“Take the wheel, follow the wild and let the road decide what comes next.”
Exploring Africa on your own four wheels can be a fantastic and exciting experience. The road stretches ahead, the scenery is constantly shifting and every corner offers a new opportunity. Elephants may be walking on the track, a giraffe could be between the trees or you may just want to stop beside the quiet waterhole.
A self drive safari allows you to explore at your own pace. There is no fixed schedule to follow and no need to rush away from a sighting before you are ready. You can stop for a pretty sight, linger to see the animals or take a more tranquil road just for the journey. But, with freedom comes responsibility. Once you know the route, make sure you have the appropriate vehicle, drive slowly and leave plenty of room for wildlife.
Whether you’re driving down the wide open roads of Namibia, or the game-filled roads of Kruger, this guide picks out some of the most enjoyable self-drive routes in Africa, just to name a few, and offers some handy hints on planning a safe and relaxed, yet memorable, safari.
What is a Self Drive Safari?
The self-drive safari is basically a tour in which you drive yourself through a wildlife area, instead of having a professional safari driver.
But don’t despair, you’re not alone. There are many parks with visitor centres, maps, rangers, marked roads and entrance gates, and camps. There are also optional guided drives at some destinations, allowing you to enjoy independent driving while at the same time benefiting from expert wildlife experiences.
One of the joys of self-drive Africa is the feeling of adventure.
You may start leaving camp in the morning with the grass still covered with the morning mist and coffee beside you. Some kilometres further on, you see impala. Then zebra. Then suddenly the vehicles ahead have stopped.
All are facing into the light. You slow down. Perhaps there is a lion beneath a tree. It’s up to you to find that moment.
Why go for a self drive safari?
A self drive safari suits travellers who enjoy independence, flexible days and a little adventure.
Your own time and pace – You can decide when to stop at waterholes and viewpoints, subject to park rules and opening hours.
More flexibility – You are not tied to a pre-planned itinerary. Instead, you can shape your day around what interests you most.
An adventure spirit – the rustling of leaves along the roadside creates a wonderful sense of adventure when driving through the bush. Each corner has a secret to unveil.
Potentially lower costs
If you are heading somewhere other than the UK, you may save money on a private safari vehicle and driver per game drive. But there are costs to consider before you hire a vehicle, such as fuel, park fees, accommodation and insurance.
Perfect for photographers
Don’t be rushed to leave – you can spend more time watching the light, landscapes and wildlife behaviour.
If you’re still undecided about the type of safari you want to go on, check out our types of African safaris guide to learn more about how self-drive, guided, walking and other safari experiences differ in Africa.
Where Can You Enjoy a Self-Drive Safari?
Not all African safaris are driven safaris. The conditions are sometimes very different, as are the roadways, wildlife laws and vehicle requirements.
If its a first time, it is prudent to select a destination that has developed self-drive trails and visitor facilities.
South Africa: A Classic Beginning Point
As one of the most accessible countries in the world for a self-drive safari South Africa, it is especially convenient for those who visit the Kruger National Park.
There are many tar and gravel roads, lots of rest camps/well-established entrances in Kruger. SANParks states that there are many people who travel to Kruger on their own and for the international visitors, there are two airports in the park to which they can fly and then hire a vehicle.
This makes the Kruger self-drive experience particularly attractive for those wishing to enjoy an opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat and enjoy a simple journey.
A simple Kruger route idea
Lower Sabie → Satara → Olifants → Letaba
The trail offers an opportunity to travel through several different landscape settings instead of the entire tour around one camp.
Journey south around Skukuza and Lower Sabie and experience a vibrant safari vibe or head north and enjoy variable views and varied wildlife habitats.
Don’t assume that the further you travel, the more wildlife you’re going to see.
When it comes to safaris, slower is better.
A short drive near a waterhole can be a more memorable experience than a long drive for several kilometres.
Kruger Self-Drive: Routes With a Purpose
Every day on a Kruger self-drive can have a simple purpose, making planning easier.
