Self-drive safari in Africa: the pros and cons

Let’s start with the basics: what is a self-drive safari? Going on a self-drive safari in Africa means exploring a National Park on safari while driving your own jeep in search of wildlife sightings.
Yes, exactly—it’s just as awesome as it sounds! You’re the one driving, you’re the one setting the pace, and you’re the one sleeping at campsites, avoiding the luxury (and expensive) lodges.

Although we firmly believe there’s no comparison between a self-drive safari and an organized one, we’ve put together a great list of pros and cons to help you choose the safari style that suits you best.

Ready?
 

Self-drive safari: all the pros
 

• A safari on your own terms

The chance to choose your own route through the National Park where you decide to go on safari is priceless. And just as priceless is being able to manage your time exactly as you want. Think about it: you’ve been waiting for this moment your whole life, and now it’s finally here... you’re face to face with a lion. You’re watching it when, at a certain point, a stranger in your vehicle (because with a ranger, you’ll rarely be alone) decides it’s time to move on. Sharing the moment with other travelers might be nice—but then one guest thinks it’s time to leave. All you want is 10 more minutes, maybe an extra hour. The guide starts the engine, and you’re forced to leave the lions behind. On a self-drive safari, that won’t happen—you decide when and where to go.
 

• Sharing space with incredible animals

And this is one of the very reasons why a self-drive safari is so amazing: at the end of the day, you can set up your camp in no time. You stay close to nature—which doesn’t mean wild camping, but staying at designated campsites—and enjoy Africa and all its evening wonders. One of the most beautiful feelings is going to sleep rocked by the wind, with the distant trumpeting of elephants in the background...
 

• Learning to fend for yourself

A self-drive safari lets you become part of that circle of travelers who truly want to experience safari firsthand. We know it: going on safari on your own isn’t something to take lightly, it’s not easy, and it requires organization. But that’s exactly why, during a self-drive, you become part of a community of travelers who help one another. It’s not unusual for jeeps to help each other out—even without knowing one another—by sharing tips on sightings, recommending roads to take, and much more.
 

• Lower costs

Another clear advantage is the savings: a self-drive safari is more affordable than an organized safari. Organized tours often include meals, dinners, and overnight stays in comfort-filled resorts, which can significantly increase the cost of the experience.
 

Self-drive safari: what are the cons?
 

• All the responsibility is yours

Unlike an organized safari, where your responsibility ends the moment you confirm your booking, on a self-drive safari you are the one who has to plan the itinerary and the route to follow. Knowing how to read a map or use a satellite phone is essential.

• Inexperienced eyes

Without the trained eye of a park ranger, it can sometimes be difficult to spot the more elusive animal species. Hours may go by without seeing anything “major.”

• If the car is damaged, you have to deal with it

And by damage, we also mean something as “simple” as a flat tire. If something goes wrong during your safari, you’re the one who has to handle the vehicle and its repair. And sometimes, even changing a jeep tire in the middle of the sand can become a monumental task if you’re not experienced!

• Managing supplies

Definitely not something to underestimate! On a self-drive safari, you have to think about the food supplies to bring into the parks, your water reserves (and fuel too), and cooking every meal. The responsibility of making sure you have the right supplies falls entirely on you.

• There aren’t many comforts

We probably don’t even need to say it, but a self-drive safari is not ideal for anyone looking for a highly comfortable experience. Let’s be honest: camping life isn’t exactly the most convenient. That’s why it’s important, before leaving, to understand how you want to experience safari and whether you’re in the right mood for a DIY adventure.

Okay, okay—you might now be feeling a little confused and wondering “So what should I do? Should I go self-drive or not?”
We asked ourselves the very same question. And that’s why we created an INCREDIBLE SELF-DRIVE EXPEDITION IN NAMIBIA. The perfect balance between DIY adventure and supportive logistical organization.

Take a look!