Renting a 4×4 in Botswana often raises many questions. As the mainstay of your self-drive safari, the vehicle deserves in-depth research and careful consideration. Making the right choice, especially for your first adventure in the bush, can make all the difference.

But how can you avoid making a mistake? After all, these 4×4s all look the same, don’t they?

It all starts with the itinerary, because not all destinations require the same level of attention. Then there are a number of other factors, such as the length of your stay, the season and the standard of equipment you require.

The aim of this guide is to decode what lies behind the different models of 4×4 and equipment, highlighting their strengths and limitations, so that you can find the right balance between performance, price and comfort.

The first step in renting a 4×4 suitable for your safari in Botswana is to look at the different models available on the market.

In the country, there are two possible options:

• The Toyota Hilux: a flexible, comfortable and cost-effective 4×4. It has the advantage of being easy to handle and drive, but can lack capacity on demanding trails. Hire companies often offer it in three categories: economy, standard or off-road.
• The Toyota Land Cruiser: a powerful, solid 4×4 that’s great for high-risk situations. On the other hand, it’s less pleasantto drive on tarred roads over long distances.

Are you torn between the two? Let’s take a closer look at what these 4×4 models can bring to your trip and under what conditions they can be used.

BUDGET : €

The cheapest model on the market, this 4×4 is often the most dated. Its equipment is very basic and usually includes:

• Standard tyres,
• A single petrol tank,
• A simple water tank,
• A plastic rear cell,
• A fridge to be plugged on campsite power point overnight, or even a simple cool box,
• Unorganised boxes containing camping equipment,
• An optional second spare wheel stored in the back of the car.

Without technical equipment and less practical, this ultra-minimally equipped 4×4 often lacks comfort. What’s more, its range is insufficient for long trips, and its robustness is limited for tackling demanding tracks. Renting a budget 4×4 Hilux is therefore only suitable for easy routes that don’t take you off the main or secondary roads. It’s a good solution for small budgets or for adventurers happy with the bare minimum.

Which destinations are suitable for a budget 4×4 Hilux?
1. Main tourist roads of Namibia
2. Main tourist roads of South Africa

BUDGET : €€

More recent than the budget model, the standard Hilux is equipped with more advanced features. The list of equipment includes:

• A double petrol tank and/or a system of jerrycans,
• A fridge connected to a dedicated battery,
• A solid, dust-proof metal rear cell.
• An optional second spare wheel stored in the back of the car.

The equipment is organised in boxes stored at the rear. The integrated water tank is rarely offered and the tyres are usually of ordinary quality.

Available with an automatic or manual gearbox, the standard Hilux is a good choice for Namibian or South African routes, without being overly complex. Above all, it’s up to the job on a reasonable budget. However, its comfort is also limited for long trips and its equipment insufficient for visiting isolated regions that require complete autonomy and full breakdown equipment.

Which destinations are suitable for a standard 4×4 Hilux?
1. Most roads of Namibia
2. Most roads of South Africa

BUDGET : €€€

The Hilux off-road benefits from high-quality equipment designed for difficult terrain:

• Off-road tyres,
• Enhanced suspension,
• A fridge connected to a dedicated battery,
• A double fuel tank with the option of adding extra jerry cans,
• An integrated water tank with tap.

Everything is securely attached and organised in a metal rear cell with a system of drawers and side storage compartments. Breakdown equipment includes a compressor, shovel, sand ladders, hi-lift jack and sometimes even a winch and a snorkel. In other words, you’ll be perfectly equipped to get out of any situation.

Available with an automatic or manual gearbox and adapted to technical tracks, the Hilux off-road is particularly suitable for long trips or those requiring complete autonomy. It is essential for driving in the parks and reserves of Botswana, and is recommended for certain challenging routes in Namibia and South Africa.

Which destinations are suitable for an off-road 4×4 Hilux?
1. Botswana, essential during the rainy season or Okavango flooding season
2. Zimbabwe
3. Zambia
4. Remote roads of Namibia
5. Remote roads of South Africa

BUDGET : €€€€

Recognised as the most robust and powerful 4×4, the Land Cruiser has all the off-road equipment described above and can be supplied with a snorkel and a winch.

Available mainly with a manual gearbox, its reliability and technical capabilities make it the perfect companion for major expeditions and demanding terrain. It will be capable of accompanying the most ambitious projects, in all seasons, to the wildest and most remote reserves of Botswana and Southern Africa.