Rather than, “Let’s go around and see what happens,” consider:
- Morning: a less busy road around camp.
- Noon: come back for lunch and a break.
- Afternoon: head towards a water source or another habitat.
- Evening: return before it is too late; before the gate closes.
Visitors are subject to strict rules in the Kruger. Visitors can ONLY come out of their cars in designated areas; the Guide for the SANParks currently recommends 50 km/h on tar roads and 40 km/h on gravel roads. Gate times should also be adhered to.
One of these is a safari lesson I will never forget:
The wild is not on your time, but the park is.
Please check the current gate and camp times before leaving.
Namibia: The Road Trip Meets the Safari
Namibia has a different character when it comes to self-drive safaris, especially if you enjoy long drives, open spaces and dramatic landscapes.
Namibia’s tourism authority says that self-driving is one of the most popular means of travel in the country, and there is a good road infrastructure linking key regions. Most of the roads are gravel, the trip times have to be carefully planned.
A classic route may be a combination of:
The route from Windhoek to Sossusvlei is then via Swakopmund, Damaraland and back to Etosha National Park.
This isn’t just a wildlife trip.
It’s a trip through dynamic environments.
The red dunes turn into the coastal landscape. On the horizon is rocky wilderness. Then it’s the thrill of the game and the waterholes of Etosha.
Why Etosha is so great for self-drive!
One of the most attractive features of Etosha National Park is the opportunity to travel along designated roads without the need of a guide and visit waterholes.
It’s all about the anticipation!
You may drive for 20 minutes or more without seeing wildlife.
Suddenly, the terrain shifts.
A herd of zebra is seen. Towards the water an elephant comes. Giraffes prowl the horizon.
That patient silence is the safari way of being.
Botswana: For the More Adventurous Driver
Botswana can be rewarding for a self-drive safari, but some routes require careful preparation and experience.
According to the country’s tourism authority, four-wheel drive is needed in the national parks and reserves, and remote areas.
For the adventure-seeking self-drive visitor, Moremi Game Reserve is a great destination. Moremi is a very popular self-drive area for campers, Botswana Tourism says, noting that it has “floodplains, lagoons, grasslands, forests and wildlife.
A popular combination
Maun, Moremi, Khwai and Chobe
Here preparation is key.
Beware of sandy tracks, the roads are not always in the same condition, and some roads will require a water crossing, so you should not expect the same level of amenities found on a standard road trip.
It is important to have a proper 4×4 with the navigation gear and recovery gear, extra water and careful route planning.
If you are new to offroad driving, you might want to consider using a guided track rather than a wilderness driving route.
How to Choose the Right Safari Vehicle
Your car isn’t just a means to an end.
On a self-drive safari, your vehicle is one of your most important pieces of equipment.
A standard car might be a good option on easier routes if allowed. A 4×4 offers increased clearance and capability on rougher tracks, remote areas and some national parks.
Prior to pick-up, inspect:
- Check the tyre condition
- Carry a spare tyre and changing equipment
- Confirm the vehicle’s fuel range
- Check the ground clearance
- Review the insurance cover
- Carry suitable recovery equipment
- Make sure the navigation system works
- Keep all vehicle documents with you
- Save local emergency contact details
- Ask whether a second spare tyre is recommended for your route
Tourism Namibia has a specific recommendation to use a sturdy 4×4 vehicle for off-road trips outside of the major roads in Namibia.
And this is my Golden Rule:
Don’t select a vehicle because it seems adventurous. Select one that is appropriate to the road.
What to Pack for a Self-Drive Safari
The best packing list is not too long.
Essentials
- Reusable water bottles
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Light layers
- Warm layer for early mornings
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Binoculars
- Camera and spare batteries
- Power bank
- Head torch
- Basic first-aid kit
- Offline maps
- Snacks
- Insect repellent
- Small rubbish bags
Your packing list needs to go further if you are travelling on remote routes.
Bring adequate water and food supply for unforeseen delays particularly when travelling through regions where services are spaced out.
Even with GPS, you may want to use a physical map.
Technology is brilliant.
