19 X NIGHTS OF TOP CLASS CAMPING & EXPLORING BOTSWANA’S WILD WONDERS
There are many reasons why people choose to plan overland trips to Botswana. Known as the country in the world offering some of the best game viewing opportunities, the sighting of the Big 5 is a true possibility, taking into account the places we will be visiting on this trip.
endezvous at the 4-Star Palm Afrique Lodge and Camping, just before Ghanzi, for a refreshing start to your adventure. Here you’ll enjoy top-class facilities and set aside a day to replenish supplies, refuel vehicles and unwind. Ghanzi is the meat capital of Botswana – a great opportunity to restock your red meat supplies at realistic prices.
A leisurely departure takes us into Maun where we’ll camp for one night at Island Safari Lodge, nestled on the banks of the Okavango Delta. An early arrival gives you ample time to explore Maun, the capital of Northern Botswana, or simply relax at the lodge.
Kaziikini Community Concession, our first unfenced camp where wildlife roams freely. Don’t miss the lapa overlooking a waterhole – a haven where elephant, giraffe, buck species and lion often appear. The elusive leopard also frequents the area. Two nights here allow for deep exploration with local guides who know where animals were last spotted.
Return to Island Safari Lodge for a night to resupply before heading to the iconic Drotsky's Cabins near Shakawe in northwestern Okavango Delta. We’ll camp here for four nights – there’s that much to enjoy! A guided trip to the legendary Tsodilo Hills will bring history alive. You’ll also visit the crocodile farm and for angling enthusiasts, tiger fishing promises thrills for all ages. You may also opt for a leisure day – consider visiting the renowned Mahango Game Reserve in Namibia, just 15km away, famed for large herds of elephant and buffalo, sable, various antelope species as well as predators like lion, leopard and wild dogs. Over 400 bird species make this a paradise for bird lovers. Or simply enjoy more time fishing or relaxing at the lodge.
We then cross into Namibia via the Mohembo Border Post, journeying to Katima Mulilo via the Mahango Game Reserve and the well-known Caprivi strip. After resupplying in Katima Mulilo, we head to Caprivi Mutoya Lodge, tucked in a riverine forest by a tranquil Zambezi River Lake. Here you may opt for mokoro rides, tiger fishing, birdwatching, or just savour the lodge's peaceful amenities.
The next morning, an early border crossing returns us to Botswana. We arrive at Thebe Camp in Kasane on the bank of the Chobe River and set camp for three nights – another trip highlight. Victoria Falls is just 65km away, plus options for Chobe National Park game drives or a sunset cruise on the Chobe River. These three days will be unforgettable.
We start heading south to Nata Lodge around 300km away, arriving early to enjoy its amenities. Spend an extra day here and visit the famed Nata Bird Sanctuary, just 15km away. Located at the northeastern fringe of Sowa Pan, it’s home to 165 bird species, including 250,000 flamingos and an abundant number of pelicans.
La Kubu Island, a granite outcrop in the heart of the Makgadikgadi Pans, with majestic baobab trees is our next destination. Arrive early to witness an awe-inspiring sunset and sunrise over the pans. There will be time to explore and soak in the surreal landscape. Rise early for the ultimate dawn experience.
On the final morning, we bid farewell to the dust of the Makgadikgadi Pans and head for Khama Rhino Sanctuary via high-quality tar roads. We arrive around lunch time, giving you the afternoon to enjoy game viewing in the sanctuary where both black and white rhinos reside, along with a variety of other wildlife.
The Botswana Deluxe trip officially ends at Khama Rhino Sanctuary. We’ll part ways, heading home in our different directions — with memories to last a lifetime.
To see photos taken in Botswana on previous Cederberg 4x4 overland adventures, go to http://www.cederberg4x4.co.za/photos/botphotogallery.htm
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All information supplied in the agenda is given in good faith by Cederberg 4x4 and compiled from the latest information available at the time. The activity times, as indicated on the agenda, are subject to change without notice and at the sole discretion of the guide.
Vehicles : Only 4x4 Vehicles with low range capabilities can be accommodated.
Trailers : Off-Road trailers and Off-Road caravans can be accommodated.
NB. Contact Coenie should you intend pulling a caravan or trailer.
Nearest Towns : Ghanzi, Maun, Shakawe, Katima Mulilo, Kasane, Nata and Serowe.
Guide : Coenie Moll.
RENDEZVOUS
PLACE : PALM AFRIQUE only 8km before GHANZI on the A3.
