Botswana is a unique country in South Africa that attracts travelers with its vast natural spaces, rich wildlife and traditional culture. Discovering Botswana by car gives you the freedom to explore and come face to face with the continent's unique wildlife.
Driving Features in Botswana:
- Left-hand drive: Left-hand drive is used in the country.
- Road conditions: Many of the main roads are well maintained, but gravel and sand roads may be encountered in remote areas.
- Attention to Wildlife: Extra caution should be taken when driving due to the possibility of wildlife unexpectedly appearing on the roads.
Interesting facts about Botswana:
- Botswana is known as one of the best places in the world to see wild animals in their natural habitat.
- About 38% of the country is set aside as national parks, reserves and wildlife areas.
- Botswana is famous for its diamonds and is one of the largest diamond producers in the world.
Places to visit by car:
Gaborone:
Botswana's capital city is a harmonious blend of urban architecture and nature reserves. From shopping centres and restaurants to the National Museum and Art Gallery and the nearby Mokolodi Reserve, Gaborone offers a variety of urban and natural attractions.
- How to get there: Gaborone is easily accessible by car via well-maintained motorways on the South African side.
- Itinerary: Visit the Gaborone National Museum and Art Gallery, as well as the suburban areas with their cultural highlights.
Okavango Delta:
This is the inland delta of the Okavango River, whose water does not flow into the sea but disperses over a vast area, creating a unique wetland world. The delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the jewel of Botswana's natural heritage.
- How to get there: Access to the Okavango Delta is via the town of Maun, which serves as the gateway to this unique region.
- Itinerary: Take a safari tour or rent a 4x4 to explore one of the most biodiversity-rich places on the planet.
Chobe National Park:
Located in north-eastern Botswana, Chobe is known for one of the largest populations of elephants on the planet. Many other animals such as lions, leopards, hyenas and many species of antelope can also be seen here.
- How to get there: You can drive from Maun or Gaborone to Chobe National Park, which is close to the border with Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Itinerary: Chobe National Park is famous for its safaris where you can see elephants, lions, hippos and many other species.
Central Kalahari:
The spectacular Kalahari Desert offers travellers the chance to see rare species of animals and enjoy unique scenery. It is known for its spectacular sunsets and is home to the San, one of Africa's first peoples.
- How to get there: From Gaborone you can head north-west on good roads to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
- Itinerary: Visit one of the largest nature reserves in the world to see unique landscapes and diverse wildlife.
International driving licence:
When driving in Botswana, foreign nationals are advised to carry an international driving licence along with their national licence to avoid problems with local authorities.
Travelling by car in Botswana is not only a convenient way to get around, but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the incredible world of African flora and fauna, enjoy the vast expanses and feel part of the wilderness. Botswana awaits those who are ready for adventure and unique discoveries.