We have a wealth of self-drive safari tips that we have gained over 20 years of doing self-drive safaris and we want to pass on to you.
A self-drive safari is a thrilling way to explore the wilderness, giving you the freedom to discover stunning landscapes and encounter incredible wildlife at your own pace.
There are lots of reasons why we love to do self-drive safaris but the reason we enjoy them is because of the freedome they give us – and they’re cheap! See here for arranging cheap safari holidays for families.
We have learned so much over the years. What to do and also importantly what not to do.
Your first self-drive safari may be thrilling but it also may be thrilling for the wrong reasons.
Remember that a guided safari will take care of almost everything for you. They will arrange permits and know where the best animal sightings tend to be. They may also provide binoculars, suncream, insect repellent, wildlife books and more so there is very little you need to think of.
A self-drive safari, however, is quite different and this guide aims to help prepare you with the basic self-drive safari tips you need for a successful first safari.
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These are our top self-drive safari tips
We’ve split this post into tips for planning your self-drive safari and tips for your actual self-drive safari.
Tips for planning a self-drive safari
Choose the right destination
Not all safari destinations are equally suited for self-drive adventures. Some parks have well-maintained roads, clear signage, and accessible accommodations, making them ideal for self-drive safaris.
Popular self-drive safari destinations include:
- Kruger National Park (South Africa): Offers an extensive road network with a lot of paved roads, clear maps, and a range of accommodations. See here for a complete list of South African self-drive safaris and malaria free safaris.
- Etosha National Park (Namibia): Known for its excellent road infrastructure and abundant wildlife. See our 14-day Namibia with kids itinerary, guide to doing a self-drive safari in Etosha and best time of year to visit Etosha.
- Chobe National Park (Botswana): Famous for its elephants and river views.
- Tarangire National Park (Tanzania): A scenic park with good road networks.
Rent a suitable vehicle
The type of vehicle you choose can significantly impact your safari experience.
It is essential to research what the roads will be like where you will be driving.
We have driven from Etosha down the Skeleton Coast to Sossusvlei in a tiny VW Polo but it was during the dry season and the roads were all passable. During the wet season, some of the roads we took would not have been possible in a small 2WD. We did look ridiculous next to all the 4x4s though!
You also need to make sure what the access to your lodge will be like. Whilst the roads in the national parks may be well maintained, they may not be so good getting to your accommodation.
We have not needed a huge 4×4 anywhere we’ve been but we have had a high clearance SUV with 4×4.
Just check in advance with your lodge about access and consider your route.
We usually rent throught Rentalcars for most types of car but if you do need a proper 4×4 then you should check with specialized companies.
Plan and book in advance
- Accommodation: Many popular parks have limited accommodations and campsites, so booking early is crucial, especially during peak seasons. This is especially true if you want to snag cheap campsites for a budget friendly safari. They get booked up well in advance. Booking early also ensures the best rates. See here for the cost of a family safari and how to reduce costs.
- Permits and park fees: Most national parks will sell entrance tickets on the gate but check to see whether you need to purchase permits in advance.
- Route planning: Map out your itinerary and ensure you know the entry and exit points of the parks. You’ll also want to know where the water holes, animal hides are and the fuel / rest stops.
Packing tips for your self-drive safari
Being well-prepared ensures a comfortable and successful trip. As this is a self-drive tips for beginners post, we won’t go into needing recovery gear such as tow ropes and a shovel for emergencies. These will depend on where you are going. Check with your rental company or lodge if you think you will need these.
Essential items include:
- Navigation tools: GPS and maps / guide book.
- Food and water: Pack enough supplies for your group, including snacks and drinking water. You should be able to stop at rest stops within most parks but you may be a long way from one
- Clothing: Dress in neutral colors and pack lightweight, breathable fabrics for the day and warmer layers for chilly mornings and evenings. See here for kids safari clothing guide.
- Binoculars and camera: Enhance your wildlife viewing and capture memorable moments. A decent camera with a decent zoom is much preferred over a smartphone.
- Sun protection: Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
See here for what to pack for a family safari.
Tips for a self-drive safari
Learn the park rules and guidelines
Each park has specific regulations designed to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Before you even enter the park you should make sure you are familiar with them. The genereal rules are:
- Speed limits: Drive slowly to increase your chances of spotting wildlife and to avoid disturbing animals. Driving over the speed limit on gravel roads (especially in the dry season) will create clouds of dust making driving for someone behind difficult and potentially dangerous.
