ASDG
First-Timer Botswana Self Drive Circuit
Itinerary

First-Timer Botswana Self Drive Circuit

This itinerary is designed for people who have never done a self-drive safari before. It sticks to the more accessible areas (Chobe and Makgadikgadi), uses mostly tar roads between destinations, and builds confidence gradually. You will still see incredible wildlife, but without the deep-sand challenges of Moremi and Savuti.

Duration

8 days

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Vehicle

4x4 recommended (2x4 possible for parts)

Best season

May to October

Est. cost

$2,500 to $3,800 for 2 people

Day-by-day itinerary

1

Arrive Kasane

0 km

Collect your vehicle, shop for supplies, and set up at a campsite or lodge in Kasane. Afternoon Chobe boat cruise ($50) for an easy introduction to the wildlife.

Accommodation: Kasane campsite or lodge

2

Chobe Riverfront game drive

60 km loop

Full day in Chobe National Park. The riverfront loop is manageable for any driver. Elephants, buffalo, hippos, and excellent birdlife. Return to Kasane for the night.

Accommodation: Kasane

3

Chobe interior (Ihaha)

50 km

Drive to Ihaha campsite inside the park. The roads are gravel and sandy but not difficult. Camp on the river with elephant views. Afternoon game drive.

Accommodation: Ihaha Campsite

4

Ihaha game drive, return to Kasane

50 km

Morning game drive. Return to Kasane for a rest day. Hot shower, restaurant meal, and vehicle check. Optional day trip to Victoria Falls.

Accommodation: Kasane

5

Kasane to Nata

310 km (4 hours, tar)

Easy tar road drive south on the A33. Stop in Nata for fuel and supplies.

Accommodation: Nata Lodge

6

Nata to Gweta (Makgadikgadi)

100 km (1.5 hours, tar)

Drive to Gweta. Afternoon meerkat experience at one of the habituated colonies. Evening pan excursion with a local guide.

Accommodation: Planet Baobab

7

Full day Makgadikgadi

Day trips

Morning on the pans with a guide. Visit the baobab groves. If in season, look for flamingos and zebra migration. Evening stargazing on the pan.

Accommodation: Planet Baobab

8

Gweta to Maun

200 km (2.5 hours, tar)

Drive to Maun on the A3 highway. Return vehicle or continue to a mokoro day trip from Maun.

Accommodation: Drop vehicle in Maun

Questions about this itinerary

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