Navigating Botswana: From 4WD Safaris to Canoe Adventures

Botswana is renowned for its vast, unspoiled wilderness, with open national parks and private game reserves that let wildlife roam freely. But what's the best way to discover this incredible country?

Public transportation has its limits. To reach lodges or campsites within national parks, game reserves, and private areas, you’ll need to self-drive, take a 4WD tour, or catch a light aircraft.

Here’s everything you need to know about traveling around Botswana.

A mobile safari brings you face-to-face with nature's wonders

If you yearn to immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the wilderness without the hassle of driving, a mobile safari is the perfect choice.

By joining a small group 4WD tour, you’ll camp at various bush locations, dine under the stars, and leave no trace behind. Each tour includes a driver-guide, cook, entrance and camping fees, meals, and activities. The overall cost varies based on the level of luxury you desire (and Botswana offers plenty of it).

For those who enjoy a hands-on experience, a participation safari is a cost-effective option – you’ll help with meal prep, dishwashing, and setting up or taking down camp. Bring a sleeping bag, as you’ll share a two-person tent, a bush toilet, and a bucket shower. This option allows for less time at each campsite and more time exploring the wild.

Choose a fully serviced mobile safari for a hassle-free experience. Your spacious walk-in tent includes camp beds and an ensuite bathroom—ideal when you can't step outside until dawn. With two to three nights at each location, you can truly unwind and enjoy the scenery, all at a fraction of the cost of a luxury lodge.

For larger, more budget-friendly tours, jump on an overland truck and stay at a mix of campsites and lodges. If you’re short on budget or time, consider booking a half- or full-day game drive from Kasane or Maun.

Self-driving can be an excellent way to discover the wild.

On a self-drive safari, you have the freedom to explore Botswana’s expansive and diverse landscapes at your own pace. It’s the ultimate wilderness experience, suited for those who are adventurous and well-prepared. You should feel confident driving a 4WD, eager to disconnect from the world, and ready for close encounters with wildlife.

A 4WD camper is equipped with foldable rooftop tents and fully stocked kitchens. While wild camping is prohibited, rental companies like Drive Botswana can customize your itinerary, manage campsite bookings, and secure national park permits for an additional fee.

If you opt for independent driving, carefully plan your route (book campsites and park permits in advance, especially during peak season from June to September); inform a trusted friend of your plans; and download an offline map app like Tracks4Africa.

Even with a local SIM card, phone signals can be unreliable, so consider renting a satellite phone for emergencies. Ensure you have spare tires, a jack, sand ladders, and a tow rope, and know how to stay safe in challenging situations.

You can replenish your supplies of drinking water, food, and fuel in major towns like Kasane for Chobe National Park and Savuti and Maun for Moremi Game Reserve.

Let the aircraft do the work

Botswana's vast distances often mean that the best way to access remote lodges and camps is via charter flights on nine- and twelve-seater Cessnas, which operate like bush taxis.

These flights are typically arranged by tour operators. You’ll land in the middle of nowhere, where wildlife strolls across the runway and the arrivals area consists of a wooden bench beneath a shady tree.

Air Botswana manages the scheduled flights, offering direct routes from Maun to Kasane (serving Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls), Gaborone, and Johannesburg in neighboring South Africa.

View wildlife from a refreshing aquatic angle

For a hippo's-eye view of the Okavango Delta’s sparkling waterways, a ride in a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe, now often crafted from fiberglass) is essential. As you glide across the surface, the only sounds are the splash of the pole and the rustle of reeds. Bright blue malachite kingfishers dart past, and regal fish eagles soar overhead.

Another highlight is a boat safari along the Chobe River, especially during sunset when the water shimmers like liquid gold. As you drift peacefully, keep an eye out for elephants using their trunks as snorkels, herds of rugged Cape buffalo, and massive Nile crocodiles lounging on the banks with their mouths wide open.

You can also explore the upper Okavango Delta by houseboat. Houseboat excursions typically start from the panhandle region (usually Shakawe) and are perfect for groups of friends and families. This option allows you to enjoy all the top activities in the area (birdwatching and visiting Tsodilo Hills) within a three-night stay. Play 'I spy' for the abundant hippos and gigantic crocodiles, or try your luck at tiger fishing.

Get ready for a low-carbon horseback safari

While some lodges are introducing electric vehicles and boats—like Chobe Game Lodge, one of the pioneers—an even greener choice for seasoned riders is to gallop through stunning landscapes. From arid deserts to delta wetlands, horses can access areas that 4WDs cannot, allowing for intimate encounters with graceful giraffes, groups of zebra, and shy wildebeest without the disruption of engine noise.

Consider a multi-day journey through the historic hills of the Tuli Block or enjoy a short afternoon ride from Maun.

Take the bus to travel between towns and cities

Buses offer an economical way to connect major towns and cities in Botswana and provide a great opportunity to meet locals. However, journeys can be lengthy, noisy, and uncomfortable, and they won’t reach remote destinations.

Seabelo is a long-distance bus service that operates regularly from Kasane, Maun, and Gaborone. It tends to adhere to its schedule, travel faster, and make fewer stops compared to the combis (minibuses) that run on the same paved routes.

Accessible travel in Botswana

Travelers with limited mobility can request specially adapted vehicles for transfers, game drives, river cruises, and mokoros. Some vehicles are equipped with hydraulic lifts and can secure wheelchairs to the floor. There are also options for those with hearing and vision impairments. Endeavour Safaris specializes in accessible safaris, and operators can suggest suitable accommodations.