15 Day Botswana Self Drive
Tailor made self drive packages for couples and families. Take to the road in a fully equipped 4×4 for the adventure of a life time! Travel cross country on this epic journey visiting Botswana’s most famous National Parks. Chobe National Park in the far North with its amazing game viewing boat cruises, meander through the park and into the Savuti Plains before enjoying a traditional boat ride in a Mokoro through the Okavango Delta.
Day 1 ~ Johannesburg – Botswana border
Upon arrival you will meet our partner car rental company for a transfer to the depot and for an extensive instruction and handling of formalities.
The above can take over an hour and depending on your flight times we like to keep this as a short day. This gives you the chance on arrival at camp to practice setting up our tents and getting used to the equipment.
I would recommend stocking your pantry up today and we will provide details on what you can take across the border and what is available there.
Today you need to shop for your first night and following days breakfast.
ACCOMMODATION: Morti Camp
MEALS: No meals are included
Day 2 ~ Nata
Today is a long stretch of roughly 6 hours driving however it is all on tar and if you leave early you will reach Elephant Sands just after lunch.
This lodge is set on the outskirts of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
The lodge is renowned for the huge elephant herds that come to drink at the waterhole.
Sunset drives in to the Pans available.
ACCOMMODATION: Elephant Sands
MEALS: Restaurant at the lodge available
Day 3 ~ Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
Get an early start this morning to reach Vic Falls in time for lunch.
Visit the Falls in the late afternoon.
You should know first up that the Falls themselves are not a toddler or small child-friendly destination at all. Outside of the viewing point area’s, there are no secure fences and many wet steps that go down a very long way.
The good news is you have a holiday town where all the adventures and activities are relatively close to each and within a relatively close driving distance.
There is a lot of exploration to be done with kids in the area. The obvious one is the walk along the paths surrounding the Victoria falls which are quite well signposted and pretty safe if rules are adhered to. There are great vantage points all along the paths and kids will stand for ages just staring at the sheer volume of water all going into the gorge. They will also love the running around in the “rain forest” getting soaked by the mist coming off the waterfall.
ACCOMMODATION: Vic Falls Rest Camp
MEALS: Restaurants available nearby
Day 4 ~ Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
Numerous optional activities available or simply relax and explore the area. There is something to do for everyone. For the adrenaline junkies, there is the wildest one-day white water rafting trip in the world, the 111-meter high bungee jump, river surfing, kayaking, heart-stopping gorge swings, zip wires, helicopter flights over the Falls, and many more. For the more sedate Victoria Falls activities, there are River cruises, elephant encounters, rich local arts, crafts, and cultural experiences, fishing, golf and safari adventures plus too many others to mention here.
Prices list and various options available.
ACCOMMODATION: Vic Falls Rest Camp
MEALS: Restaurants available nearby
Day 5 ~ Kasane
Border of Chobe National park
Cross the border back into Botswana today and the bustling town of Kasane where it is not uncommon to spot the big 5 on the main road.
For the next 2 nights you will be camping on the fence line of Chobe National park and right on the Chobe River. Set up camp and enjoy the campsite bar offering beautiful sunset river views.
ACCOMMODATION: Chobe Safari Lodge Camping
MEALS: Restaurants available at the lodge and nearby
Day 5 ~ Kasane
Border of Chobe National park
Today stock up on all you are going to need for the next 5 nights.
You need to make sure you have enough fuel, extra water and food for this duration. There are a number of shops in Kasane where you can stock up.
We can also direct you to an excellent butcher who can freeze meat for you.
It is also advisable to go and get your permits at the park entry gate as this will save you time the following morning as there can be queues in the early morning.
At 3pm a family friendly boat cruise on the Chobe river is included as this is something that you simply can’t miss. The children will also love seeing the elephants swimming and playing in mud baths.
ACCOMMODATION: Chobe Safari Lodge Camping
MEALS: Restaurants available at the lodge and nearby
Day 7 ~ Savuti
Chobe National park
Savuti is known for its excellent game and offers good sightings throughout the year.
Within the park SKL operates an impressive camping ground of 14 camping sites.
ACCOMMODATION: Savuti SKL Camp
MEALS: Prepare own meals
Day 8 ~ Savuti
Chobe National park
Spend the day on game drives in the area.
ACCOMMODATION: Savuti SKL Camp
MEALS: Prepare own meals
Day 9 & 10 ~ Moremi Game Reserve
Considered to be one of the best game viewing areas in Botswana, the flood plains of the Khwai River is home to a wide variety of animals and birds.
In Khwai, also known as north gate, has 10 campsites that are situated along the banks of the meandering Khwai River enshrined under the mangrove fig and ebony trees.
ACCOMMODATION: Khwai
MEALS: Prepare own meals
Day 11 ~ Moremi Game Reserve
Spend the day enjoying game drives en-route to the exit camp at South Gate.
ACCOMMODATION: South Gate Camping
MEALS: Prepare own meals
Day 12 ~ Maun
Today you exit the park and return to civilization I have you camping again here but I would recommend upgrading these two nights to the en suite permanent tents for a couple of comfortable nights and indoor plumbing.
ACCOMMODATION: Old Bridge Backpackers Camping
MEALS: Restaurants available at the lodge and nearby
Day 13 ~ Maun
Maun offers a number of activities such as scenic flight over the Delta, family friendly boat cruises ( unfortunately your children are too young for a Mokoro trip) and cultural tours.
ACCOMMODATION:Old Bridge Backpackers Camping
MEALS: Restaurants available at the lodge and nearby
Day 14 ~ Near Serowe
5-6 hour drive today across Southern Botswana.
Arrive just after lunch at the Rhino Sanctuary.
Optional activities available and well as self drive game drives within the park.
ACCOMMODATION: Khama Rhino Sanctuary (Chalets)
I have included an accommodated night before you head back to Johannesburg this will help you sort all your packing with a bit more space then the confides of a tent.
MEALS: Restaurants available
Day 15 ~ Johannesburg
Early start make sure you have calculated enough time for the border.
6-7 hour drive
Continue onto Johannesburg OR Tambo international airport to return your vehicle.
Tour ends.
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15 Day Botswana Self Drive
* Based on 2 Adults and 2 children under 12
INCLUDES: Self drive safari, All accommodations, Activities as specified, Toyota Double Cab 4x4 Please see separate attachment with vehicles full spec, GPS, Contract fee, Cross border permits for Botswana and Zimbabwe, Unlimited mileage. EXCLUDES: Meals, Fuel, Excess insurance, Park entries (I will provide a breakdown of these they have to be paid upon entering the parks and game reserves), Visas, Optional activities, Items of a personal nature, Gratuities, Personal travel insurance.
