Africa

Botswana: Into the Delta – Group Self Drive

19 Days. From AUD $11,536pp.
Self-Drive Journeys
Details

Overview

Imagine the thrill of navigating your own 4×4 through some of Africa’s most spectacular wilderness, with a small group of like-minded adventurers by your side. This 19-day guided self-drive expedition covers over 1,500km across Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, beginning on the game-rich banks of the Chobe River in Kasane and finishing at the thundering Victoria Falls. Along the way, you’ll traverse the predator-filled plains of Savuti, explore the floodplains of the Khwai Region, circumnavigate the iconic Okavango Delta, cross into Namibia’s remote Caprivi Strip, and follow the Kavango, Kwando, and Zambezi rivers through some of southern Africa’s most untouched landscapes. Travelling in convoy with just 20 participants across five fully-equipped Toyota Hilux 4x4s, you’ll have the freedom of your own vehicle and the security of an expert guide, the perfect balance of independence and support. This is not a tour you watch from a window. This is Africa at your own pace, on your own terms.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Explore Kasane and Savuti in Botswana’s northern regions, known for varied landscapes and rich wildlife habitats.
  • Journey through the Okavango Delta and Khwai region, discovering waterways, floodplains, and abundant wildlife in remote wilderness.
  • Continue through the Kwando and Zambezi regions, ending with the dramatic beauty of Victoria Falls before departure.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1 & 2: Kasane - Botswana
  • Day 3 & 4: Savuti
  • Day 5 to 7: Khwai Region, Okavango
  • Day 8 & 9: Maun, Botswana
  • Day 10 & 11: Western Okavango Delta
  • Day 12 & 13: Kavango Region
  • Day 14 & 15: Kwando Region
  • Day 16: Zambezi River
  • Day 17 & 18: Victoria Falls
  • Day 19: Vic Falls, Departure Day

Tailor-made suggestions

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1 & 2: Kasane - Botswana

The adventure starts in Kasane - beautifully located on the edge of Botswana’s Chobe River. Here, we enjoy 2 nights of comfort and relaxation at the stunning Chobe Safari Lodge, with a sunset cruise introducing us to the wilds of Botswana! While away the jet lag and stock up for the adventure ahead!

Travel information:
ETA from JNB : 13:40
Transfer to Chobe Safari Lodge

Activities information:
Rental Vehicle hand over
Chobe River Sunset cruise
Welcome dinner

Dinner included.

Day 3 & 4: Savuti

From the Chobe River to Savuti, where open plains meet dense mopane woodland and wildlife roams in abundance. Camping in this remote area allows us to enjoy morning and late afternoon game drives, maximising our chances of incredible sightings and immersing ourselves in the raw, untamed spirit of one of Chobe’s most iconic and predator-rich wilderness area.

Travel information:
160km
5 hours drive

Activities information:
Self game drives

Day 5 to 7: Khwai Region, Okavango

Neighbouring the Moremi - a hidden gem where floodplains meet woodland and rivers teem with wildlife is the Khwai Region. Camping here gives us the chance to explore by day and listen to the bush come alive by night. Self game drives offer exceptional game-viewing opportunities in this remarkable part of the Okavango ecosystem.

Travel information:
115km
4-5 hours drive

Activities information:
Self drive game drives

Day 8 & 9: Maun, Botswana

Situated on a peaceful stretch of the Thamalakane River, this mid-range lodge is set in attractive grounds with a restaurant, bar and swimming pool, ideally positioned to watch the sunset over the river. Maun is also an ideal stopover and restock point before heading up the Western side of the Delta.

Travel information:
120km
4 hours drive

Optional Activities:
Helicopter and fixed wing Okavango flights
Mokoro and boat cruises

Breakfast included.

Day 10 & 11: Western Okavango Delta

From Maun, we travel around the western side of the Okavango Delta to Guma Lagoon Camp. Nestled on the edge of Guma Lagoon, this little piece of paradise is our home for 2 nights. Optional Boat and mokoro excursions take you deeper into the delta, and for an aerial experience, helicopter flights are also available from here.

