scubatv

Botswana

Could people please tell me some of the inexpensive places you have stayed at while traveling in Botswana?

We will travel in Botswana from July 25 through August 24 in a very small rental car.

To stay at inexpensive places, did people camp, or are there inexpensive lodging available?

Thanks,
Jon

backtoafrica

Jon,

If you want to see Botswana, then you need a 4x4 if you want to go to the Delta and most areas of Chobe. Off the top of my head, the best you could do is drive up to Kasane, good roads. Then have a safari from there. Botswana is designed for the high end of the market only, unless you can go overlanding in a fully equiped Defender!

scubatv

Thanks, would anyone know of some places I can rent an inexpensive 4x4.

I've read other post, that while it's impossible to drive many roads in Botswana with a small car, they had great trips with a compact.

Some camper 4x4 prices have been nearly $200/day. That's too much.

Thanks, Jon

backtoafrica

Jon,

That 4x4 price is pretty good value. I know it may seem outside your budget, but when you consider the average lodge charges in excess of $500 dollars per person per night, it is a bargain.

I would not really know much about self drives as my experience has been limited to fly-in safaris. Perhaps in the Southern areas, the Tuli block, your car would be good. Northern Botswana though comes at a heavy price. It is a true wilderness area that requires suitable vehicles.

Is it neccessary for you to get a car or to even go to Botswana? I would possibly suggest South Africa or an overland trip. Else your trip will not be comparable to what the guide books. Though believe me, for game viewing, it is unbelievable!

scubatv

Thank you for your replies.

We’ve been to Uganda and SA before, and have some pervious experiences to help us out, but, there is a lot to grab on to here as far as prices go, the expenses are huge and keep getting higher. Ouch!

We have airfare out of BCN-AMS-JNB for $845 Dollars. Departing 8/3, Returning 8/25.

We plan to dump the compact car for a Hilux Double Cab that rents for R 850 per day, ($134. USD). The Single Cab is $10 cheaper, but we are not sure of the sleeping arrangements in the Single Cab.

Would any here know about the Helux campers?

We are reading one the absolute best guide book on a county I've ever seen, The Bradt Travel Guide, Botswana.

From the Botswana web site FAQ we get that 2 people, car, park fees and camping fees per day will be around $80 USD.

Park Fees P 120/pp, Camping 30/pp, Vehicle 50
Total for two people P 350 - $70 USD

Ok, for 21 days in $USD
Camper 2,814
Park Fees 1,470

The Botswana web site also lists petrol at P 2.20 per litre, about $2USD per gallon,

I have no ideal what food will cost, or much more than I’ve listed above.

If someone has the time, could you review this stuff and add some comments?

Appreciate the help.
Jon

backtoafrica

Jon,

Im not too sure whether the Hilux will be good enough for the Savuti to Kasane leg if you were going to do it. Most people do Moremi to Kasane in Defenders beacause of a ridge in CNP. I am willing to be corrected though.

If we knew what your budget was, that would be a help. Have you looked at www.safaridrive.com ? My other suggestion will be to possibly look at going to Zambia. South Luangwa has some cheaper lodges, like flatdogs. There are a number of other parks for you to visit, plus Vic falls. Maybe you could also look at Kafue etc.

scubatv

Thanks for the advice and safaridrive.com tip. I'll check it all out.

The budget is, under $150 a a day for camper, $80/day fees and little bit extra for food and gas.

Thanks again,
Jon

luangwablondes

Hilux 4x4 is fine to rent. Search around as much as possible. You want to be sure it is equipped properly and has adequate fuel reserves. h2o,spare tire, 2 better,cooking kit, roof top tent-is best. See that they have good maps-with gps coordinates. Got a friend with a gps to lend you? That will help ease your mind. All these things and more are available from a few companies.
Then you need campsite reservations in Moremi to tie in with your scheduled arrivals. That can be a problem if not handled b4 hand.
There are inexpensive places-lodging and campgrounds- to stay on your way in Maun,Nata,Francistown and on the way there. Its just they are few and far between.
For 1 mo., start in Jo'burg for best rental rates. Buy a shell map with gps coordinates. Has parks in them or can get on internet. Go to Orapa and email ahead if can stay at diamond mine there. Go through the pans to Gweta. Stay there. To Maun, several choices. Has an interesting flavor to it. On to Moremi at least 3 campsites. 3rd bridge,Xakanaka,and North campsite. Stay at all 3. Then on to Savuti. Then Chobe and Kasane. Consider crossing to Vic Falls for a couple days.Then to a small park just North of Hwange. Hire a ranger to go with for walking and reassurance. You'll be totally alone
with the wildlfe. Then Hwange at either Robins Camp or another. Back out the gate and to Padamatenga border post. South to Nata, Sun City and Joburg.That can be a month.

