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To be able to drive during the tour in Botswana, you will need the following:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All cars are automatic.
When you arrive in Maun, our local partners will be there to welcome you. They’ll greet you and take you to the lodge, where your roadbook will be waiting.
During your road trip through Botswana, you’ll find all kinds of useful information in our app. Just before departure, a chat will also become available in the Travelbase app for everyone leaving on the same date. You can use the group to keep in touch with one another, and there will always be someone from the team available and on location in case of an emergency.
You’ll follow the same route as other nomad travelers, but independently. There’s always someone nearby to help if needed.
When you register, use your official name, exactly as it appears on your passport or ID.
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.
On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our local partners, rangers or guides. They will greet you and give you a brief introduction before your trip begins.
You will also be given access to a chat group with all the other participants departing on the same date just before you set off. You can use this group to chat with each other or with our team.
During the trip, you’ll spend two nights in a lodge. Your first and last nights will be at the same lodge near Maun.
You’ll stay at unique campsites in nature along the route. All campsites have bathroom facilities, and almost all of them also have electricity. If there’s no power connection, you can use the power bank for the night.
Some campsites in Botswana are located right in the middle of national parks, so there’s a good chance you’ll come across large animals. We’ll make sure you know how to deal with them safely. Keep your food and belongings out of sight of smaller animals. Most campsites have great facilities, including a swimming pool and/or a restaurant. Occasionally, there are fewer facilities, but that means you’ll be staying right in nature. The pitches are spacious, although other vehicles may sometimes be parked nearby.
Along the way, you can also upgrade to a lodge instead of camping in Nata.
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!
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.
As we offer a fully organised trip, it is not possible to adjust the duration or itinerary. However, you are free to extend your trip independently by spending a few extra days on site afterwards, for example, or continuing your journey to another country.
Botswana Nomads is suitable for anyone who loves nature and adventure. Whether you are an experienced traveler or stepping out of your comfort zone for the very first time, if you are open to new experiences, you’ve come to the right place!
However, this is an intensive trip for adventurers. Prior to departure, you will receive clear instructions on driving a 4×4, using the rooftop tent, and what to expect along the way. The route is logically structured, and throughout the journey, you will be in touch with our team, available 24/7 for questions or support. This allows you to combine adventure with peace of mind.
It is good to know that you will be sleeping at campsites that are sometimes unfenced. Wildlife may walk past your tent, and you will also need to protect yourself well against local insects. On part of the route, taking malaria pills is required. Yes, this is Africa in its purest form. That means you might hear an elephant walking by at night, or there might be spiders and snakes nearby. We will teach you exactly how to handle this and what precautions to take. It’s no reason to panic, but certainly something to be aware of. For many travelers, this is precisely what makes the experience so special.
You will receive plenty of information about the trip and its preparation, and we are always here to help, but the country itself remains truly adventurous!
It is always possible to cancel your trip. You can find the general cancellation conditions here. You can also rely on the Superflex cancellation conditions. More info under the FAQ ‘What are the Superflex cancellation conditions?
The Superflex cancellation conditions are available for anyone who books early.
You can reschedule your trip to another period within the same season (depending on availability) or cancel for free before a certain date, which is clearly stated on the registration form.
If the deadline to use the Superflex conditions has passed, the general cancellation conditions apply.
Depending on availability, you can add or remove most options (except cancellation insurance) until a few weeks before departure. Generally, we follow a first-come, first-served principle, so early decision-makers are at an advantage.
Within 5 days after your registration, you must pay a deposit to confirm your trip. After that, you still have until a few weeks before departure to modify your options and pay the remaining balance. If you make changes, the deposit is automatically recalculated.
There are various payment options, including Bancontact, Mastercard, iDeal. If you have a Travelbase voucher, you can use it as well.
If your payment fails, it is likely due to an incorrect reference number or exceeding your account limit.
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:
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.
A few weeks before departure, you will receive a detailed packing list, carefully compiled by our experienced team. The packing list includes everything you need for your adventure, from clothing to equipment and useful extras.