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African Self-Drive Safaris & Tours
An African self-drive safari might be right up your sleeve if you're a bit of an adventurer. There’s nothing quite like exploring Africa at your own pace and in your own time. While most safari packages adhere to a pre-determined itinerary, a self-drive safari is where you get to take control. Yes, you’ll need to have your campsites and other accommodation booked well in advance, putting some limits on your freedom. But it will be up to you which route you take, how long you stay to watch those lions on a kill, and how long you stop for lunch. That freedom comes with a sense of responsibility – if somethings happens, you’re the one who’ll need to deal with it. But help is never more than a satellite phone call away and it’s a small price to pay for the sort of safari holiday that you’ll never forget.
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Top Rated Operator
19-Day Namibia Self Drive Adventure
$8,909 pp (USD)
Namibia: Self-drive
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Windhoek (Start), Kalahari Region, Fish River Canyon (|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld TP), Aus (Town), Namib-Naukluft NP (Namib Desert), Swakopmund (City), Damaraland, Etosha NP, Eastern Etosha NP, Erongo Mountains (Mountain Range), Windhoek Airport (End)
Wayfairer Travel
4.8/5 – 158 Reviews
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4-Day Addo Elephant National Park Safari
$307 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-driveLuxuryGuest House
You Visit: Port Elizabeth (Start), Addo Elephant NP, Port Elizabeth (End)
Indigo Safaris
4.8/5 – 130 Reviews
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5-Day Best of Etosha Self-Drive Safari
$3,098 to $4,204 pp (USD)
Namibia: Self-driveLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Windhoek (Start), Okonjima NR, Eastern Etosha NP, Ongava GR, Windhoek (End)
Secret Namibia
5.0/5 – 22 Reviews
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10-Day Eco-Adventure from Damaraland to Sossusvlei
$2,029 to $2,232 pp (USD)
Namibia: Self-drive
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Windhoek (Start), Etosha NP, Erongo Mountains (Mountain Range), Swakopmund (City), Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes), Windhoek Airport (End)
Viatu
5.0/5 – 43 Reviews
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3-Day Big Five Self-Drive Safari to Mabula Game Lodge
$600 to $666 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-drive
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Mabula GR (Waterberg Biosphere Reserve), Johannesburg (End)
Safari.com
4.7/5 – 186 Reviews
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14-Day Wonders of Namibia Self Drive Safari
$2,467 to $2,765 pp (USD)
Namibia: Self-drive
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Windhoek (Start), Kalahari Region, Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes), Swakopmund (City), Twyfelfontein (Rock Art), Palmwag Concession (Damaraland), Etosha NP, Okonjima NR, Okapuka Ranch, Windhoek Airport (End)
Great Explorations Namibia
5.0/5 – 58 Reviews
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5-Day Cederberg Wilderness, West Coast &Ancient Rock Art
$323 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-drive
Mid-range Resort & Guest HouseYou Visit: Cape Town (Start), West Coast NP, Namaqualand, Nieuwoudtville (Town), Cederberg (Mountain Range), Cape Town (End)
Southern African Tours
4.8/5 – 66 Reviews
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8-Day Mana Pools & Chitake - 4x4 Self-Drive
$1,768 pp (USD)
Zimbabwe: Self-driveBudgetCamping & Guest House
You Visit: Harare (Start), Mana Pools NP, Chitake Springs (Mana Pools NP), Harare (End)
Mana Pools Tourism Services
5.0/5 – 34 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
4-Day Luxury Tshukudu Lodge Fully Inclusive Safari
$975 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-driveLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Pilanesberg GR, Johannesburg (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 1449 Reviews
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12-Day Northern Self-Drive Camping Expedition
$2,714 to $3,502 pp (USD)
Malawi: Self-driveBudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Lilongwe (Start), South Viphya FR, Nyika NP, Chintheche (Town & Beach), Nkhotakota WR, Lilongwe (End)
Land & Lake Safaris
4.7/5 – 29 Reviews
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10-Day Namibia - Highlights Expedition
$2,595 to $2,815 pp (USD)
Namibia: Self-drive
Mid-range Lodge & Guest HouseYou Visit: Windhoek (Start), Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes), Swakopmund (City), Walvis Bay (City), Etosha NP, Okonjati GR, Windhoek (End)
African Wanderer Tours & Safaris
