Why Go on a Self-Drive Safari?
Explore At Your Own Pace
Created with the independent and adventurous traveller in mind, self-drive safaris are the ultimate journey for the seasoned safari-goer or spirited visitor seeking the path less travelled. Traverse the national and secondary roads of Namibia and South Africa, capturing pictures of the breathtaking natural views and soaking up each moment as they slowly pass you by.
Packed Itineraries with a Variety of Experiences
Self-drive safaris aren’t as daunting as they may seem. All you need to do is fly in, collect your pre-booked vehicle, and hit the road. Our itineraries perfectly balance experience and practicality, enabling travellers to enjoy as many highlights as possible without needing to drive for days on end to them - as well as plenty of time to relax and explore in between.
Encounter Africa’s Most Majestic Wildlife
From vast, untamed plains to stark and beautiful desert landscapes, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of your favourite big game when taking a self-driving safari through South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Namibia’s Etosha National Park.
Excellent Value
Thanks to a very favourable exchange rate, it’s easy to find superb accommodation that offers that extra bit of holiday pampering.
Spoilt for choice is an understatement with an option to suit every budget and preference.
Exclusive Lodges & Camps
Enjoy simple luxury coupled with world-class amenities, warm and friendly service, unforgettable memories, and every modern comfort and convenience one would need to savour an exceptional getaway in some of Africa’s most sought-after destinations.
Convenient Add-Ons
Whether you want to explore a bit more of South Africa and Namibia, or visit one of Africa’s other top destinations, like Botswana or Victoria Falls, Go2Africa’s Africa Safari Experts can craft tailor-made itineraries that ensure you get access to every stop on your wishlist.
Take the Adventure into Your Own Hands
Both first-time and seasoned visitors to Africa might find the thought of a self-safari drive intimidating, but trust us, they’re far less daunting than you might imagine. Self-drive safaris allow you to tap into your adventurous spirit and get closer to the essence of Africa.
And with no prescribed schedules or time limits, you have the freedom to discover the continent’s wonders in your own time and at your own pace – meaning you can spend 30 minutes or three hours photographing wildlife if you want. Although not every region of Africa is suitable for self-drive safaris, you can look forward to a memorable journey through South Africa and Namibia.
From $450 USD
per person per Night Sharing
From $650 CAD
per person per Night Sharing
From $1,050 AUD
per person per Night Sharing
From €1,000 EUR
per person per Night Sharing
From £800 GBP
per person per Night Sharing
From R15,000 ZAR
per person per Night Sharing
Top Destinations for a Self-Drive Holiday
Here are some of our best packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:
South Africa
Try a self-driving safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park and be sure to include a drive along the adjoining Panorama Route to view impressive scenery and quirky towns. There are also the excellent game reserves and stunning tropical coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, a classic African self-drive destination – include the rolling landscapes of the Midlands Meander and views of the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains to get the most out of this region.
Highlights:
- Driving in South Africa is straightforward, due to its well-developed road network.
- The roads along this route are good quality, wide tar roads, and there is little other traffic.
- It isn’t necessary to have a 4×4 vehicle, unless you’d prefer more space.
- Trips can easily be extended to spend more time on safari elsewhere in South Africa or to take in another area entirely for a longer trip.
Namibia
Namibia is known for being best travelled by 4×4. It’s the most effective way to travel here, allowing you to see every view as it comes. Namibia also lends itself to adventure with an incredible selection of stunning campsites and exciting lodges. Furthermore, the country has an excellent road infrastructure and is a very safe place to travel. If you’re an adventurer wanting to go into the unknown, be careful what you asked for, as some remote corners of Namibia are off-world.
Namibia
Highlights:
- Namibia is a sparsely populated country with broad, flat and largely empty roads making it an ideal destination for self-driving.
- It’s only a three to six hour drive to Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations.
- We recommend spending two to three nights in Damaraland, splitting your time between the north and south of Nambia.
Consider Adding...
Cape Winelands
Less than an hour's drive from Cape Town lie the serene green valleys of the Cape Winelands. The crisp country air will help you build up an appetite for all things good as you sample wines at the region's world-renowned estates or go on guided cellar tours. The Cape Winelands is an easy day trip from Cape Town but if you've got the time, we highly recommend spending a night or two in these beautiful and romantic surroundings.
Cape Town
Perfect city for a beach holiday: coastlines of white-sand beaches, miles of walking trails and dozens of incredible places to explore - climb Table Mountain, visit the penguins at Boulders Beach, wander around working harbours or take a daytrip to the picturesque Cape Winelands for tasty picnics on wide green lawns.
Mozambique
End your self-drive safari with a beach finale. A Mozambique holiday is the perfect excuse to kick off your shoes, take off your watch and gear down to the slow pace of island life: swim, snorkel, laze in the sunshine or set sail on a sunset dhow cruise.
Browse our Self-Drive Safari Resources
Self-Drive Trip Ideas
Here are some of our best packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:
Cape, Winelands, Whale Coast & Garden Route
Take the entire family on a hugely rewarding journey through South Africa’s famously beautiful Western Cape and enjoy one amazing destination after another as you explore Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, the Whale Coast and the ever-popular Garden Route before ending off with a big game safari.
