Southern Africa Self-Drive Camping Tour

Southern Africa Self-Drive Camping Tour

Southern Africa Self-Drive Camping Tour

Prices

From $3,675USD

Difficulty

Guided

Camping, hotels

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Drive through Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe from South Africa

Drive deep into quintessential Africa, passing savannah, grassland, and forest.

Take game drives in premier parks, finding lions, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, and more.

Experience the power of Victoria Falls from the comfort of a guided tour.

Pick and choose excursions from each campsite to make the trip perfectly yours.

There’s no way to see Southern Africa like driving yourself right through the quintessentially African landscape, and the Southern Africa Self-Drive Camping Tour gives you the ultimate in freedom when it comes to exploring Africa!

The Southern Africa Self-Drive Camping Tour lets you get behind the wheel with the help of your experienced guide, driving deep into the African savannah. Pitch tents at campsites along the Zambezi River, and awake to elephants strolling by in the morning. Stop by Victoria Falls and let the mist hit your face or jump into a helicopter to explore from above. Drive into some of the most renowned game reserves in Africa, including Moremi and Chobe. Swim in lazy rivers next to peaceful villages and get to know fellow adventures at hotel bars and campsites. Hike in the forest of Botswana or rip around on a quad in the bushland of Zimbabwe. Cruising through Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, the Southern Africa Self-Drive Camping Tour is a chance like no other to explore Africa with all the freedom four wheels provide.

Southern Africa Self-Drive Camping Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in South Africa

Welcome to Africa! You’ll arrive at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg and be greeted by your guide, who will drive you to your hotel in Pretoria for the rest of the day.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Pretoria
Distance
55km
Meals
None

Day 2 Travel to Limpopo

After breakfast, you’ll receive your rental vehicle(s) in the morning at the hotel. Then, it’s off to the shops for any needed supplies. From there, you’ll depart towards Limpopo. Limpopo is South Africa’s northernmost province, known for its quintessentially African vistas. You’ll call it a night near the Groblersbrug border post at a safari lodge.

Overnight Location
Safari Lodge in Limpopo
Distance
415km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 Limpopo to Francistown

After waking up in paradise, you’ll enter Botswana at the border post and head towards Francistown and the cozy campsite chalets where you’ll spend the night. Enjoy a day of incredible African scenery, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you cruise.

Overnight Location
Campsite in Francistown
Distance
315km
Meals
None

Day 4 Francistown to Gweta

Today, you’ll head north towards Gweta. Gweta is the gateway to the Makgadikgadi Pans, where Stone Age inhabitants lived. You can enjoy star-studded African skies while sipping baobab milkshakes, relax at the campsite pool, spot zebra and wildebeest, and enjoy the village. You’ll be camping here for the next two nights.

Overnight Location
Camping in Gweta
Distance
290km
Meals
None

Day 5 Game drive, village visit, and Baobab bush walk near Gweta

There is plenty to do in and around Gweta, and you have the choice between several activities to fill your day. There are game drives in the Ntwetwe Pan, an extremely unique landscape. You can also get up close and personal with Kalahari meerkats, visit the local village and learn about the local culture over a traditional lunch, or take a Baobab bush walk with a local guide. Depending on the season, you can also opt for a zebra and wildebeest migration tour or take a quad bike out over the plains.

Overnight Location
Camping in Gweta
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 6 Gweta to Maun

In the morning, it’s time to depart to Maun, the third-largest town in Botswana. Maun has great access to the Okavango Delta and nearby game reserves. You can actually take a helicopter tour over the delta if you like! You can also opt to stop into the Nhabe Museum, take a game drive in the Moremi Game Reserve, or take a spin on a 4x4.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Maun
Distance
220km
Meals
None

Day 7 Choice of activities in Maun

Day 7 of your camping tour of Botswana and Zimbabwe is yours to plan. There are a few different activities you can enjoy in Maun, including game drives in Moremi, mokoro rides, or boat cruises to Chief’s Island. Enjoy!

Overnight Location
Hotel in Maun
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Day 8 Maun to Divundu

Set off in the morning for Divundu, a small village that gives fantastic access to the Okavango River and nearby game reserves. Welcome to Namibia! After you pitch your tent, you can stop by the Mahango Game Park, go fishing, take a bird-watching boat ride, or explore nearby Popa Falls.

Overnight Location
Camping in Divundu
Distance
430km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 9 Choice of activities in Divundu

Today is yours to enjoy Divundu. Some of the local activities you can take part in include boat cruises, bushmen excursions, mokoro trips, delta tours, or relaxing by the river.

