Adventure road trip along the highlights of Botswana

15 days
rooftent + lodges
2 people
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Botswana Nomads

Discover the highlights in 15 days, spot wildlife, and spend the night in unique natural locations.
Including
  • Explore the wilderness from your own 4×4 SUV
  • Stay at unique campsites and lodges in nature.
  • Spot The Big 5 in the national parks
  • Overnight stay in the heart of Chobe National Park.
  • Mokoro excursion in the Okavango Delta
Chobe River sunset cruise
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The ultimate road trip through Botswana

Discover the highlights of Botswana during a 15-day road trip: from Johannesburg in South Africa, passing iconic spots like the Makgadikgadi Pans, the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and the vast savannah.

Everything is taken care of for you, and the route is already mapped out. Experience this adventure exactly how you want it: in a 4×4 with a rooftop tent at unique campsites, with the option to occasionally upgrade to a lodge.

Along the way, enjoy activities like a safari, a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, a birding excursion, a visit to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and a boat trip in a traditional mokoro.

Ready for an unforgettable adventure?

Your itinerary through Botswana

This is the overview of your 15-day road trip through Botswana. Our route will take you to the highlights of the country. Each trip can be customized with the activities you want to include.

Your vehicle and accommodations in Botswana

This upcoming season, you'll be traveling through the national parks with Botswana Nomads in your own 4x4 with a rooftop tent!

Practical Information

Periods

The very first edition of Botswana Nomads will take place from September 26 to October 10, 2026!

There are only a very limited number of cars available for this pilot edition, so preregister now!

What’s included?

Your Botswana adventure starts from €1675 per person (excluding flights). This price is based on 2 people per vehicle.

The following items are included:

  • A fully equipped 4×4 with rooftop tent
  • 3 nights in lodges (1x including breakfast)
  • 11 nights at unique campsites
  • Sleeping gear: a double mattress (210 x 120 cm), sleeping bags, pillows, and sheets
  • Camping equipment: towels, camping table and chairs, small fridge, shovel, jerrycan with water, and USB charging system
  • Cooking gear: cutting board, pots, gas stove, plates, cutlery, and cups
  • A detailed roadbook with the complete route, explanations of all sights, and useful tips & tricks
  • Access to an exclusive app with all sorts of information and an interactive map
  • Mokoro excursion in the Okavango Delta
  • Cruise on the Chobe River
  • Support before and during your trip if issues arise
Extra options

You can add the following options to your trip:

  • Round-trip flight: from €715 per person
  • Checked baggage: €80 for 23 kg
  • Damage waiver: €24 per day
  • Travel and assistance insurance: €79 per person
  • Cancellation insurance: €89 per person
  • CO2 offset for your trip: €80 per person
  • Extra activities

These are the costs you'll pay on-site:

  • Your lunch, breakfast, and dinner: around €15-20 per person per day
  • Snacks, drinks, souvenirs
  • Tips for guides
  • Sightseeing
  • Fuel: approximately €400 per car for the entire road trip
  • Toll roads: approximately €10 for the entire road trip
  • Entry fees for (national parks):
    • Chobe National Park (2 days): approximately €85 per car (2 x €42)
    • Moremi Game Reserve: approximately €42 per car
  • Optional entry fees for (national parks):
    • Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: approximately €30 per car
    • Nata Bird Sanctuary: approximately €8.5 per person
    • Khama Rhino Sanctuary: approximately €20 per car
    • Victoria Falls National Park: approximately €42 per person
      • Visa for Zimbabwe: approximately €25 per person
Flights

Option 1: Affordable flights through us

  • Specially selected, direct flights from Amsterdam
  • Book your entire trip hassle-free
  • Perfect connection to your travel itinerary

Option 2: Flexibly choose your own flight

  • Depart from your preferred airport
  • Flexible travel dates
  • Extend your trip as you like
  • Use your airmiles or other reward programs

Are you booking your flights yourself? Make sure that the flight times match the start time of the road trip.

