Caprivi to Windhoek through Botswana

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mario_poolman
mario_poolman

I'm planning a trip to Caprivi in December in a Nissan X-trail 4WD, but without low-range capability. I am not a super experienced 4x4 driver as I have only had the vehicle since August.

On the way back from Caprivi to Windhoek I am considering a detour through Botswana for a change of scenery. It seems I will either have to cross into Botswana via the Ngoma bridge and drive to Maun. From there I can get to Buitepos. But I don't see any official roads from Ngoma to Maun. Does that mean there isn't one, or just that driving there isn't recommended?

The alternative seems to be crossing into Botswana at Shakawe and driving to Sehithwa and then to Buitepos from there.

Which route would you advise? Any recommended camping sites? Does anyone have any suggestions for alternate routes?

Thanks for the help.

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zachleigh
zachleigh

The road going down from Divundu in Namibia is good. It goes through Shakawe and then down to Maun. There are dozens of campsites and lodges along the road between Divundu and Maun, especially up around the Namibia/Botswana border area...the area called the Okavango Panhandle. There is also a ferry across the Okavango up at Shakawe and a road going down the other side of the panhandle with a couple lodges/campsites on it.

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mario_poolman
mario_poolman

Great! Thanks Leigh. So I'm guessing Ngoma straight to Maun is out then?

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botswanagirl
botswanagirl

There is a well maintained road from Ngoma into Kasane (less than 30 minutes drive), from Kasane you will have to drive through Nata to Maun ( almost 6 hours drive). The shortest route is through savute, the road is graveled, however with sandy patches and lots of water. I would therefore not recommend a person inexperienced with this road to use it.
I would recommend getting into Botswana through the Mohembo border in Shakawe, via Sehithwa- Gantsi through Mamuno Border and into Buipetos.
Between the Shakawe and Sehithwa area there are many lodges and camp grounds such as, the Sepopa Swamp Stop and Drostky Cabins.

Hope this helps

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