A Self Drive Experience into the True Wild
Discover our ultimate guide to overlanding in Botswana with Drive Africa. From the Okavango Delta to the Central Kalahari, explore wild landscapes, incredible wildlife and remote camps on a self drive adventure safari through one of Africa’s most iconic destinations.
Few countries define the spirit of overlanding in Africa as well as Botswana does. Vast, wild, and incredibly diverse, this landlocked country offers everything from vast salt pans to lush waterways, from elephant herds to big cat encounters. For travellers who love open roads, remote camps, and true adventure travel, a self drive trip through Botswana is one of the most rewarding experiences on the continent.
At Drive Africa, we’ve explored Botswana’s sandy tracks, river crossings, and endless horizons on several trips and every visit feels special. Whether camping beside the Okavango Delta or driving across the Central Kalahari, this is pure overlanding at its best.
Why Choose Botswana for Overlanding?
Botswana is one of Africa’s most rewarding destinations for self drive safaris and overlanding adventures. The country’s focus on low-impact, high-quality tourism means that even during peak season, you’ll rarely find crowds. The roads through major parks can be challenging but are generally well marked, and many areas are designed specifically for 4×4 vehicles.
Camping beneath the stars, watching elephants wander past your rooftop tent, and driving across endless salt pans; it’s all part of the Botswana experience. True overlanding here requires self sufficiency, carrying your own food, water, and fuel is part of the adventure. Few countries combine this level of wilderness access with such safety, strong infrastructure, and friendly locals.
From our own travels, Botswana has given us some of the most special and authentic overlanding moments anywhere in Africa. On one trip into the Central Kalahari during the wet season, we entered through the Matswere Gate, heading toward Deception Valley and Leopard Pan. The approach roads were muddy and slow going, but with the right vehicle and recovery gear for added peace of mind, it was more than manageable. Over three days, we saw only two other vehicles, but the wildlife sightings were constant.
Bat-eared foxes greeted us as we reached our first clearing, an unexpected and magical start to the journey. At Leopard Pan, large herds of oryx and few massive bull elephants roamed through the green grasses and black-maned lions lounging in the shade. In the Deception Valley we sighted a beautiful leopard patrolling the sandy tracks, stopping just to glance back at us in curiosity. The smaller moments stood out too, the incredible birdlife and, most memorably, a striking Anchieta’s cobra emerging from a ground squirrel burrow as it searched for prey, its rare form of banding making the sighting extra special.
Anchieta’s Cobra, Central Kalahari 2022
We chose to camp at one of the reserve’s simple bush camps rather than a lodge, staying true to the overlanding experience. These sites are unfenced and without any real facilities, just a small clearing among the trees. It’s raw, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. A good camp light and headtorch are essential for checking your surroundings, and a well managed campfire (where allowed) helps keep wildlife at a respectful distance. Never wander far from camp, you’re sharing the night with lions, hyenas, and countless other creatures.
The reward? Falling asleep to the sounds of the African bush. The distant roars of lions, the rhythmic call of nightjars, and the unmistakable morning chorus of thrring-necked dove. Moments like these remind you why self drive travel and adventure overlanding in Botswana are so addictive.
When people ask us where to go for a once in a lifetime safari, Botswana is always near the top of the list. Many travellers think that for wild, unfenced safari experiences, Kenya and Tanzania are unmatched. But we’ve found that Botswana delivers equally exceptional wildlife encounters often with fewer people and at a pace that feels more personal. And for those who love to explore on their own terms, it’s one of the most self drive friendly safari destinations in Africa.
Whether you’re crossing the open plains of the Central Kalahari in search of big cats or cruising along the Chobe River as herds of elephants come down to drink, Botswana captures that perfect image of what a real African safari should be.
Highlights
Botswana is packed with incredible destinations for self drive and overlanding adventures. Each region has its own landscapes, wildlife, and atmosphere:
Okavango Delta, Moremi & Khwai
• The Okavango Delta is a vast inland wetland of lagoons, islands, and floodplains.
• Explore it by mokoro canoe, 4×4, or boat through the Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai Community area.
• Expect elephants, hippos, leopards, and a dazzling variety of birdlife.