Insurance

Car Insurance

An accident can happen in the blink of an eye, so we recommend adding a damage waiver to your booking. This insurance costs you €24 per day (€336 total) and covers the vehicle when a member of your team is behind the wheel. By choosing this insurance, you won't need to pay a deposit.

If you don't take out a damage waiver, you'll have to pay a deposit of €1000, and the deductible can be up to €3000 in case of damage.

Travel and Assistance Insurance

Want to travel without worries? Get a personal travel and assistance insurance.

Cancellation Insurance

Worried that your trip might not go ahead due to unforeseen circumstances? Then consider getting a cancellation insurance.

Food and drinks

In Botswana, you won't really find restaurants like you do in other tourist countries. A few campsites and lodges have nice restaurants, or you can cook for yourself.

In your jeep, you'll find equipment to cook. Along the way, you can shop at various places. The supermarkets we recommend can be found in the app.

FAQs

Want to learn more about this road trip? Then take a look at the frequently asked questions.

Looking for some extra experiences during your road trip?

Are you looking for some extra experience or more luxury during your road trip? Complete your adventure with an upgrade or activities tailored to your itinerary!

Where are you expected and how do you get there?

Your journey begins in Johannesburg. You’ll spend the first night at a nice lodge near the airport. You can check in between 2:00 PM and 11:00 PM. The next morning, your road trip really kicks off.

There are several options to get there. You can book your flights affordably through us or arrange your own flights. If you have any doubts or questions, feel free to contact us via email.

Book your flights through Botswana Nomads.

We are offering direct flights in 2026 with KLM from Amsterdam starting at €715 per person (excluding checked baggage). The flights are aligned with your travel itinerary, and you can count on our support in case of any issues.

Flight times and prices

Your outbound flight is scheduled for September 26 at 10:35, arriving in Johannesburg at 21:20. A transfer will be waiting for you to take you to the lodge, where you can relax after the long flight.

Your return flight is on October 10 at 23:15, arriving the next morning on October 11 in the Netherlands at 10:20.

Book your own flights

Are you booking your flights yourself? Be sure to keep the weekly schedule in mind and don't hesitate to contact us via email if you have any questions.

We expect you at the Johannesburg airport on the first day of your road trip between 07:00 – 22:00. You will return the car to our partner by 16:00.

Flying at night? Keep this in mind! Example: if you book a road trip for the fall from September 26 to October 10, you would fly to South Africa on September 25 and be back home on October 11.

Of course, you can also choose to fly to South Africa a bit earlier or home a bit later on your own initiative, but then you'll need to arrange your own transportation and accommodations for the period before or after your road trip.

Picking up and returning the vehicle

  • On day 2, you'll pick up the car at 08:30 AM from our rental partner near the airport in Johannesburg, giving you plenty of time for the first road trip kilometers of the day!
  • On day 15, you'll return the car by 4:00 PM at the same location.

Allowed luggage

If you book your flights through Botswana Nomads:

  • Included: 1 carry-on bag of 12 kg
  • Optional: checked baggage (23kg)

Road trip tips

Why choose Botswana Nomads?

Join the road trip in Botswana

Are you already dreaming of a trip to Botswana in 2026?

The very first edition of Botswana Nomads 2026 this fall is now online. Pre-register for the inaugural edition in October and be among the first to join!

Request a quote
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
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  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
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  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
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    € 1450
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  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info

Give the gift of an adventure

Looking for a unique gift?

With the Travelbase voucher, you can give someone an unforgettable experience and lifelong memories!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here you’ll find some frequently asked questions about the road trip through Botswana. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us via email.

What documents do I need to travel to Botswana?

To be able to drive during the tour in Botswana, you will need the following:

  • An international passport that is valid for at least six months after your trip.
  • A driver's license that has been valid for 3 years.
  • An international driver's license

Traveling through a yellow fever area? Then you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate at the border. See more information in the FAQ about vaccinations.

How old do I need to be to drive in Botswana?

You must be at least 23 years old and have held a driver's license for 3 years to be allowed to drive the 4x4. Please note: there will be additional costs of 79 euros per person if you are 23 or 24 years old in order to drive the car.

If you are 25 years or older and have held your driver's license for 3 years, there are no additional costs involved.

