Best of Botswana Camping Self-Drive Tour – 11 Days
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Botswana with our self-drive safari itinerary. This journey invites you to explore diverse landscapes, from the breathtaking Central Kalahari Game Reserve to the stunning vistas of Deception Valley and the tranquil beauty of Piper Pan Campsite. You’ll have the freedom to navigate your path, spotting wildlife in their natural habitats, including majestic lions, graceful zebras, and the elusive brown hyena. Experience the thrill of camping under a starlit sky while immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of nature. With carefully chosen campsites and the opportunity to engage in thrilling game drives and birdwatching, this self-drive safari promises a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and the beauty of Botswana’s wilderness. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or a first-time explorer, this journey is designed to create lasting memories in one of Africa’s most spectacular destinations.
Activities offered
Accommodation
- Bed & Breakfast
- Campsite
- Lodge
Day Summary
- DAY 1 - Arrival in Maun, Botswana
- DAY 2 - Khutse Game Reserve
- DAY 3 - Khutse Game Reserve
- DAY 4 - Xade Campsite, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- DAY 5 - Xade Campsite, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- DAY 6 - Piper Pan Campsite, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- DAY 7 - Piper Pan Campsite, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- DAY 8 - Deception Valley
- DAY 9 - Deception Valley
- DAY 10 - Return to Maun
Included
- All accommodations/campsites & meals as listed in this itinerary
- Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 with air-conditioning and manual transmission
- Camping gear for 2-4 persons with sleeping bags & pillows
- Standard Excess of N$ 45,000.00 which needs to be authorised by credit card (VISA or MasterCard)
- Vehicle delivery to Maun Airport
- Vehicle Collection from Maun Airport
Excluded
- Visas
- Fuel & Insurance
- Park Entry Fees
- Alcoholic Beverages
- International flights (arrival & departure)
- Gratuities & tips, items of personal nature
Day by day
Departure/Return Location:
Maun International Airport
- DAY 1 - Arrival in Maun, BotswanaUpon arrival in Maun, you will be greeted by our friendly car hire representative. After a warm welcome, you'll receive a detailed briefing on your vehicle, including how to change a tyre, use the emergency tools, and operate the air compressor and camping equipment. Once the handover is complete, you'll drive to your hotel in Maun, where you can relax and get acclimatized before your upcoming adventure.
- DAY 2 - Khutse Game ReserveToday, you’ll drive to Khutse Game Reserve, located on the southern edge of the Central Kalahari Desert. After setting up camp, explore the reserve’s rugged terrain, where you may spot lions, cheetahs, brown hyenas, and herds of springbok and gemsbok. Enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
- DAY 3 - Khutse Game ReserveKhutse Game Reserve offers a captivating wildlife experience, where visitors can spot majestic lions, including the iconic black-maned lions of the Kalahari, and sleek cheetahs hunting across the plains. The elusive brown hyena, herds of striking gemsbok, and graceful springbok also call this reserve home. Smaller species like bat-eared foxes, jackals, and aardvarks add to the diversity, while birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of Kori bustards and lappet-faced vultures. Waterholes throughout the reserve serve as prime viewing spots, especially during early mornings and late afternoons when wildlife gathers to drink.
- DAY 4 - Xade Campsite, Central Kalahari Game ReserveYour self-drive safari continues as you travel from Khutse Game Reserve to Xade Campsite in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, showcasing the stunning desert landscapes along the way. Upon reaching Xade, you'll find a peaceful campsite surrounded by the unique wildlife of the Kalahari, including meerkats, oryx, and springbok, along with elusive species like brown hyenas and wild dogs. Explore the area by taking early morning or late afternoon game drives to enhance your wildlife encounters, and enjoy stargazing at night under the clear desert sky, creating unforgettable memories in this remarkable setting.
- DAY 5 - Xade Campsite, Central Kalahari Game ReserveOn Day 2 in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, guests can embark on an early morning game drive to spot active wildlife, such as Kalahari lions and gemsbok. A guided nature walk offers insights into the ecosystem, allowing for tracking animal footprints and learning about resilient desert plants. Bird-watching is also a rewarding activity, with opportunities to see species like the secretary bird. After a leisurely lunch at the campsite, guests can enjoy a sunset drive to witness the stunning Kalahari sunset and search for nocturnal animals. The evening concludes around a campfire, where guests can stargaze and appreciate the serene sounds of the African night.
- DAY 6 - Piper Pan Campsite, Central Kalahari Game ReserveThe journey from Xade Campsite to Piper Pan Campsite leads you through a landscape celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and rich wildlife. Once you've set up camp, unwind and soak in the spectacular sunset views. While on game drives, keep an eye out for herds of oryx, wildebeest, and zebras. Additionally, bird-watching enthusiasts can delight in spotting various species, including the Kori bustard and Secretary bird.
- DAY 7 - Piper Pan Campsite, Central Kalahari Game ReserveOn Day 2 at Piper Pan Campsite, guests can embark on early morning game drives to spot a variety of wildlife, including springbok, wildebeest, giraffes, and predators like lions and cheetahs. Guided bush walks offer insights into the Kalahari's ecosystem, allowing visitors to track animal footprints and explore the smaller inhabitants of the reserve.
As the day winds down, guests can relax at the campsite and enjoy a night under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the Kalahari. - DAY 8 - Deception ValleyToday, you will journey from Piper Pan to Deception Valley Campsite, nestled in the heart of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. As you drive, take in the stunning landscapes and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Upon arrival, set up camp and unwind in the peaceful surroundings. This area is known for its diverse fauna, so you may encounter herds of antelope and various bird species. In the evening, you can join a game drive to explore the area further, seeking out predators like lions and hyenas that roam the region at dusk.
- DAY 9 - Deception ValleyOn your second day at Deception Valley, start with a guided morning game drive to spot springbok, gemsbok, and raptors. Afterward, embark on a walking safari to learn about the ecosystem and observe smaller wildlife. In the evening, enjoy another game drive to catch elusive predators like lions and leopards. Conclude your day around the campfire, sharing stories and soaking in the sounds of the Kalahari night.
- DAY 10 - Return to MaunAs you head back to Maun, you'll return your Land Cruiser 4x4 and settle in for your last night in Botswana's capital. Take this opportunity to reflect on your incredible journey through the wilderness before your departure the next day.
Customise This Tour
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