and cozy stretchers arranged for a restful night under the stars in the heart of Chobe National Park; an ideal backdrop for celebrating the full moon.

4. An exhilarating journey through the Kalahari

Ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the masses
Nata–D’kar; 800km (500 miles); set aside 8 days

Venture into the remote corners of Botswana, traversing from the Makgadikgadi to the heart of the Kalahari Desert, where you will encounter endless skies, meandering paths, secluded campsites, and an exhilarating experience of sandy off-road driving. This path traces the journeys of legendary Victorian explorers like David Livingstone and Thomas Baines as you make your way to Nxai Pan National Park. Select from one of three breathtaking campsites nestled beneath the expansive branches of a majestic baobab tree, with stand three offering the utmost in seclusion at Baines’ Baobabs. This serves as the perfect launchpad to explore the game-filled expanses near the waterholes close to South Camp, just a brief 4WD journey to the north. Prepare to encounter majestic lions, graceful giraffes, towering elephant bulls, and swift cheetahs – all in a setting with much less hustle and bustle than other parks.

Afterward, embrace your inner zebra and journey along the waters to the Boteti River near Rakops. This seasonal stream serves as a vital artery in the Kalahari; during specific times of the year, the water swells enough to explore the expansive herds of zebra and wildebeest on a boat-based safari. Explore options at lodges like Boteti River Camp or Leroo-La-Tau. Next, the exhilarating phase of the journey unfolds. It was not until the late 1990s that the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) welcomed individual tourists, inviting them to explore its vast and untamed landscapes.

Every corner of the CKGR invites exploration, making it a favorite for those who seek their own path. You’ll come across hardly any other vehicles – but you’ll witness plenty of black-maned lions, cheetahs, and fascinating desert-adapted creatures like bat-eared foxes and caracals. Venture through Xade Gate, explore the vibrant D’kar, and conclude with an enriching visit to the Kuru Art Project.

Planning tip: Only experienced and skilled explorers with properly outfitted 4WDs should consider navigating their way into the heart of the Kalahari. Travelers embarking on this journey should venture in at least two 4WD vehicles, ensuring they have a backup plan for assistance in the event of an emergency.

5. Unconventional exploration

Ideal for exploring stunning waterfalls
Tsabong–Goo-Moremi Gorge; 850km (530 miles); plan for an exhilarating 5-day journey

Beginning in Tsabong, this journey from west to east through the southernmost part of Botswana invites you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of this expansive, open country. Explore the unique Tsabong Eco-Tourism Camel Park for an exhilarating camel ride or dive into the thrill of quad biking across the vast Kalahari sands. Venture along the edge of South Africa, pausing in the vibrant city of Gaborone for some shopping or a lively karaoke session. Then, trade the dry desert scenery for a refreshing stroll to the beloved waterfalls of Goo-Moremi Gorge in the Tswapong Hills, a revered area steeped in the spirit of badimo (ancestors).

6. The exhilarating Mosi-oa-Tunya journey

Ideal for those who crave excitement
Kasane–Victoria Falls; 100km (65 miles); plan for an exciting 2-day journey