DATE : MONDAY 29 JUNE 2026.
TIME : ARRIVE any time during the day, but please before 17h00.
Should you be running late, please contact Palm Afrique to notify Coenie in this regard.
EARLY ARRIVAL AT PALM AFRIQUE
Should you plan to arrive early at Palm Afrique, please inform them upon your arrival that you are part of the Cederberg 4×4 group. This will ensure that we all camp together.
ITINENARY
DESTINATION 1 – Arrival Monday 29 June – Depart Wednesday 1 July (2 x nights)
Palm Afrique Lodge is situated on the A3 main road just south of Ghanzi. Here we will rendezvous for the Botswana overland getaway, spending two evenings around our communal campfire. The lodge offers a fully licenced bar and restaurant overlooking the swimming pool, a bonus to be used during our visit.
We suggest that you allow yourself enough time to replenish supplies at the local supermarkets in Ghanzi, as well as refuel your vehicle. This will enable us to make an early start the next morning. Supermarkets and garages are now open 7 days a week in Botswana. More details about stock replenishment will be discussed at the pre-trip briefing.
Facilities
Palm Afrique is 100% solar powered with back-up generators. The ablutions offer 4 male & 4 female Hot/Cold showers and flush toilets which are top quality. Power and water points throughout the camp. Wi-Fi available.
DESTINATION 2 – Arrival Wednesday 1 July – Depart Thursday 2 July (1 x night)
Island Safari Lodge in Maun is our next destination. Situated on the bank of one of the five rivers of the Okavango, the lodge offers amazing scenery, peace and tranquillity. There will be enough time to explore this bustling capital of northern Botswana.
Facilities
Island Safari Lodge offers two swimming pools, a great restaurant and pub. Very good and clean, well above average, ablution facilities. Electricity and power points in the camp. Wi-Fi available.
DESTINATION 3 – Arrival Thursday 2 July – Depart Saturday 4 July (2 x nights)
Kaziikini Community Concession is our next destination only 65km from Maun. The short distance ensures an early arrival. Our first true, non-fenced wilderness camp of the trip. Here a lapa overlooking a water hole close to the camp will ensure many game sightings. A local guide is required for game drives in the Kaziikini Community concession area. The benefit is that the local guides know exactly where what game was last sighted. Although we have no electricity the camp offers very good ablution facilities. On previous visits to this camp numerous lions, leopard and cheetah sighting were enjoyed, not to mention elephant, giraffe and many buck species around the water hole.
Facilities
Kaziikini Community Concession camp offers solar heated warm water for hot/cold showers and flush toilets. Refreshments can be enjoyed at the lapa while watching animals drinking at the watering hole.
DESTINATION 4 – Arrival Saturday 4 July – Depart Sunday 5 July (1 x night)
We return to Island Safari Lodge for one night. Enough time will be available to replenish supplies, refuel vehicles and explore Maun with its many curio stalls and eateries. Alternatively relax at the lodge and enjoy the amenities.
Facilities
Island Safari Lodge offers two swimming pools, a great restaurant and pub. Very good and clean, well above average, ablution facilities. Electricity and power points in the camp. Wi-Fi available.
DESTINATION 5 – Arrival Sunday 5 July – Depart Thursday 9 July (4 x nights)
The next four nights we will set camp at Drotsky Cabins, under large trees offering sufficient shade, on the north-western bank of the Okavango Delta near Shakawe. The campsite is very spacious, tidy and clean and set under a canopy of the most amazing variety of trees. A guided trip to the well-known Tsodilo Hills and a visit to a crocodile farm will be done. You will have the opportunity to buy some crocodile meat to be enjoyed. Here tiger fishing can be enjoyed by young and old, experienced or newbies to the sport ensuring equal excitement for all. A visit to the well-stocked Mohango Game Reserve only 15km away is always worth the time. Alternatively, you may consider enjoy the amenities the lodge has to offer like a lapa/pub with the most amazing sunsets while the Okavango River flows below your feet.
Facilities
The campsite is spacious, tidy and set under a canopy of large trees offering sufficient shade. The ablutions are clean with Hot/Cold showers and flush toilets. Power points are available at all the campsites. Wi-Fi Available.
DESTINATION 6 – Arrival Thursday 9 July – Depart Saturday 11 July (2 x nights)
Our next destination, Caprivi Island Lodge, is situated 20km north of Katima Mulilo in the Caprivi strip. We will cross the border into Namibia at the Mohembo Border post only 15km from our camp. Time will be made available to replenish supplies in Katima Mulilo before heading for the camp. The grassed camp tucked in a riverine forest with large trees by a tranquil Zambezi River Lake will be our home for the next two nights. Here you may opt for mokoro rides, tiger fishing, birdwatching, or just savour the lodge's peaceful amenities.
