Wild Botswana – 4WD Safari - Back Track Adventures

Tag along on a Safari Adventure of a Lifetime

Set out on an unforgettable African safari in your own luxury Avis 4WD hire vehicle, combining the freedom of self-drive adventure with the reassurance of expert guides. This is a fun, exhilarating way to experience Africa—immersive, comfortable, and wonderfully rewarding.

Botswana is a peaceful and welcoming nation, renowned for its pristine wilderness and exceptional wildlife encounters. It offers some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes, from vast open plains to lush waterways teeming with life. No visit to this region would be complete without witnessing the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, which we’ve included in our journey.

Stay in a carefully chosen mix of comfortable camping and safari lodges as we explore Africa’s most remarkable ecosystems – the vast Kalahari Desert, the surreal Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, and the World Heritage–listed Okavango Delta.

For those who enjoy driving, the 4WD conditions are engaging and rewarding, yet no previous off-road experience is required – This is not a 4WD challenge, but a relaxed safari adventure. Automatic vehicles are recommended, though manual options are available, and our experienced guides are with you throughout to ensure a safe, easy, and thoroughly enjoyable journey.

Self-drive tagalong safaris in Africa are rarely available to the public. This unique experience allows you to get closer to the African bush and its wildlife, in comfort and with an unmatched sense of freedom.

To protect Botswana’s fragile environments, visitor numbers are strictly limited, and our group sizes are kept small. Early booking is essential to secure your place on this exceptional safari adventure.

Live life now, make every safari day fun.

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 | Arrive Johannesburg

Upon arrival we stay at City Lodge Hotel, located within the Johannesburg International Airport complex. This evening we meet our Safari Guides at the hotel for a welcome to Africa briefing.

Day 2

Day 2 | Matamba Bush Camp

Accompanied by our Guides we transfer to the Avis Depot, complete hire vehicle paperwork and receive a comprehensive vehicle run down. Proceed in convoy to a local supermarket to stock your vehicle with personal supplies. Your route today involves highway driving, familiarising yourself with your hire vehicle. Our first camp is set in Matamba Bush Camp, which is a sanctuary for Sable antelopes, springbok, wildebeest, and a wide variety of birdlife. (B,D)

Day 3

Day 3 | Botswana – Serowe – Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Today we cross the border into Botswana, driving on sealed roads through small towns and scenic countryside. We camp tonight at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, offering a rare opportunity to view the endangered white and black rhino. (D)

Day 4 to 6

Days 4-6 | Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai National Park

For our next 3 days, we depart the sealed roads and travel on 4WD tracks into an awe inspiring 16,000 square kilometre salt pan with ever-changing savannah environments. We stop at the famous Kubu Island, a remote granite outcrop studded with Baobab trees, before continuing on to Nxai National Park. The wildlife we will be seeking over these 3 days include elephant, zebra, blue wildebeest, kudu, hartebeest, gemsbok, springbok, hyena, jackal, giraffe, lion, cheetah and much more, not to mention the abundant birdlife. (3xD)

Days 7 to 13

Days 7 - 13 | Maun to Kasane

Arriving in the safari town of Maun, the southern gateway to the world-famous Okavango Ecosystem, we refuel and restock provisions for our next adventure. Over the following 6 days, we navigate a maze of 4WD tracks traversing this unique inland delta, where the Okavango River floods into the Kalahari Desert. Explore the legendary safari areas of Moremi, Khwai and Chobe. We break our camping experience for 2 nights to stay in a very comfortable community operated Safari lodge where all meals and activities, including drives with experienced trackers, are supplied by the lodge team. (2xB, 2xL, 6xD)

Okavango Delta Eco System

Wildlife

The Okavango Delta is famed for its vast elephant herds and exceptional wildlife encounters. Across its diverse habitats, you may see Cape buffalo, zebra, giraffe, baboons, warthogs, monkeys, jackals, lions, honey badgers, and mongoose. Cheetah roam the open floodplains, while leopards are often spotted by those camping within the park. Wild dog, hyena, hippo, and 19 species of antelope - from towering eland to delicate grysbok - add to the richness of life here, ensuring memorable encounters day and night. Birdlife is equally impressive, with over 400 species, highlighted by the colourful lilac-breasted roller and the iconic fish eagle hunting over the waterways.

