Botswana by 4x4: planning a self-drive

Campsites book out. Here’s how to build a route that holds together.

By the Cawejo team

A self-drive safari is one of the most rewarding ways to see Botswana, and one of the easiest to get wrong. The popular campsites in Moremi, Savuti and Chobe are limited and book out months ahead in the dry season.

Plan the route around confirmed campsites first, then fuel stops and driving times. Sandy tracks are slow, so distances that look short on a map can take a full day. Build in rest days so you are not driving every day.

We book and confirm each campsite in writing, arrange vehicle hire through licensed partners, and stay reachable if plans change on the road.

The trip at a glance

• Book campsites first, then fuel stops
• Allow rest days
• Plan with local contacts on the ground