Botswana reserves campsites are full - is it still worthwhile
 

Myself and my partner were hoping to do a self-drive in Botswana this August for 2 weeks. As we have not visited the country before we did not realise that we needed to pre-book the campsites within the reserves, or at least we did not think there would be an issue getting into the campsites at this late stage. However we have since been told that all sites in the main parks (Chobe/Moremi/Savuti/Linyati/Naxi Pans) are full and that we would not be able to overnight there.
Can anyone advise if it is worthwhile staying outside of the reserves and driving in during the day, or should we leave our trip until next year when we have pre-booked our camps?
What are the advantages of staying overnight within the reserves, is game viewing superior, facilities (I am not meaning private camps) better, etc..
Although we have an offer of a 4wd vehicle and equipment, our trip is hanging in the balance at the minute, due to these concerns. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi! I would think, staying outside of the national parks would still be in private concession areas. To stay there, you would need to book into private camps/lodges. You can't traverse those areas without staying at those establishments.

Another option is to do the trip thru a private mobile operator like Gametrails or masson safaris etc etc.,

Good luck

Hari

Even if you can make your trip in Sept or October, would still be very good in terms of game viewing.....

ttt........

Johan or anybody else...., any other advice for this post???

Dont want to give him wrong info....

Hari

Hello,

In the national parks aff-road driving is not allowed. Also doing a self-drive in Botswana is not recommendable if you are not driving in convoy (at least 2 vehicles) because of the high chances of getting stuck.

Of course gameviewing is better if you have a guide who knows the area very well (but that you know).

In most of the private camps the only way to get there is by flying in. Most of them don't even allow to drive in by yourself.

Because August is in the peak season, everything will be fully booked so my advice is to postpone your trip.

Greetings,

Johan

Access to the reserves without a reservation is not allowed.
Postpone the trip