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People who are doing a 4x4 self drive in Botswana often hire a vehicle and these come with everything you need on your journey. Below is a quick checklist of advice that could help you when on a self-drive safari in Botswana.
The best self-drive advice is: Travel With Two Vehicles. Find out about Botswana Self-drive Safari Packages General Botswana Self-drive Tips
- All vehicles are driven from the right hand side
- You drive on the left hand side of the road in Botswana
- Watch out for animals – many of the roads are unfenced and animals such as Donkeys often wander across the road, in national parks it could well be an Elephant!
- A related point – stick to the speed limit, especially in the national parks – it is for your safety and allows you to see many more animals that you may have just whizzed past.
- Do not travel after dark, as animals are harder to see on the road at night. Many accidents happen because of this. Animals such as Kudu often jump across the road at night in front of cars, so you need to be very cautious when driving at night.
- Many parts of Botswana’s game reserves are only accessible in 4x4 vehicles due to the rough roads. You can rent 4x4’s from several companies or ask one of our Destination Specialists to assist you.
- Take extra petrol with you in Jerry cans - even if you have a backup tank. Most of the petrol stations are only located in the major cities and you can use a lot of fuel when driving through sand, so you may often use more than you think.
- Take at least 100 liters of water with you. The water in the rivers needs to be boiled before drinking it. So take clean water with you. Also you may need it to fill radiators or for basic washing etcetera.
- Carry a satellite phone. Often when you run into trouble, it will be in the middle of nowhere and you will have no idea when the next car might come by. You need to have some way to ask for help in an emergency.
- Take a GPS and maps. The roads are often un-signposted so a map is a definite necessity.
- In case you break down you should carry spare tires, and a high lift jack as well as an ordinary jack.
- Carry a basic set of tools with spanners and screw drivers. If you are mechanically inclined, then consider taking a few basic spare parts such as a fan-belt.
- Take a medical aid kit. In the heat and humidity even small cuts can get infected quickly, so it is a good idea to carry a basic medical aid kit with you.
Northern Botswana Self-drive tips
Roads in the parks of Northern Botswana are very bad, rutted and very sandy. Make sure the vehicle you are travelling in has been serviced before the trip.
- Fuel is not available from the camps en route so make sure you have enough to get through from Maun to Kasane – or vice versa.
- Carry a selection of motor spares, such as filters tyre repair kit and a toolbox in case problems occur during yourself self drive Safari.
- Carry at least two spare tyres. Although off-road driving is not allowed in the parks of Botswana, the chances are good that animals such as Elephants have left puncture causing vegetation in the road. Remember to always carry a tyre pump
- A spade is also an essential item for digging out stuck vehicles
- Carry spare water even if you're staying at a Lodge, for drinking and vehicle repairs. Fill up your containers if any water is used during the day.
- An essential element of your trip is patience - to enjoy what Botswana has to offer do not rush from place to place, but rather take your time and enjoy the spectacular wilderness.
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