Currency
Botswana Pula
Languages
English, Setswana, Kalanga, Kgalagadi, Shona, Mbukushu, Ndebele, Tshwa
Climate
Summer (Dec – Feb): Max 34°C (93,2°F), Min 31°C (87.8°F)
Winter (Jun – Aug): Max 25°C (78°F), Min 6°C (42°F)
SELF DRIVE BOTSWANA
Whether you want to camp in the unfenced wilds, follow elephant herds across the Chobe or glide through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, Botswana serves up a spread of wild adventure.
Nestled between neighbours South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, Botswana is a land of contrasts, ranging from the central Kalahari Desert to the moon-like environment of the Makgadikgadi salt pans in the east and the watery expanse of the Okavango Delta in the north.
At a whopping 900 000 square kilometres, Botswana’s Kalahari Desert, known as the Kgalakgadi (place of thirst) by the baTswana people, generously covers 70% of Botswana’s land surface and lends itself to parts of Namibia and South Africa.
Fauna-rich Botswana boasts the largest concentration of elephants on the African continent and is littered with diverse areas for wildlife habitat; from the Moremi Game Reserve, home to the Big Five, to the countries flagship, the Chobe National Park, and everything in between, where wildlife meets rugged terrains, vast grasslands, exotic landmarks and the rich culture of the baTswana.
SELF DRIVE Highlights
Botswana’s raw beauty, extensive wildlife, cultural diversity and commitment to nature make it a sought-after destination for adventure travellers and safari enthusiasts alike.
One of the world’s largest inland deltas, the Okavango Delta, is found in this landlocked country. This swampy grassland, owing its existence to the Okavango River, floods seasonally, transforming it into a lush animal habitat.
The beauty of Botswana is definitely in the abundance of wildlife across all seasons, with the legendary wilderness of the picturesque Kalahari and the magical Okavango – a photographer’s dream. Discover the natural marvel that is the land of the baTswana from the seat of a 4×4, in the desert, the delta, game-spotting or exploring the historic Tsodilo Hills.
This is a short but efficiently paced trip for those who have limited vacation time but want to see and experience as much wildlife, scenic landscapes and popular landmarks all in one trip.
This route will take you to Botswana’s best game-viewing and bird-watching sites, including the unique Savuti area of Chobe national park, where lions hunt elephants. Heading further north, take a sneak peek into neighbouring countries Namibia and Zimbabwe, where you can view the magnificent Victoria Falls, explore the wonders of the Caprivi Strip and experience Namibia’s wild side of plants, animals and endless horizons.
Choose a comfort level: Stranger | Discoverer | Explorer
With diverse landscapes, and ample opportunity to spot the Big 5, this route is a wildlife seeker’s paradise.
Starting off on the banks of the beautiful Thamalakane River, this 2-week journey takes you through Botswana’s top attractions, including the enormous Makgadikgadi Pans scattered with Acacia and Baobab trees, the magnificent Chobe River and Linyanti swamp, a maze of meandering channels and overgrown islands, and the well-known Savuti, where wild dogs, lions, leopards, hyenas and elephants roam free. Spend two nights in Zimbabwe and view the raging Victoria Falls, bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge and join in on some action-packed quad biking and white water rafting.
Choose a comfort level: Stranger | Discoverer | Explorer
Taking to the Salt, Sand, and Bushes of the central and northern part of Botswana, this route is for those seeking a truly remote African Safari.
Explore the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park; home to the second-largest zebra migration in the world. Visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve; the second-largest game reserve in the world. Experience the fascinating world of the San Bushmen as they explain how they forage, hunt, and find water in such a harsh environment. Witness vast free-roaming wildlife on the lands of Moremi, Savuti, Chobe and the Okavango.