Overnight Location
Camping in Divundu
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 10 Divundu to Muchenje

In the morning, you’ll set off along the Caprivi Strip and back into Botswana. Enjoy the scenery as you make your way to Muchenje, a town on the Chobe riverfront, renowned for its diverse wildlife and game viewing opportunities. You’ll likely spot a few elephants and hippos while pitching your tent. There are several different ways to explore the area, so hop on a quad or boat and see what you can find!

Overnight Location
Camping in Muchenje
Distance
400km
Meals
None

Day 11 Choice of activities in Muchenje

The day is yours to enjoy. You can take a game drive in Chobe National Park, enjoy a boat cruise on the river, or take your own vehicle for a spin around the area.

Overnight Location
Camping in Muchenje
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 12 Muchenje to Victoria Falls

You can’t visit Zimbabwe without seeing Victoria Falls. Pack up camp and depart for the border, making your way towards the town. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Victoria Falls
Distance
400km
Meals
None

Day 13 Victoria Falls

This day of your African camping adventure is all about Victoria Falls. There are many ways to enjoy this natural wonder of the world, but guided tours are a favourite. You can also take a guided tour of the township, enjoy a traditional village tour, or even hop in a helicopter to view the Falls from above!

Overnight Location
Hotel in Victoria Falls
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 14 Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park

In the morning, it’s off towards Hwange National Park. This is Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve and home to giraffe, lion, zebra, and 40,000 elephants. The landscape is fantastic, ranging from desert dunes to vast savannah. You can enjoy the afternoon on an open-vehicle game drive in the park.

Overnight Location
Camping in Hwange National Park
Distance
400km
Meals
None

Day 15 Hwange National Park

Spend the day in the park, finding all the animals you can and enjoying the incredible scenery.

Overnight Location
Camping in Hwange National Park
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 16 Hwange National Park to Matobo Hills

In the morning, you’ll leave Hwange and head to the Matobo Hills area. This region hosts the Matobo National Park, an area with rich human history and magnificent flora and fauna. The landscape consists of massive red granite boulders dotted among forests, making it an excellent hiking destination. Once you arrive, set up camp and plan tomorrow’s day in the park.

Overnight Location
Camping in Matobo Hills
Distance
330km
Meals
None

Day 17 Choice of activities in Matobo Hills

Spend the day enjoying Matobo Hills. You can take a game drive, a rhino walk, and go hiking. Have fun!

Overnight Location
Camping in Matobo Hills
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 18 Matobo Hills to Palapye

Depart for Botswana in the morning, where you’ll spend the night in Palapye. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you drive, and then take the time to enjoy the amenities of your hotel after a few nights of camping.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Palapye
Distance
350km
Meals
None

Day 19 Palapye to Pretoria

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading into South Africa, eventually reaching Pretoria. You’ve got the rest of the day to enjoy Pretoria before bedtime.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Pretoria
Distance
490km
Meals
None

Day 20 Departure

In the morning, your rental car will be picked up from the hotel, and then you’ll be driven to the airport in Johannesburg. Safe travels home!

Overnight Location
None
Distance
55km
Meals
Breakfast

Southern Africa Self-Drive Camping Tour Price and Dates

This guided tour through Southern Africa is always run as a custom tour for your group only, therefore the price always depends on the number of people in your group, as well as the vehicle category chosen.

Prices below are per person.

  • Guided Groups of 7: $3,675USD per person

Please note that the pricing might change depending on the availability, vehicle category chosen and the group size

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Accommodation on the Southern Africa Self-Drive Camping Tour

This tour is based in campsites and 2, 3 & 4-star hotels. The hotels offer comfortable rooms that often have ensuite bathrooms and the campsites often offer basic facilities. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travellers will pay a supplement.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $395USD to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travellers up where possible.

Court Classique Suite Hotel in Pretoria

Court Classique is a clean, modern hotel with a great restaurant, outdoor pool, and helpful staff.

Buffalo Thorn Safari Lodge in Limpopo

This lodge offers simple rooms with air conditioning, pool access, and a fantastic location.

Woodlands Stop-Over in Francistown

Woodlands Stop Over is a self-catering lodge that offers extra-long beds, kitchenettes, and pool facilities.

Planet Baobab Campsite in Gweta

This fun campsite has a poolside bar, quirky decor, and laundry service.

Sedia Riverside Hotel in Maun

This hotel offers cozy rooms with air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, and pool access.

Ngepi Bush Campsite in Divundu

This campsite offers laundry service, swimming access in the river, and a nearby restaurant.

