2025 Guided Tours
Best Of Botswana -13 DAYS
THE TOUR IN AUDIO
TOUR OVERVIEW
Situated in Southern Africa, landlocked Botswana is a vast and untamed wilderness spanning over 224,000 square miles, nearly the size of Texas. This sparsely populated nation boasts some of the continent's most pristine and expansive wildlife areas, including the iconic Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. Botswana's "high rates, low volumes" tourism policy ensures overlanders get to experience this amazing land without having to deal with large crowds.
Embark on an unforgettable 13-day overland journey through Botswana's most iconic landscapes. This self-drive adventure takes you through diverse ecosystems and breathtaking scenery.
Tour Highlights:
1. Maun: Gateway to the Okavango Delta, this frontier town is your starting point for the adventure.
2. Makgadikgadi Pans: Experience the surreal beauty of one of the world's largest salt flats. Enjoy quad biking, stargazing, and a unique meerkat encounter.
3. Kubu Island: Explore this granite rock island rising from the Makgadikgadi, known for its iconic baobab trees and archaeological significance.
4. Moremi Game Reserve: Dive into the heart of the Okavango Delta. This wildlife paradise offers excellent game viewing and stunning landscapes.
5. Xaxanaxa: Discover the permanent waters of the Delta with a scenic boat ride, observing hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.
6. Mogotho: Immerse yourself in the Delta's tranquil waters with traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) rides.
7. Savuti: Known for its predators and large elephant herds, Savuti offers excellent wildlife viewing. Explore ancient Bushman paintings and tackle the challenging Beacon Hill 4x4 trail.
8. Kasane: This bustling town serves as the gateway to Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant population.
9. Chobe River: Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise, spotting wildlife coming to drink at the river's edge.
10. Victoria Falls: Take a day trip to witness the awe-inspiring power of one of the world's largest waterfalls.
Experience the raw beauty of Botswana, camping under African skies and staying in comfortable lodges. This tour offers the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and natural wonders, all while giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace in fully-equipped 4x4 vehicles.
Expert Leadership
Your adventure will be led by Duncan and Ajanie, the passionate owners of this African safari business, alongside a highly experienced local tour guide. Having spent the majority of their lives in Botswana and traveled extensively throughout the region, Duncan and Ajanie bring an unparalleled depth of knowledge to your safari experience. Their intimate understanding of Botswana's landscapes, wildlife, and culture is not just based on enthusiasm, but on years of firsthand experience. This in-depth local knowledge, combined with their commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism, ensures you'll gain unique insights into this remarkable country. Complemented by the expertise of your local guide, you're guaranteed a safe, informative, and truly immersive safari experience. Whether you're navigating the waterways of the Okavango Delta or tracking wildlife in Savuti, you'll benefit from leadership that knows Botswana not just as a destination, but as a home.
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Maun, Botswana.
Arrive in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta.
Collect fully-equipped 4x4 vehicles.
Purchase supplies for the journey (each vehicle group is responsible for their own meals when camping).
Attend a comprehensive trip briefing.
Collect fully-equipped 4x4 vehicles.
Purchase supplies for the journey (each vehicle group is responsible for their own meals when camping).
Attend a comprehensive trip briefing.
Overnight at a comfortable safari lodge in Maun
(meals not included).
Optional Extra: Scenic helicopter ride over the Okavango Delta (additional fees apply. See optional extras below).
Optional Extra: Scenic helicopter ride over the Okavango Delta (additional fees apply. See optional extras below).
Day 2: Makgadikgadi Pans (500km drive).
Depart Maun for Planet Baobab lodge (500km drive on tar roads). Overnight lodging with dinner and breakfast included.
Day 3:
After breakfast take an exhilarating quad bike ride from Planet Baobab Lodge onto the vast Makgadikgadi salt pans. Experience a sleep-out under the stars on the pans and unique meerkat encounter.
Includes a BBQ dinner, tea & coffee & breakfast.
**sleep out is available only 1 Jun - 31 Oct.
If travelling in the April - May tour a Guided Bush Walk & Quad Bikes (Includes morning tea/coffee & snacks or afternoon sundowners & snacks) is included instead of the sleepout.
Day 4: Kubu Island (5-hour off-road drive).
Journey to the mystical Kubu Island (approximately 5 hours of off-road driving).
Explore this granite rock island, famous for its baobab trees and archaeological significance.
Set up camp and enjoy a night under the stars.
Guests to prepare their own meals.
Day 5: Return to Maun (6-hour drive).
Drive back to Maun
(approximately 6 hours, combination of off-road and tar).
Restock supplies in Maun.
Overnight at a lodge in Maun with breakfast included.
Optional Extra: Scenic helicopter ride over the Okavango Delta (if not taken on Day 1, additional fees apply. See optional extras below)
Day 6: Moremi Game Reserve.
Drive to Xaxanaxa campsite in Moremi Game Reserve.
Afternoon boat ride on the Okavango Delta, observing hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
First night of camping in the wild.
