Self-Drive Tours and Car Rentals in Botswana
Botswana, known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and stunning attractions, is a top destination for adventurers and explorers. Whether you’re planning a safari in the Okavango Delta or Moremi Game Reserve, a visit to Chobe National Park, or a trip to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans – having a reliable means of transportation is essential.
Embarking on a self-drive tour in Botswana and renting a car offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the country’s vast and diverse terrain at your own pace. Here is a comprehensive guide to car rentals in Botswana to help you make informed decisions.
Discover the fascination of Botswana at your own pace
Why should you explore Botswana on your own in a rental car?
There are many good reasons to explore Botswana independently, especially if you're not a fan of bus tours or similar group trips. Here are the main advantages of a self-drive journey in your own rental vehicle:
- Flexibility and independence: You can plan your trip yourself (or we can assist you according to your individual preferences) without having to adhere to fixed schedules on guided safaris.
- Access to remote areas: Public transportation in Botswana is virtually non-existent. Many of Botswana’s main attractions are located in remote regions with challenging terrain. A rented 4x4 vehicle is often essential to reach national parks, game reserves, and other wilderness areas.
- Comfort and convenience: Having your own rental vehicle provides comfort on long drives and allows you to carry all the essentials. You can manage your time freely and experience Botswana’s highlights on your own terms.
Explore Botswana independently and on your own
Our car rental service in Botswana
In addition to organizing self-drive tours through Botswana, another service we offer is booking a suitable rental car for your journey.
If you're interested, we can take care of the entire car rental booking process in Botswana for you. Just like with our accommodation and activity booking service, we keep things simple and straightforward:
- Your personal contact: We are your personal point of contact before and during your trip.
- No hidden costs: You pay no more than you would when booking directly with the car rental company.
- Reliable bookings: All bookings are 100% reliable.
Our trusted car rental partners in Botswana
For Botswana, we definitely recommend a powerful off-road vehicle, such as a Toyota Hilux 4x4 or similar. Although the main connecting roads between the largest cities are paved, the most beautiful destinations (Okavango Delta, Moremi, Chobe, salt pans, Central Kalahari, etc.) can only be explored with a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Here you will find car rental companies in Botswana that we work with:
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Britz 4x4 Rentals
The car rental company Britz primarily rents out Toyota Hilux and Suzuki Jimnys for lodge and camping safaris but also offers camper vans.
Information on Self-Drive Tours and Car Rentals in Botswana
Botswana is an exciting and incredibly diverse destination for adventurous self-drive travelers. Located in the heart of Southern Africa, it is considered very safe and boasts a well-developed tourism infrastructure:
- Good accommodations: From luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites.
- Mostly well-maintained road network: Main roads are generally in good condition, but some remote areas require a 4x4 vehicle.
- Reliable gas stations: Regularly available in urban areas, but fuel should be planned carefully in remote regions.
- Shops with a wide range of supplies: Basic groceries and camping essentials can be found in most towns.
Most of the roads in Botswana are in very good condition
Botswana also has excellent long-distance transport connections. International flights to Botswana typically include a transit stop in Windhoek (Namibia) or Johannesburg (South Africa) from many major international airports. Most travelers prefer to start their self-drive tour in the exciting tourist hubs of Maun or Kasane. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be picked up by the car rental company and receive a detailed introduction to your vehicle.
We recommend spending at least the first night in a lovely lodge or guesthouse at your arrival destination to rest after your flight. Both cities offer a wide range of exciting activities, making it worthwhile to stay for a while at the beginning or end of your trip.
Alternatively, many travelers to Botswana fly via Victoria Falls International Airport, stay there for one or two nights to visit the magnificent Victoria Falls, and then book a transfer to Kasane, where they pick up their rental car and begin their self-drive journey. You are also welcome to book transfers between Victoria Falls and Kasane (in either direction) through us.
Botswana has good connections to international flights through the airports in Kasane and Maun