Muchenje Campsite and Cottages in Chobe area

Muchenje Campsite and Cottages offers campsites with great facilities as well as cozy cottages with air conditioning and free internet access.

Shearwater Explorers Village in Victoria Falls

Shearwater has clean, comfortable rooms with access to a great pool, dry cleaning, and free high-speed internet.

Hwange National Park Rest Camp in Hwange National Park

This secluded camp is in tune with nature, the staff is knowledgeable about the area, and the sites are well taken care of.

Matobo Farmhouse in Matopos

This farmhouse is taken care of by attentive staff, and the rooms are comfortable, peaceful, and have ensuite bathrooms.

Cresta Botsalo Hotel in Palapye

Cresta Botsalo Hotel has well-equipped rooms, a gym, cable TV, and a nice pool.

Court Classique Suite Hotel in Pretoria

Court Classique is a clean, modern hotel with a great restaurant, outdoor pool, and helpful staff.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s Included in the Southern Africa Self-Drive Camping Tour?

Meals

4 breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

Accommodation for 19 nights is included.

Transportation during the Tour

Personal and luggage transfer to and from the airport is included.

Also Included

  • English-speaking guide
  • Rental vehicle(s)
  • General camping equipment
  • Game drives, boat cruises, and other non-optional excursions

Not included

  • Travel insurance
  • Fuel
  • Travel to and from Johannesburg
  • Meals, drinks, and snacks not previously mentioned
  • Tourist taxes if applicable
  • Visas if required
  • Personal equipment (including personal equipment for camping)
  • Entrance fees to parks, gardens, and conservation sites

Optional Extras

  • Additional activities and excursions
  • Single room supplements
  • Solo traveller supplements
  • Any additional nights before or after the tour

Frequenty Asked Questions about Southern Africa Self-Drive Camping Tour

How hard is the Southern Africa Self-Drive Camping Tour?

We rate this tour as a 1 / 5. You will drive as your method of transportation and any optional add-on excursions can be relaxed or demanding depending on what each guest desires.

What is included / not included in vehicle rental package?

Your vehicle rental package includes:

  • Theft and Collision Damage Waiver
  • Personal Accident Insurance
  • Unlimited mileage
  • Airport Surcharge
  • Tourism Levy
  • Value Added Tax at 15%
  • Carbon Emissions Tax
  • ALL Additional Drivers per rental
  • Young Driver surcharge per day, per driver
  • Document Administration Fee
  • Water and under-carriage damage to vehicles
  • Damage due to Sandblasting
  • Tire and rim damage, hubcaps
  • Windscreen
  • Delivery and Collection fees
  • Cross Border Charges
  • WIFI Router

Your vehicle rental package excludes:

  • 2-way radios for each vehicle
  • Trailer (if required)
  • Additional spare wheel
  • Valet
  • Refueling service fee
  • Skipped service fee
  • Fuel
  • Anything else not specified
  • E-tolling Fees
  • Traffic Fine Handling Fee
  • Claim Handling Fee
  • Assessor's Fee
  • GPS Unit

Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia or Zimbabwe?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Southern Africa Self-Drive Camping Tour?

4 breakfasts are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, you will need to acquire travel insurance and you may need insurance that covers specific activities if you wish to add optional excursions. Get your Travel Insurance. You can purchase driving-related insurance with your tour booking.

How do I get to Johannesburg to start this tour?

You can fly into OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, where you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel by your guide.

Is the Southern Africa Self-Drive Camping Tour guided?

Yes, you will have an English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour. However, everyone able to will be asked to participate in driving.

Where does the Southern Africa Self-Drive Camping Tour end?

The tour ends in Pretoria, where you will be transferred to the airport in Johannesburg for your flight home.

Are equipment rentals included?

Basic camping equipment like tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, and pillows are provided. Please bring any other personal equipment desired.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, or Zimbabwe?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, or Zimbabwe?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to South Africa for this tour?

The Southern Africa Self-Drive Tour is available from January to October. The best time to visit the countries involved on this tour is in the dry season (June-October), as the rainy season could make overland travel more difficult. However, Victoria Falls tend to be in its full beauty right after the rainy season, between February and May.

Reviews

All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.

Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

4.9
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1
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1 star
1

Written Reviews

There are no written reviews yet.

58 total ratings, 0 with reviews

Prices

From $3,675USD

Difficulty

Guided

Camping, hotels

Start Your Booking

What travellers say

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as a 1 / 5. You will drive as your method of transportation and any optional add-on excursions can be relaxed or demanding depending on what each guest desires.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

Local guide

Machiel Breedt

South Africa, Namibia, Botswana

Get in touch

+1 (587) 327-9828

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