As infrastructure and transport options vary between regions, we’ve addressed this question differently for Southern and East Africa respectively.
East Africa is regarded as a developing destination with infrastructure still underdeveloped, road signage scarce and roads fairly unruly. This makes for a wonderful non-commercial holiday and safari experience, but it’s not a destination we recommend you visit with your own vehicle on a self-drive basis.
Safari365 can provide you with a professionally trained driver/guide, who knows the roads and conditions well and will get you safely from A to B. Safari vehicles are mostly 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers or Land Rovers that are modified for superior safety and game viewing. You need the 4×4 capability to handle the tough road conditions throughout East Africa, and many of the roads are unmarked and potholed.
Distances are vast in East Africa and driving is not always a good utilisation of your vacation time – for this reason, most safari itineraries include scheduled or chartered flights directly to the landing strips of the lodges you will be staying at. These flights mostly employ small twin-engine light aircraft like the Cessna Grand Caravan. Please note that luggage restrictions apply – not more than 12-15kgs (depending on the altitude of the airstrip) that must be packed in soft bags. Passengers over 100kgs/220lbs also need to advise us before travelling.
Flying into and out of the correct international airports will save you a lot of time and could also save you money on unnecessary internal flights. Speak to one of our dedicated consultants before you book your international flights.
Southern Africa’s road infrastructure – especially in South Africa and Namibia – is well signposted and maintained, but where you want to travel to (and how much time you have) will determine which option is best suited to your trip.
We utilise the services of reputable international car-hire companies, who offer a full range of cars. We are able to include GPS systems in hire vehicles as required. We rent vehicles on standard and full insurance cover, although we recommend full cover. We are also able to facilitate cross-border car rental as required.
We are able to arrange convenient transfer services with chauffeurs that will transfer you from A to B, at any hour of the day and any time of the week. For visitors to the Cape Winelands, it is a good idea to pre-arrange a chauffer driver if you intend on sampling the excellent wines of the region.
Southern Africa has an excellent regional flight network with multiple routings to all regional hubs. When visiting some of the more remote safari destinations in Africa however, you will be required to travel by light aircraft. These slower and lower-flying aircraft provide an excellent opportunity to get a view of the destination from the air. Luggage restrictions apply for these aircraft – generally not more than 12-15kgs (depending on the altitude of the airstrip) that must be packed in soft bags. Passengers over 100kgs/220lbs also need to advise us before travelling.
A number of luxury rail operators offer exciting routings in Southern Africa. Please see luxury African rail safaris for more information.
Should you be looking to get off the beaten track under your own steam, we can assist with 4X4 vehicles and camping facilities.
We generally recommend that our clients book their international routing themselves in their country of origin (as this proves more cost efficient). Please discuss your international flight routing and arrival/departure airport with your consultant before you book.
Once you are on African soil, allow us to manage all of your local flight logistics for easy coordination of all your travel services.
For every new booking made in 2023, Safari365 will contribute to the further education of one African student enrolled in Umuzi’s digital skills upliftment program.
