In conjunction with various hiring companies, we offer a unique self-drive safari from anywhere in South Africa or Namibia into most of Southern Africa.
1: The transport. Various companies offer 4x4 vehicles completely fitted for safaris for hire. These are: 1.1: Landrover 110 series TD 5 station wagons fitted for 5 persons. 1.2: 4x4 Station wagons kitted for 4 persons. 1.3: 4x4 Pick-up trucks fitted for 2 persons. 1.4: 4x4 Double-cap trucks fitted for 4 persons. 1.5: Toyota Venture 4x4 mini-busses for 5 persons
All these vehicles come standard with power steering, air-conditioning and sound systems. The appliances usually include rooftop tents, eating utensils, cooking equipment, cooler boxes, bedding etc. The hiring includes insurance.
The driver must have a valid international driving license!!!
2: The route. In co-operation with the group, we do a complete itinerary of any route they would like to do or sites they would like to see. Usually this is the same routes of our own safaris but we can even drive all the way to Tanzania and back if you so please.
3: Accommodation. Seeing the vehicles are kitted for camping, we camp most of the time. This keeps the costs down. We can include guesthouses if the group so wish. In certain areas, we must use guesthouses, as camping facilities are unavailable.
4: Food. All the food is purchased by group and prepared by them. We can include eating out at restaurants on the way. If so agreed, we can purchase food in bulk to negotiate better prices and take complete responsibility for the food. We work together as a group though and everybody helps.
5: Our duty: We plan the complete itinerary, do all the bookings and hire the vehicles. We meet you at the port of arrival with vehicles ready. We lead the whole safari traveling in our own vehicle and do all the negotiations. We supply two-way radios for communication along the way. We supply the wood for the camp fire, make it and help with the preparation of meals made on the campfire. We share with you the finer details of off-road driving, the varied cultures of Africa, the astonishing history and the magnificence of our plant and animal kingdoms.
6: Costs involved: Depending on the route, the food, the type of vehicle and the duration of the safari, the complete cost should not be more than 100 Euro per person per day. This can even be much cheaper look at the following example:
The West Coast & Sperrgebied safari. (One of our standard safaris.)
Category Standard Safari Total distance traveled: 2200 km. Vehicle used: Nissan Double Cab Number of occupants 3 Accommodation: Camping 2 Guesthouses - 7 Trip Duration: 10 days Number or tourists: 2 Price per Person: 3000
Category Self-Drive Total distance traveled: 2200 km Vehicle used: Landrover 110 Number of occupants 5. Accommodation: Camping 6 Guesthouses - 3 Trip Duration: 10 days Number or tourists: 10 Price per Person: 700
For 700 Euro per person, you get the complete safari and this includes accommodation, food, soft drinks, entrance fees and transport! The above is a rough estimation.
7: Size of the group. This depends on the type of safari, the activities and the duration. As the group must cover the traveling costs of the safari-leader, a minimum number is necessary. Usually this is about 10 tourists.
8: Conclusion Guided Safaris are specially designed for larger groups with limited budgets. We try to limit the vehicles to 11 seeing difficulty of convoy driving and campsite limitations. The savings with a long safari can be very substantial. If it is a big group that works together as an easy unity, we can even cut our costs further!
Labor costs are high, even in Africa. We work on a ratio of 1 tour-guide to 3 tourists. This high ratio also increases transport costs, equipment costs, daily expenses, etc. With a Self-drive Safari, our competent guides can easily lead a well-organized group of 40 to 50 people.
Just think of the savings in costs! So bring your group and lets do it!
Each safari will be especially structured according to the need and wishes of the group. This include activities, itinerary, type of transport, type of equipment, sites visited, food, daily program etc.
