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Drive Through Botswana: All the Info You Need for a Smooth Rental Experience

Embarking on a self-drive adventure through Botswana is an exhilarating way to explore this diverse and captivating country. With Bookingautos, you can easily find and compare the best car rental offers from both international and local companies, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. Here's all the information you need to make your Botswana road trip unforgettable.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

When selecting a rental car in Botswana, consider the following:

Opt for a 4x4 vehicle, especially if you plan to venture into national parks or remote areas
Ensure the car has good ground clearance and sturdy tires
Check that the rental includes a spare tire and basic tools
Consider renting a car with a roof tent for a true safari experience

Driving in Botswana

Keep these tips in mind for a safe driving experience:

Drive on the left side of the road
Carry your driver's license and vehicle documents at all times
Be cautious of wildlife on the roads, especially at dawn and dusk
Avoid driving at night due to poor visibility and increased animal activity

Must-Visit Destinations

Botswana offers a wealth of natural wonders and wildlife experiences. Don't miss these highlights:

Chobe National Park: Home to vast elephant herds and diverse wildlife
Okavango Delta: A unique inland river delta teeming with wildlife
Kalahari Desert: Experience the stark beauty of this ancient desert landscape
Makgadikgadi Pans: Vast salt pans that transform into a flamingo haven during the wet season

Practical Tips

To ensure a smooth rental experience in Botswana:

Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak season (July to October)
Familiarize yourself with the vehicle and its features before setting off
Carry plenty of water, snacks, and a first-aid kit
Download offline maps or carry physical maps as cellular coverage can be limited
Respect wildlife and follow park rules when in protected areas

With Bookingautos, you can find the perfect rental car to suit your Botswana adventure. By following these tips and embracing the spirit of exploration, you're sure to have an unforgettable journey through one of Africa's most beautiful countries.

Travel Video Guide

Exploring Botswana by Road: Must-See Routes and Stops

Botswana, a gem in Southern Africa, offers breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife that are best explored by a rented car. With well-maintained roads and vast open spaces, a self-drive adventure through this beautiful country promises unforgettable experiences and the freedom to discover hidden treasures at your own pace.

The Kalahari Desert Route

Begin your journey in Gaborone and head north towards the Kalahari Desert. This route takes you through the heart of Botswana, offering stunning vistas and opportunities to encounter indigenous wildlife.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve: One of Africa's largest conservation areas, home to diverse wildlife including lions, cheetahs, and various antelope species.
Khutse Game Reserve: A smaller, more accessible alternative to the Central Kalahari, perfect for spotting elephants and predators.

The Okavango Delta Circuit

From the Kalahari, drive northwest to the world-famous Okavango Delta. This unique ecosystem is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Moremi Game Reserve: Explore the eastern fringes of the delta, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.
Maun: The gateway to the Okavango Delta, where you can arrange scenic flights or boat trips to fully appreciate the delta's beauty.

The Chobe National Park Experience

Continue your journey northeast to Chobe National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and diverse birdlife.

Savuti: Famous for its predator sightings and ancient rock paintings.
Kasane: A bustling town on the banks of the Chobe River, offering river cruises and easy access to Victoria Falls.

As you traverse these routes in your rental car, remember to respect wildlife, adhere to park rules, and always carry enough water and supplies. Botswana's roads can be challenging, so ensure your vehicle is suitable for the terrain.

With careful planning and a sense of adventure, exploring Botswana by road will reward you with extraordinary experiences and memories to last a lifetime. Don't forget to check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before embarking on your journey. Safe travels!

Good to know

The most popular cars in Botswana

Fiat 500

€13 / Day

Citroen C1

€14 / Day

Ford Fiesta

€18 / Day

Ford Focus

€23 / Day

Opel Astra Estate

€28 / Day

Audi A4

€32 / Day

BMW X1

€33 / Day

Ford Foxus Estate

€33 / Day

Mercedes C Class

€43 / Day

BMW 5 series

€45 / Day

Ford Tourneo

€55 / Day

BMW 4 Cabrio

€65 / Day

Audi A6

€70 / Day

Audi A5 Cabrio

€75 / Day

Mercedes Vito

€80 / Day

Popular rental locations in Botswana

Gaborone Airport

Kasane Airport

Francistown Airport

Gaborone

Documents needed to rent a car

Driving license

Credit card

Voucher

Passport

A valid international driver's license is required!

Top 10 Tips You Should Know

Download Google maps offline

The presence of an offline navigator allows you to save on roaming. It is enough just to download the necessary maps from Google Maps and get directions even without a network connection. To do this, enter the phrase "OK MAPS" in the application, select the desired area and download offline maps to your smartphone.

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Early Booking Discount

Botswana is a popular tourist destination, so car rental is consistently in demand. The earlier you book a car, the more options there will be and the lower the prices will be. Choose transport online at least 6 weeks before your visit. Better yet, do it as soon as you start planning your vacation. If plans change, you can cancel your booking without penalty up to 48 hours before it starts.

Which car to choose

The compact model is relevant for city trips in Botswana. It can be Ford Ka or Opel Corsa. Mountain routes require a more powerful four-wheel drive vehicle - Renault Megane Estate or similar model. You can order an SUV for just €31 per day;

What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car

Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.

The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.

Insurance recommendations

When you pick up your rental car, you need to take it seriously. This is especially true if you do not intend to purchase additional insurance. You should carefully inspect the received car and fix all scratches, dents, and other defects in the contract. It is also recommended to take a picture of the existing damage to the car, its number, write down the name of the rental company employee.

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What types of insurance are available for car rental?

Third Party Liability (TPL). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Waiver (T.W.). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.

Fuel Policy

When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting Botswana for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.

Botswana 3

Rent without mileage limit

According to the rental conditions, the mileage can be limited or unlimited. Travel lovers should choose the option without a limit. It will cost more, but in the end it will save. Check the appropriate box to filter offers with unlimited mileage.

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Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies

When choosing a rental car in Botswana, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.

How to choose a rental company

Pay attention to the car park. Large and reliable companies regularly buy new cars.

Our clients name the top companies in Botswana - SIXT with an average rating 9 points and BUDGET with 8.9 points.

We show all the rental conditions of different companies. Read the rules carefully before booking a car.

Getting a car at a rental office

Before signing a car rental agreement, it should be carefully checked for damage and defects. Do not be shy to point out the identified problems and problems - then you will not have to answer for them. When returning, pay attention to the fuel in the tank. Its volume must correspond to that prescribed in the agreement.

Also, do not ignore the phone number provided by the technical support representative when concluding the contract. After all, even the most experienced driver is not insured against a breakdown, accident or other force majeure event. In such a case, contact a specialist before the arrival of the police.

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The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.

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Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.

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