7-Day Botswana Self Drive Itinerary: Northern Circuit
Itinerary

7-Day Botswana Self Drive Itinerary: Northern Circuit

Seven days is tight for the northern circuit, but it is doable if you are comfortable with long driving days and do not mind hitting the ground running. This itinerary covers Moremi, Savuti, and Chobe in one week. You will not have rest days, so be prepared for an intensive trip.

Duration

7 days

Difficulty

Moderate to Experienced

Vehicle

4x4 essential

Best season

June to October

Est. cost

$2,800 to $4,000 for 2 people

Day-by-day itinerary

1

Arrive Maun, drive to Moremi South Gate

100 km (3-4 hours, sand)

Collect your vehicle in Maun, do final shopping at Spar or Choppies, and head to Moremi South Gate campsite. The drive from Maun is on progressively sandier tracks. Arrive by early afternoon to set up camp and do a short afternoon game drive.

Accommodation: South Gate Campsite (DWNP)

2

South Gate to Third Bridge

45 km (2-3 hours, deep sand)

The drive is short but slow due to deep sand and water crossings. Take your time and enjoy the wildlife along the way. Third Bridge is Moremi's most famous campsite, sitting on a wooden bridge over a channel with hippos, elephants, and leopards regularly in camp. Do an afternoon game drive along the floodplain.

Accommodation: Third Bridge Campsite (DWNP)

3

Third Bridge to Xakanaxa

40 km (2-3 hours)

Drive the Mboma Loop if conditions allow. This spectacular route passes through island-studded floodplains. The birding is world-class. Arrive at Xakanaxa by early afternoon and explore the lagoon area. Wild dogs are commonly seen in this section.

Accommodation: Xakanaxa Campsite (DWNP)

4

Xakanaxa to Savuti via Mababe

130 km (full day on sand)

Exit Moremi via North Gate. Drive through the Mababe Depression to Savuti. This is a long day on deep sand. Leave early and plan to arrive at Savuti by mid-afternoon. The Savuti campsite waterhole will reward you for the effort.

Accommodation: Savuti Campsite (DWNP)

5

Full day at Savuti

Game drives around Savuti Marsh

A full day exploring the Savuti Marsh and surrounds. Drive the marsh tracks looking for lion, elephant, and hyena. Visit the rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills. The waterhole in front of camp is active all day. Watch the sunset from camp.

Accommodation: Savuti Campsite (DWNP)

6

Savuti to Chobe (Ihaha)

170 km (5-7 hours, sand then gravel)

The drive from Savuti to Chobe is long and sandy initially, improving as you approach the Chobe Riverfront. Aim for Ihaha campsite, which sits on the river with spectacular elephant and sunset views. Do a late afternoon game drive along the riverfront.

Accommodation: Ihaha Campsite (DWNP)

7

Chobe Riverfront, drive to Kasane

30 km to Kasane

Early morning game drive along the Chobe Riverfront. The elephant herds at the river are extraordinary from July to October. Drive to Kasane by midday. Return your vehicle or extend to do a Chobe boat cruise (highly recommended, $50).

Accommodation: Drop vehicle in Kasane

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