Self Drive safaris offer you the freedom to explore with your own vehicle. There are few experiences to match the thrill of waking up in Africa knowing you’re about to venture out on your own with the freedom to explore some of the most sensational landscapes in the world.
A Self-drive safari in Africa is planned in great detail, with all logistics arranged before you even arrive to ensure your safety and comfort and most importantly, guarantee you experience the very best that this staggeringly beautiful continent has to offer at a pace that suits you.
Self drive safaris in South Africa, Namibia, Zambia or other destinations are not just about camping and roughing it. You can either go in a fully equipped vehicle so all the creature comforts are with you, or you can simply drive from camp to camp and stay somewhere that is all set up with outstanding service in stunning locations like Tanzania.
We work with you to tailor the perfect self drive safari holiday. We do not offer vehicle hire only. It is our responsibility to create the entire experience for our guests from door to door.
South Africa and Namibia are the most popular countries for self drive safari holidays because many of the game reserves and national parks were designed specifically with independent safari-goers in mind. The road networks are generally in good condition and you don’t necessarily need a 4×4 as many roads are sealed. We also offer self-drive safaris in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia and Tanzania.
Driving around Mahe Island, Seychelles was awesome, even with the odd rainy day. We got to explore a number of remote beaches and sample outstanding food from small restaurants and cafes along the way.
Is a self drive safari for me?
Do you have a spirit of adventure, enjoy being outdoors, have a keen interest in freedom to explore, enjoy driving long distances, like the idea of discovering places for yourself and at your pace, enjoy a range of experiences and off the beaten track places rather than the usual worn tourist path? If you answered yes to a few of these questions, then self drive safaris in Africa may be the ideal type of holiday for you.
Is it safe?
A common question we get asked is whether self drive safaris are safe. Absolutely is always our answer. With the caveat that you need to act responsibly and drive with a measure of common sense as you would at home. When in wildlife areas, you always need to follow the regulations set by the national park and reserves. Never provoke a wild animal and take care when walking around campsites. It is dangerous to drive at night more so because of wildlife on the road than anything else.
Can I tag along?
Tag along 4×4 safari holidays in Africa are becoming more and more popular, allowing you the opportunity to experience the open road with a lead vehicle guiding you along the way. Together with your guide and small group of other vehicles and guests, you focus on adventure, scenery and wildlife. We offer a fantastic 4×4 tag along camping safari in Namibia.
Browse our Itinerary Collection for Self Drive Safari inspiration
Namibia
This is one of the ultimate self drive holidays Africa offers because Namibia has such outstanding diversity of landscapes and wildlife plus fantastic roads that are well signed. You have to keep in mind distances are vast, so long days of driving await if you want to cover much ground and see the major highlights like Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon, Damaraland, Etosha, Swakopmund and Skeleton Coast. There are standard vehicles, 2×4 and 4×4 so that comes down to your preferred itinerary and mode of transport. GPS are available if you prefer that to a map and we also provide directions.
South Africa
Our self drive holiday favourite, South Africa has an outstanding infrastructure with good roads, regular facilities for petrol, servicing and stretching legs plus brilliant landscapes, accommodations and attractions. Vehicles of all shapes and sizes are available and we provide driving instructions plus you can hire a GPS if you prefer. We arrange everything for you, so simply arrive, pick up your vehicle and enjoy the journey with accommodations sorted, activities and even restaurant bookings if you want our recommendations from the Gourmet Trails team.
Browse our Itinerary Collection for Self Drive Safari inspiration
Driving the Garden Route was fabulous, we wish we spent longer doing this. We felt very safe on the roads and along with Encompass Africas directions we had stops recommended to us along the way by each lodge.
Self driving Namibia was fantastic and so easy with great directions and signage. We loved the location of Doro Nawas, allowing us to explore Damaraland and it’s perfect to opt into activities because some days we were tired. Anderssons Camp in Etosha was brilliant and we did some game drives on our own and a few with guides – highly recommend mixing it up. Then down south in the desert region we stayed at Little Kulala which was brilliant. All in all a great start to our Southern Africa odyssey, thanks again!
Hopping into your own 4×4 and venturing off on your own, was a holiday made of dreams. To explore the vast open spaces and rolling landscapes of Namibia made us feel like modern day explorers. The roads were in fantastic condition and well signed. Each day we simply jumped into the car, read the directions provided and enjoyed the spectacular scenery.
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Get in touch today so we can customise a Self Drive Safari holiday for you.
