Botswana Travel Forum

hello, a friend and i are looking to spend around 8-9 days in botswana via Joberg. im on a budget and willing to to do a self drive tour. Im looking for info on feasibility of renting a car or 4X4 and driving into national parks and Vic falls. here are some questions:
*do i need 4X4
*if im going feb 1st, do i still have time to book campsites? how do u do this?
*safety driving in parks?
* are there other options for overnighting if i cant get a site???
*which areas are best to see in FEB?

I know lots of questions, however I would be greatly appreciate any help from anyone who might help me make this a great trip. Thanks Alot! Erik

I can only tell you about the parts of Chobe national park that I visited. Many of the roads in the northern part of the park are quie rough. Some of them you would not need a 4x4 to use, during the time I was there, but would probably come in helpful due to heavy mud if you are there in the heavy rain season. I visited in late November, which was the first week or two of the rainy season. I am not sure if heavy rains continue to Feb. or not.

During my time there, I can't remember seeing *any* vehicles in the park that were not a part of some sort of escorted group. It may be possible to do this, but I am under the impression that Chobe does not allow private vehicles.

Also, the roads there in the north part of Chobe are a confusing unmarked tangle, and to me it seemed like a fairly easy place to get lost.

At the same time, one of the best lion sightings I've ever had was on the paved highway that runs through that section - when returning from several fruitless hours of searching the back roads.

There is a ferry that crosses the river between Zambia and Botswana. However, this area is severely plugged with commercial truck traffic. The common practice for all tourist traffic seems to be to hire vehicles on both sides of the river and cross in small motor launches. This avoids the severe delays associated with trying to get vehicles across. These are almost always small vans and they move groups of people from various hotels and camps all at the same time, so the price per person isn't too bad. The driver that picked me up (as well as about 10 European backpackers) told me that the border officials are quite corrupt when it comes to allowing vehicles across - mostly to the commercial truck traffic, but I can't help but imagine that perhaps having a vehicle would create a risk of being taken advantage of.

Hello,

Look at my South Africa transport tips for a great car rental company in terms of price and service. You would only need a 4x4 in Chobe. Not to get to/from there. You could hire a 4x4 and/or driver for a day or 2 locally and keep your car somewhere else (hotel). DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH ZAMBIA. The following countries subscribe to the same insurance principles: RSA, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Not Zambia. My tip shows you a company that will allow you to drive into Zimbabwe, many won't. Vic Falls is any easy drive from Kasane in Botswana. You get fuel at the border - no problem to get there and back. Walk to the Zambian side.

Hope this helps. Its cheaper on the Zimbabwe side now as they are desperate.

You MUST have 4x4 for Chobe, Moremi and the pans. Campsites MUST be booked prior and really the minimum is usually at least 6 months in advance however Feb is wet season so you might be ok. As it is wet season and I have recently been in Moremi I can tell you that it is already quite wet in Moremi and will be much more so by Feb. Some roads may be impassable. You WILL need to have a properly kitted out 4x4 and know how to use it. We saw few animals in Moremi as they had already largely dispersed. Your other option is to stay in Kasane, Maun, Vic Falls and to small trips into the parks with a tour operator. This will be a much better idea. You could probably find a camping tour that incorporates al the things you want to see. Bear in mind that the wet season means game viewing is more difficult although the bush is looking great and you may get rained on! Tours may also be seasonally discounted a bit.
Self drive is NOT CHEAP in a 4x4 in Botswana's parks and not much fun if you are not properly prepared or experienced.

We have just booked a self drive from Jo'burg to Botswana, we found the best price was actually doing it through a company rather than attempting to book individual places on our own. We have a 4x4 witha tent on the roof.

Maybe for the exersize of cost comparison, put your itinaray to www.drivebotswana.com, it may work out as cheap with less hassle and lots of experienced advice. It may not however.

Good Luck.

Hi you sound like you know what you are talking about soooo...
We are headed to Botswana in September, hiring a mitsubishi 2 seater 4x4. Someone suggested we should maybe have a course on driving one before heading out there, do you think this necessary?

We have driven in Kenya, SA, Namibia but am not sure about the terrain in Bots

Thanks