Until the signal goes out of sight.
The Golden Rules of Safari Driving
Self drive safari is not a typical road trip.
Wildlife is on the road with you.
That changes everything.
1. Keep your eyes moving
Don’t only focus on the road in front of you. Look at the trees, grass, river banks and open areas around you.
2. Slow down near animals
Wildlife is capable of sudden movement. An elephant is able to emerge around a corner, and small animals can cross the street without warning.
3. Stay inside the vehicle
Visitors to areas like Kruger are required to stay in their vehicles, except at the designated areas.
Even if an animal appears calm, never assume it is safe to leave the vehicle.
Don’t assume that a wild animal is safe just because it is quiet.
4. Never feed wildlife
Animals may change their behaviour when fed and this can result in potentially dangerous situations.
5. Do not chase sightings
Do not chase wildlife or follow animals into areas where vehicles are not permitted. Give animals space and allow sightings to unfold naturally.
6. Be courteous to other safaris
Do not block the road and obstruct the traffic. If multiple vehicles are converging on a sighting, be patient and allow others to move away.
7. Do not drive off the roads.
This is particularly important in protected areas. including South African national parks. For instance, in the case of Kruger, no off-road driving or no entry on roads that have been flagged as no entry are allowed.
The secret for better wildlife viewing
There is an aspect of many new safari travellers that they discover very fast:
Safari is not a race. Faster does not equal more animals. Rather, develop an understanding of the topography.
Look for:
- Birds suddenly gathering in one area
- Impala becoming alert
- Vultures circling overhead
- Tracks crossing the road
- Fresh dung
- Movement in tall grass
- Animals gathering around water
- Other vehicles stopping ahead
Sometimes the animals are not seen right away. The bush is giving you clues, however.
That’s where the patience is going to be one of your most valuable safari skills.
Early Morning or Late Afternoon?
The level of wildlife activity varies depending on destination, season, weather, and species; however, early mornings and late afternoons are often rewarding times for game viewing.
The light can also be beautiful!
The morning is cool and in soft colours.
Warm golden hues and longer shadows during the late afternoon.
These hours can produce some of the most ethereal and eerie photographs of a trip for the photographer.
Do not worry about the “best” hour of the safari day though.
This can be your favourite memory if you cross the river in the middle of the day with an elephant.
To ensure your safety while driving on a self-drive safari, here are some tips:
If you are going into a park or reserve, be sure to know the rules before you get there.
Check:
- Gate opening and closing times
- Speed limits
- Road conditions
- Fuel availability
- Weather warnings
- Road closures
- Emergency numbers
- Mobile coverage
- Accommodation check-in times
SANParks strongly recommends visitors to plan tours carefully and adhere to gate times and to refer to the following road condition information when travelling.
If travelling to a remote location, advise accommodation/travel service provider of route if applicable.
Don’t underestimate distance!
To a regular motorway, a 100 km drive might seem like a breeze.
It can be an entirely different situation on a rugged safari trail.
Self drive safari south Africa: Some smart tips
In case your first trip is a self drive safari South Africa excursion, have realistic plans.
When changing camps, think of staying 2-3 nights in the same camp instead of changing camps each night.
This will allow you to get used to the roads and explore without the constant packing and unpacking.
It is also providing you something precious:
a second chance.
You might miss a leopard on day one.
Day two, you know where to look.
On day three, you are already watching that same stretch of bush differently.
That is when a safari starts to feel less like sightseeing and more like understanding the landscape.
When Should You Book a Self-Drive Safari?
The best time to travel depends on the destination, weather conditions, wildlife patterns and your personal preferences.
South Africa has safaris available throughout the year and there are also open road systems within Namibia and Botswana, which have varying seasons and can impact the landscape, wildlife sightings and road conditions.
When making a booking, don’t just settle for a generic “best month”.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want luscious vegetation, or dry scenery?
- Am I OK with challenging roads?
- Do I want to include cities, beaches or deserts with wildlife?
- How many kilometres do I really enjoy driving in a day?
The answers should influence the route you take.