5.0/5 – 16 Reviews
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7-Day Self Drive - Etosha Animal Kingdom
$1,661 to $1,828 pp (USD)
Namibia: Self-drive
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Windhoek (Start), Okonjima NR, Etosha NP, Eastern Etosha NP, Waterberg Plateau, Windhoek Airport (End)
Desert Africa Safaris
5.0/5 – 20 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
9-Day Namibian Highlights Exploration
$1,534 to $1,588 pp (USD)
Namibia: Self-drive
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Windhoek (Start), Namib-Naukluft NP (Namib Desert), Swakopmund (City), Damaraland, Etosha NP, Windhoek Airport (End)
Discover Africa Safaris
4.9/5 – 452 Reviews
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Best Seller
10-Day Classic Cape & Kruger National Park Safari
$2,928 to $3,833 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-driveLuxuryLodge & Guest House
You Visit: Cape Town (Start), Winelands, Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
African Welcome Safaris
5.0/5 – 240 Reviews
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14-Day Cape Town, Garden Route and Addo Self-Drive Tour
$2,313 to $2,544 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-drive
Mid-range Guest House & HotelYou Visit: Cape Town (Start), Franschhoek (Winelands), Hermanus (Whales), Knysna (Garden Route), Garden Route NP (Tsitsikamma) (Garden Route NP), Addo Elephant NP, Cape Town (End)
Go Self-Drive Tours
4.8/5 – 11 Reviews
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10-Day Best Namibian Attractions Self-Drive Safari
$3,568 to $4,058 pp (USD)
Namibia: Self-drive
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Windhoek (Start), Kalahari Desert, Namib-Naukluft NP (Namib Desert), Swakopmund (City), Damaraland, Etosha NP, Okonjima NR, Windhoek Airport (End)
Southbound Tours
5.0/5 – 10 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
10-Day Cape Town, Winelands and Kruger Luxury Tour
$3,519 to $4,262 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-driveLuxuryLodge & Hotel
You Visit: Cape Town (Start), Franschhoek (Winelands), Greater Kruger, Hoedspruit Airport (Hoedspruit), Hoedspruit (End)
Wild Wings Safaris
5.0/5 – 214 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
11-Day Cape Town, Garden Route, Big 5 Safari (Self-Drive)
$2,260 to $2,513 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-driveLuxuryLodge & Hotel
You Visit: Cape Town (Start), Knysna (Garden Route), Lalibela GR, Port Elizabeth (End)
Pembury Tours
5.0/5 – 433 Reviews
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14-Day Namibia Classic
$3,295 pp (USD)
Namibia: Self-drive
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Windhoek (Start), Auas Game Farm, Waterberg Plateau, Etosha NP, Eastern Etosha NP, Damaraland, Erongo Mountains (Mountain Range), Swakopmund (City), Namib-Naukluft NP (Namib Desert), Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes), Kalahari Desert, Windhoek (City), Hosea Kutako Airport (End)
Gazzella Tours
5.0/5 – 11 Reviews
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10-Day Namibia Popular Classic Self-Drive Safari
$2,113 to $2,384 pp (USD)
Namibia: Self-drive
Mid-range Lodge & Guest HouseYou Visit: Windhoek (Start), Otjiwa Game Farm, Etosha NP, Twyfelfontein (Rock Art), Swakopmund (City), Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes), Windhoek (End)
Jangwa Tours and Safaris
5.0/5 – 2 Reviews
7 Questions About Self-drive Safari Tours
![Anthony Ham](https://cloudfront.safaribookings.com/assets/experts/84x84/Anthony_Ham.jpg)
Answered by
Anthony Ham
Anthony is a photographer and writer for travel magazines and multiple Lonely Planet guides. For the past 20 years, he has spent a significant proportion of every year exploring the continent, and likes nothing better than driving a 4x4 out into the wilds of southern and East Africa.› More about Anthony
7 Questions About Self-drive Safari Tours
![](https://cloudfront.safaribookings.com/assets/experts/42x42/Anthony_Ham.jpg)
Why should I choose a self-drive safari?
“A self-drive safari is the ultimate in African exploration. This kind of tour has the effect of sharpening the senses – you’re a participant in Africa’s drama, not merely an observer. You’re the one who controls the speed, and who decides which fork in the road to take and how long to linger. Every time you get out of your vehicle there’s nothing between you and the wild lands you’ve come to see. It would certainly be easier to let someone else take control and make the decisions, but the self-drive journey is a remarkable experience. As a general rule, self-drive safaris tend to be cheaper than other kinds of safaris. The cost of vehicle rental is expensive, but if you are on a self-drive camping safari you will save greatly on accommodation costs.”
1Which countries are most geared to self-drive safaris?
