12 Day Botswana Self Drive SUV Safari | Makgadikgadi, Caprivi, Chobe & Vic Falls
Your Botswana self-drive safari tour follows a great route through magnificent and truly diverse landscapes. Enjoy the freedom of the road as you visit the Makgadikgadi Pans enroute to the lush Okavango Delta and Caprivi Strip. You will also enjoy the magic of Chobe National Park and see the magnificent Victoria Falls on day trip into Zimbabwe. All are within easy reach by 2x4 SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). With generally good roads, there is no need for a 4x4 vehicle. The distances on each day vary but each moment will be filled with sights of Africa not experienced on regular safaris. If you want to avoid the long drive from Johannesburg to Botswana this trip can be customized to start and end in Maun or start in Maun and end in Kasane (with car rental).
HIGHLIGHTS
**Affordable Way to See Botswana Without Compromising on Modern Comforts
**Good Roads and Well Sign Posted
**Sense of Remoteness as You Travel Through Ever Changing Landscapes
**Guided 4x4 Salt Pan Drive to The Makgadikgadi Pans Drive
**Guided Game Drive into Chobe National Park
**Sunset Boat Cruise On Thamalakane River and Chobe River
**Victoria Falls Day Trip
** Ideal If You Like Long Drives
**Customizable To Suit Your Needs
Valid till December 2025
DAY 1: LONG DRIVE FROM JOHANNESBURG TO FRANCISTOWN
Woodlands Lodge
Included: 1 night accommodation at the Woodlands Lodge you will have to get up early to leave Johannesburg, as it is a long drive to your next stop, Francistown in Botswana. Once you have crossed the border you can enjoy the rural sights of villages and the Southern Botswana landscape, before reaching Francistown where you drive towards Nata. Woodlands Stop Over lodge is located 15kms just outside of Francistown. Distance approx. 730km - driving time approx. 7-8 hours
Please take note that there is no restaurant on our premises, however, they do provide pre-cooked meals which needs to be ordered in advance:
Beef, Chicken or Vegetable Lasagna Chicken or Beef Curry with rice Beef Stroganoff with rice Cottage Pie Bobotie (with rice) Macaroni & Cheese Chicken-a-la-king with rice Creamed Spinach Butternut, Chicken or Vegetable Soups with bread roll
Alternatively, we provide braai packs. (containing piece of steak, chicken and boerewors - 500gm)
But should you wish to pre-order any of these options please advise through email contact and they will be de-frosted ready and waiting for you!
Malt and wine, wood, ice, snacks and other essential items are also available at reception for your convenience.
Light continental breakfast baskets are also available on request: (Roll / Wedge Cheese / Boiled Egg / Muffin / Yogurt/ Fruit Juice) - should you wish to order please also give 24-hour notice.
A selection of in-house wines under label 'The Hunters' Road' are available. Please take the opportunity to have a look at our selection at reception.
DAY 2: FRANCISTOWN TO THE MAKGADIKGADI PANS Ariel view of Nata Lodge in the Makgadikgadi. After breakfast, you leave Francistown for a short drive to Nata situated at the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans where you stay for 2 nights. The Makgadikgadi Pans are the largest saltpans in the world and a fascinating range of desert-adapted creatures can be seen. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Distance approx. 200km - driving time approx. 3 hours
DAY 3 : EXPLORE THE MAKGADIKGADI SALT PANS
Stop at a lodge viewing deck en-route to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
Today you have the entire day to explore the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and Nata Sanctuary.
An included guided tour in open safari vehicle into the Nata Sanctuary promises to be a highlight. The Nata River feeds into the Sua Pan which makes the area sanctuary for birds. Be sure to keep your camera handy as a multitude of birds from pelicans to flamingos in their thousands turn the African sky into a pink haze. If you are a bit more adventurous, we recommend a quad bike adventure through the Salt Pans with an experienced guide. Drive through the white clay with miles and miles of still and endless space as you encounter fossil beaches, granite boulders, and baobab trees. Guided adventures will teach you more about the history and the culture of this region.