Self-Drive vs Guided Safari
You don’t have to do away with one or the other.
On a self drive safari you will have independence and flexibility.
A guided safari gives you the opportunity to travel with an experienced guide who understands wildlife, animal tracks, behaviour, landscapes and calls.
This is why the combination of both can be an intriguing idea.
For instance, you could go on a self-guided safari for a few days and then hire a safari guide for a morning or afternoon.
The guide can see things that you would’ve missed.
You can then, with fresh eyes, resume your self-drive adventure.
Alternatively, try our Walking Safari Guide for a different take on getting off the car.
Common Safari Mistakes – Even veteran road-trippers can make mistakes the first time they venture into Africa’s bush.
Attempting to see it all – You can’t visit an entire park in a single day.
Excessive scheduling – Be flexible and have some padding in your schedule.
Do not wait for fuel – Refuel when a good opportunity is presented, especially before entering remote areas.
Too fast – A safari road is a patient road.
Forgetting binoculars – Your eyes cannot always bring distant wildlife close enough.
Late camp – Early starts can be worth it.
Wildlife as scenery – Wildlife may appear close to the road, but always give animals space and avoid disturbing them for a photograph.
My Favourite Way to Plan a Self-Drive Safari
A safari itinerary should be thought of as a narrative, not a checklist.
- Chapter one: get here and get comfortable.
- Chapter two: road learning.
- Chapter three: follow the clues of the wildlife.
- Chapter four: slow down.
- Chapter five: budget for the unknown.
It is not essential to encounter all the renowned animals to make a successful safari.
Perhaps you will remember most the moment elephants walked through golden grass.
It could be the first light of dawn over a tranquil waterhole.
Or maybe it will be when you switched off the engine and discovered just how quiet Africa can be.
It is the attraction of a self drive safari.
It is not simply a journey to the location.
You are on your own journey in it at your own speed.
Final Safari Vibes
A superb self drive safari is not a drive for the kilometres or a race for the animals.
It’s a lesson in when to drive and when to stop and when to just observe.
South Africa can be used to provide an entry point, Namibia can turn the journey itself into an adventure, while Botswana can offer a more challenging wilderness experience for well-prepared travellers. What matters is to match destination and route with your driving experience/vehicle/level of comfort.
For those planning a wider African adventure, keep reading our Ultimate African Safari Holidays Guide or visit our Kruger National Park Safari Guide or try out our Southern Africa Safari Guide for additional destinations!
When you get to the driver’s seat, keep this little safari rule in mind:
Drive slowly. Look closely. Stay curious. Come see Africa embrace world holiday vibes, and be surprised.
FAQ
A: A tour where you drive yourself through a wildlife park instead of using a professional safari driver.
A: This depends on the park you are going to: A 4×4 is necessary in rougher parks such as Botswana and standard car in the better parks such as the Kruger in South Africa.
A: No, you are not allowed to leave your car at all, except in safe places such as rest camps.
A: To avoid sudden movement of animals, avoid spotting them easily or getting a jarring ride on rough park roads.
A: Early mornings and late afternoons are usually the best times to see active wildlife.
Source
E- book:
- https://ebooks.vibesgroupuk.com/books/zpxr/
- https://www.worldholidayvibes.com/holiday-travel-guide-ebook
Youtube
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YavMmHK0XUI
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X72kPJ4XTU&list=PLNUm9YypsEQCLTnmAoQijeNXfxSgKZFaB
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F9NWbShnrU
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-67Ujy_ga4
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzkT8hf0EC8
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZE2ipDg7LQ
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/2022445845326016
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/1507201421153719
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/1532669025175724
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/4159963504228590
useful links:
- https://www.worldholidayvibes.com/destinations/africa
- https://www.worldholidayvibes.com/destinations/africa/madagascar
- https://www.worldholidayvibes.com/holiday-deals/madagascar-northern-highlights-madagascar-whv2308
- https://www.worldholidayvibes.com/holiday-deals/escape-to-madagascar-your-wild-paradise-madagascar-whv3198