Botswana

There is budget options in Botswana.
This is an budget safari with good reputation here in Botswana.
Have a look at this safari as I am sure it works out cheeper an vehicle hire.
Day 1: Arrive Livingstone / Zambia (Accommodation)

On arrival in Livingstone your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our

Overnight accommodation for the night. We have time to relax and have drinks over sunset discussing the final preparations of our safari.



Day 2: Chobe (Tented Camp) (BLD)

An early morning departure takes us to Botswana via the kazangula ferry on the Zambezi River. Kasane is the border town of Botswana between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and also the gateway to the world renowned Chobe National Park. Chobe National Park is famous for its large herds of Elephants amongst other. It covers a range of vegetation types and geological features which vary from the lush Chobe flood plains to the black cotton soil of the Mababe Depression.



Our first night of camping bring us to the banks of the Chobe River, where we can see the animals come to drink water during the night.



Day 3 and 4: Savuti (Tented Camp) (BLD)

We continue our explorations of the Chobe National Park, entering the area known as Savuti. This Kalahari basin with acacia trees allows for a contrast between the lush swap vegetation and the acacias of the Kalahari. Savuti allows for excellent game viewing and an opportunity to explore the bushman paintings of this area.



Day 5 and 6: Moremi (Tented Camp) (BLD)

Moremi Game Reserve, situated within the Okavango Delta is unique in that it is the first wildlife sanctuary created by African tripe, namely the BaTawana. The Moremi game reserve is in the centre of the Okavango delta. It comprises of permanently swamped areas, seasonally swamped areas and dry lands , surrounded by woodland forests . It offers top game-viewing and incredible scenery.



Day 7: Maun (BL) *Own dinner

We say farewell to the Moremi Game reserve, as we head back to “civilisation”. We have time to relax and enjoy lazing around the swimming pool before we head off exploring the Western Delta. A scenic flight over the delta is an excellent option to recap on the areas visited on safari (optional extra).



Day 8 + 9: Okavango Delta - Walking Safaris (BLD)

The western side of the Okavango delta awaits us from where we will explore this unique eco system by motorboat, dugout canoe and on foot .Overnight on a delta island in true bush style and explore the magic of this area with the experienced local Tswana guides.



Day 10: Tsodilo Hills – Busman Paintings (BLD)

Tsodilo Hills are one of the most rewarding destinations in Botswana. In contrast with the Okavango Delta, there is no water and the only big game except for kudu, are the ones painted on the rocks. An amazing +/- 3500 individual rock paintings has been recorded in this area. We call Tsodilo hills bushman’s Paradise .

Day 11&12: Ngepi (BLD)

Travelling from Tsodilo we will enter the caprivi in Namibia and have an added river game drive in the mahango game reserve viewing the origin of the Okavango panhandle. Ngepi Campsite, situated on the banks of the Okavango will be our in the Caprivi strip. Well known for its political instability in earlier years, this area is an exciting destination for adventure travellers, with its rivers, forests, swamps and waterways. Excellent tiger fishing, bird-viewing and game-viewing opportunities await.



Day 13:Kwando (BLD)

We travel through the Caprivi Game Reserve and visit one of the main feeders of the Okanvango, the Kwando.



Day 14 Katima Mulilo / Livingstone (BLD)

Stop at the so called capital of the Caprivi, Katima Mulilo to visit the craft markets, which offers visitors the opportunity to purchase distinctively locally manufactured pottery, carvings and baskets, before heading back to Livingstone.



Price was €2145-00 per person sharing
Not sure if still the same.
You can contact Joshua at [email protected]

mpkp

Botswana

This is not a board for you to solicit business.

Scubatv -- I would be wary of his advice as all I have seen is his looking for business -- no referrals from anyone else.

tashak

Is fuel really only 2.2 pula per litre-- if so this is really a bargain compared to other countries in Africa!