Self-drive in Namibia & Botswana
Regular car or 4×4?
You can make your Namibia and Botswana trip with a regular car, but we always recommend an SUV. This does not necessarily have to be a 4×4. An SUV car offers more comfort on the bumpy gravel roads. You also sit higher in it, which allows you to spot animals better in the game parks. If you also want to go to the Botswana game parks, a 4×4 car is mandatory. Think of a Single Cab or Double Cab. The country is more untouched and the roads, especially in the Chobe and Moremi parks, are less well-maintained.
4x4 with roof tent and camping equipment
If you are adventurous camper, you can choose our 4×4 tent option. At the end of the day you fold out your tent and sleep on the roof of the car. In addition to the 4×4 rental car with roof tent and camping equipment, we’ll also arrange your campsites in advance.
Sat Nav/GPS
Apart from the obvious getting to and from a destination, a sat nav will be your partner in crime for seeking out remote restaurant locations, petrol stations and the ever useful ‘dangerous bridge ahead’ warnings. Simply pre-load your included satnav at the beginning of your trip with all hotel names and off you go.
Category C: Toyota Corolla Cross (or similar)
- 3 litre – automatic or manual
- Air-conditioning
- Room for 2x large and 2x small pieces of luggage
- Maximum 5 people
- Wifi and satnav included
Toyota Fortuner 4x4 or equivalent
- Automatic
- Suitable for 5 people with luggage
5-door, airbags, power steering and air conditioning - Wifi and satnav included
- More comfort on the bumpy gravel roads
4x4 Single Cab with camping equipment
4WD SE Toyota Hilux 2.4L (or similar)
- Manual transmission
160 liter fuel tank - Full 4×4 (camping) equipment including refrigerator
- Sleeping space for 2 people
- Luggage in the loading bed: 2 large backpacks or 2 large suitcases, 2 backpacks
- Can drive on any terrain and suitable for the Botswana parks
Top tips
Parking – We’ve rarely had any problems parking in Namibia and Botswana – you can almost always leave the car outside your accommodation. This will usually be free and parking on the streets is usually fairly easy as well.
Allow time – Leave an hour earlier than you need to. Namibia and Botswana are beautiful countries and as you drive through, you’ll see many opportunities to stop and admire the scenery. By giving yourself a bit of extra time you’ll be able to appreciate these moments rather than speeding on towards your next destination.
View our favourite road trip spots