Facilities
The spacious grassed campsite, situated under a variety of massive indigenous trees offers plenty of shade. The ablutions are spacious, clean and top quality. Power and water points are available at all campsites. Wi-Fi available.
DESTINATION 7 – Arrival Saturday 11 July – Depart Tuesday 14 July (3 x nights)
Thebe Lodge on the Chobe River in Kasane is our next destination where we will spend three nights. An early arrival before lunch ensures time to explore Kasane, enjoy a lunch at one of the many eateries and browse the interesting sidewalk shops. A day trip to Victoria Falls will be arranged, as well as the coordinating of game drives in Chobe National Park, coinciding with an amazing sunset cruise on the Chobe River, arranged by the guide. Enough time will be on hand to enjoy the amenities of the camp. Power and water points throughout the camp.
Facilities
The campsites have sufficient electricity and water points. Limited shade is available at the various campsites. The ablution facilities offer Hot/Cold Showers and flush toilets. Wi-Fi available.
DESTINATION 8 – Arrival Tuesday 14 July – Depart Thursday 16 July (2 x nights)
Nata Lodge, our first destination heading south is only 300km away on a good tar road. An early arrival will give you the option of enjoying lunch at the lodge in the pub overlooking the swimming pool or just relaxing in the tranquillity of the camp. A visit to the Nata Bird Sanctuary will be arranged by the guide.
Facilities
The campsite offers limited shade with sufficient electricity and water points throughout the camp. The ablution facilities are of a high standard and offer Hot/Cold Showers and flush toilets. Wi-Fi available.
DESTINATION 9 – Arrival Thursday 16 July – Depart Friday 17 July (1 x night)
La Kubu Island, our second open wilderness camp, lies in the heart of the Makgadikgadi Pans. A destination that requires driving through the Makgadikgadi Pans to our overnight camp. This rocky outcrop with its large number of giant majestic baobab trees, unforgettable sunsets and sunrises is our next destination. Enough time will be on hand to explore the island and all its beauty. A big tick destination for many overlanders.
Facilities
The campsite at La Kubu Island has no electricity and only offers rustic long drop toilets. There are no showers or water available. Wi-Fi available at reception 2km away.
DESTINATION 10 – Arrival Friday 17 July – Depart Saturday 18 July (1 x night)
Khama Rhino Sanctuary our last destination of the trip is unique in more ways than one. Not only is it home to the black and white rhinos, hopefully completing your sighting of the Big 5, but the sanctuary is also guarded and protected by the Botswana Defence Force. The sanctuary offers a swimming pool with a restaurant for your convenience. Numerous other game species will also be sighted on your game drives, as large numbers of different species have been introduced over the past years.
Facilities
The spacious campsite offers a reasonable amount of shade with rustic ablution facilities consisting of Hot/Cold showers and flush toilets. Electricity points are only available at the ablution facilities. Each campsite has its own water point. Wi-Fi only available at the entrance gate and restaurant area.
FUEL STOPS
When travelling in Africa it is important to apply a simple rule with regard to fuel for your vehicle. When you can get fuel, take it. No necessity to carry additional fuel. Sufficient fuel stop will be made enroute.
CATERING
Everyone must be totally self-sufficient for the duration of the Botswana trip. Food can be replenished at Ghanzi, Maun, Shakawe, Katima Mulilo, Kasane and Serowe.
PRE-TRIP BRIEFING/MEETING
A pre-trip briefing/meeting will be held on Saturday 6 June 2025 at Evita-se-Paron in Darling. Please try and attend this meeting as it is very informative. Communication in this regard will be done closer the time.
UNABRIDGED BIRTH CERTIFICATES
Contact your nearest Home Affairs office for information regarding unabridged birth certificates for children and other information regarding taking children across the border. The inception date for the unabridged birth certificates law was enforced from 1 June 2014. See this link for more information
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• As we will be visiting Northern Botswana, precautions regarding malaria will be required. More information will be shared at the pre-trip briefing. Either contact your doctor or local travel clinic.
• Electricity – All campsites offer electricity except 2 x nights at Kaziikini,1 x night at La Kubu Island and 1 x night at Khama Rhino Sanctuary.
• Bring long and short electric extension leads.
