Top 8 Road Trips to Experience in Botswana

While flying in for a few nights at a luxurious lodge offers a fantastic view of Botswana's stunning remote areas, the true essence of this wild land is best captured on the open road.

Whether you're exploring in a 4WD or a compact sedan, embarking on a self-driving journey through national parks and wildlife reserves will elevate your trip into a thrilling adventure, showcasing many of the country's highlights.

Driving yourself provides the freedom to camp in the wilds of the Okavango Delta like the original safari explorers, or spend hours among the vast herds of elephants in Chobe National Park. Take lesser-known routes to uncover Botswana’s hidden gems, from sacred waterfalls to San art studios inaccessible by typical flights, or capture breathtaking landscapes in the Kalahari Desert at your own pace.

From traditional self-drive camping excursions to sedan-friendly paved routes and an intriguing artisan trail through the serene Kalahari, here are eight of the ultimate road trips to enjoy in Botswana.

1. The quintessential Botswana road trip

An adventurous wild camping route Maun–Chobe; 450km (280 miles); plan for 7 days

This journey, suited only for 4WDs, is not for the timid. As one of Botswana’s legendary routes, this renowned self-drive circuit begins in Maun and ventures north to the wild heart of the country for a genuine off-the-grid safari experience. Be sure to stock up on ample fuel, water, firewood, and food, then bid farewell to the donkeys, dogs, and goats roaming the outskirts of Maun. Crossing the veterinary fence—often called the “buffalo fence”—signals the beginning of your remarkable adventure. From this point, you might encounter a playful elephant at any turn or find yourself stuck in deep sand tracks.

Camping at Third Bridge within the Moremi Game Reserve or at a community-operated campsite in the nearby Khwai Community Concession offers a great chance to encounter local wildlife, including the wading red lechwe antelope and hippos grunting in the winding lagoons of the Okavango Delta. The route then heads north to the vibrant Savuti marsh, famed for its lion prides, concluding at the Chobe River in Chobe National Park.

Detour: While at Third Bridge, consider an early morning drive around Mboma Loop and enjoy a mokoro (canoe) trip from Mboma Boat Station (if you're short on time, you can also depart from Khwai Community). The lush savannah of this 100-sq-km island, an extension of the Mopane Tongue, sharply contrasts with the surrounding terrain and offers excellent dry-season wildlife viewing—cheetah, lion, and buffalo sightings are quite frequent.

2. Botswana Must-Do List

The ultimate way to experience the Big Five Serowe–Chobe; 1200km (745 miles); plan for 10 days

Lower your windows and grab your camera: this road trip showcases the finest attractions of Botswana, merging the wildlife experiences of the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park with the vast landscapes of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Begin with a walking safari to find the enormous rhinos at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, then venture into the pans via Letlhakane for a night beneath the stars at Kubu Island. Passionate photographers will enjoy capturing the rugged baobab tree silhouettes at sunset, followed by fantastic astrophotography chances after dark.

On the other side of the A3 highway lies the often-overlooked Nxai Pan National Park, home to the iconic Baines’ Baobabs and the longest mammal migration in southern Africa (best experienced in summer). Proceed to Maun and head north to embark on the classic 4WD trail that weaves through the Okavango Delta, Savuti, and Chobe, as you seek out the remaining four members of the Big Five. Your chances of spotting lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo will be high in these regions.

Detour: History enthusiasts and culture lovers will enjoy a visit to the historic Victorian building that hosts the Khama III Memorial Museum in Serowe. With a knowledgeable museum guide, artifacts and displays come alive as they narrate the Ba-ma-Ngwato histories from the era of Kgosi-Tona Khama III.

3. The essential tar-road itinerary

Ideal for families and budget-conscious travelers with limited time Maun–Chobe; 680km (425 miles); plan for at least 10 days

Stick to nearby campsites on this self-drive safari to reduce stress related to hazards. Traveling between accessible and affordable lodges along the paved A3 and A33 highways, you’ll still encounter unforgettable wildlife experiences. After an overnight mokoro adventure in Maun with Delta Rain, head your sedan towards Nata. (The A3 is known for its pothole-laden sections, so budget extra driving time and proceed with caution.) Before long, you'll be socializing with meerkats at the Makgadikgadi Pans while staying at Planet Baobab.