Guests to prepare their own meals.
Day 7: Moremi Game Reserve, Third Bridge.
Morning game drive to Third Bridge area.
Full day exploring the diverse ecosystems of Moremi.
Overnight at Third Bridge Tented Bush Lodge.
Guests to prepare their own meals.
Day 8-9: Mogotho Campsite.
Drive to Mogotho campsite.
Experience a 2 hour traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) ride in the Delta's channels.
Two nights of camping at Mogotho, immersed in the Delta's serene environment.
Guests to prepare their own meals.
Optional Extra: Walking safari for a closer encounter with nature. (Additional fees apply. Fees available on request).
Day 10: Savuti
Journey to the famous Savuti region, known for its predators and large elephant herds.
View ancient Bushman paintings.
Tackle the challenging Beacon Hill 4x4 trail (if track is open).
Camping.
Guests to prepare their own meals.
Day 11-12: Kasane and Chobe National Park.
Drive to Kasane, gateway to Chobe National Park.
Day trip to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe (don't forget your passport!).
Evening sunset cruise on the Chobe River, observing elephants and other wildlife.
Two nights lodging in Kasane.
Bed and Breakfast.
Day 13: Departure.
Final breakfast.
Return 4x4 vehicles.
Depart from Kasane airport.
Optional Extras:
1. 60 Minutes Scenic Doors Off Helicopter Ride with 15 minutes drinks stop.
US$440.00pp.
Highly recommended.
Minimum of 2.
View video below.
Available in Maun (Day 1 or Day 5), offering a breathtaking aerial view of the Okavango Delta.
This doors off scenic flight allows you to experience the wonderful variety of diverse ecosystems in the Okavango Delta. Doors are
removed for an entirely unrestricted view of wildlife sightings. Mid way through your scenic the pilot will find a deserted palm island where
you can enjoy a peaceful break. Once on the ground, a drinks stop of your choice will be prepared for you to enjoy alongside views from the
ground and further information about the delta from your charismatic pilot. When you have quenched your thirst, you will have another
opportunity to enjoy the aerial perspective on your way back to Maun.
Choices of: Champagne, Okavango Gin, Okavango Craft Beer (Non-Alcoholic beverages available on request)
Any guest under the age of 18, will be provided with a non-alcoholic alternative, please request at the time of booking.
2. Walking Safari:
Available at Mogotho Campsite (Day 8 or 9), providing a unique, up-close perspective of the Delta's ecosystem.
Fees available on request.
Important: This itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or weather. The tour operator reserves the right to alter the route or activities for the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Optional activities are subject to availability and weather conditions.
WHY BOTSWANA IS PERFECT FOR YOUR SELF DRIVE SAFARI ADVENTURE
Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is a hidden gem for safari enthusiasts. Bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, it sits at the heart of the southern African plateau, with an average elevation of about 1,000 meters above sea level. The country's geography is dominated by the Kalahari Desert, which covers up to 70% of its land surface. However, this seemingly harsh landscape is beautifully contrasted by the lush Okavango Delta in the northwest, where the Okavango River fans out into a vast inland delta, creating a unique wetland system in the middle of the desert. This geographical diversity, combined with Botswana's commitment to conservation, makes it one of Africa's premier safari destinations, offering a unique blend of diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a commitment to sustainable tourism.
Unspoiled Wilderness
Botswana boasts vast, untouched wilderness areas, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature far from crowds. With one of the lowest population densities in Africa, you'll often feel like you have the country all to yourself.
Diverse Ecosystems
From the lush Okavango Delta to the stark beauty of the Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana offers an incredible variety of landscapes and ecosystems within a single trip.
Abundant Wildlife
Botswana is home to some of Africa's largest elephant populations, along with diverse predators, antelope species, and over 550 bird species.
Freedom to Explore
A self-drive safari gives you the flexibility to set your own pace, linger at sightings, and truly connect with the surrounding nature.
Key Locations on Your Itinerary
Maun: This frontier town is your gateway to adventure. It's where you'll start your journey and get your first taste of Botswana's warm hospitality.
Makgadikgadi Pans: These vast salt flats offer an other-worldly landscape. Experience the surreal beauty of endless horizons, interact with habituated meerkats, and enjoy some of the clearest night skies in Africa.
Kubu Island: This granite rock island, dotted with ancient baobabs, rises mysteriously from the Makgadikgadi Pans. It's a place of raw beauty and archaeological significance.
Moremi Game Reserve: Covering much of the Okavango Delta, Moremi offers an unparalleled wildlife experience. From lush floodplains to acacia forests, it's home to an incredible diversity of animals.
Xaxanaxa: This permanent water area in Moremi provides excellent opportunities for boat safaris, allowing you to see the Delta from a different perspective.
Mogotho: Deep in the Okavango Delta, Mogotho offers a chance to experience traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) rides, gliding silently through lily-covered channels.