After a day filled of adventures return to Nata Lodge where you can enjoy dinner at the restaurant. (Breakfast and dinner included)
DAY 4: RELAX OR EXPLORE THE DELTA
Thamalakane River boat cruise. This morning, you may want to explore more of the Makgadikgadi Pans before driving on to Maun, where you stay for 2 nights. Your accommodation is situated a few kilometres outside of Maun along the Thamalakane River. After settling in on your first night enjoy an included sunset boat cruise - drink in hand watch the sky change shades of yellow, orange, red and lilac .The setting is serene and is perfect you to relax for a day. Alternatively, there are a few optional activities you can take part in. opt for an optional full day excursion to explore the Moremi Game Reserve by mokoro (canoeing) or by game drive with qualified guide. (Breakfast included)
Distance approx. 350km - driving time approx. 4-5 hours
DAY 5 : RELAX OR EXPLORE THE DELTA
Early to rise this morning as you will depart the lodge at 05h30am Moremi Game Reserve for you full day game viewing adventure.
Overnight at the lodge dinner and drinks for own account.
DAY 6: DRIVE NORTH TO CAPRIVI
River views from the breakfast deck at Divava Okavango Lodge. After an early breakfast travel up the western side of the Okavango Delta into Namibia. The Caprivi Strip of Namibia is one of the most beautiful stretches of wilderness in Southern Africa and is relatively undeveloped. Your accommodation is perched high on a riverbank, giving you incredible views of the Okavango River. (Breakfast and dinner included) Distance approx. 450km - driving time approx. 6-7 hours.
DAY 7: DISCOVER THE CAPRIVI STRIP Bwabwata National Park Road sign. Today you will experience this area on your own or on optional activities. Discover the Okavango River and its surroundings on a boat safari where you will see hippos, crocodiles and big variety of birdlife. The Caprivi Strip is renowned as one of the best birding areas in Africa and is home to over 400 bird species. The off the beaten track Mahango National Game Park within the Bwabwata National Park is a mere 10 min drive from your Caprivi accommodation. Although the remote area is not very developed the Mahango National Game Park is easily accessible by 2x4 SUV. You can expect to see elephants, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, antelopes and monkeys. If you prefer optional guided game drives are available. Fall asleep to the sounds of the Popa Falls waterfalls that are only a few hundred meters from your accommodation in Caprivi. (Breakfast and dinner included)
DAY 8: TRAVEL TO KASANE/CHOBE
Spotting a lion during a game drive in the Chobe National Park. Today you will leave Namibia and travel along the “Caprivi Strip” and via the Ngoma Bridge across the Chobe River back into Botswana. You will immediately enter the Chobe National Park with a chance of seeing a spectacular variety of game including some of the world's largest herds of Elephant, which will add to a day of excitement. You spend the next 2 nights at a safari lodge located on the border of the Chobe National Park and a mere 150m from the Chobe Riverfront. (Breakfast and dinner included) Distance approx. 450km - driving time approx. 5-6 hours
3 NIGHTS CHOBE PACKAGE – FULL BOARD Includes: 3-nights’ Accommodation in a Luxury room at Chobe Safari/Bush Lodge including: 3x Breakfast, 3x Lunch, 3x Dinner, 1x Boat Cruise, 1x Game Drive, 1x Private Boat Cruise, 1x guided Victoria Falls Day Trip and 2-days Park Fees VAT & Bed Levy inclusive. Excludes: International transfers, beverages, laundry and items of personal nature
Fully Inclusive Option includes Beverages & Laundry, Impact Levy VAT & Bed Levy inclusive.