Days 14,15

Days 14-15 | Kasane

Departing the Okavango Delta, we navigate sand tracks towards Chobe National Park. Today might prove to be a more demanding driving day. The sand tracks vary in softness and depth from year to year. We move slowly, in harmony with track conditions and constantly on the lookout for wildlife through ever-changing scenery. Our next stop is the bustling safari town of Kasane. Optional activities include: - a morning drive along Chobe River and an afternoon iconic Chobe River cruise.

Days 16,17

Days 16-17 | Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls

We leave our vehicles and cross the border by private minibus to Victoria Falls. We settle into the centrally located N1 Hotel for two nights, just a short walk from the Falls, restaurants, shops, and lively curio markets. The afternoon is yours to book optional activities or join a guided walking tour of the Falls, with tour leaders on hand to assist. The following day is free to explore at your own pace, enjoy local eateries, browse the markets, or join optional activities in and around one of Africa’s great natural wonders. (1xB)

Days 18 to 20

Days 18-20 | Botswana, Kasane and back to Johannesburg

After lunch we transfer back to our campsite in Kasane. We will refuel and restock our provisions before we travel to Elephant Sands Lodge, where herds of elephants gather at the waterhole beside the bar and restaurant - an unforgettable sunset setting. Continuing on the next day through rural towns to Goo Moremi Gorge, our final campsite, where bush walks, dramatic landscapes, and a relaxed campfire evening provide a fitting finale to your safari adventure. (1xB, 1xD)

Day 21

Days 21 | South Africa, Arrive Johannesburg

Our journey concludes as we cross back into South Africa, enjoying a hosted farewell lunch at our Safari Hosts’ Johannesburg home. After returning our vehicles at the Avis Safari Rentals depot, we are transferred to City Lodge, OR Tambo Airport Hotel. (L)

Day 22

Day 22 | Depart Johannesburg

Itinerary concludes after breakfast. Depart home or choose to extend your adventure with a trip to Cape Town, the Winelands, or extend your stay in Johannesburg. (B)

2026 Pricing

Category (A) 2.2 litre manual – from $14,000 per person, twin share
Category (L) 2.2 litre auto (recommended) – from $15,670 per person, twin share

Inclusions

Hire of a 2.2 litre auto or manual, airconditioned, 4WD Avis safari vehicle fully kitted for camping, including bed linen, duvet, pillows, pillow slips and towels.
Standard insurance for vehicle*
*refundable deposit of ZAR30,000 per vehicle payable direct
Fully escorted by Back Track Safari Hosts from Johannesburg
All road taxes, post-tour vehicle cleaning fees
Park entry and camp fees per itinerary
Tips for your Safari Hosts
Meals indicated on itinerary
6 nights twin share accommodation in 3/4-star lodges and hotels
Arrival & departure transfers as per itinerary
Extensive pre-departure information and advice to ensure your preparations are complete
Pre departure Zoom web meeting for all participants which includes your African guides
24-hour emergency contact while on holiday

Exclusions

International flights
Passport and Visa costs
Travel insurance
Vaccinations
Additional pre-/post-tour accommodation
Meals not indicated on itinerary
Fuel and additional insurance for vehicle
Any other expense not mentioned in ‘inclusions’

Your Safari Hosts

Stevie & Freddie Becker directors of specialist safari company, Overland 360, have partnered with Back Track to offer ground-breaking 4WD safari adventures throughout Namibia and Botswana.

Enjoy their knowledge and passion for the African bush, wildlife and cultures that you will encounter.

Proud South Africans, living in Johannesburg, and having hosted many Australians, Stevie laughingly claims to understand Aussie slang and most of our cultural peculiarities. You will have an opportunity to meet Stevie and Freddie in an online Zoom meeting prior to your departure from Australia.

AVIS 4WD Safari Vehicles

Hit the link for details on vehicle features.
Avis Safari Rental Group A manual
Avis Safari Rental Group L Auto

Wild Botswana – 4WD Safari

You drive / We guide

29 June - 20 July 2026