Travellers tales: adventure through northern Botswana

An incredible adventure through Northern Botswana, self-driving with a fully equipped 4x4

Yasmin
Yasmin
Traveller
Published on
24 Jun 2019
Updated on
25 Apr 2025
Yasmin & Julie Self Driving

Yasmin & her mum Julie embarked on an incredible adventure through Northern Botswana, self-driving with a fully equipped 4x4 until they walked and mokoro (canoed) in the Okavango Delta. It was wild and fantastic; all an adventure they can laugh about now. They booked with Far & Wild in March 2018 and travelled in June 2019.

Their itinerary in a little more detail...

Yasmin & Julie began in Kasane for a night, drove to Chobe Riverfront for 2 nights, then headed to the more remote and wilder Savute & Khwai SKL Campsites for 2 nights each, then ended their safari with 4 nights Mokoro Trail safari from Oddballs Camp on Chief’s Island in the Okavango Delta. Bush walks on the Mokoro Trail safari were great to see the landscapes from a different perspective.

Wild Wheels Vehicle
Wild Wheels Vehicle & Elephants
Sunset Elephant Viewing
Sunset Elephant Viewing
Julie and Elephants
Seeing Elephants from the Tent
Tracking Lions on Foot was my Highlight

The highlight of the trip is the lions, just because they made mum’s trip seeing them on our own self driving and for me, tracking them on foot to a kill at Oddballs Camp.

Seeing the guides tracking the lions and finding them, at close distance, was insane.
Wildlife from the Air
Wildlife Viewing from Light Aircraft Flight to Chief's Island

What was it like on the Mokoro Trails?

With 4 nights booked at Oddballs Camp we were given the option of 1 or 2 nights out of camp on the trails. After the first night we opted for a second night out on the trails because it was so incredible, great to have a different perspective. It was cool to hang out with the guides and cook with them.

Campsite Set Up
Camp Site Set Up

You used a Camera Trap Each Night?

Absolutely loved setting it up every night and seeing what walked through camp! There’s a little video here for you to see too. I bought the APEMAN 12MP 1080P Trail Wildlife Camera on Amazon for about £40 and I was so surprised how good it was.

Yasmins Honey Badger
Yasmin's Honey Badger Photo
Yasmins Spotted Hyena
Yasmin's Spotted Hyena Photo

We loved Khwai SKL Campsite Best...

It was very tiring, but Mum & I would both choose to go back because it was fantastic.

It was insane, we’ve never seen sand like it & would be happy if we never see sand like it again! When we got stuck, other people helped us & we helped others too. The staff at the campsites were so friendly & helpful. We loved Khwai SKL Campsite best, it was very wild.

It’s all an adventure we can laugh about now! It was insane & we absolutely loved it.

Speak to Rebecca today to plan your Botswana safari. To read another guest's experience of self-driving with family in Botswana, see this article.

Yasmin & Julie Having Fun
Yasmin & Julie Having Fun!

Wondering when to visit? Take a look at this guide on the best time to visit Botswana.

Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas, our favourite family safaris, our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions.

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024