Hike or take the cable car up Table Mountain or play on the city’s beautiful beaches before spending a few days in glorious Franschhoek where you can marvel at the mountainous scenery and enjoy exquisite local wines.
Then it is time to discover the region’s incredible flora with a stay in Grootbos. The kids will love searching for interesting bugs and going on nature walks while in season you can drive along the coast spotting whales and dolphins.
Wind your way along the beautiful Garden Route and enjoy great beaches and adventure activities in Plettenberg Bay before heading off to the malaria-free Kwandwe Private Reserve in the Eastern Cape for two days of exclusive Big 5 game viewing.
Highlights:
- Drive down the scenic Cape Peninsula
- Explore the beautiful Cape Winelands
- Stay in the gourmet capital of Franschhoek
- Taste exquisite local wines and cheeses
- Watch whales from your cliff-top lodge
- Wind your way along the Garden Route
- Relax on beautiful golden-sand beaches
- Enjoy thrilling game-sightings in the private Kwandwe reserve
- Stay on the banks of the Great Fish River
PER PERSON Sharing
FROM $3,600 CAD
PER PERSON Sharing
FROM $5,750 AUD
PER PERSON Sharing
FROM €5,450 EUR
PER PERSON Sharing
FROM £4,350 GBP
PER PERSON Sharing
FROM R80,000 ZAR
PER PERSON Sharing
Namibia Family Self-Drive
Spend 12 days exploring diverse and fascinating Namibia on this unforgettable self-drive tour. The itinerary includes stunning desert and dune landscapes, ancient rock art, the dramatic Atlantic coast and a big game safari.
Start and end your journey in the capital city of Windhoek. You begin with a trip into big cat country as you visit the Waterberg Plateau and Okonjima – home to the Africat Foundation and up-close encounters with Africa’s large carnivores. Then head to Etosha National Park where you keep the big game theme going with game drives in Namibia’s flagship conservation area.
Next is the geographically unique Damaraland region where you can view desert animals as well as a large collection of San Bushman rock art before travelling to the Atlantic coast and the picturesque town of Swakopmund.
Enjoy exciting adventure activities on the surrounding dune fields before continuing your desert journey into the Sossusvlei area. Here you can end your adventure off with a stay deep within vast dune fields that contain some of the highest sand dunes in the world.
Highlights:
- Self-drive Namibia at your own pace
- Spot wildlife in Etosha National Park
- Marvel at millions of stars in Damaraland
- Search for desert elephants & rhino
- See San rock art in Twyfelfontein
- Stay in the heart of buzzing Swakopmund
- Marvel at Dune 45 in Sossusvlei
PER PERSON Sharing
FROM $3,600 CAD
PER PERSON Sharing
FROM $5,750 AUD
PER PERSON Sharing
FROM €5,450 EUR
PER PERSON Sharing
FROM £4,350 GBP
PER PERSON Sharing
FROM R80,000 ZAR
PER PERSON Sharing
How Much is a Self-Drive Safari?
Rates generally depend on timing (i.e., key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, self-drive holidays can range anywhere from approximately $450 USD per person per night in low season to over $2,500 USD at the finest accommodation in high season.
What Costs Are Included?
Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all your meals, snacks, beverages, alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, and other excursions like walking safaris and cultural village visits will all be included. To run in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5 to 1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so you can pack light and travel easily.
The only things you’ll have to pay for are special activities (like hot-air balloon rides and spa treatments) and, in some cases, imported spirits. Beyond that, just gratuities for the incredible staff who will make your stay at each lodge so memorable.
Justin Chapman
"The surest way to feel fully connected to your environment in Africa is by getting to physically move through it on your own two feet. A walking safari can mean different things depending on the lodge and area, varying from a multi-day trip dedicated to the activity to simply a guided stroll around a lodge’s concession. However, the common thread that runs through all types is that it is a more immersive safari experience that is focused on developing a deeper appreciation for the smaller things that may otherwise go unnoticed in a vehicle."
Why Travel with Go2Africa
Based in Cape Town, our team of experts are all born and raised in Africa.
When you travel with us you’re assured of the Big 5 Guarantee.
We are African
Since 1998 we've tailored unforgettable African safari holidays for over 200 000 travellers, that leaves a lasting positive impact.
We Know Because We Go
We have first-hand knowledge of every destination, lodge and activity we recommend from our 1 000+ carefully selected safari partners.
We Are With You All The Way
We take care of every detail, offering 24/7 assistance and local know-how from the right time zone, until you return safely home.
You Are In Expert Hands
With the most awarded Top Travel Specialists in Africa by Conde Nast Traveler and led by one of Travel & Leisure's A-list specialists, you are in expert hands.
Complete Financial Protection
Our clients are fully covered by our supplier default insurance, and our accreditation bond with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association.
Making A Positive Impact Together
Every journey with us makes a meaningful positive impact by creating sustainable solutions, enabling people and nature to mutually thrive together.
Our Partners
Everything is about relationships. Fortunately, we’ve built great ones working with the top names in Africa for more than 20 years.
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