Written by Courtney Drysdale

A safari experience is one of the most exciting and memorable vacations one can take. It is a great way to explore untouched destinations, spot some of the world's most amazing wildlife, and get an up-close and personal look into their natural habitats. There are two main ways many people experience a safari: self-drive and guided. In this blog post, we will break each of these terms down and suggest the best ways to book a tailored safari experience that fits you best.

Self-Drive Safaris

Self-drive safaris are best for those who like to explore on their own. With a self-drive safari, you will have the freedom to explore a destination at your own pace and make stops whenever you want. You will be able to design your own itinerary, and you will also have the ability to choose which wildlife to observe and for how long. Some things to note however: you will need to have a valid driver’s license that is acceptable in your destination country, and you would also need to rent a vehicle for your safari. Renting a vehicle can be expensive, depending on fuel costs and distances, especially if it is a 4x4, so make sure to plan that carefully beforehand. If you’re a beginner explorer, some great places to try a self-drive safari out are the Kruger National Park and much of Namibia — check out our Namibian self-drive starter pack for more! More advanced drivers can look at doing cross-country trips through the wilder parts of Namibia and Botswana.

Guided Safaris

Guided safaris are best for those who want an expert to lead the way, and are led by a professional guide who knows the area and can provide valuable insight into the wildlife, culture and history of a region. They will also be able to help you spot individual animals, and they will be able to provide safety tips and advice. Guided safaris are typically more expensive than self-drive safaris, but the additional cost can be worth it when you consider the knowledge and expertise of the guide. There are a variety of guided safaris, such as game drives, walking safaris, and even mobile safaris. Game drives are when you drive in an open-air vehicle and observe wildlife from a distance. This can be a great way to learn about a specific area that you are visiting and take some fantastic photos without worrying about the terrain. Walking safaris, on the other hand, involve getting up close and personal with wildlife by exploring an area on foot. Alternatively, mobile safaris involve staying comfortably in one vehicle and driving from place to place in search of animals, which is particularly helpful in remote destinations that require charter flights to access — like the Okavango Delta. Whenever you do go on a guided safari, tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for excellent service. Some fantastic options for guided safari tours can be found all over the world and particularly in Africa — we suggest trying out some incredible destinations like Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana and iSimangaliso Wetland Park along the Elephant Coast of South Africa. 

Should I book a self-drive or guided safari?

Each type of safari has its own unique advantages, so it is important to consider your own interests and preferences when deciding which is best for you. No matter which safari experience you choose, you can be sure that it will be an experience you will never forget. Whether you opt for a self-drive or a guided safari, you will be able to explore the natural beauty of the area, observe magnificent animals, and gain invaluable insight into their habitats.

At Viatu, we get a real kick out of bringing the world’s untouched wild places just a bit closer, so hop on over to our website, check out our trips, or follow us on Instagram to find your perfect sustainable safari experience, whether it’s self-drive or guided.