Wild Botswana
from £2,500
/per person
- Recommended 12-16 Days
Where this route takes you
Exploring Botswana on a self-drive adventure is the ultimate way to experience this truly wild part of Africa. Your journey kicks off in Maun, where you can stock up on supplies and maybe take a quick flight over the Okavango Delta for a bird’s-eye view of the wetlands. A must do is a mokoro trip through the waters of the delta to spot big game and bird life. From there, dive straight into Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai, where winding sandy tracks lead you to elephants, lions, leopards and countless more species that will amaze you at every turn.
Heading north, Chobe National Park delivers huge herds of big along the river and incredible game viewing both on land and by boat. Then it’s off to Nxai Pan, where wide-open plains and the iconic baobabs make for a unique stop. In the Central Kalahari, you’ll find true remoteness. Quiet camps, endless trails, and the thrill of being completely off-grid. The last major stop of your trip will be the Makgadikgadi Pans, where endless white salt flats and perfectly clear night skies create an unforgettable final stop.
This route is for travellers who want the freedom of unfenced national parks, world class safari, raw beauty, and a front-row seat to some of Africa’s most spectacular wilderness.
| Here you'll collect your fully equipped 4x4 overlanding vehicle. Settle in with an overnight stay and a great opportunity to experience local foods, locally made crafts beers and stock up on supplies, ready for your epic adventure. This is also a great chance to take a mokoro trip with a local poler on the delta's waterways. Spot elephants, hippos, amazing birdlife and much more from the serenity of a traditional canoe as you glide through the reeds. |  |
| Moremi Game Reserve is where the Okavango Delta truly comes alive. Winding sandy tracks, crystal-clear lagoons, and a chance to see elephants, lions, and wild dogs in their natural habitat. Some seriously awesome campsites put you right in the middle of the action, with game drives just steps from your tent. It’s a raw, immersive safari experience, no fences, no frills, just you and the bush. Be ready for early mornings, amazing sunsets, and nights filled with the sounds of the African wild. |  |
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Bordering Moremi, the Khwai Community Concession blends incredible wildlife viewing with a strong sense of local culture. The Khwai River attracts elephants, hippos, and predators year-round, and the freedom to explore on self-drives makes it a favourite for overlanders. This area is particularly famous for some epic leopard sightings. At night, you can join a community guided night drive for a different perspective on the bush. Camping here means falling asleep to the sound of lions in the distance and waking up to elephants grazing nearby. |
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Chobe National Park is famous for its massive elephant herds and stunning riverfront scenery. From Savuti’s wide open plains to the Chobe River, every corner of the park offers something special. Spend your mornings exploring the sandy tracks in search of big cats, and your evenings on a river cruise, watching hippos and elephants at sunset. The campsites have at truly wild feel to them, giving you an authentic bush experience. Chobe is a real highlight of southern Africa. |
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| Known as the gateway to the Pans, Nata is a great stopover when heading between Chobe and the Makgadikgadi area. The town itself is small, but it’s perfectly located for an overnight stay to refuel, restock, and enjoy a bit of comfort before heading deeper into the wild. The highlight here is the Nata Bird Sanctuary, especially in the wet season when thousands of flamingos and pelicans gather in the shallow pans, a photographers dream! |  |
| Nxai Pan is one of Botswana’s most underrated gems. Wide, open plains dotted with springbok, wildebeest, and the occasional cheetah make game drives here very special. The famous baobabs are a must see - towering ancient trees that seem frozen in time. Camping options are basic but rewarding, especially when the stars come out over the pans. Whether you visit for for the wildlife or just to soak up the vast, peaceful landscapes, Nxai Pan is the perfect stop for an authentic, off-the-grid experience. |  |
| Explore the wild heart of Botswana as you make your way through the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. This is real Africa, where wide open spaces and big skies stretch as far as the eye can see. Wildlife is everywhere: lions roam the plains, leopards and cheetahs move silently through the grass, oryx wander the desert, and meerkats peek curiously from their burrows. Stay in remote bush camps and fall asleep under the stars, waking to the sounds of the wild around you. With no crowds and few signs of modern life, this is a chance to experience Botswana's wilderness up close, creating memories that will last a lifetime. |  |
| The Makgadikgadi Pans are surreal, vast, flat salt pans that stretch as far as the eye can see. During the dry season, the stark white landscape is perfect for stargazing and photography, while the wet season brings migrating flamingos and herds of zebra. Camping at Kubu Island, surrounded by ancient baobabs, is an unforgettable experience. It’s a great place to switch off, enjoy the quiet, and experience some of Africa's most distinctive landscapes. |  |
| After days of wild tracks, Gaborone is where your Botswana adventure winds down. The capital is modern and easy going, with plenty of spots to relax before heading home, from cafés and restaurants to craft markets for last-minute souvenirs. Hand back your 4×4 and to reflect on your journey through Botswana’s most iconic landscapes before catching your flight home. or maybe carry on your adventure into South Africa, Zimbabwe or Namibia! |  |
Included
- All accommodation
- Specialist vehicle hire
- Insurance for 2 drivers
- Camping and off-roading equipment
- Expert advice and support before and during your trip
- Comprehensive itinerary document including detailed route maps and must see recommendations.
Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Fuel
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Personal travel insurance
- Food and drinks (unless specified at accomodation)