Where will I be staying exactly?

During the trip, you'll stay three nights in a lodge. On the first night, you'll stay in a lodge near Johannesburg airport, and then you'll drive to a lodge close to the Botswana border. After that, your camping adventure begins.

You’ll stay at unique campsites along the route in nature. All campsites have sanitation, and almost all of them also have electrical hookups. If not, you can rely on the power from the power bank for a night.

The campsites in Botswana are sometimes located right in the middle of national parks. There's a good chance you'll encounter various large animals. We'll prepare you well on how to handle this. Keep your food and belongings out of sight to avoid attracting smaller animals. Often, the campsites have good facilities, including a swimming pool and/or a restaurant. Occasionally, some facilities may be limited, but you'll be right in the heart of nature.

Along the way, you can also upgrade to a lodge instead of camping three times.

Do I need vaccinations or malaria pills for my trip to Botswana?

There are no mandatory vaccinations for Botswana, unless you have stayed in a high-risk yellow fever country during the seven days before entering Botswana or have been in transit (at an airport) for 12 hours. In that case, a vaccination against yellow fever is required. Are you flying through a yellow fever country like Ethiopia? Then you will need a yellow fever vaccination in case your flight is delayed.

Regardless of the length of stay, the following vaccinations are recommended for Botswana:

  • DTP vaccination (diphtheria, tetanus, and polio)
  • Hepatitis A vaccination (infectious jaundice).

Malaria pills are also recommended. You will be staying in a malaria area for a total of 10 nights.

Make an appointment for malaria advice or vaccinations well in advance. You can check this website for more information or contact your doctor or the GGD (Public Health Service) in the Netherlands.

Is this road trip through Botswana suitable for beginner travelers?

Botswana is a country full of adventures. As a novice road tripper, you'll be in good hands with Botswana Nomads, but it's an intensive trip for adventurers. You'll receive clear instructions in advance about driving a 4x4, using the rooftop tent, and what to expect along the way. The route is logically planned, and you'll be in touch with our team throughout the journey, which is available 24/7 for questions or support. This way, you can combine adventure with peace of mind.

It's important to know that you'll be sleeping at campsites that are sometimes not fenced. Wildlife can walk by your tent, and you also need to protect yourself against the insects in the country. On part of the route, you'll also need to take malaria pills. Yes, this is Africa in its purest form. That means you might hear an elephant passing by at night or that there could be spiders and snakes nearby. We'll teach you exactly how to handle this and what precautions to take. It's not a reason to panic, but it's something to be aware of. For many travelers, this is what makes the experience so special.

You'll receive plenty of information about the trip and the preparations, and we are always here for you, but the country itself remains adventurous!

Is Botswana safe to travel to?

Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa. The people are incredibly friendly and everyone looks out for each other along the road. During your trip with Travelbase, you'll never be alone: a local partner is always available for help and advice, and you'll be traveling with other adventurers, staying in the same place every night. This way, you'll always have people around you.

You'll receive a comprehensive roadbook filled with practical information. Inside, you'll find not only the most beautiful routes and attractions but also important tips on safe driving on unpaved roads and how to safely interact with wildlife in and around your accommodations. It also includes which areas in cities like Maun you might want to avoid, especially in the evenings.

The majority of the lodges and camps where you'll stay are well-secured and have experienced staff who know exactly how everything works. This way, you can fully relax and enjoy the spectacular nature, impressive wildlife, and authentic Botswana.

Is it safe to drive around the national parks on your own?

Yes, driving independently in the national parks of Botswana is safe, as long as you follow the rules and are well prepared. Parks like Chobe, Moremi, and Makgadikgadi are set up for self-drive safaris, and thousands of travelers do this every year without any issues.

The most important thing is to stay in your car while driving and observing. Only get out at designated spots like picnic areas or viewpoints, and even then, stay alert. Animals see your car as one big object and usually leave it alone, but as soon as you step out, you suddenly become interesting. Drive slowly and avoid sudden movements or loud noises. Animals have the right of way, always.