Continue to Nata Lodge for a guided excursion to the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where spotting zebra, wildebeest, and ostriches among the golden grasslands is nearly guaranteed. Depending on the season (winter following good rains is often best), thousands of flamingos gather to breed on the salt pans during their migration. From Nata, it’s an easy drive north to Kasane—just watch for elephants crossing the road. Numerous operators and riverside lodges offer sunset boat cruises and early morning game drives to enjoy the rich wildlife and scenery of Chobe National Park.

Planning tip: If you lack the right vehicle, you can still enjoy the thrill of wild camping with operators like Kalahari Tours, which provide overnight camping experiences. After game drives, return to find warm fires, delicious meals prepared for you, and comfortable stretchers ready for sleeping right in Chobe National Park—a perfect backdrop for toasting under the full moon.

4. A Kalahari Adventure

Ideal for escaping the crowds Nata–D’kar; 800km (500 miles); plan for 8 days

Venture through Botswana’s most remote regions, from the Makgadikgadi to the heart of the Kalahari Desert, and experience clear skies, winding roads, secluded campsites, and plenty of sandy off-road driving. This route traces the paths of Victorian explorers like David Livingstone and Thomas Baines as you make your way to Nxai Pan National Park. Select one of three breathtaking campsites nestled beneath a towering baobab tree (the third site offers the most privacy) at Baines’ Baobabs. This serves as the perfect launch point to explore the game-rich areas surrounding the waterholes near South Camp, just a short 4WD drive north. Expect to encounter lions, giraffes, massive elephant bulls, and cheetahs—without the crowds found in other parks.

Next, follow the water to the Boteti River near Rakops, much like a zebra. This seasonal river is a crucial source of water in the Kalahari; during certain times, it’s deep enough for boat safaris to see the extensive herds of zebra and wildebeest. Check with lodges like Boteti River Camp or Leroo-La-Tau for options. Then, the real adventure begins. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) only opened to individual tourists in the late 1990s.

The CKGR is a paradise for self-drive adventurers seeking solitude. You’ll encounter few other vehicles but will have plenty of opportunities to spot black-maned lions, cheetahs, and desert-adapted wildlife like bat-eared foxes and caracals. Exit through Xade Gate, visit D’kar, and conclude your journey with a cultural experience at the Kuru Art Project.

Planning tip: Only experienced adventurers with well-equipped 4WDs should attempt to drive into the central Kalahari. Those who do should travel in pairs with a minimum of two 4WD vehicles and have a backup plan for emergencies.

5. Unconventional routes

Ideal for exploring waterfalls Tsabong–Goo-Moremi Gorge; 850km (530 miles); allow 5 days

Beginning in Tsabong, this eastward road trip across the southernmost part of Botswana allows you to immerse yourself in the vast landscapes of this expansive country. Enjoy activities at the unique Tsabong Eco-Tourism Camel Park, where you can ride camels or go quad biking over the Kalahari sands. After skirting the South African border, make a stop in the culturally rich city of Gaborone for some shopping or karaoke, then trade the dry desert views for a trek to the beautiful waterfalls of Goo-Moremi Gorge in the Tswapong Hills, a site regarded as sacred by the badimo (ancestors).

6. The breathtaking Mosi-oa-Tunya adventure

Perfect for thrill-seekers Kasane–Victoria Falls; 100km (65 miles); allow 2 days

Chobe National Park is a spectacular wildlife haven accessible year-round, making it one of Africa's premier safari destinations. Arrive at Kasane International Airport, rent a vehicle, and you're just a quick 10-minute drive from the wilderness. Along the Sedudu riverbank, you can observe herds of buffalo, vast elephant migrations, and hippos munching on lush grass by the water's edge, then unwind with a serene boat cruise at sunset.

From Kasane, a brief journey takes you across the border to Livingstone in Zambia or Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, where you can experience the impressive Mosi-oa-Tunya firsthand. In the local Tonga language, this name means 'the smoke that thunders.' Adventure enthusiasts will find a plethora of thrilling activities here, from exhilarating Class V whitewater rafting to daring helicopter rides and zip-lining, culminating in a bungee jump off the Victoria Falls bridge.

