Self-driving a safari in Botswana, Kenya, or Tanzania: What's the level of difficulty involved?
Let's dive into the world of self-drive safaris in Africa, answering all your questions and providing tips for an epic, hassle-free adventure. For a 4WD self-drive safari, you've got your eyes on Botswana, Kenya, and Tanzania, but you crave more detailed information. We tapped Namibia-based guidebook writer Mary Fitzpatrick to offer expert guidance.
Mary recommends a self-drive safari in Southern or East Africa as a bucket-list-worthy experience with life-changing encounters. Imagine spotting elephants at dawn on a wildlife drive or sharing a campfire with fellow travelers at sunset.
However, a self-drive safari in Africa is a significant endeavor. If it's your first time visiting the continent or you're traveling solo, consider joining an organized safari. Once you've got the hang of it, you can embark on a self-drive safari. Start with one country, and consider traveling with at least one other person. Exploring any of these countries in-depth requires a two- to three-week itinerary, so focus on one country first.
Which countries are best for a self-drive safari?
Of the countries you've mentioned, Botswana offers a stronger self-drive safari culture with fully equipped 4WD rentals readily available in major towns. Just remember that remote driving and camping require preparation, and experience in off-road and bush driving is beneficial. Expect some long, empty stretches between the more popular destinations.
You can also organize self-drive rentals in Kenya and Tanzania, but they can be costly. Many visitors opt for an organized safari instead, but there are benefits to hiring a 4WD in either country. Roads are less isolated, especially around major parks, and there are more facilities en route. If you decide to cross borders, pick geographically proximate pairings.
Another worthwhile alternative is Namibia. With good roads, well-equipped campsites, and reasonably priced rental vehicles, it's one of the easiest Southern African countries to explore via a self-drive tour. If you want to visit more than one country, start in Namibia, head east into Botswana, and finish up with a visit to Victoria Falls on the Zambia/Zimbabwe border.
What else do I need to consider?
If you plan to cross any borders, ensure your vehicle and third-party insurance papers are in order, as border guards will check them. Tanzania and Kenya are both part of the Comesa yellow-card insurance scheme, a regional third-party program for motor vehicles.
For a visit to Victoria Falls, look into buying the Kaza univisa, a US$50 visa that allows you to visit both Zambia and Zimbabwe for 30 days across a calendar year. It also covers day trips to Botswana via the Kazungula border.
What about sleeping? Is camping widely available?
In southern Africa, including Botswana and Namibia, rental vehicles often come with an option for a rooftop tent, and campsites are widespread, especially in Namibia. In Tanzania and Kenya, this type of arrangement isn't as common, but you'll find campsites in and around major national parks, with an abundance of inexpensive local-style guesthouses found in Kenya.
Apart from these practical tips, remember to fill your 4WD with gas often, carry emergency cash, learn some vehicle repair basics, and get an International Driver's Permit for longer safaris. Carry plenty of water and food rations, rent a satellite phone if possible, and avoid driving at night. Lastly, try to avoid traveling during the rainy season, especially in Tanzania and Kenya, as flooding is common, and roads can become muddy and impassable.
Happy safari planning, and we hope you have an extraordinary adventure!
- For a self-drive safari, Botswana is a favorable destination, offering fully equipped 4WD rentals in major towns and a strong culture for self-drive safaris.
- In Tanzania and Kenya, self-drive rentals can be arranged, but they might be costly. If crossing borders, it's beneficial to pick geographically proximate pairings.
- Namibia, with good roads, well-equipped campsites, and reasonably priced rental vehicles, presents an easy-to-explore self-drive tour option, and can serve as a starting point for exploring other countries like Botswana and Victoria Falls on the Zambia/Zimbabwe border.
- During your self-drive safari adventure, remember to prepare for remote driving and camping, carry emergency cash, learn vehicle repair basics, and get an International Driver's Permit for longer safaris.
