Africa is an awesome destination for 4×4 adventures of a lifetime. With vast landscapes to traverse, remote wilderness to immerse in and abundant wildlife to watch you really will experience a freedom to explore like no other. Use our guiding expertise and your passion for 4×4 driving and together we will create an outstanding 4×4 safari holiday.
There are various options to choose from, be that self drive 4×4 or non 4×4, guided small group safari tours in 4×4 or private 4×4 safaris with your very own driver/guide and custom built vehicle. With 24/7 guest care whilst travelling, you are in safe hands on your African safari holiday in 4×4. Our team has traversed the land, coped with its challenges and experienced its wildlife and bush ecology. We know where to go, what’s on show at certain times of year in the wilderness, and all the insider tips that are good to know.
For self drive safaris, our favourites are Namibia, South Africa, Botswana and Tanzania because of their spectacular landscapes, wildlife areas, picturesque towns, cosmopolitan cities not to mention exceptional roads, endless supply of stunning accommodation and impeccable infrastructure – would you believe none of our guests have ever been lost?
The other option is of course a tailor-made private 4×4 safari that we create based on your interests. It involves you arriving into Africa and meeting your private guide who is with you for the duration. After a short briefing about the customised vehicle, you venture out on your Africa safari exploring your choice of destinations and regions. This is the ultimate way to explore Tanzania if you don’t mind travelling in a vehicle on roads and also game driving. The other option is fly-in safari. Botswana offers phenomenal mobile camping safari holidays with 4×4 vehicles as the mode of transport between camps and on game drives.
A very Australian style concept is the Tag-Along 4×4 safari tour. This means you get behind the wheel of a 4×4 secure in the knowledge that you have the guidance of a qualified naturalist and driver plus support crew should you need assistance. This style trip is done in Namibia and Botswana.
So if you love the excitement and adventure of 4×4 and want to head out on safari in Africa, this may just be the ticket.
Being on a private concession was fantastic as it allowed off road 4WDing, so nothing escaped our guide and tracker’s attention. This made for some exceptional up close photographic opportunities.
When to Go
You can head out on a 4×4 safari holiday anytime of year. Keep in mind wet seasons often see damage to roads and landscapes so driving can be more challenging. Rivers can flood, roads can wash away and dirt can quickly become impenetrable cotton soil. If you are self driving, it is important to know your own ability and liaise with your specialist to ensure the journey is not too difficult. Winter can be chilly on morning and afternoon safaris, so we always recommend you take clothing that easily layers for warmth and don’t forget a beanie!
Good to Know
Important to think about how much time you would like to spend in the vehicle each day. Some countries have extensive distance between destinations. There are two components to consider – road driving which is the transferring from place to place and then game driving, the wildlife sightings and safari holiday component in national parks and reserves. We will always try to give you an indication of drive times so you can work out in your own mind if a 4×4 safari holiday is for you. Most of the vehicles in Southern Africa are open sided, so you get to really savour the safari and feel truly immersed in the wilderness. Some vehicles in East Africa are open sided, all depends on the region and regulations. Ask us for details!
Browse our Itinerary Collection for 4×4 Safari inspiration
Northern Tanzania Circuit
Tanzania has created a very impressive circuit in the north that encompasses the most famous of wilderness regions including the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and to a lesser extent, simply because it’s not as well known, Tarangire. Starting in safari capital Arusha, you meet your private guide and vehicle and head off into the wilds of Tanzania. Driving from place to place means you see life unfold before your eyes, Maasai villagers going about their days and bustling markets. Roads are in absolutely acceptable condition and then you enter the national parks and game reserves and it becomes your game drive with wildlife abound.
Botswana On the Move
The ultimate mobile safaris in 4×4 are offered in Botswana. Much of the country is not easily accessed by road, so we fly you into remote locations where you meet your guide and vehicle and really begin the adventure. This can be done as part of a small group tour or indeed on your own. Some 4×4 safari holidays in Botswana start from Maun and you venture into areas more easily accessible. Plus you can cross borders and get to Victoria Falls and down to South Africa.
Namibia’s Nowhere
In Namibia you will truly feel tiny because its landscapes are so enormous and horizons endless. Exploring in 4×4 means you can be on the open road and not see another car for hours. This is only ideal if you like driving and if 4×4 is your style, we’ll get you off road. To get off the beaten track, it pays to have a reliable guide and Encompass Africa has traversed every road there is in Namibia! Take in the magnitude of the Namib Desert, the enormity of Skeleton Coast, the diversity of Damaraland and the exceptional wildlife and salt pans of Etosha. We also offer the unique Tag Along Namibia Tour, travelling in your own kitted out 4×4 with lead vehicle, guide and support crew there to make it an outstanding safari holiday.
Kenya’s Classics
Kenya is an outstanding destination for a 4×4 safari holiday and we always encourage you to consider the off the beaten track locations in addition to the internationally famous like Masai Mara. Why not get out amongst the truly remote wilderness areas of Samburu and Shaba. Here vehicles are open sided so you can savour every inch of the landscape you’re in and really get close to the wildlife action.
Browse our Itinerary Collection for 4×4 Safari inspiration
I loved the feeling of anticipation when you jumped in the 4×4 to head out on safari, it was very exciting wondering where you were heading and what you might find.
Being on a private concession was fantastic as it allowed off road 4WDing, so nothing escaped our guide and tracker’s attention. This made for some exceptional up close photographic opportunities.
Having a private 4×4 throughout Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, really made our trip. We were able to see the animals in the Serengeti, Manyara and Tarangire at our own pace, watching as long as we like. At Manyara we had a family of elephants stampede in front of our 4×4 then immediately after a troop of over 50 baboons run down beside our vehicle and we didn’t have to share these experiences with anyone else.
Want to know what others said? Read all our customer ovations.
Get in touch today so we can customise a 4×4 Safari holiday for you.
