How to Prepare for Your Botswana 4×4 Safari: A Traveler’s Checklist
The sun had barely risen over Maun as Anna tightened the straps on her rooftop tent. Her hands were dusty, her eyes wide with anticipation. This wasn’t your average vacation. This was the start of a Botswana 4×4 safari – an adventure she’d dreamt about for years.
But truth be told, just a few weeks ago, she hadn’t known where to start. Do I need a special permit for Moremi? Is a sat phone necessary? What if I get stuck in the sand in Savuti?
If you’re like Anna, planning your self-drive safari in Botswana can feel a little overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive checklist – to help you prepare like a pro and set off with confidence.
The Ultimate Botswana Safari Checklist: What You Really Need
1. Choose the Right 4×4 Rental in Botswana
Anna quickly learned that not all 4×4 car hire in Botswana is equal. You’ll need a fully equipped off-road vehicle – think rooftop tent, dual batteries, fridge/freezer, high-lift jack, and recovery gear.
Pro Tip:
Look for rental companies that specialise in 4×4 camping safaris in Botswana, like Bushlore. They understand the terrain and provide detailed route briefings, support throughout your safari and years of experience to ensure your 4×4 self-drive safari is a success.
2. Plan Your Route and Book Ahead
Botswana’s national parks – Moremi, Chobe, Nxai Pan, and Makgadikgadi – are wild, remote, and stunning. But they fill up fast. Campsites are limited and bookings are essential, especially in peak season (June to October). We can assist with all your safari bookings and planning.
Anna’s Route: Maun → Moremi Game Reserve → Khwai → Savuti → Chobe → Kasane.
Pro Tip:
Anna decided to stay at Chobe Forest Camp, a quick 40 minute drive from Kasane, a small settlement on the banks of the Chobe River that can get very busy! Chobe Forest Camp offered incredible wildlife sightings and private campsites. The waterhole and viewing deck was the perfect way to end her Botswana 4×4 self-drive safari!
3. Pack Smart: Less is More
You don’t need three pairs of hiking boots. But you do need insect repellent, layered clothing, and plenty of dry snacks. Here’s a condensed Botswana safari packing list:
Packing List:
• Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing (for sun and mozzie protection)
• A wide-brim hat and sunglasses
• Sturdy sandals and one pair of closed shoes
• First aid kit & basic meds (including Imodium and antihistamines)
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Printed maps or GPS with Tracks4Africa
Anna packed light but didn’t skimp on essentials. When her GPS failed in the pans, her offline map saved the day.
4. Understand the Roads: This Is Not a Sunday Drive
Driving in Botswana can be challenging. Deep sand in Savuti, flooded crossings in Moremi, and elephant roadblocks are all part of the adventure. Know how to cross water safely, deflate tyres, engage low-range, and recover your vehicle. Water crossings are especially important. Before attempting a water crossing, check the depth of the water (no deeper than 70cm should be attempted) and the path you will be following. Always check your surroundings when doing these checks while in the wilderness areas. Here’s a helpful article about water crossings in Southern Africa.
Pro Tip:
Always travel with at least one extra spare tyre, a high-lift jack, a compressor, a shovel, and a tow rope. Better safe than stuck!
5. Be Self-Reliant
In the wilds of Botswana, there’s no cell signal, no supermarkets, and no quick fixes. Anna carried 40L of extra water, a week’s worth of food, and a healthy respect for the bush.
Carry:
• Extra fuel (Bushlore’s vehicle are equipped with long-range tanks)
• A satellite phone or Garmin InReach
• Cash for park fees is better (Point of Sales pay points sometimes are intermittent and ATMs are rare outside towns)
6. Respect the Wildlife
From lions lounging in the shade to elephants crossing your path at dusk, Botswana offers raw and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Keep your distance, drive slowly, and never, ever get out of the vehicle in unfenced areas.
Final Thoughts: This Is the Road Less Traveled – for a Reason
On her last night in the Khwai Community area, Anna watched a herd of elephants bathe in the river as the sun painted the sky pink. She felt empowered – grateful that she’d taken the time to prepare, plan, and embrace the unknown.
A Botswana overland trip isn’t just a holiday – it’s an immersion into Africa’s wild heart. With the right Botswana safari preparation, you’re not just ticking off parks – you’re living an adventure that will stay with you forever.
Ready to hit the road?
Check out our list of trusted, fully equipped 4×4 vehicles in Botswana, grab your safari packing checklist, and start mapping out your dream route across Botswana’s legendary wilderness. Bushlore will gladly assist with the bookings and arrangements of all the campsites along the way. Contact us to start planning!