This is particularly true for popular national parks such as Etosha National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, while Kruger Park can have more accommodations available closer to the time because it has more rest camps than the other 2 national parks. In conclusion, choosing an appropriate vehicle when planning a self-drive safari should not be taken lightly and is not something you should skimp on to keep the costs of your trip low as it has implications on safety, convenience and overall experience of your trip.Īnother common mistake people make when planning a self-drive safari is failing to book their accommodation far enough in advance. And a car with a functional air conditioning system is a must. You can read more about that here and why we feel you always need to rent a 4x4 when going to Kgalagadi even though you might read other suggestions.īesides that, you should only rent from reputable companies that have cars that are equipped for the region you're travelling to. The roads in Namibia are not suitable for this and it can leave you stuck in the sand in the middle of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (this happened to us even though we had a car with high clearance, just not a 4x4 and there had hardly been any rain). Thinking about going to a country like Namibia or going to Kgalagadi with a sedan? We would advise against it. But when you're using a sedan on gravel roads you can damage its suspension system or when you drive over a large rock (which will probably happen if you take the secondary roads) this can not only lead to expensive repairs but can also lead to breakdowns in remote areas where you'll have to wait for help as you won't have cellphone reception across the park. If we're not camping, we still like to hire a car with high clearance because of the vantage point that this gives you, because these are generally larger cars and more comfortable (don't forget you'll be in your car most of the day so you need to have enough space) and they just drive better over gravel roads.Ĭan you get away with renting a sedan? You could in for example Kruger Park. But this is only possible if the terrain of the national park, the season you're travelling in (rainy season will impact your car choice) and the road to it are suitable for that. On the other hand, if you plan on staying in bungalows, you might opt for a cheaper car to offset the cost of this type of accommodation. But one with a double cab is more comfortable as you can slide your chair further back and it allows you to keep warm clothes and your cooler bag in the backseat. We have found the Toyota Hilux generally quite comfortable for longer drives.
With this car, you'll be good for any national park you want to visit as it is a 4x4 so it will be able to navigate through rough terrain like gravel roads or through mud and with the high clearance you have to worry less about driving through water and it gives you a better vantage point to see the animals. If you plan on camping, you should rent a fully equipped car with a rooftop tent, this Is generally a 4x4 like the Toyota Hilux or a Toyota Land Cruiser. That was probably not the answer you wanted to read but we'll explain why. What is the right type of vehicle for your trip? That will depend on your itinerary, your accommodation type and the time of year you are travelling in. It is important to choose the right type of vehicle that suits your needs and budget. Mistake 1: Failing to rent a suitable vehicle for the terrainįailing to rent a suitable vehicle for a self-drive safari can be a costly mistake.
#DRIVE SAFARI HOW TO#
In this blog post, we'll share 10 common self-drive safari mistakes and offer tips on how to avoid them so you can have an unforgettable self-drive safari experience in Africa. From not renting a suitable car to not being prepared for emergencies and not packing the right clothes, there are many pitfalls to avoid when taking on this type of adventure. Many first-time self-drive safari-goers make common mistakes that can quickly turn their dream trip into a big disappointment (we have definitely been there). However, it's important to note that a successful self-drive safari requires more than just packing your bags and hitting the road. Going on a safari might have been a lifelong dream and you can not wait to pack your bags and go. This is at no extra cost to you and allows us to keep our blog running.
Just to let you know… This post (probably) contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associates links, and we may receive a small commission if you click one. Planning a self-drive safari? Make sure you’re avoiding these 9 self-drive safari mistakes
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