Okavango to Vic Falls self-drive Experience

Highlights on this Southern Africa SUV self-drive safari include major attractions such as the Victoria Falls, Chobe, the Okavango and the legendary Zambezi River – and all are within easy reach by SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle).

The distances on each day vary but each moment will be filled with sights of Africa not experienced on regular safaris. The SUV drive option allows for anyone with a sense of adventure to appreciate the landscapes of Africa.

Your Botswana self-drive tour follows a great route through magnificent and truly diverse landscapes. Enjoy the freedom of the road as you visit the Makgadikgadi Pans en-route to the lush Okavango Delta and Caprivi Strip. You’ll also enjoy the magic of Chobe National Park and finally the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

Day 1: Johannesburg – Francistown

Today 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 will stay overnight in a hotel.

Day 2 - 3: Francistown – Nata

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. While in Nata, you can explore the Makgadikgadi Pans on your own or with the guide from the safari lodge. The Makgadikgadi Pans are the largest salt pans in the world and a fascinating range of desert adapted creatures can be seen.

Day 4: Nata – Maun

This morning, you may want more explore more of the Makgadikgadi Pans before heading on to Maun, where you stay for 2 nights. During your stay at Maun there will be a number of activities you can take part in. You may take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta or a makoro ride (canoeing), water levels permitting. Horse riding can also be organised.

Day 5 – 6: Maun – Caprivi Strip

Today you will leave after breakfast and 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. Over the next 2 days you will experience this area for yourself, an area that was once a war zone but has now been retaken by the natural way of life. The Caprivi Strip is renowned as one of the best birding areas in Africa.

Day 7 – 9: Caprivi Strip – Chobe - Victoria Falls

Today you will leave Namibia via the Ngoma Bridge and cross 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 game lodge in Kasane from where you will explore the Chobe River and the National Park in a boat or in a vehicle. Victoria Falls option

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 a number of adventure activities. Victoria Falls is known as the adventure capital of Africa and there are many highlights to choose from. You will return to Kasane to overnight.

Day 10: Chobe – Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Leaving Victoria Falls you head back into Botswana and travel south via Nata and Francistown to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary where you'll be spending the night. This Sanctuary is where the Rhinos of Botswana were taken for protection from poachers.

Day 11: Return to Johannesburg

After breakfast you leave the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and cross the border for your self-drive back into South Africa.

Self drive Option

This 11 day classic self-drive is calculated for 2 guests in a 2x4 (SUV) car rental ex/to Johannesburg and sharing en-suite accommodation.

Rates are valid for 2012 / 2013 but may vary depending on the season and daily currency exchange rate.

Included:

• 11 days Car rental, category K – 2x4 Nissan X-Trail (SUV) or similar
• Unlimited km car rental and super cover insurance car hire
• 1 overnight at Francistown in a hotel / double room on a bed & breakfast basis
• 2 overnights at Nata in a chalet on a bed & breakfast basis
• 2 overnights at Maun in a chalet on a bed & breakfast basis
• 1 overnight at Popa Falls in a river cabin on a bed & breakfast basis
• 1 overnight at Kongola area in an en-suite chalet fully inclusive of meals, scheduled activities, laundry service and park fees
• 2 overnights at Chobe in a twin chalet on a bed & breakfast basis
• 1 overnight at Serowe in a rustic chalet with self-catering option

Not included:

• Flight tax and airport tax
• Car rental fuel, border across fee into Botswana & Namibia, contract fee and additional driver fee
• Premium brands, imported wines, champagne, spirits and liqueurs
• Optional activities

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