As no one is perfect, the Land Cruiser is heavier to drive and less agile than the Hilux. As a result, it’s less suited to long -distance on tarred roads.

Which destinations are suitable for a Land Cruiser 4×4?
1. Botswana
2. Zimbabwe
3. Namibia, particularly to explore the Kaokoland
4. South Africa, particularly in a mountain environment

If you’re travelling on a lodge-to-lodge self-drive safari, you now have all the information you need to choose the perfect 4×4.

If you’re planning to camp, the next step is to look at the camping equipment. e’ll be focusing mainly on the layout of the 4×4’s rear cell and the tent system.

Whether on a Hilux or a Land Cruiser, 4x4s are offered with two types of camping equipment:

• A standard equipment with classic tents
• A more complete, functional and comfortable equipment that we call bushcamper

Let’s take a look at the differences between the two and what each has to offer.

The standard option is based on 1 or 2 rooftop tents that can be unfolded and folded manually. They are placed on roof racks fixed to the vehicle. Access to the sleeping area is via an external ladder. With widths ranging from 120 to 140 cm, each tent can accommodate 2 people.

With its easy opening, the pop-up tent is gradually replacing the classic folding tent. Some rental companies are already offering this option as a cheaper alternative to the bushcamper option. So you’re already gaining in practicality without having to make a big effort on the price.

Note that space becomes limited as soon as you share an fully-equipped 4×4 with 4 passengers. Travel as light as possible to leave enough room for equipment and supplies.

The bushcamper concept is based on a rear cell fitted to the vehicle, with an easy-to-open and close pop-up tent. This time, the sleeping area is entered through the boot of the car. Storage compartments are available on both sides of the cell, making camping particularly easy. On Land Cruisers, additional comfort equipment can include an awning, solar panels, gas stove, shower, double fridge…

The Land Cruiser bushcamper is designed for 2 people only, while some Hilux bushcamper have 2 sleeping areas for up to 2 adults and 2 young children.

In conclusion, camping equipment should be evaluated according to 3 factors:

• The number of passengers,
• The level of comfort required,
• The budget allocated to 4×4 rental.

The standard option is the least expensive. It allows you to travel with the essentials and accommodate up to 4 people in 2 folding tents. The bushcamper option, on the other hand, is limited to 2 people, or possibly a family with 2 young children. Its advantage, and not the least, lies in the integrated rear cell, which can be set up in just a few minutes.

There is no ideal choice between the two. Each has its pros and cons. . So it’s a matter of preference and priority. Travellers attempting a self-drive adventure for the first time generally appreciate the comfort, ease and security of a rooftop tent, especially in Botswana where camps are not fenced.

From a practical point of view, a rooftop tent also frees up a lot of space inside the vehicle. A ground tent, on the other hand, is cumbersome, taking up a large part of the boot with mattresses, pillows and duvets.

However, the rooftop tent has to be closed every time you want to use your 4×4. The ground tents can be left at the camp, allowing you to set off on safari immediately in the morning and return in the evening more relaxed. They are best suited to itineraries where you stay more than 3 nights in the same place, as setting up a camp on the ground requires a greater effort.

In conclusion, renting a 4X4 in Botswana is the fruit of a considered approach that should not be guided by price alone.

While an budget model is perfectly suited to staying on the main or secondary roads, it is imperative to move upmarket as soon as your trip includes sandy tracks, water crossings, rocky sections or any particularly isolated areas. Advanced technical performance and a full range of assistance and breakdown equipment are then essential to the success of your self-drive trip.

Tawana Self Drive can assist you with your 4×4 rental in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. We work with serious partners with whom we have built up a solid relationship of trust. We therefore act as a true facilitator throughout the rental process.

• Before the trip, we select the vehicle best suited to your needs and send you a full briefing outlining all the points to bear in mind if you want to leave with peace of mind.
• During the trip, we make it easy for you to get to grips with your vehicle by being present if your journey starts in Maun, Botswana. Then, as an option, we offer an introduction to off-road driving so that you feel at ease with your 4×4 before hitting the road. Finally, we can be contacted at any time to assist you in the event of difficulties, breakdowns or any questions you may have about the vehicle.
• After the trip, we’ll defend your point of view with the rental company in the event of an honest and documented disagreement.

Ready to set off on your adventure with the best logistical support? Contact us !