Botswana Cars Best — Top Gear

The Top Gear Botswana Special remains one of the most iconic episodes in the history of the long-running BBC motoring show. Airing in 2007, it marked the first time Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May were tasked with buying second-hand cars and driving them across an entire country. Unlike previous challenges, this was a grueling 1,000-mile journey across the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and through the Okavango Delta.

, which served as the "backup car" (a penalty vehicle no presenter wanted to drive), was donated to a local bush mechanic.

survived the trip and was later shipped back to the UK by Hammond. top gear botswana cars

The “Oliver” Effect

: The "hero" of the trip. Due to its extreme lightness, it skipped across the Makgadikgadi salt pans while the others sank. The Top Gear Botswana Special remains one of

The sun-kissed savannas of Botswana, a land of untamed beauty and unbridled adventure. For those who crave the thrill of the open road and the rugged charm of Africa's wild heart, Botswana is a paradise. And what better way to experience it than with a trusty vehicle by your side? In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the world of Top Gear Botswana Cars, showcasing the best rides for tackling the country's unforgiving terrain and taking in its breathtaking scenery.

: Clarkson chose a Lancia because the brand was legendary in rallying. However, this specific model was an automatic and plagued by reliability issues, breaking down almost immediately at the start of the journey. James May’s 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E , which served as the "backup car" (a

"): Perhaps the most famous car in the show's history, Hammond became so attached to this tiny yellow car that he actually named it " ". Despite nearly sinking in a river crossing,