- Stay on designated roads: Off-road driving is prohibited in most parks to protect the environment.
- Keep a safe distance: Never approach or feed animals. Do not get out of your car unless in a designated safe area. Be very aware of black rhinos as they can be aggressive and have attacked cars in the past.
- No littering: Dispose of rubbish responsibly at the next rest stop.
- Leave the park at closing time: it is important to know when the park closes and make sure you are not too far from an exit to be able to leave by closing time.
Each national park will have individual rules so you need to make sure you have read them before entering.
Plan your route
You should make sure you have a paper map with you and not rely solely on online maps. You may lose signal in the park.
Detailed maps of the park will also help you find water holes, animal hides and rest / fuel stops and the exits.
You should be given a map of the park with your entrance ticket but you may want a back up in case you don’t get one.
We always get a park specific guide book which includes lots of detailed information including maps and types of animals you can expect to see.
Optimize wildlife viewing
Maximize your chances of seeing animals by following these tips:
- Early mornings and late afternoons: Wildlife is most active during these times.
- Waterholes: Animals often gather at water sources, especially during dry seasons. Also look for animal hides located throughout the park.
- Be silent: Keep noise to a minimum when you are parked up to avoid scaring wildlife.
- Be patient: Park up near a waterhole and let the animals come to you.
- Use binoculars: Spot distant animals and birds. Whilst some animals actually like to take the easy path and use the roads, others won’t come near them.
- Watch other drivers: Don’t drive past someone who has stopped. They may have seen something that you could have missed.
- Check recent sightings: Look out for notice boards at the entrance gates which sometimes have details of previous animal sightings for example when and where they were spotted.
- Look for clues: Birds in flight or other vehicles stopped ahead may indicate animal sightings.
See here for more animal spotting on safari tips.
Respect nature and wildlife
Responsible tourism helps preserve the environment and ensures a positive experience for future visitors:
- Do not disturb animals: Avoid making loud noises or imitating calls. Agitating the animals may not have consequences for you but may leave the animal in an agitated state for the next unsuspecting visitor. This can prove extremely dangerous in the case of elephants or black rhino.
- Avoid sudden movements: Approach animals slowly and calmly.
- Yield to wildlife: Give animals the right of way and maintain a safe distance.
- Leave no trace: Take all waste with you as it can be damaging to the environment and dangerous for wildlife.
- Contribute to conservation: Support park initiatives and follow guidelines.
Stay safe
Safety should always be a priority during a self-drive safari. Please consider the following:
- Know emergency contacts: Keep a list of emergency numbers.
- Fuel up: Ensure your tank is full before entering remote areas.
- Stay in the vehicle: Never exit your vehicle unless in designated areas.
- Have supplies: Keep enough snacks and water in the car with you in case of a breakdown.
- Watch for weather changes: Be cautious of sudden rains that can make roads impassable.
All parks take down your registration on entrance and will know if you have not left the park.
They should send out a ranger to check on you if you haven’t been able to make a call or flag down a passing park visitor.
Self-drive safari tips for families
If you are taking your kids on a self-drive safari, there are a few other things you need to consider.
- Short drives: The beauty of self-drive safaris versus guided safaris is that you are in control. Plan shorter trips to avoid restlessness.
- Educational activities: We always bring animal spotting books with checklists to get the kids engaged (they love the competition of ‘who can spot the most / first’).
- Comfort items: Bring snacks, toys, and pillows for long drives.
Leave time for relaxation
Finally – as tempting as it may be, don’t try and see everything in a day. If you are staying in the park then you should make use of the middle of the day for relaxation.
Animals are more active at dawn and dusk and you may not see much at all outside of those time.
A safari can be intense with 4am starts, so balance it with downtime. If you are on safari for a few days, then consider scheduling a rest day.
We always choose safari accommodation with a pool so that we can all relax. It is much appreciated after a long, dusty and hot game drive.
If you pick the right one, you may even see wildlife from your pool! We stayed at Onguma Forest Camp which had a lovely pool area overlooking a water hole. They also have very reasonable campsites.
By following these self-drive safari tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy a safe and unforgettable adventure in the heart of nature. Happy spotting!
