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Self-Drive Botswana

Overview

Botswana's deserts, pans and deltas are some of the last great, untouched wildernesses in Southern Africa. With vast expanses of diverse terrain and a thriving ecosystem like no other on earth, Botswana is undoubtedly one of the best safari locations in the world. 

A self-drive safari through the vast and varied landscapes, combined with an awe-inspiring spectacle of wildlife, is an unbeatable experience. From the unforgiving Kalahari Desert and the extensive Makgadikgadi salt pans to the riverbanks of Chobe National Park, nature lovers will be spoilt for choice.

Pristine African wilderness.

The National Parks in Botswana are extremely protected. They only allow for a small number of lodges, tented camps, and campsites to be built. This means that there is a huge amount of demand for a small number of properties, so you need to book early to get your first choice properties – we advise a year in advance if possible.

Whether you be camping under the stars with your vehicle, or exploring the floodplains of the Okavango Delta by mokoro, be prepared to be amazed.

Botswana

When to go

January

31°C
110mm

Generally wet and humid near the Delta. However, a good time to visit the Central Kalahari.

February

31°C
95mm

Like January, it's wet and humid near the Delta but less wet in the Central Kalahari.

March

22°C
65mm

Often dry and sunny days, though still wet and luscious. A good time for birding.

April

22°C
22mm

Another fresh, green month with less rain.

May

26°C
8mm

Much less rain and routes start to open up. A good time to benefit from shoulder season rates and less tourists.

June

23°C
3mm

The start of the peak season as the land dries. Little rainfall and low temperatures at night.

July

20°C
1mm

Conditions start to reach their best. Very cold evenings.

August

25°C
3mm

Game viewing conditions reach their optimum. Lovely weather.

September

27°C
5mm

Temperatures starts to pick up. Conditions still perfect.

October

30°C
17mm

Temperatures still climbing and the terrain starting to look very dry.

November

31°C
43mm

An unpredictable month depending on whether the rains are early or late.

December

31°C
79mm

The rains return to dry lands.

What to see

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is the worlds largest inland delta system. Either way you look at it, be it by car, boat or plane, it is simply incredible!

Chobe National Park

Our favourite Botswana National Park, Chobe offers everything from ants to elephants! The game viewing is superb, all year round too.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Renowned for its panoramic views and growing lion population, the Kalahari is a very desirable place to travel. It's also best travelled between December - May.

The Makgadikgadi

Situated over the lowest lying areas of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi is home to two magnificent salt pans. The view from here takes your breath away.

Moremi Game Reserve

Located on the periphery of the Okavango delta, the Moremi is home to a huge array of wildlife. A few nights here and you will feel like you were in the Delta itself.

Savuti

The Savuti Channel has a fascinating history of flooding and drying up sporadically - a mystery that has intrigued geologists for years. It is also a wildlife hotspot!


Experiences

Popular Routes

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Something else to inspire

All our itineraries are tailor made, but here are some of our favourite routes and camp combinations.