Self-drive tours of Botswana are possible and popular for those willing to engage 4x4 and go on an off-road adventure. Even still the main highlights of Botswana will inevitably see you combining these with a fly-in or guided transfer element in order to include the raw wilderness areas, remote game parks and sections not accessible by road.
On a self-drive of Botswana you’ll be able to access the outer fringes of the mighty Okavango Delta, the Chobe National Park and the Central Kalahari or Makgadikgadi Pans by accessible routes with minimal bone fide off-roading. The main highlights of Botswana, and the real deal safari attractions you’ll be wanting to include, are however not recommended for self-drive tours.The Okavango Delta and much of Savute and Linyanti (some of Botswana’s greatest wildlife areas) are wetlands, which means a no-go by road and will require a fly-in or specialist guided transfer with the lodges.
We’re not saying a self-drive is not possible. What we are saying is that you’ll need to do a self-drive friendly route or combine it with a fly-in to really get the most of your Botswana safari and to include Botswana’s most remote destinations. Victoria Falls is a short drive from Botswana and combining your Botswana self-drive with Zimbabwe or even Namibia is also a great option for a more diverse self-drive safari option across borders.
If you’re daring and love an off-the-beaten-track adventure,then a 4x4 camping safari through Botswana makes one of the best self-drive safaris in Africa. It’s all raw wilderness with thick sandy roads that take you to some of the most incredible places. It’s worth the trying and exhilarating journey if you’re up for the challenge.
Whatever you decide. If you’re thinking to self-drive, going all out or taking it easier, plan this in the dry winter months (July through October), which also happens to be the best time for game viewing and thus a great time for that once-in-a-lifetime Botswana self-drive safari.
Speak to a travel expert for more advice and to help you plan a self-drive tour of Botswana.
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