Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsCourt Classique Suite Hotel in Pretoria
Court Classique is a clean, modern hotel with a great restaurant, outdoor pool, and helpful staff.
Drive through Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe from South Africa
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
Spend the day in the park, finding all the animals you can and enjoying the incredible scenery.
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.
Spend the day enjoying Matobo Hills. You can take a game drive, a rhino walk, and go hiking. Have fun!
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.
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.
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!
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.
Please note that the pricing might change depending on the availability, vehicle category chosen and the group size
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 is a clean, modern hotel with a great restaurant, outdoor pool, and helpful staff.
This lodge offers simple rooms with air conditioning, pool access, and a fantastic location.
Woodlands Stop Over is a self-catering lodge that offers extra-long beds, kitchenettes, and pool facilities.
This fun campsite has a poolside bar, quirky decor, and laundry service.
This hotel offers cozy rooms with air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, and pool access.
This campsite offers laundry service, swimming access in the river, and a nearby restaurant.
Muchenje Campsite and Cottages offers campsites with great facilities as well as cozy cottages with air conditioning and free internet access.
Shearwater has clean, comfortable rooms with access to a great pool, dry cleaning, and free high-speed internet.
This secluded camp is in tune with nature, the staff is knowledgeable about the area, and the sites are well taken care of.
This farmhouse is taken care of by attentive staff, and the rooms are comfortable, peaceful, and have ensuite bathrooms.
Cresta Botsalo Hotel has well-equipped rooms, a gym, cable TV, and a nice pool.
Court Classique is a clean, modern hotel with a great restaurant, outdoor pool, and helpful staff.
4 breakfasts are included.
Accommodation for 19 nights is included.
Personal and luggage transfer to and from the airport is included.
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:
Your vehicle rental package excludes:
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.
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.
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58 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
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.
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana
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