Self Drive Safaris

This option enables you to hire either a 2 wheel drive vehicle where you stick to the main tar roads and use local operators to take you into the Park and Reserves, or you can hire a 4 wheel drive vehicle – with or without a guide and drive through the Parks and Reserves yourself.

The sand roads in the Parks and Reserves are challenging and not for the faint- hearted! If you do not have previous 4wheel drive experience we strongly recommend that you hire a guide or take the 2 wheel drive option. It is not only much safer using local operators and guides, but it is also advantageous as they are licenced professionals, who will know where to find the good game viewing areas and how to navigate the sandy and unmarked tracks. It is often worth paying the money for this expertise rather then doing it on your own and seeing nothing,

With all ‘Drive yourself’ options you will need to plan your route with our help, we strongly recommend you book any overnight camping and Lodge accommodation in advance – many lodges and campsites take a maximum of 16 to 20 people and these are usually booked up months in advance.

Advice & Route planning

We have featured a couple of sample itineraries (see above). However, Botswana Holidays’ consultants have a good knowledge of the best routes, road and attractions to see along the way. Once we have your preferred areas to visit and length of stay – we can design a route & itinerary to suit you.

Overnight accommodation, National Park bookings & activities

Botswana Holidays can make all your reservations – from overnight Lodge accommodation, activities(such as mokoro trips) to National Park camp bookings and community campsites bookings.

Road conditions

Botswana tar roads have increased greatly in the last 20 years and there is now good tar road network from Johannesburg to Francistown, Maun, Ghanzi and Kasane,
In fact, you can take a Drive yourself safari and stick to the tar roads , making use of local safari operators to take you into the National Parks.
The 4WD tracks in the National Parks are challenging at all times of year but especially in the rainy season (Dec – March) and especially in Moremi – reknowned for its ‘black cotton soil!.
When considering a 4WD drive yourself safari – you should be aware that the driving is difficult and time consuming – sometimes a short distance if 30km can take up to 4 hours. This type of safari is really for the fit and adventurous and those who have plenty of time.

Car hire and equipment

We use car hire companies both in Maun and Johannesburg who are reputable, have well maintained vehicles and have back up cars should you need a replacement.
Our preferred 4WD car hire company in Maun offers fully equipped Landcruisers and Landrovers and give a full pre safari briefing – including 4WD driving skills, vehicle maintenance as well as use of equipment.

Times & Distances

When we arrange your ‘Drive yourself’ itinerary – we will give you and idea of the distances and driving times each day depending on the road conditions so you can plan your departure times.

Maps & GPS

If you are booking a 4WD ‘Drive yourself’ itinerary through the National Parks – we do recommend that you invest in a GPS (global positioning system) to take with you. Sand tracks change with the weather and sign posting within the National Parks is limited!

On booking your ‘Drive yourself’ safari with Botswana Holidays – we recommend you buy the official ‘Veronica Roodt/Shell maps of the National Parks which are invaluable. These maps show the main tracks, game viewing areas, campsites and also offer GPS co ordinates for campsites and places of interest.