Botswana & Namibia Budget Adventure Self-Drive Tour – 18 Days

Embark on an unforgettable safari adventure through Botswana and Namibia, beginning in Maun with a relaxing two-night stay by the Thamalakane River. After picking up your rental vehicle, explore Maun and stock up on supplies. Your journey continues to Nata for two nights, where you’ll visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary and Makgadikgadi Pans. Crossing into Namibia, you’ll stay near Divundu to explore Mahango Game Park and Buffalo Park.

Next, head to the Kwando River for boat cruises and game drives in Bwabwata National Park. Then, travel to Chobe National Park for guided safaris and a recommended day trip to Victoria Falls, with road transfers arranged for your convenience. Continue to Linyanti and Savuti, where you’ll enjoy wildlife sightings and the tranquillity of nature, before heading to Moremi Game Reserve for thrilling game drives and boat-based activities in the Okavango Delta.

Finally, return to Maun for your departure, where you’ll hand back your rental vehicle and catch your flight, concluding a safari experience filled with wildlife, adventure, and serenity.

Please note that campsites in Botswana are not fenced off, so it’s important to remain cautious during your stay. Be sure to keep food securely stored to avoid attracting wildlife. We also recommend not walking away from the campsite, especially at night, as the surrounding area is home to a variety of animals, including predators. Staying vigilant ensures a safe and enjoyable experience in the wild.

Activities offered

Guided Nature and Game Drives

Guided Walking Safaris

Nature Walk and Hikes

Wildlife & Landscape Photography

Bird Watching

Microlight Scenic Flights

Bungee Jumping

Zip-Lining

White-Water Rafting

Accommodation

Campsite

Lodge

Day Summary

DAY 1 & 2 - Maun

DAY 3 & 4 - Nata

DAY 5 & 6 - Divundu, Namibia

Day 7 & 8 - Kwando River, Namibia

Day 9 & 10 - Chobe National Park

Day 11 & 12 - Linyanti

Day 13 & 14 - Savuti

Day 15 & 16 - Moremi

DAY 17 & 18 - Maun

Included

All accommodations/campsites & meals as listed in 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 & 2 - Maun

Welcome to Maun, the gateway to your unforgettable Botswana safari adventure! Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to a serene lodge set on the picturesque Thamalakane River, where you will spend the first two nights. This riverside retreat offers the perfect opportunity to relax and acclimatise to your surroundings.

The next morning, your rental vehicle will be handed over at the lodge, ensuring a smooth and convenient start to your self-drive journey. With the rest of the day at your leisure, explore Maun’s charming town, perhaps visiting the local market or the Maun Educational Park. Take the opportunity to stock up on fuel, groceries, and any last-minute supplies before embarking on your adventure the following day.

DAY 3 & 4 - Nata

From Maun, you’ll head to Nata, where you’ll spend two nights unwinding and exploring this charming village. Visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where you can see flamingos, pelicans, and other birds, especially during the rainy season. If you're up for adventure, take a 4x4 trip to the expansive Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world, and experience the magic of a sunset over the vast, serene landscape. In the evenings, relax at your lodge or enjoy some stargazing under Botswana's crystal-clear skies.

DAY 5 & 6 - Divundu, Namibia

From Nata, you'll cross into Namibia at Shakawe and spend two nights at a lodge near Divundu on the Okavango River. While here, you can visit Mahango Game Park, known for elephants, hippos, and rare antelope, and Buffalo Park, which offers sightings of buffalo herds and predators like lions and leopards. Both parks provide excellent game viewing and bird watching opportunities in a peaceful, scenic setting.

Day 7 & 8 - Kwando River, Namibia

Your next stop is the Kwando River, where you'll stay at a lodge immersed in the untamed beauty of Namibia's Zambezi Region. While here, you can book guided game drives to explore the nearby Bwabwata National Park, home to elephants, lions, buffalo, and more. A highlight of your stay will be the boat cruises along the Kwando River, where you'll witness hippos, crocodiles, and a diverse array of bird species up close. These activities offer an intimate way to experience the region's wildlife and stunning landscapes, making for an unforgettable safari adventure.

Day 9 & 10 - Chobe National Park

The journey continues as you cross the border from Namibia into Botswana and make your way to Chobe National Park for two nights. Here, you can enjoy guided game drives and boat cruises, offering close-up views of the park’s abundant wildlife.

We recommend setting aside a day for a visit to Victoria Falls, a short transfer away. The falls are a wonder to behold, and you can explore them on a guided tour or opt for a thrilling helicopter flight for stunning aerial views. If you’re seeking adventure, consider white-water rafting or a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. We handle road transfers to Victoria Falls to save you the hassle of crossing with your rental vehicle, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Day 11 & 12 - Linyanti

The self-drive safari continues as you head to Linyanti for a two-night stay at a campsite nestled in a remote and tranquil setting. Linyanti is known for its diverse ecosystem and offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife sightings, particularly along the river and wetlands. The area provides a perfect escape from more structured safari experiences, allowing you to enjoy the stillness of nature. Whether relaxing by the campfire or observing the sounds of the night, Linyanti offers an authentic and adventurous experience in the wild.

Day 13 & 14 - Savuti

From Linyanti, you’ll head to Savuti for two nights, immersing yourself in a wild, untamed setting. Famous for its diverse landscapes, Savuti offers incredible game viewing, from elephants and lions to a variety of antelope. The fluctuating Savuti Channel attracts wildlife, making it a prime spot for game drives. In the evenings, unwind at camp, listening to the sounds of the African bush. Savuti provides an intimate safari experience, where you can explore the area or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 15 & 16 - Moremi

From Savuti, you’ll continue your adventure to Moremi Game Reserve, renowned for its diverse landscapes, including forests, floodplains, and savannahs. Here, you’ll enjoy thrilling game drives and the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and leopards. The Okavango Delta’s waterways offer unique boat-based viewing, giving you a fresh perspective on the area’s animals. Moremi’s diverse ecosystems ensure an unforgettable safari experience, blending both land and water-based activities.

DAY 17 & 18 - Maun

After your time in Moremi, you’ll head back to Maun for your final night. The next day, you’ll catch your departure flight, and we’ve made sure the process is smooth and stress-free. Your rental vehicle will be handed back to our car hire representative at the airport two hours before your flight, giving you plenty of time to check in and relax before you depart.