What to expect of Africa

It is impossible to generalise about Africa as it encompasses such a tremendous variety of cultures, people, geography and history. The vibrant colours, unfamiliar sounds and smells and captivating and stirring sights make it an intense experience. It is very unlike our often clinical, regimented life in the west and has the capacity to enthral, charm, infuriate and even shock – but no matter what, we are certain that its diversity, warmth and captivating way of life will leave you wanting to return time and again.

Our policy of honesty is very important

Everyone at Safari Drive will always present you with the whole story. We do not gloss over the facts – we tell you as it really is because that way, you will know what to expect and you will be able to get the most out of your safari. By omitting information that might go against your perfect image of Africa, we would be doing you a disservice and it could cause you dissatisfaction in the long run.

Is Safari Drive for you?

At Safari Drive, we specialise in a number of safari styles, self drive being just one of them. As well as self drive safaris, we organise luxury, fly-in, lodge-to-lodge safaris, private mobile tented safaris and beach stays on the African coast, Zanzibar, Mozambique or the Seychelles. You can combine as many of these styles into your holiday as you wish. Many of our clients have, for example, started with a private mobile guided safari, followed by a week of self drive then a few days at the coast.

SOME POINTERS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

The following may help you to decide whether self-drive is for you. If you're still not sure whether you’d be happy doing a self drive safari, please feel free to call us (01488 71140) and we can discuss any concerns you might have. Don’t forget we go to a number of different countries with a range of self drive conditions and we would be pleased to recommend a destination that would suit your capabilties.

Self drive means your daily schedule is flexible and you decide the pace.

In real terms, this means that you don’t have to conform to a pre-set daily schedule beyond setting up camp before sundown or arriving at a lodge or campsite on a specified date. If you want to stop and watch game, you can. If you find a lovely picnic spot and feel like a break, you won’t be upsetting anyone else’s itinerary.

Self drive means your surroundings are discovered by you.

We believe that the thrill of uncovering your environment for yourselves is enormous. On a self drive safari, you have the freedom and solitude to explore – and your unfolding experience of Africa’s beauty and diversity will be yours alone.

Self drive means the immense reward of self-reliance.

Along with your itinerary, you will have detailed maps and a comprehensive trip handbook. Using the information we provide you, route finding will become your responsibility. If camping, you will have the challenge of camp making, breaking and organising. Self-reliance can be extremely gratifying - and don’t forget that even though you are alone, help can be called should you need it.

Any self drive journey in Africa will through up surprises.

It is important you know that you will encounter some of the following;

• Unexpected weather conditions
• Hot and dusty or cold and wet sections of your journey
• Tricky route finding and the occasional puncture
• Extreme proximity to wild animals
• Obstacles in your path, such as a tree pushed over by an elephant

Any traveller must be prepared mentally and practically for anything that Africa may throw at you because, be assured, it will! We suggest that if you are not prepared to accept these potential variables, then self drive in Africa may not be for you.

Here are some further frequently asked questions