7. The Okavango panhandle journey

Ideal for adventurous explorers Maun–Maun; 400km (250 miles); allow 5 days

This route showcases Botswana’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the western boundaries of the Okavango Delta, charming villages, and the ancient Tsodilo Hills. Due to the limited wildlife and rough roads, this path between Namibia and Maun remains off the beaten track. While the road from Maun to Sehitwa is passable, it deteriorates near Gumare on the A35. Those who venture here will discover rich cultural experiences, insights into rural life, exceptional fishing spots, and great hiking trails.

A variety of camps and lodges offer access to the Okavango River, with top-notch fishing guides available at famed spots like Nxamaseri Island Lodge or Guma Lagoon Camp, where anglers seek the elusive tigerfish. Spend a few days enjoying the water, then head toward Botswana's highest point. The sacred Tsodilo Hills boast a human history dating back 100,000 years, with rock art created by skilled shamans revealing ancient lifestyles where locals hunted zebra for sustenance. All tours are conducted by villagers from the small nearby community of Tsodilo, and numerous walking trails lead past remarkable painted relics of the past. Don’t miss the hike to the summit of Male Hill for an unforgettable experience.

Tip for planning: Secure a guide at the Tsodilo Hills Museum located at the base of the hills and arrive early to beat the heat. Wear comfortable footwear, and don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and water. The winter months are more favorable for climbing the exposed Male Hill, and be prepared to pay your guide in cash, as they typically expect (and absolutely deserve) a tip of at least US$10.

8. The alternative artists’ path

Ideal for history and culture enthusiasts Gaborone–Maun; 1600km (995 miles); allow 6 days

While Botswana is renowned for its incredible wildlife experiences, this artisan-focused road trip reveals the creative spirit of its culturally rich communities. This extensive journey spans the diverse cultures of the nation’s prominent clans and is best tackled in manageable segments (approximately 300 miles between stops) over a week. Begin your adventure in urban Gaborone, exploring the Botswanacraft shop for unique souvenirs. From there, it’s just a short drive on paved roads to Gabane and Thamaga, where you’ll fall in love with charming pottery workshops that allow you to work with traditionally sourced clay.

Continue north to D’kar, where you can engage with renowned San artists at the Kuru Art Project. Here, vibrant artworks (think intricate portraits of pangolins created with dots, crescents, and swirls) convey the narratives of the Naro San tribe. From D’kar, it’s a straightforward drive north to Maun, where you can learn how heritage is interwoven into designs during a relaxing session with skilled artisans at Matlapana Quality Baskets. The women from the Bayei and Hambukushu tribes of northwestern Botswana are the primary weavers of these baskets, and their legacy lives on at your final destination: Tsodilo Hills.

While we now appreciate rock paintings as artistic masterpieces, they represent much more than mere visuals. Shamans meticulously painted around 4,500 images onto specific crevices and overhangs in these hills, creating a remarkable visual history at a site now honored as the 'Mountain of the Gods.'

Driving advice for Botswana

• Exercise extreme caution while driving in Botswana. Expect stubborn donkeys, goats, cattle, elephants, and ostriches to cross the roads freely. It's highly advisable to avoid driving at night.

• Veterinary fences have been installed to separate domestic animals from wildlife, preventing disease spread. Transporting animal products or certain fruits and vegetables from wilderness regions (mainly in the north) to rural areas (mostly in the south) is prohibited, and all vehicles will undergo inspection.

• Don’t underestimate the difficulties of driving through Botswana’s national parks and game reserves. If you plan to drive yourself, verify if your chosen route requires a 4WD vehicle. Research seasonal road conditions in advance: you'll encounter bumpy sand paths and seasonal water crossings that necessitate a fully equipped 4WD. These vehicles usually come outfitted with rooftop tents and equipment like battery-powered fridges to keep your food fresh throughout the week. Rentals are available from companies like Bushtrackers Africa (with a recovery base in Maun), typically costing around US$150 per day.

• Some access routes, such as those to the Third Bridge campsite, may experience flooding, while roads in Savuti can become impassable after rains turn them into muddy pits.

• Invest in a paper atlas or download the Tracks4Africa app. These maps provide the most accurate off-road route information and function offline on your mobile device. It's wise to carry cash in pula, Botswana's currency, to cover permit fees at remote national park entry points, and ensure you print proof of campsite reservations (tip: reserve in advance).

• Stock up on water, firewood, toilet paper, and any other supplies you might need for self-sufficient camping in wilderness areas. And most importantly: have fun!