“Self-drive safaris are possible in most African countries, but South Africa, Botswana and Namibia are probably the best. South Africa usually involves a combination of a safari with other tourist attractions and therefore offers less ‘wild’ self-drive tours. On the other hand, Kruger is probably the most popular and easiest park for self-drive safaris and great for first-timers. With their long history of self-drive exploration, well-maintained roads and tracks, and very little traffic, they’re ideal for those on their first such expedition in Africa. Zambia comes not far behind, although there’s heavy traffic in some parts of the country, and some roads can be in bad condition. And provided you take back roads wherever possible there is nothing to stop you from self-driving Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Remember, however, that traffic can be heavy in all of these countries, at least on major roads.”
2Do I need 4x4 experience?
“For most self-drive safaris, it is strongly recommended that you take a 4x4 course, preferably in the vehicle you will be using on your safari. South Africa is a partial exception – most parks, including Kruger, have tarred roads, although Kgalagadi is one park where gravel roads are the norm. By its very nature, a self-drive safari is a serious undertaking. Working out how to engage the vehicle’s 4x4 or re-inflating tires are things not best done with darkness fast approaching in the middle of the animal-rich Okavango Delta. Many rental companies and self-drive safari operators can arrange such day courses. The experience and confidence you will gain will serve you well out on the trail. Most operators and vehicle-rental companies provide an overview of driving when you pick up the vehicle. If you plan to stick to main roads and main safari trails through parks and reserves, you may be fine with only this information. ”
3What type of vehicle can I expect?
“Most 4x4 safari vehicles have all the essential elements of hard-core expedition cars. Typical vehicles include a Land Rover Defender, Toyota Hilux or other off-road workhorse. Most will be manual, although automatic transmission vehicles are also possible. Some will be single cab (for two people), while others are dual cab (for four or, a tight squeeze, five people). Unless you’re driving from one lodge or tented camp to another, you’ll likely have a 4x4 camper. If that’s the case, your sleeping quarters will consist of a pop-top roof, or a rooftop tent that you’ll need to set up every night. In the back there will also be a fridge and/or freezer as well as a gas stove, cooking equipment and eating utensils. The better vehicles will have a portable shower, lighting, a shade awning and a mini-ladder. And, importantly, a toolkit with basic tools and essential elements such as rope, a winch, electric pump for inflating tires and other necessary items.”
4What should I do when I encounter animals?
“Stay in your vehicle. Never get out of your vehicle if there are animals around. Ever. Most national parks have speed limits that rarely exceed 40km/h (25mi/h), and in many instances you’ll want to drive even slower than that. Some wild animals can be skittish and unpredictable around vehicles, so be ready to stop suddenly whenever animals are around (and even when you just suspect they might be nearby). You’ll quickly discover how close is too close. Approach slowly and watch for any signs that the animal in question may be becoming agitated. Never get between a mother and her offspring. Remember, too, that some animals such as rhinos have poor eyesight and are liable to charge if they sense (or even imagine) a threat. Don’t do anything that changes the shape of the vehicle in an animal’s eyes, such as climbing onto the roof, dangling limbs outside the car, or opening doors. It’s always better to enjoy an animal encounter from a reasonable distance than it is to scare off that animal by trying to get too close. In general, always drive with great care. Slow down to avoid accidents. Stop and admire the view. And be prepared to wait for animals to pass by, do something interesting or come down to the waterhole to drink.”
5How much will this safari cost?
“The price of a vehicle alone usually begins at around US$100 per day. However, it can go above US$170 per day, sometimes significantly so, for a fully equipped 4x4 camper. Remember, however, that this is the cost per vehicle, to be shared between all of those who will be traveling in the vehicle. In addition to this per-day cost is petrol, camping fees and/or accommodation costs, satellite phone and food supplies, all of which can vary significantly from country to country. Some operators will give you a rate that includes most of these, although petrol is usually considered an additional cost. The range of self-drive safari packages is vast.”
6What should I consider when choosing a self-drive trip?
“The biggest question is whether self-driving is for you. The experience of driving yourself around Africa may be exciting, but it’s not for everyone. If this is supposed to be a relaxing holiday, consider a guided safari. On a self-drive camping safari, you’ll spend quite a bit of time each day setting and packing up camp, and cooking, not to mention sleeping on what are usually thin mattresses. You also need to be realistic in what you hope to achieve, making sure that daily distances are sensible. Be sure to build in a few rest days along the way. Breaking down in the middle of nowhere without a telephone signal is a great way to ruin your trip. Make sure that you carry a satellite phone with you.”
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