Let’s be honest: a safari in Africa is one of those experiences to tick off your bucket list at least once in a lifetime.
But the real dilemma is: is it better to do it on your own or with an organized tour?
In this article, we’ll try to answer your question, focusing on the beauty of Namibia and everything you need to know before planning a safari in this incredible destination.
Let’s get started!
DIY safari? Here’s why it may not be the best idea
DIY safari in Namibia: here are a few things you should know if you’ve never done one before
Namibia is definitely one of the less sought-after destinations when planning a safari, but it offers one of the most breathtaking parks on the entire continent. We’re talking about Etosha National Park, home to 114 animal species, including the world’s largest population of black rhinos.
Unlike many African parks, which are dense with vegetation, Etosha—meaning “place of dry water”—is a huge limestone pan covering 5,000 km².
During the driest months, between June and October, the few remaining waterholes attract large herds of animals, and sightings of the most iconic species are practically guaranteed.
You can easily spend several days in the park’s three camps: Namutoni, Halali, and Okaukuejo, where the floodlit waterhole is famous for spotting large mammals and herbivores.
In short, it’s an experience to have at least once in your life.
But let’s get to the point: what should you keep in mind when planning a trip to Namibia?
Let’s look at some of the key aspects.
How long do I want to spend on safari?
Safaris can last anywhere from half a day to several weeks in the wilderness.
Depending on where you choose to go on safari, you may be fairly limited to your camp when you’re not out wildlife spotting.
Be realistic about how much time you want to spend in the savannah and what else you want to see during your trip to Namibia.
What is my budget?
Some all-inclusive safaris can be very expensive: luxury tents, lodges, photographic safaris, fees, catered meals, and much more.
The budget for a DIY safari largely depends on what you decide to do: if you camp in your own tent, pay the park fees, and take a day trip with a local guide, that’s one cost. If you prefer comfort and luxury services, well, that will definitely increase the total.
What do I want to do?
Many safaris take visitors into the wilderness by jeep, a fast mode of transport that allows participants to cover a lot of ground and observe wildlife from a safe distance and with some protection.
If the car isn’t your preferred means of transport, however, you can look for an alternative among the many options available.
There are hot air balloon safaris, canoe safaris, and walking safaris, just to name a few.
You may also be interested in a photographic or cultural safari, which allows you to connect with local people.
Who will be my guide?
Ask the operator you’re considering how many people will be on the tour, the guide-to-guest ratio, and whether there will be both a guide and a driver.
Most safari-goers appreciate the expert eye of an experienced guide who can take the time to teach guests about the area and help them spot things they might otherwise miss.
What do I need to feel comfortable?
As with any tour, it’s important to carefully assess your needs in terms of accommodation, food, and so on.
Safari accommodation ranges from luxury lodges to permanent tents with pit latrines, all the way to the most minimalist tents.
Be realistic about what will make your trip enjoyable.
If the thought of several days without a flushing toilet terrifies you, there’s no shame in choosing a lodge. If you can’t handle too much time under the African sun or away from basic comforts, choose a safari that offers more luxurious accommodation.
DIY safari in Namibia? If you’re a beginner, it may not be a good idea
To organize a DIY safari, it’s essential first of all to know when it is possible to visit Namibia: keep in mind that not every month of the year is suitable, and choosing the wrong period could affect your experience.
And what about vaccinations?
Although none are mandatory, it’s still important to be informed about the recommended ones. In fact, it’s a good idea to consult your trusted doctor so you don’t arrive unprepared.
Or better yet, it would be preferable to have someone provide all the necessary information (which is certainly less stressful than the idea of having to do everything on your own).
The advantages of a Namibia safari with an organized group trip
Okay, okay, now you’re probably thinking: “A group trip? No thanks...”
Fair enough—after all, you’ve probably already traveled independently, and there’s nothing better: you get to discover who you are, connect with a new culture, and above all, do everything at your own pace.
But wait.
You might be surprised to discover that many people who thought the same way changed their minds after trying a group trip!
That’s because it’s a different kind of experience, with different feelings and different emotions. Unlike traveling on your own, here you choose to share and rely on other people’s skills.
Trust us, it’s awesome (but we may be a little biased 😁).
If you choose to rely on a tour operator (wow, that sounds old-fashioned!) that really knows what it’s doing, you’ll be able to enjoy every moment of your safari with the right company—which is definitely not a detail to overlook!
By the way, did you know that we created an amazing safari in Namibia? Here you can find the Namibia travel episodes featured in our Kilimangiaro segment on Rai 3.
Conclusions
In this article, we compared the experience of a DIY safari in Namibia with an organized group trip like Sto Gran Tour.
Let yourself be enchanted by the wonders of this country.
Ready to pack your bags? Check out our NAMIBIA ADVENTURE TRIP—you won’t regret it!