A good 4x4 is essential. Many roads in the parks are sandy tracks with deep ruts, and after rain, they can get muddy. Make sure you know how to drive through sand, and let some air out of your tires if necessary. You'll receive plenty of information about this from our rental partner beforehand. Always carry extra water, fuel, and a spare tire. Mobile reception is often not available, so be self-sufficient.

Always check the current situation at the park gate. Rangers will tell you which roads are open, where animals have recently been spotted, and if there are any special notices. Leave the parks before closing time, as driving at night is not allowed and can be dangerous. Your roadbook contains detailed maps and practical tips for each park, so you'll know exactly what to expect.

What about wildlife along the route?

In Botswana, you'll definitely encounter wild animals along the route. Here, you're truly in the wilderness, where large wildlife like elephants, hippos, buffalo, and even lions roam freely. They don't just live in fenced reserves but also along the roads and around many campsites and lodges. This makes your trip spectacularly authentic, but it also requires extra vigilance and respect.

Many accommodations in Botswana don't have fences around them. You'll be literally sleeping in the heart of nature, where animals can walk through the camp at night. The staff knows exactly how to handle this and often guides you to your tent after sunset. Never walk around alone in the dark and always use your flashlight. Store your food safely in your car or in designated facilities.

The golden rule is: keep your distance, stay calm, and make no sudden movements. Animals rarely attack if you don't threaten or surprise them. Never feed them and try not to touch them. In your roadbook, you'll find clear instructions on how to safely interact with wildlife so you can enjoy this unique bush experience without worries.

Can I customize the trip to my liking?

We offer a fully planned road trip in Botswana, which means it's not possible to adjust the duration and itinerary of the trip. Of course, you're free to extend your travels on your own initiative by spending a few extra days in South Africa before or after, or by traveling to another country.

What’s in the roadbook?

Our roadbook contains all the information you need for a successful road trip through Botswana.

On one hand, it includes the complete route, featuring all the hotspots and hidden gems that you won't find in big travel guides. It also provides information about safety in Botswana and the best routes. The places we recommend are always suggestions: you can choose which sights you want to visit and how much time you want to spend there.

How many people can we take on this trip?

The Suzuki Jimny 4x4s are suitable for 2 people.

Want to travel with 4 people? You can book two cars by making two separate bookings. Just send us an email, and we'll know that you're traveling together.

Is the car manual or automatic?

All cars are automatic.

How does the payment process work?

Within 5 days of your registration, you will need to pay a 35% deposit to confirm your road trip. After that, you have until 45 days before departure to change your options and pay the remaining amount. If you make changes, the deposit will be automatically recalculated.

Additionally, shortly before departure, you will also need to pay a security deposit. The amount of the deposit depends on the car insurance you have chosen (more info in the car insurance section).

There are various payment options. Did your payment fail? Then there was probably an error when entering the reference number, or you may have exceeded your account limit.

Can I still cancel my trip?

You can always cancel your road trip in Botswana. You can find the conditions here.

What are the Superflex cancellation policies?

These terms are available for anyone who books early. You can use them to change your road trip to a different period within the same season (subject to availability) or cancel free of charge before May 1, 2026.

Note: The Superflex cancellation policy does not apply to flight tickets; they cannot be canceled after booking.

Is there support on-site?

Upon your arrival in Johannesburg, you will be warmly welcomed by our local partners. They will greet you and provide you with information before your journey begins.

During your trip in Botswana, you can find all sorts of useful information in our app. Additionally, just before you depart, you'll receive an invitation to join a WhatsApp group with all the participants leaving on the same date. In that group, you can communicate with each other, and there will always be someone from the team available on-site in case of emergencies.

You will follow the same route as other nomadic travelers, though individually, but there will always be someone nearby to provide support if needed.

What name do I enter when booking the flight tickets through Botswana Nomads?

When you register, use your official name, exactly as it appears on your passport or ID.

Do you want to do your part for nature?

Through our partnership with Greentripper, you can offset the CO2 emissions of your trip. Your contribution goes to the certified Wildlife Cambodia project, which protects various forests and the wildlife that inhabits them. Additionally, Travelbase also contributes to every donation.

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