Car Rental

Renting a vehicle, especially 4WD, will allow you the freedom to explore some of Botswana's most beautiful wilderness areas on your own timetable. The downside is that distances are long and the cost of renting a vehicle is high in Botswana. You can expect to pay about US$50/100 for a rental car/4WD in Botswana, though long-term rentals in South Africa can bring this figure down substantially. Plus, it's hassle free to cross the border, assuming you have a written permission from the rental agency.

When driving anywhere in Botswana, and particularly early morning, evenings and at night, even on main highways, look out for donkeys, cows and occasionally sheep and goats on the road. Other (larger) animals also wander onto major highways.

To hire a vehicle in Botswana, you must be in possession of a valid International Drivers license or your country-issued Drivers license as long as the details are in English (one may use their home drivers license for a period of 6 months).

There are a few regional/international rent-a-car companies in Botswana, among them:

• Avis (+267 391 3093); www.avis.com; Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Gaborone)
  
• Budget (+267 390 2030); www.budget.co.za; Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Gaborone)
  
• Holiday (+267 686 24290); Maun, Maun Airport)
  
• Imperial (+ 267 390 7333); www.imperialcarrental.co.za; Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Gaborone)
  
• Tempest (+267 390 0011); www.tempestcarhire.co.za; Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Gaborone)