Savuti: Famous for its predators and large elephant herds, Savuti offers excellent wildlife viewing. The area is also known for its ancient rock paintings and challenging 4x4 trails.
Kasane and Chobe National Park: Chobe is renowned for its huge elephant population and stunning river scenes. A sunset cruise on the Chobe River is a highlight of any safari.
Victoria Falls: Although in neighboring Zambia, no trip to this region is complete without visiting one of the world's largest waterfalls.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Fully-Kitted Toyota Hilux 4x4 Vehicles (or equivalent)
Each vehicle comfortably accommodates up to four adults, including the driver, and is equipped with two roof-top tents that sleep two adults each. The vehicles come fully stocked with all necessary camping gear.
Vehicle insurance - Standard insurance with an excess of ZAR30,000 (USD1,765) is included in the package price.
Lower excess options available on request.
Expert Guiding by Duncan, Ajanie, and Local Guides. Benefit from the extensive knowledge of seasoned safari guides, ensuring a safe, educational, and immersive experience throughout your journey.
All Park Entry and Camping Fees
Your adventure includes all required park permits and camping fees, giving you full access to Botswana's premier game reserves and wildlife areas.
All Activities From quad biking across the Makgadikgadi Pans to mokoro rides in the Okavango Delta, day visit to see the mighty Victoria Falls and a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, all activities in the itinerary are covered.
Lodging & Meals
Enjoy comfortable lodging where noted in the itinerary, as well as all meals during the safari. Whether you’re camping under the stars or staying in lodges, we ensure your experience is as comfortable as it is adventurous.
Airport Transfers
All transfers to and from the airport upon your arrival and departure are arranged, ensuring a smooth transition to your safari adventure.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication
Stay connected during your journey with communication systems between all vehicles, making it easy to coordinate and share exciting wildlife sightings.
Complimentary Welcome Pack
Receive a special welcome pack from 4xTouring.com, which includes useful travel essentials for your safari experience.
Personal Consultation with Ajanie & Duncan
Before the adventure begins, enjoy a personalized consultation with Ajanie and Duncan to ensure your safari is tailored to your needs and expectations.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
International Flights
Flights to and from the tour start (Maun) and finish (Kasane) locations are not included in the package.
Drinks at Lodges
All beverages at the lodges will be at your own expense. Unless otherwise stated in the itinerary.
Personal Items
Expenses for items of a personal nature, such as toiletries, souvenirs, and other personal purchases, are not covered.
Cooking Ingredients
While all cooking equipment is provided, travellers are responsible for purchasing their own ingredients for meals during camping days. Ajanie & Duncan will provide assistance in locating places to purchase.
Meals When Lodging
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
Fuel for Vehicles
Fuel costs are not included. Please budget approximately US$500 per vehicle for the full journey.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance, which is not included in the tour package.
Vehicle Insurance
Standard insurance with an excess of ZAR30,000 (USD1,765) is included in the package price. Any upgrades to the included standard 4x4 insurance cover attracts additional fees. Upgrade options available on request.
Additional Activities
Any activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
THE VEHICLES
We provide Toyota Hilux double cab 4x4s (or equivalent) from a highly reputable partner vehicle hire company, ensuring you have the perfect blend of comfort, reliability, and off-road capability for your adventure.
Vehicle Specifications
Modern fleet: All vehicles are well-maintained and no more than 3 years old.
Comfortable drive: Automatic transmission for ease of use
Spacious: Accommodates up to four adults comfortably.
Roof-top camping: Two roof-mounted tents, each sleeping up to two adults.
Ground tent option: Available upon request for those who prefer ground-level camping.
Comprehensive Equipment
Your vehicle comes fully stocked with everything you need for a comfortable safari experience:
Fridge/freezer for keeping food and drinks cool.
Gas-powered cooker for preparing meals. Gas bottles supplied.
Complete set of cooking utensils.
All necessary camping gear including, comfortable camp chairs
Sturdy tables
Cups, plates, and cutlery.
Safety equipment:
Fire extinguishers, Vehicle recovery kit, Puncture repair kit.
Peace of Mind
Our partnership with a renowned vehicle hire company ensures that you're driving a meticulously maintained vehicle, allowing you to focus on the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife around you.
Personalised Consultation
For a full inventory of the vehicle and gear, as well as any specific requests or questions, we offer a personal consultation with Duncan & Ajanie.
This allows us to tailor the equipment to your needs and ensure you're fully prepared for your Botswana adventure.
TOUR PRICES - 2025
GROUP OF FOUR
US$6,700 pps
Dates: April, June, July, August
GROUP OF EIGHT
US$5,070 pps
Dates: April, June, July, August
*All prices are inclusive of accommodations, activities, and other inclusions as specified in the detailed itinerary.
** Custom group sizes available on request.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please click here to view our general terms and conditions.
We encourage you read through the detailed terms and conditions and ask us any questions, clarification or concerns you may have.
Important: This itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or weather. The tour operator reserves the right to alter the route or activities for the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Optional activities are subject to availability and weather conditions.