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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Botswana
Botswana
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Botswana
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Botswana
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Botswana
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Botswana?
Botswana, a land of unparalleled natural beauty and diverse wildlife, offers an unforgettable travel experience. While organised tours are available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore Botswana’s hidden gems at your own pace. Here’s why booking a car is the best way to experience Botswana.
Unmatched Freedom and Flexibility. Public transport is limited in Botswana, especially in remote areas. A rental car allows you to explore national parks, wildlife reserves, and cultural sites without relying on fixed schedules.
Access to Remote Locations. Botswana's most breathtaking landscapes, such as the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert, and the Makgadikgadi Pans, are best accessed by 4x4 vehicles. Renting a suitable car allows you to venture into these remote areas and experience the true wilderness.
Comfort and Convenience. Travelling long distances across Botswana can be tiring. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to explore, allowing you to carry your luggage and equipment with ease.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups of friends, renting a car can be more economical than joining expensive tours. You can split the rental and fuel costs, making it a budget-friendly option.
Driving in Botswana: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Left hand side
Speed limit within city centre
60 km/h or 37 mph
Languages
English, Setswana
Average petrol price
€1.20 per litre or €4.54 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
120 km/h or 75 mph
Currency
Botswana Pula
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Score
7.8/10
Dialling Code
+267
Driving in Botswana can be an adventurous experience, but it's essential to understand the local rules and regulations to ensure a safe and smooth journey. Whether you're renting a car for a safari or exploring the country's vast landscapes, here’s what you need to know before hitting the road.
1. Central Kalahari Game Reserve Explore one of the largest protected areas in Africa, known for its vast open plains and unique desert wildlife. A 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the sandy tracks.
- Distance: Varies – Duration: 3 to 5 days
- Route: Starts in Maun – Ends in Maun
2. Chobe National Park Drive through Chobe National Park, renowned for its large elephant population and diverse ecosystems. The park offers both self-drive routes and guided tours.
- Distance: Varies – Duration: 2 to 4 days
- Route: Starts in Kasane – Ends in Kasane
3. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Experience the vast salt pans and unique desert landscapes of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Visit during the rainy season to witness the zebra and wildebeest migration.
- Distance: Varies – Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Route: Starts in Nata – Ends in Nata
4. Okavango Delta While much of the Okavango Delta is best explored by boat or mokoro, certain areas can be accessed by 4x4. Drive to the edges of the delta and enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife.
- Distance: Varies – Duration: 3 to 5 days
- Route: Starts in Maun – Ends in Maun
5. Moremi Game Reserve Explore the diverse habitats of Moremi Game Reserve, including lagoons, islands, and forests. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for navigating the challenging terrain.
- Distance: Varies – Duration: 2 to 4 days
- Route: Starts in Maun – Ends in Maun
Top drives in Botswana:
Many tourists and travellers say that cars in Botswana are a necessity, not a luxury. And they are absolutely right.
Many tourists prefer travelling by car, and car hire is the perfect solution when your vacation is short and you want to see as much as possible but the public transport will not take you to all destinations of your choice. That is why car rental is well developed in Botswana, and you can hire any vehicle, from a compact car to a luxury 4x4.
Car Rental Prices in Botswana – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £35 / $44 / €41
Classic:
from £25 / $31 / €28
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €58
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €70
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €35
SUV:
from £70 / $88 / €82
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Botswana
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (July to September): Prices start at approximately £70 / $88 / €82 per day* This is the dry season, offering the best wildlife viewing opportunities, which drives up demand and prices.
Low season (November to March): Discounts available from around £45 / $56 / €52 per day. This is the rainy season, with fewer tourists and lower prices.
Shoulder season (April to June and October): Prices range from £50 / $63 / €58 to £65 / $81 / €76 per day. These months offer a balance of good weather and reasonable prices.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location.
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Botswana
Renting a car in Botswana gives you the freedom to explore its vast landscapes, but costs can add up. Here are some smart ways to save money on your car rental while still getting the best experience.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Rental prices tend to rise closer to the pick-up date. Booking well in advance not only secures better rates but also gives you a wider selection of vehicles, especially 4x4s.
2. Compare Prices & Look for Discounts.: Use price comparison websites to find the best car rental deals from various companies. Look for discounts for early bookings, longer rentals, or partnerships with airlines.
3. Choose the Right Car for Your Needs.: Opt for a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle if you don't need a large 4x4. Consider the terrain you'll be driving on and choose a vehicle that matches your needs without overspending.
4. Check Insurance Options Carefully.: Evaluate the insurance options offered by the rental company and compare them with your existing travel insurance. Avoid unnecessary add-ons and choose the coverage that best suits your needs.
5. Refuel Before Returning.: Refuelling at the rental company can be significantly more expensive. Fill up the tank at a local petrol station before returning the car to avoid extra charges.
6. Inspect the Car Thoroughly.: Before driving off, carefully inspect the car for any existing damage and document it with photos or videos. This will prevent you from being charged for damage you didn't cause.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Botswana?
Renting a car in Botswana is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet certain requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need:
Valid Driver’s Licence – A valid driver's licence from your home country is usually sufficient for a short-term rental. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially if your licence is not in English.
Minimum Age Requirement – Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 23 years old. Some companies may also charge a young driver surcharge for drivers under 25.
Credit Card – A valid credit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. The credit card must have sufficient credit to cover the deposit amount.
Passport or Identification – You will need to present a valid passport or other form of government-issued identification when picking up the rental car.
4x4 Vehicle – If you plan to explore Botswana's national parks and remote areas, renting a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended. These vehicles are equipped to handle the challenging terrain.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Botswana as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 06.10.2024
Botswana exceeded expectations! I'd heard amazing things, and having a car made exploring so easy. The landscapes were breathtaking, the wildlife incredible. A truly unforgettable trip.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 16.02.2025
Summer in Botswana was incredible; exploring by car was perfect.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 21.10.2024
Absolutely loved Botswana! Exploring by car was fantastic, especially relaxing on the coast.
Amelia Brown
Reviewed: 26.11.2024
Botswana was surprisingly efficient for a quick business trip. Having a car made everything seamless.
David Lee
Reviewed: 12.06.2025
The freedom of the open road in Botswana was incredible! Exploring the national parks at our own pace, stopping wherever we felt like it, was truly unforgettable.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
Botswana's beauty blew me away! A quick weekend trip, but so worthwhile, thanks to easy car access.
Thomas Garcia
Reviewed: 19.07.2025
Business trip efficient; renting a car was a lifesaver. The Okavango Delta was underwhelming, though.
Benjamin Carter
Reviewed: 31.10.2024
Botswana was stunning, but the wildlife viewing wasn't as abundant as hoped. Still, a great road trip.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 19.01.2025
Pretty good, overall.
Kevin Davis
Reviewed: 15.02.2025
Wonderful trip! Catching up with friends and exploring Botswana by car was perfect.
Grace Murphy
Reviewed: 11.08.2025
Pretty chill, really.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 04.10.2024