DAY 9: EXPLORE THE CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
Sunset boast cruise on Chobe River. Chobe National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife and is easily accessible with your own vehicle. One guided game drive and one river cruise on the Chobe River, as well as a full day Victoria Falls Day trip are included in this Botswana safari package. This allows you to relax a bit and be a passenger for a few days. The Chobe National Park is home to over 40 000 elephants and watching them wallow in the Chobe River will surely become a highlight of your Botswana safari. In the afternoon a river cruise will allow you to see hippos, crocodiles and more elephants (amongst others), as they come down to the river for their evening drink. (Breakfast and dinner included)
DAY 10: VICTORIA FALLS DAY TRIP
Victoria Falls day trip. This morning you leave Kasane and head to Victoria Falls on a day excursion. During your time in Victoria Falls, there will be the opportunity to view this natural wonder or take part in several adventure activities. Victoria Falls is known as "The Adventure Capital of Africa" and there are many highlights to choose from. You will return to your safari lodge in Chobe to overnight. (Breakfast and dinner included)
DAY 11: LONG DRIVE BACK TO JOHANNESBURG VIA FRANCISTOWN Road in Botswana from Francistown. After a few days of being a passenger it is time to get behind the steering wheel and start making your way back to Johannesburg. A long drive awaits with a stopover in Francistown. You will spend tonight at the Woodlands Lodge just outside of Francistown.
Distance approx. 500km - driving time approx. 6-7 hours to Francistown
Please take note that there is no restaurant on our premises, however, they do provide pre-cooked meals which needs to be ordered in advance:
Beef, Chicken or Vegetable Lasagna Chicken or Beef Curry with rice Beef Stroganoff with rice Cottage Pie Bobotie (with rice) Macaroni & Cheese Chicken-a-la-king with rice Creamed Spinach Butternut, Chicken or Vegetable Soups with bread roll
Alternatively, we provide braai packs. (containing piece of steak, chicken and boerewors - 500gm)
But should you wish to pre-order any of these options please advise through email contact and they will be de-frosted ready and waiting for you!
Malt and wine, wood, ice, snacks and other essential items are also available at reception for your convenience.
Light continental breakfast baskets are also available on request: (Roll / Wedge Cheese / Boiled Egg / Muffin / Yogurt/ Fruit Juice) - should you wish to order please also give 24-hour notice.
A selection of in-house wines under label 'The Hunters' Road' are available. Please take the opportunity to have a look at our selection at reception.
DAY 12: LONG DRIVE BACK TO JOHANNESBURG After a good night’s rest leave Francistown and cross the border back into South Africa. (Breakfast included)
Distance approx. 680km - driving time approx. 6-7 hours to Johannesburg
Includes:
**2 Nights’ Hotel Accommodation at the Woodlands Lodge
**2 Nights’ Accommodation at Nata Lodge in A Thatched Chalet on A Half Board Basis
** 2 Nights’ Riverfront Accommodation at Thamalakane River Lodge on A Bed and Breakfast Basis
** 2 Nights’ Riverfront Accommodation at Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa in The Caprivi on A Half Board Basis
** 3 Nights’ Lodge Accommodation at Chobe Safari Lodge on A Half Board Basis
** Sunset Boat Cruise On Thamalakane River and Chobe River
**Guided Salt Pan Drive Via the Nata Bird Sanctuary (3 Hours)
**Guided Game Drive in Chobe National Park (3 Hours)
**Victoria Falls Day Trip
** Car Hire 4 x 4 :
NOTE: Final invoice amount may differ from the estimated total due to additional km driven, late return, vehicle not refuelled, damage incurred, E-Toll charges or modifications to the original booking.
Contract Fee Tax
Limited Theft Loss Waiver
Limited Collision Damage Waiver
Liability Amount In the event of loss or damage to the vehicle, an amount is payable, subject to terms and conditions of the rental.
TP (Theft Protection)
One of the two cards used must be a credit card, cheque card or Capitec debit card.
Excludes:
**Park and conservation fees except during guided activities
** Possible toll and border crossing fees
**Meals and drinks not specified
**Optional activities, spa treatments and all other extras to be settled direct
Windscreen Tyre Damage Waiver
Disclaimer
Falcon Safaris endeavours to secure a reservation and fare up to the prescribed ticketing deadline. However, we can only guarantee a fare if booking and ticketing take place simultaneously.
It is the responsibility of the traveller to make sure that all visa and health requirements of the countries he/she visits are complied with. We will advise to the best of our ability.
The passenger should verify that on the booking the dates, routing and times are correct and ensure that the passenger's name is exactly as it appears in the passport.
We endeavour to assist you with information on COVID-19,applicable to the countries you travel to. It however remains the travellers’ responsibility - and not the responsibility of Nyati Travel - to have the latest updates on COVID-19 entry requirements