Maun
• Often called the gateway to the Delta, Maun is one of the main start/finish points for overlanding trips through Botswana.
• It’s the perfect place to stock up on fuel, food, and essentials before heading into remote areas.
• Scenic flights, riverside campsites, delicious local food and craft bers, and a relaxed vibe make it a great stop before or after your safari.
Chobe National Park
• Famous for hosting one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.
• Game drives along the Chobe Riverfront and boat safaris offer unforgettable wildlife encounters.
• The Savuti and Linyanti areas provide rugged 4×4 terrain and exceptional predator sightings.
Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans
• Endless salt flats stretch to the horizon. Surreal, silent, and stunning.
• Visit the jaw dropping Kubu Island, camp beneath the stars, and witness zebra migrations in season.
• Ideal for stargazing, photography, and feeling the vastness of Africa’s wild spaces.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR)
• One of Africa’s largest and most remote protected areas.
• Quiet, vast, and hauntingly beautiful, perfect for those seeking a truly wild experience.
• Look out for lions, leopards, cheetahs, oryx, and wide skies that seem to go on forever.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
• A shared reserve between Botswana and South Africa, known for its red dunes and black-maned lions.
• Remote 4×4 routes, rustic camps, and incredible desert scenery make this a top overlanding destination.
• The night skies here are some of the clearest in the world.
When to Visit
The best time for overlanding in Botswana depends on what kind of experience you’re after.
• Dry season (May to October): This would be our suggestion. Ideal for game viewing. Wildlife congregates around waterholes and rivers, and roads are more accessible. This is the most popular time for self drive safaris in parks like Chobe and Moremi so yes it is busier than other times but you can still find quiet spots.
• Wet season (November to April): The landscape turns green and lush, with dramatic skies and fewer travellers. Roads can be tricky, but it’s great for birding and photography, especially in the Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Pans.
What to Bring for a Botswana Overlanding Trip
Overlanding in Botswana means being prepared and self sufficient. Here are a few essentials we always recommend for this kind of trip:
• A reliable 4×4 vehicle, ideally with a rooftop tent, fridge, dual battery setup, jerry cans and cooking/camping equipment (all included when you book with Drive Africa).
• Recovery gear such as traction boards, a shovel, and a tyre repair kit.
• Plenty of water, food, and fuel – especially for remote regions like the CKGR.
• A detailed map and offline GPS navigation system (Garmin or even Google Maps works well in most areas).
• Binoculars and a good camera for wildlife spotting.
• Headlamps, spare batteries, and a decent basic first aid kit.
• Insect repellent, sunscreen, and layers for both hot days and cool nights.
Accommodation Options
Botswana caters to all kinds of travellers, budgets and styles:
• Bush camps – Many national parks offer simple yet stunning campsites, often unfenced for a genuine wilderness experience.
• Campsites – Still self-camping, but with added comfort. Expect basic facilities such as toilets, showers, and sometimes small bars or dining options.
• Tented camps and guesthouses – Ideal for travellers seeking more comfort. Across Botswana, you’ll find mid-range and luxury options featuring permanent safari tents or comfortable rooms.
• Private concessions – Home to some of Africa’s best lodges, these exclusive areas offer guided game drives, walking safaris, and mokoro excursions — perfect for those wanting a curated, high-end safari experience.
From our experience, if you’re planning a trip longer than 10 days, it’s worth budgeting for a night or two in a lodge or tented camp along the way. Breaking up your nights in the wilderness with a bit of extra comfort not only helps you recharge but also adds a new dimension to the overall experience.
Final Thoughts from Drive Africa
Overlanding in Botswana is an experience that stays with you. The landscapes shift from desert to delta, the roads can challenge and reward in equal measure, and the sense of freedom is hard to find elsewhere.
Whether it’s hearing lions roar across the Kalahari, drifting silently through the reeds of the Delta, or crossing a shimmering salt pan at sunset, Botswana offers some of the finest self drive and overlanding adventures on the whole continent.
At Drive Africa, we’ll help you plan and prepare every detail, from vehicle setup and cross-border documents to fully booked itineraries and camping gear. All you need to do is set off, embrace the journey, and let Botswana’s wild beauty do the rest.
