Explore Botswana in a 4x4 Campervan

You need a good plan for a roadtrip around Botswana and you'll need to rent a 4x4 camper to see all there is to see in Botswana.

Campervans.com rents out the best 4x4 campers from Britz and Caprivi with very competitive rates.

Caprivi and Britz have been voted by you as the best there is in Botswana

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

Plan to take some basic tools.

Make sure you have some basic tools and a spade.

You can camp in campsites which are in good locations to see the wild life. They are often next to water holes where the animals come to drink at dusk and through the night.

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Plan to stay in one place for a few days.

Stay in one place for a few days and go out on day trips. Some camps even organise guided walking safaris for a truly unique experience.

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Tough 4x4 campers will take you most places.

The 4x4's are well equipped with camping gear and sleeping kit. They are not luxury vehicles but they will take you off-road and they are good reliable Toyota Hilux or Land Cruisers or Nissan 4x4s.

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Plan your food cooking and buying.

The kitchen equipment on board will enable you to cook basic meals with tea and coffee making facilities too. There is also a small fridge on board.

Keep your water supplies topped up whereever you go.

Keep your food stocked up and in the camper. Any food left outside will attract wildlife.

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The best plans are made to change.

Make a good plan and change it! But have a plan. Watch the weather and ask at campsites about where the animals are.

The trip around Botswana will be exciting and varied. You can change your plans at any time. Stay longer, change your route, discover new places and experiences.

You may want to stop for a few days in a lodge for a change of scenery. Having your own vehicle means that you can decide every night where to stay. The next night might be in a very basic campsite...

How Much Time Will I Need to see all the Game Parks

It takes about three weeks to see the game parks in Botswana at a comfortable rate and to give you time to explore and find the animals and birds. Taking in the scenery sometimes can take all day.

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Top Tips to Help You Make your Botswana 4x4 Trip even more enjoyable.

• Drive under 80kms per hour
• Keep your lights on at all times
• Drive in 4-wheel drive on sand roads
• Don't drive at night
• Stop if it rains heavily. It will soon pass
• Make sure your phone is always charged
• Check for animals before you get out of your vehicle
• Plan ahead. Book campsites in advance at peak times
• Take your time. Stop and spot your own animals

• Make sure you have spare fuel, water and spare tyres (x2)
• Stock up with food in local towns. Keep plenty of snacks on board
• Take cash. Many shops, lodges and garages only accept cash
• Check where garages and fuel stops are before you set off. Many lodges have a small shop and fuel station.
• There will be charges at the entrances to Game Parks and National Parks

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Here are some useful links to help you plan your road trip around Botswana:

• Wiki travel: Botswana
• Botswana - Google maps
• Botswana Youtube Roadtrip videos
• Botswana Campsites
• Top ten sites to see in Botswana:
• Toll roads in Botswana
• Know Before You Go: Botswana

Best Time to Visit Botswana:

Best time to visit Botswana: During the dry season May to September. The Okavango is flooded from June to October.