• No handguns are permitted to be brought into Botswana.
• No wood or charcoal is allowed over the border.
• A communal braai area will be determined on arrival at the campsite.
• Only one fire permitted for the group.
• Portable braais are welcome to be used in the communal braai area.
• Sufficient stops en-route will be made to replenish food, fuel and wood supplies.
• The transport and border crossing of red meat, poultry, dairy products and maize meal will be discussed at the pre-trip briefing. More information will also be made available upon confirmation of your booking.
• An awning or umbrella is useful for this Botswana Adventure.
• Water for washing and showering is available at all the campsites except La Kubu Island.
• Drinking water – Always advisable to carry your own drinking water.
• The evenings could become cold while the days could be warm. Pack clothing accordingly.
• Always advisable to wear closed shoes or boots.
• Remember to take along the spare keys for your vehicle.
• Bring your cameras and binoculars.
• No generators permitted on trips
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
• All vehicles must be in sound mechanical condition.
• Always have your spare keys with you.
• Recovery points fitted to the front and rear on your vehicle are a prerequisite.
• Your own Kinetic/recovery strap will be advisable.
• A tyre pump and tyre pressure gauge are required to deflate/inflate tyres.
• Please ensure your vehicle is fitted with a fire extinguisher. Check the service date of the extinguisher.
• Use tie-down straps to secure all items packed, as loose items can become missiles.
29 MHz TWO-WAY RADIOS
Communication between participating vehicles on the Botswana Overland Adventure is important for many reasons. It ensures the safety of drivers, passengers and vehicles while on the adventure, where drivers can communicate with one another as regards to their location and situation, not to mention the interesting information that is shared with participants. The fun part is the many interesting stories that are shared among participants during the long distances we need to travel to enjoy the great outdoors.
We suggest all 4x4 vehicles that don’t have a 29MHz two-way radio, HIRE one from us at a nominal fee of R800-00 for this Botswana Overland Adventure.
Should you be hiring a 29MHz radio, please ensure that your lighter socket is working. If you intend running more than one item from the lighter socket, ensure to have a double adapter handy as well as spare fuses.
NB. Should you intend hiring a radio, it is very important to confirm your intent as soon as possible to ensure availability, as it is school holidays and radios are in very high demand.
Should you wish to make a once-off investment and purchase a 29MHz. radio, we have negotiated a special deal for all Cederberg 4x4 participants. For more information, contact Coenie on 083 675 6194.
NB: If your vehicle is fitted with a 29MHz. radio, please make sure that channels 1, 14 and 23 are open and working for this excursion.
INCLUDED
• All camping fees as per the agenda above.
• Cederberg 4x4 facilitating and coordinating fees.
• Cederberg 4x4 guide fees.
• Chobe River sunset cruise.
• Local guide fees at Kaziikini Community Concession game drive.
• Local guide fees at Tsodilo Hills for the short, guided walk.
• Group entrance to the crocodile farm.
• Entrance fee for self-drive to Nata Bird Sanctuary.
• Self-drive game drives at Khama Rhino Sanctuary.
EXCLUDED
• Any additional activities not listed above.
• Two-way radio hire from Cederberg 4x4.
• Road transportation tax/levy at the borders to Botswana and Namibia.
COST
Changes in the cost are subject to changes in the exchange rate at date of tour. The rand and pula have been relatively stable for the past twenty years and no adjustments were necessitated.
Adults: R14,500-00 per adult.
Children 12yrs and older: R14,500-00 per child.
Children 5 – 11yrs: R6,500-00 per child.
Children 4yrs and younger: FREE.
Radio hire: R800-00 per radio should your vehicle not be fitted with a 29 MHz radio.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS
Should you wish to join us on this trip, please contact Coenie to obtain the booking form.
• We can only accommodate a maximum of 10 vehicles on this overland adventure.
• All bookings are made on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Your booking will only be confirmed upon receipt of your completed and signed booking form together with a 25% deposit for the number of people in your vehicle.
• Another 25% deposit is payable on or before Friday 6 March 2025.
• Total outstanding balance due on or before Wednesday 3 June 2025.
• Your completed and signed booking form binds you to all conditions on page one and two of the booking form.
• Once you have booked for the trip and you choose to cancel, you will be required to find a replacement to take your place with the same number of people before any refunds or credits will be considered.
PLEASE NOTE: NO PETS ARE ALLOWED.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT COENIE on 022 492 2040 ORCELL / WHATSAPP on 083 675 6194