Travel information:
320km
5 hours drive

Optional Activities:
Various water based activities

Day 12 & 13: Kavango Region

We continue north and into Namibia to arrive at Ngepi Camp, where shaded campsites sit right on the banks of the Okavango. Take a sunset cruise on the river or a mokoro ride for golden views, wildlife sightings, and a taste of this wild, laid-back region.

Travel information:
140km
3-4 hours drive
Border crossing into Namibia

Optional Activities:
Boat Cruises
Mokoro rides
Game Drives

Day 14 & 15: Kwando Region

From the Kavango we cross the Caprivi Strip to the Kwando River. Namushasha River Lodge brings another 2 nights of comfort and luxury. Game drives in the Bwabwata National Park are available and boating on the Kwando River if water levels allow.

Travel information:
240km
3-4 hours drive

Optional Activities:
Boat Cruises
Game Drives

Breakfast included.

Day 16: Zambezi River

From the Kwando to the Zambezi! Zambezi Mubala Campsites are private, grassed and on the banks of the Zambezi River. Evening and morning
boat cruises are available as well as nature walks to see the seasonal Carmine bee eater colony. This one night stopover is our last night in Namibia.

Travel information:
160km
2-3 hours drive

Optional Activities:
Boating
Nature walks

Day 17 & 18: Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders, straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia on the mighty Zambezi River. A vibrant town surrounded by wilderness and wildlife, it’s where adventure and relaxation meet. Victoria Falls is the perfect setting to end our journey!

Travel information:
220km
4 hours
Border crossings into Botswana and Zimbabwe

Activities information:
Rental Vehicle hand over
Final dinner
Numerous optional activities in Victoria Falls

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 19: Vic Falls, Departure Day

Rental vehicles are returned at Victoria Falls Airport

DatesFromAdditional
07 Sep 2027 - 25 Sep 2027A$11536ppContact us
  • Rates are per person based on four people sharing a vehicle. 25% per person supplement applies for travellers opting for 2 people per vehicle.
Suggested Accommodation
CityAccommodation
Chobe National Park Chobe Safari Lodge or similar
Savute Savute Campsite or similar
Khwai River Khwai Campsites or similar
Maun Thamalakane River Lodge or similar
Okavango Delta Guma Lagoon Camp or similar
Caprivi Ngepi Camp or similar
Caprivi Namushasha River Lodge or similar
Katima Mulilo Zambezi Mubala Campsite or similar
Victoria Falls The Palm River Hotel or similar

What's included?

  • 18 days hire of a Toyota Hilux Double Cab 4x4,
  • All vehicle extras including:
    o Collection in Kasane & Drop off in Victoria Falls,
    o Zero excess insurance,
    o 2x Roof top tents and camping gear for 4 people
  • Hosts/guides in lead vehicle with radios, recovery gear and satellite phone
  • Airport transfers from Kasane Airport to Chobe Safari Lodge.
  • Welcome dinner
  • All accommodation & meals listed in the itinerary (subject to availability at time of booking)
  • Chobe River Sunset Cruise (Chobe Safari Lodge)
  • Zambezi River Sunset Cruise (The Palm River Hotel)
  • Riverside barbeque dinner on the final night
  • Medical Evacuation Insurance
  • Adventure pack with map, guide book and other touring essentials
  • (The odd GnT!)

What's not?

  • International, regional flights and visas
  • Any meals not specifically listed in the itinerary (this is a self catering tour)
  • Any drinks/refreshments not specifically listed in the itinerary
  • Laundry services
  • Any extra activities offered by lodges/camps not listed in the itinerary
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari with desert champagne breakfast (Highly Recommended)
  • National park & game reserve entrance fees and conservation fees
  • Food & Fuel (self drive & self catering) & Cross-Border fees
  • Staff gratuities
  • Personal Travel Insurance

Important notes and additional information

  • Rates are per person based on four people sharing a vehicle. 25% per person supplement applies for travellers opting for 2 people per vehicle.
  • Where the listed accommodation is not available, a suitable and equivalent alternative will be used.
  • Minimum group size: 12 people
  • Maximum group size: 20 people
  • Min/Max capacity per vehicle: 3-5 people

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Africa

From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.

Downloadable travel guide

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Botswana: Into the Delta – Group Self Drive

19 Days. From AUD $11,536pp.