Why we love this trip
“There is nothing more beautiful than driving through the bush for a day and then suddenly ending up in pure luxury.”
Ebe van der Lecq
Founder of Botswana Specialist
- For independent travelers seeking luxury and freedom
- Exclusive lodges with all meals and safaris
- With your own 4x4 including navigation & back-up
- Including game drives, boat safaris, night safari, mokoro & scenic drives
- Including comprehensive briefing in Maun & tailored to your needs
- Full board (except Maun) with local drinks
- Note: international flights not included
From €7,950
(based on 2 persons)
Imagine this… You are driving through the vast wilderness of Botswana. It smells of warm sand and dry savanna. Your hands are still a bit sticky from the steering wheel, but you quickly forget that when you arrive at a lodge overlooking a watering hole full of wildlife. This self-drive safari is designed for travelers who want to feel the adventure but also enjoy comfort. From Khwai to Chobe and from bush to boat safari: this is the best of Botswana.
Self-driving, worry-free
Luxury lodges in the middle of the bush
Varied safaris over land and water
Fully organized and personally tailored
Your 14-day itinerary
What others say about this trip
"Every day brought something unexpected! From lions on the path to sundowners by the river. Truly a dream trip!"
Loes & Babette
Traveled with Botswana Specialist in 2022
Day 1 - 2: Your travel partner is ready in Maun
Day 1 - 2
Your travel companion is ready in Maun
Today your adventure begins with a domestic flight to Maun, the safari capital of Botswana. Here awaits your first encounter with our local colleagues and with your 4×4, the travel companion that will take you through bush and savanna. After an extensive briefing, an explanation of the vehicle, and handy tips, you have all the time to explore Maun at your own pace. Stroll along the river, visit the local market, or enjoy a nice dinner. A relaxed start in a lovely B&B to prepare for the real work: into the bush!
Day 2 - 5: Game drives & mokoros from Camp Moremi
Day 2 - 5
Game drives & mokoros from Camp Moremi
The engine roars, the tires grip the sand, and soon you exchange the city noise for silence, dust, and wildlife. The route to Moremi Game Reserve is stunning, and there’s a good chance the first elephants or giraffes will greet you along the way. From the luxury of Camp Moremi, you are ready for a new game drive every morning and afternoon with an experienced guide. From lions to fish eagles, from mokoro trips to boat trips in the Delta: these days revolve around wildlife and wonder. In the evenings by the campfire, you’ll fall asleep to the sound of hyenas in the distance.
Day 5 - 8: Night safaris in Khwai Private Game Reserve
Day 5 - 8
Night safaris in Khwai Private Game Reserve
Slowly you drive towards the northeast, and along the way Botswana reveals its magic once again. In Khwai, you temporarily exchange the 4×4 for the comfort of lodge vehicles. Little Sable is atmospheric and stylish, perfect for those who want to be in nature without sacrificing comfort. The guides know the area like the back of their hands and will take you out in the evenings as well, when nocturnal animals become active. Spot bush babies in the moonlight, follow a leopard in the dark, and enjoy a drink at a hidden lagoon. Here, the safari heart of Botswana beats loudest here.
Day 8 - 10: Lions and leopards in Savuti
Day 8 - 10
Lions and leopards in Savuti
With a full tank and fresh coffee, you will drive towards Savuti today, a rugged area where nature takes centre stage. The vast plains, ancient baobabs, and dusty roads make this drive an experience in itself. Savuti is known for its predators, and there is a good chance you will spot the famous lions of the Marsh Pride or see a leopard lounging in a tree. Savute Safari Lodge is located by a waterhole, so even from the pool you can see animals coming and going. Savuti is untamed, intense, and exactly what you imagine Africa at its purest to be.
Day 10 - 13: Boat safaris at Chobe & Victoria Falls
Day 10 - 13
Boat safaris at Chobe & Victoria Falls
Today a final drive through Chobe National Park. Along the way, the landscape slowly changes: from savannah to green riverbanks. In Kasane, you will return the car and be picked up by a guide from Chobe River Lodge. This lodge is situated by the mighty Chobe river, where thousands of elephants come to drink and bathe. Take a boat safari at sunset, see how hippos wallow and rumble in the water and crocodiles bask on the sand. Want more adventure? Then a day trip to Victoria Falls, on the border with Zimbabwe, is an unforgettable addition to your trip.
Day 13 - 14: Back home with your head full of memories
Day 13 - 14
Back home with your head full of memories
After almost two weeks full of impressions, it’s time to say goodbye. A transfer will take you to the airport in Kasane for the return flight via Johannesburg. As the plane takes off, you find yourself reflecting on magical moments: an elephant at sunrise, footprints in the sand, the sound of the bush in the dark. This journey will stay with you forever. We can’t wait to hear your stories!
