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Is it safe to drive a 4x4 camper in Botswana?
Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa to drive and explore the Game Parks and the Okavango Swamp.
The British Foreign Office updates on Botswana:
The British Foreign Office update their website daily with the very latest news about Botswana. They include updates on Covid-19 as well as general safety for tourists in Botswana. Foreign Office updates on Covid-19 and Safety in Botswana.
Peak season in Botswana
Peak season in Botswana is from May until October. If you are planning to self-drive and use campsites and lodges and book activities such balloon flights then you are advised to book in advance.
Self-drive the Okavango Delta in a 4x4 camper
Can you drive the Okavango Delta in a 4x4. Yes, this is possible but you must plan ahead and let someone know the route you are going to take.
There are campsites within Moremi Game Park so you can camp up and take boat trips to explore the Delta further.
You can visit the Okavango Delta all year round. There are more large game around during the dry season. There are more birds around during the summer months October to March.
Visit the Game Parks in Botswana in a 4-wheel-drive camper.
Most visitors to Botswana want to visit the Game Parks between May and September and see The Okavango Delta, The Moremi game reserve and the Chobe National Park.
There are some main roads driveable by a 2-wheel drive vehicle but there is much more to see off the beaten track and you will need a 4x4 to go and find the wild-life.
Visit Victoria Falls as part of your holiday in Botswana.
Many travellers will add a trip to the falls as part of their Africa visit so tie in your safari with a visit to Victoria falss when water levels are high. Don't be disappointed by visiting them in the dry season. Victoria Falls are at their best during March and April.
Be prepared for sand in Botswana.
The Kalahari Desert is an exciting destination to see grasslands and salt plains supporting a wide variety of wild animals including hyena, lions, cheetah, elephants. The salt pans are home to the black maned lion.
Be prepared for sand. Many roads are just sandy tracks. Take a short 4x4 course to familiarise yourself with the vehicle. Learn how to use all the gears including low and high ratio and when to lock the diff. Some advise to deflate tyres slightly if driving on sand.
Also know how to use the jack and change a tyre. There is a real possibility travelling off-road or on sand and dirt tracks that you will need to change a tyre.
Zebra migration in Botswana
Plan to visit the Salt Pans grasslands and see the thousands of zebra migrating during April and May.
Maps and GPS in Botswana
Botswana offers challenging driving conditions and renters should check ahead before setting off to make sure roads are open and not washed away. Local knowledge is very valuable. Take a good map and also make sure you have a good GPS signal. Actual maps are a necessary back up when signal or battery fails. There is Botswana GPS Maps
Plan to start your day early.
Start your day early. Animals are on the move at dawn and at dusk. This is the best time to get out on the road.
Good planning is the answer and ask advice before you head off. There are roads in and around the swamp but they can flood. There are usually alternative routes to take though. Local advice is the best.
Other travellers and locals are the best people to ask about where they have seen animals and birds. It will take you a few days to get your "eye in" and then you will start seeing the animals that before would have been hidden by their camoflage.
