Okavango 4WD Road Trip

Embark on an exciting 4WD Road Trip from Maun to Kasane in Botswana. This 439km journey through the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park will take around 3 days to complete and is best done during the dry season. Along the route you will be treated to some of the most spectacular landscapes and nature that Botswana has to offer. You will encounter a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards and more. Be aware that the roads are partly accessible for 4WD only and there may be seasonal closures due to weather conditions. The roads are also partly narrow, so driving should be done with caution. Despite these challenges, the Okavango 4WD Road Trip provides a high level of experience and memories and can be managed on a moderate budget. Suitable for all drivers, this is a road trip not to be missed.

Maun, Botswana, is the perfect starting point for the Okavango 4WD Road Trip. Situated at the delta of the Okavango River, Maun is the gateway to some of the most spectacular safari and adventure experiences in Africa. The town itself is a pleasant place to visit, offering a variety of accommodation, restaurants and activities to explore. As the tourism capital of Botswana, Maun is home to a number of attractions and activities. Take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta to get an aerial view of the area, or go on a guided safari to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a hot air balloon ride to witness the beauty of the Delta from the sky. If you’d rather stay grounded, Maun’s surrounding areas offer beautiful trails for hiking and biking. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (IATA: GBE). This airport is well served by international airlines and there are car rental services available for those wishing to begin their road trip. Maun is the perfect starting point for the Okavango 4WD Road Trip, offering an exciting array of experiences and stunning sights. From the captivating Delta to the wild bush, this incredible road trip will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Start your Botswana road trip in Maun and take a 155km drive to Khwai River, a journey that will take you no more than 5 hours. You will need a 4WD to take on this journey, as some sections may be closed off seasonally and the road will become quite narrow in some sections. Enjoy the scenic view along the way and be sure to take your time to take in the beauty of Botswana. You can visit the Maun Wildlife Education Centre and the Maun Lake. On the way to Khwai River, you can stop at the Khwai Community Trust, and the Khwai River Bridge. Once you arrive at the Khwai River, you can take a boat ride and explore the river and the wildlife. Don't forget to take in the stunning sunsets over the river. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, visit the "Itinerary" of this stage.

Embark on an exciting and adventurous road trip from Khwai River in Botswana to Savuti in just under 4 hours. This 106 km journey is best traveled in a 4WD vehicle and while some sections may be closed seasonally, the rest of the road is narrow but scenic. During your journey, you will have the opportunity to visit the Moremi Game Reserve, the Mababe Depression, and many other interesting sights. Along the way, you can stop to observe the rich wildlife, catch a glimpse of the beautiful landscape, and possibly even spot some of the famous big cats of the area. You can also take a break to enjoy a picnic at the various scenic spots. Once you reach Savuti, you can visit the Savuti Marsh, the Savuti Channel, and the ancient San rock paintings. Don’t forget to take some time to explore the nearby villages and meet the locals. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage.

Embark on an adventure and explore the wonders of Botswana on this incredible road trip from Savuti to Kasane! This 178 km journey will take you less than 5 hours, so take the time to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. You will need a 4WD vehicle for some of the narrower sections of the road, so make sure you are prepared! You can expect to be amazed by the picturesque landscapes and scenic roads that you will encounter along the way. Keep an eye out for some of the fascinating wildlife that calls this area home such as giraffes, zebras, and elephants. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the attractions in both Savuti and Kasane, as well as all the other interesting sites along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Get ready for an unforgettable experience and embark on this incredible road trip from Savuti to Kasane!

Kasane is the perfect ending point for the Okavango 4WD Road Trip. Located in the far north of Botswana, Kasane offers a chance to explore the Chobe National Park, one of the largest national parks in Africa. This park is home to a great variety of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo. While in Kasane, visitors can take a trip on the Chobe River, where they can spot hippos, crocodiles, and an array of bird species. For those looking for a more adrenaline-filled experience, there are also white-water rafting and boat safaris available. Kasane also has a great selection of restaurants, bars, and shops for visitors to explore. The town is home to a number of markets selling locally produced crafts, as well as souvenirs for those looking to take a piece of their trip home with them. For those traveling by air, Kasane is served by Kasane International Airport (BBK), which is located just outside of town. No matter what type of traveler you are, Kasane is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. With its stunning natural beauty and abundance of wildlife, it is the perfect place to end the Okavango 4WD Road Trip.

Enhanced Overview:

Embark on an exhilarating 439km journey from Maun to Kasane, traversing the heart of Botswana. This 4WD adventure spans the spectacular Okavango Delta and the wildlife-rich Chobe National Park, typically taking at least 3 days to savor the experience fully. As you drive, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking landscapes, from winding waterways to expansive savannas, and the opportunity to spot a diverse range of wildlife in their natural habitats.

Detailed Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Okavango Delta: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, the delta is a labyrinth of lagoons, channels, and islands. Here, you could witness the unique spectacle of the annual floodwaters arriving from the Angolan highlands, transforming the landscape into a lush animal paradise. Beyond the iconic wildlife like hippos, giraffes, and crocodiles, the delta also supports over 400 bird species.
• Chobe National Park: Famous for having one of the densest wildlife populations in the world, Chobe is particularly renowned for its massive herds of elephants, which are said to be the largest continuously surviving elephant population on earth. The park is also home to an impressive predator population, including lions, leopards, and wild dogs.

Optimal Timing:

The best time to embark on this Road Trip is during the dry season from May to October. During this period, animals are more likely to be seen congregating around the remaining water sources, and the risk of malaria is lower. The lack of rain also means that the dirt tracks are at their firmest and least treacherous.

Addressing Potential Risks:

Navigating this route demands a reliable 4WD vehicle and a driver experienced in off-Road conditions. It's essential to check for seasonal track closures, particularly during the wet season, as some areas can become impassable. Additionally, always be prepared for encounters with wildlife, which necessitates cautious and respectful driving practices.

Intriguing Facts for Roadtrippers:

• The journey not only tests your off-Roading skills but also immerses you in Botswana's conservation ethos, as both the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are integral to the country's eco-tourism.
• Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa, offering peace of mind for travelers.
• This Road Trip provides an unparalleled opportunity to participate in activities such as mokoro (dugout canoe) rides in the delta and river cruises on the Chobe River.

A good choice for:

A 4WD Road Trip between Maun and Kasane is more than a drive—it's an adventure into the wild heart of Botswana. It's a chance to connect with the raw beauty of Africa and create memories that last a lifetime. Plan with the seasons in mind, respect the wildlife, and immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness that is Botswana’s pride.