Unforgettable Road Trips in Botswana with GoTravelDaily

Flying in for a few nights at a splendid luxury lodge is a marvelous way to see the remote corners of beautiful Botswana. However, to truly enjoy this country’s wild spirit, taking to the open road is essential.

Whether you’re road-tripping by 4WD or a smaller sedan, a self-driving expedition through national parks and game-rich reserves will transform your vacation into a dizzying adventure, allowing you to soak in the best experiences the country has to offer.

Traveling by car allows precious freedom to camp wild in the Okavango Delta, as safari pioneers once did, or sit with the 100-strong elephant herds of Chobe National Park for hours. Take underrated back routes to discover Botswana’s hidden treasures, such as sacred waterfalls and local art studios unreachable by regular flight routes.

1. The Classic Botswana Road Trip

A Wild Camping Circuit for Adventurers
Maun–Chobe; 450km (280 miles); allow 7 days

Accessible only by 4WD vehicles, this road trip isn’t for the faint of heart. One of Botswana’s most iconic itineraries, this famous self-drive circuit starts in Maun and leads north for an immersive off-the-grid safari. Stock up on fuel, water, firewood, and food before heading into the wild where you might bump into an elephant or get bogged down in severe sand tracks.

Camping at Third Bridge in Moremi Game Reserve or at a community-run campsite in the Khwai Community Concession provides ample opportunity to meet the swamp’s residents, such as wading red lechwe antelope or hippos in the lagoons. The route veers north to the dynamic Savuti marsh, ending at Chobe National Park.

2. Bucket-list Botswana

Best Way to See the Big Five
Serowe–Chobe; 1200km (745 miles); allow 10 days

This road trip combines wildlife encounters in Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park with the expansive landscapes of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Start with a walking safari to find the rhinos at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, then detour into the pans for a night under the stars at Kubu Island.

3. The Tar-Road Checklist

Best for Families and Budget Travelers
Maun–Chobe; 680km (425 miles); allow at least 10 days

Stick to closer campsites on this self-drive safari to minimize stress. This route allows you to bounce between accessible and reasonably priced lodges along the paved A3 and A33 highways, providing memorable wildlife encounters with less risk.

4. A Kalahari Cruise

Best for Getting Far Away from the Crowds
Nata–D’kar; 800km (500 miles); allow 8 days

This route explores the most isolated areas of Botswana, providing unobscured skies and sandy off-road driving. Tent camping beneath towering baobab trees offers a private experience and exciting wildlife sightings, including lions and cheetahs.

5. Off-Beat Backtracking

Best for Discovering Waterfalls
Tsabong–Goo-Moremi Gorge; 850km (530 miles); allow 5 days

Starting from Tsabong, explore the landscapes of Botswana while visiting the quirky Tsabong Eco-Tourism Camel Park and the sacred waterfalls of Goo-Moremi Gorge in the Tswapong Hills.

6. The Mighty Mosi-oa-Tunya Excursion

Best for Adrenaline-Seekers
Kasane–Victoria Falls; 100km (65 miles); allow 2 days

Chobe National Park is an exceptional year-round wildlife destination. A short drive takes you across the border to Livingstone in Zambia or Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe for thrilling activities, including whitewater rafting and helicopter tours.

7. The Okavango Panhandle Pilgrimage

Best for Active Explorers
Maun–Maun; 400km (250 miles); allow 5 days

This journey combines some of Botswana’s Unesco World Heritage Sites with unique cultural experiences and excellent hiking trails in the sacred Tsodilo Hills.

8. The Unofficial Artists’ Route

Best for History and Culture
Gaborone–Maun; 1600km (995 miles); allow 6 days

Experience the artisans of Botswana as you travel through Gaborone to various workshops, from pottery in Gabane to intricate basket weaving in northwestern Botswana.

Tips for Driving in Botswana

• Drive with extreme caution; wildlife often crosses roads unexpectedly. Avoid driving at night.

• Veterinary fences separate domestic animals from wildlife. Keep in mind that transporting certain products is restricted.

• Research your desired route ahead of time, especially for 4WD requirements and seasonal road conditions.

• Download the Tracks4Africa app for accurate off-road maps and carry cash for park entrance fees.

• Be self-sufficient when camping. Bring enough supplies, including water and firewood.

Embrace the adventure and beauty of Botswana’s landscapes with GoTravelDaily. Enjoy every moment of your road trip!