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HomeRoad TripsAfricaSouth AfricaBotswanaKalahari 4WD
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Kalahari 4WD Road Trip

Gaborone - Kaudwane - Xade - Maun

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Security Security
Wildlife Wildlife
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Kalahari 4WD Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages3 km1,385 h/stage10.2

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Kalahari 4WD Road Trip in Botswana?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 405EUR drive & more 188EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 360EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 746EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,151EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 675EUR drive & more 250EUR sleep & more 462EUR eat & more 540EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,252EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,927EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,350EUR drive & more 338EUR sleep & more 858EUR eat & more 720EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,916EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,266EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,125EUR drive & more 375EUR sleep & more 275EUR eat & more 360EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,010EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,135EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Kalahari 4WD Road Trip Itinerary

The Kalahari 4WD Road Trip is a great way to explore the stunning landscapes of Botswana. Starting in Gaborone and ending in Maun, taking in the towns of Kaudwane and Xade along the way, this 1385km journey can take up to 5 days to complete. The best time to take this trip is during the dry season, from April to October. You can expect to see a variety of landscapes, from rolling sand dunes to thick forest, as you travel along the mostly poor road conditions. Some parts of the trip are only accessible to 4WDs, and some of the roads are narrow, but the experience and the memories you make will be worth it. This trip can be managed on a moderate budget, and is suitable for all drivers.
number of days 5 number of days
route length 1,385 km route length
budget fair budget
good for explorer good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Gaborone

Distance 1,385 km Driving time 30.6 h Pace: modest 360.0 kWh Airports GBE
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Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, is the perfect starting point for a road trip through the Kalahari Desert. Located near the South African border, Gaborone is a modern city full of culture, history, and activities. For those flying in, the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (IATA code: GBE) is the closest international airport. There are many car rental services available at the airport, making it easy to pick up a car for the road trip. Once in Gaborone, there are many interesting sights to visit. The Gaborone Dam is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and bird watching. The National Museum and Art Gallery is a great place to learn about Botswana’s history and culture. The Mokolodi Nature Reserve is a great place to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. Gaborone is also home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a relaxing evening out, Gaborone has something for everyone. Gaborone is the ideal starting point for a Kalahari 4WD Road Trip, with its convenient airport, car rental services, and exciting attractions. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out or a relaxing evening, Gaborone has something for everyone.

1 Gaborone - Kaudwane

Distance 217 km Driving time 5.3 h Pace: modest 56.5 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues sections of narrow road junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options camping sites 4WD only stretches of gravel road scenic road
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Embark on a journey down the well-maintained road from Gaborone to Kaudwane and take in the beautiful landscapes of Botswana. The 217 km drive will take no more than 6 hours and a 4WD is required for some sections, as the roads are narrow. On the way, you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places in the country. In Gaborone, you can visit the National Museum and the Botanical Gardens, where you can observe and learn about the local wildlife. Kaudwane is home to the spectacular Gaborone Dam, where you can enjoy a picnic, take a boat ride and observe the many birds that call it home. As you drive, take in the scenery and be sure to take lots of pictures. You will be able to visit local villages and have the opportunity to interact with the locals. This is one of the most interesting stages of your road trip, so don't forget to check the "Itinerary" for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.

2 Kaudwane - Xade

Distance 703 km Driving time 14.3 h Pace: modest 182.7 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD only stretches of gravel road not recommended for caravans scenic road sections of narrow road attractive landscape accommodation options camping sites
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Embark on an exciting road-trip from the bustling city of Kaudwane in Botswana to Xade, a distance of 703 km, that will take you less than 15 hours of driving. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, but you'll still be able to take in some of the most beautiful sights in the region. You'll need a 4WD vehicle to traverse some of the narrower roads, but the journey will be worth it for the picturesque landscapes and scenic roads. Along the way, you'll find places to stop and explore, such as the fossilized riverbed of the Boteti River, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Make sure to take advantage of the many accommodation and restaurant options available, as well as the campsites located around the route. For further information regarding attractions, accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!

3 Xade - Maun

Distance 465 km Driving time 11.0 h Pace: modest 120.8 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips 4WD only stretches of gravel road limited number of petrol stations scenic road sections of narrow road
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Welcome road-trippers! Embark on an amazing journey from Xade, Botswana to Maun and explore the incredible attractions in between. This 465 km trip will take you fewer than 11 hours. 4WD is required and keep an eye out for the narrow sections of the road. Gas stations may not always be available, so make sure to fill up whenever you can. Enjoy the scenic road and keep your eyes peeled for the beautiful wildlife that may be around. Don't forget to check out the local attractions when you arrive in Maun. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and amazing adventure!

  Maun

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Maun, Botswana is the perfect ending point for the Kalahari 4WD Road Trip. Located in the northwest of the country, it is the gateway to the Okavango Delta, allowing visitors to explore the area by car, boat, or air. The town itself is an interesting place to visit, with its bustling markets, traditional crafts, and restaurants. There are also plenty of sights to explore, such as the Maun Wildlife Education Centre, where visitors can learn about the local wildlife, and the Nhabe Museum, which tells the story of the local people. For those who want to explore the Okavango Delta, Maun is the ideal starting point. From here, you can take a 4WD safari and explore the area by car, or take a boat trip on the delta's many channels. For those travelling by air, the closest international airport is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (IATA: GBE), which is located just outside Maun. No matter how you choose to explore the area, Maun is the perfect ending point for the Kalahari 4WD Road Trip. From here, you can explore the natural beauty of the Okavango Delta or simply enjoy the vibrant town of Maun.

Kalahari 4WD Road Trip at a glance

Facts for safer driving in Botswana

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 100 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 120 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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