10-Day Botswana Self Drive Itinerary: Classic Route
Itinerary

10-Day Botswana Self Drive Itinerary: Classic Route

Ten days is the sweet spot for the northern circuit. You have time for game drives, rest days, and the occasional mokoro trip without feeling rushed. This itinerary adds Khwai (with night drives) and extra time in Moremi compared to the 7-day version.

Duration

10 days

Difficulty

Moderate

Vehicle

4x4 essential

Best season

May to October

Est. cost

$3,500 to $5,500 for 2 people

Day-by-day itinerary

1

Arrive Maun, set up

0 km

Collect your vehicle, shop for supplies, and stay the night in Maun. Use the afternoon to familiarize yourself with the vehicle, particularly the rooftop tent, fridge, and recovery equipment.

Accommodation: Maun campsite or lodge

2

Maun to Moremi South Gate

100 km (3-4 hours)

Morning departure after final preparations. Drive to Moremi South Gate. Set up camp and explore nearby tracks.

Accommodation: South Gate Campsite

3

South Gate to Third Bridge

45 km (2-3 hours)

Short driving day through beautiful bush. Arrive early at Third Bridge to enjoy the campsite and its wildlife. Afternoon game drive along the floodplain.

Accommodation: Third Bridge Campsite

4

Third Bridge: Mboma Loop

40 km loop

Drive the Mboma Loop from Third Bridge. This circuit passes through spectacular floodplain scenery with excellent birding and predator sightings. Return to Third Bridge for a second night.

Accommodation: Third Bridge Campsite

5

Third Bridge to Xakanaxa

40 km (2-3 hours)

Morning game drive en route. Arrive at Xakanaxa and set up camp by the lagoon. Consider a mokoro trip from Xakanaxa (arrange in advance or at the campsite).

Accommodation: Xakanaxa Campsite

6

Xakanaxa to Khwai

50 km (2-3 hours)

Exit Moremi via North Gate. Cross into the Khwai Concession. Set up at a community campsite along the river. Afternoon game drive with the freedom that Khwai offers: off-road driving and night drives.

Accommodation: Khwai Community Campsite

7

Full day in Khwai

Game drives

A full day exploring Khwai. Morning game drive along the river (leopards, wild dogs). Return to camp for lunch. Evening night drive with spotlights to find nocturnal species. Khwai is the only place on this circuit where night drives are permitted.

Accommodation: Khwai Community Campsite

8

Khwai to Savuti

100 km (4-5 hours, deep sand)

Drive north through the Mababe area to Savuti. Long day on sand but the landscape changes dramatically as you enter the Savuti area. Arrive at camp and enjoy the waterhole.

Accommodation: Savuti Campsite

9

Savuti to Chobe

170 km (5-7 hours)

Early start for the long drive to Chobe. The road improves as you approach the riverfront. Set up at Ihaha campsite and do a sunset game drive along the river.

Accommodation: Ihaha Campsite

10

Chobe to Kasane

30 km

Final morning game drive on the Chobe Riverfront. Head to Kasane to return the vehicle. Consider staying an extra night for a boat cruise or a day trip to Victoria Falls.

Accommodation: Drop vehicle in Kasane

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