Frequently Asked Questions

Q:How do your trips work?

A: We supply every thing that is required for a complete and safe self drive holiday in Africa, including the flights, the vehicle, National Parks reservations and importantly the back up. While we tailor ever holiday to fit with your plans you can also select one of the special trips that we have already put together or start from scratch.

Generally we supply:

• The inspiration & itinerary for the holiday
• International flights
• Airport transfers
• Briefings
• A fully equipped Land Rover
• All camping equipment including:
  • Linen & towels
  • Cooking equipment
  • A starter kit of food
• Lodge, hotel & camp accommodation where requested
• Camp site bookings
• National Parks bookings
• The back up including free use of a satellite phone to contact us in the case of an emergency

We also supply many other parts that you probably won't see such as vehicle insurance, flying doctor service, servicing, preparing and equipping of vehicles and even bonding your holiday so that you have financial security.

Q: Are flights included?

A: Only if you want the flights will we include them in the itinerary though you are free to source your own. We provide tour operator fares which are very competitive and in supplying the flights ourselves we can more easily coordinate connections, local flights and airport transfers.

Q: Who owns your vehicles?

A: Safari Drive owns, operates and runs its own fully equipped Land Rovers as we have generally been unable to source vehicles of a high enough standard elsewhere. In some countries we have found suppliers of high quality vehicles and equipment that match our own standards.

Q: Are they all Land Rovers?

A: Yes except in Oman. We operate a fleet of low milage Defender 110 Station Wagon Land Rovers. They are registered either in the country where they mainly operate or if they will be crossing international borders they may be UK registered. In Oman we use Land Cruisers that have special roof tents.

Q: How old are the vehicles?

A: Most of our vehicles are under two years old, importantly they are regularly serviced and prepared for your holiday.

Q: Will I get better rates by booking locally?

A: We are the ground operators so you receive a direct price. Our team on the ground put in place all the elements of your holiday, you won't get a cheaper deal booking directly with them.

Q: What happens if we break down?

A: We will send you a replacement vehicle. Usually, this is within 24 hours but it does depend on when we get your call and where you are located at the time. We can't guarantee that this will be the same type of vehicle or standard of equipment as you originally had. However we do have reserve vehicles for such occasions.

Q: Will we be reimbursed for loss of vehicle hire due to breakdowns or accident?

A: No. Due to the very high costs of repair or replacement of vehicles in the bush we are unable to reimburse you for any days lost usage.

Q: What happens if we get lost?

A: We all get lost from time to time and discovering the correct route is part of the holiday. However to make things as simple as possible, we provide you with directions, maps and a satellite phone in case of emergency.

Q: Are transfers included in the price?

A: Yes all airport transfers are included in your holiday.

Q: Why are your prices higher than other car hire companies?

A: Because we believe in including everything that makes up a complete and safe holiday our prices may seem higher than the same number of days with a car hire company. However, once you cost out all the individual elements our prices become very competitive.

Q: Can I just hire the Land Rover with no extras?

A: No. We believe that for a safe self drive holiday you need to be fully prepared.

Q: How does the insurance work?

A: The vehicles are fully insured on a fleet basis. We ask you to pay a deposit of £750 against damage or loss of the vehicle and its equipment. This is the maximum extent of your liability in the event of an incident.

Q: Can I do a one way journey with Safari Drive?

A: Yes we specialise in one way journeys, that means you do not have to back track. If this is booked far enough in advance we will not charge you for the relocation of the Land Rover.

Q: What are the dangers?

A: Every adventure holiday carries an inherent risk and you should be aware of the risk assessment document that identifies the possible dangers on a self drive holiday.

Q: Do we have to camp?

A: No we are happy to plan your itinerary around lodges and camps that suit your tastes and budget.