Self drive safari holidays

Our self drive safari holidays mean having the freedom to go from one wildlife reserve to the next as well as being able to stop off at vineyards, beaches and amazing landmarks en route. Get on the road, take in the highlights of Namibia, Malawi and South Africa under your own steam, and see Etosha, Limpopo and Kruger National Park. Once you get to the reserves, let an expert take the wheel and go on organised game drives. Your driving might be independent, but you won’t be in a bubble – your trip contributes to conservation when you stay in lodges that employ local people and support local initiatives.

Banish fears of lions on the bonnet: for the most part, our self drive safaris won’t mean that you’ll be driving yourself around game reserves solo. It’s best to go on organised game drives with a driver and guide once you’re in wildlife areas, to make sure you have the best chance of seeing rare species. Rely on expert eyes when it matters most – and get some information about what you’ve spotted, too.

The self drive element of these trips comes between reserves. Think of these as self drive AND safari trips, that cover far more ground than just the inside of a park. By driving yourself, you can get an appreciation for the geography of the area you’re visiting, plus the freedom to see it all. If you’re disappointed that you won’t be doing game drives by yourself, remember that not all wildlife is confined to reserves and parks. You might see whales from your vehicle as you drive along the Garden Route in South Africa, and you can drive yourself around Etosha National Park in Namibia, seeing wildlife with ease, as it tends to gather around easily viewable water holes.