Although we own a fleet of 4×4 (4wd) vehicles, we can assist with outsourcing reliable, well maintained & regularly serviced 4×4 off-road vehicles, campers, passenger cars, BMW motorcycles and recreational vehicles. Experience the ultimate safari in a fully equipped 4X4 camper vehicle or rent a Land Rover Discovery, Freelander 2, Toyota Land Cruiser, Prado VX, Fortuner and various Nissan models, Mitsubishi Pajero, Ford/Mazda and Isuzu.
Take a self drive safari into some of the world’s most impressive game reserves and wilderness areas. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a 4X4 self drive safari. The self-drive safari is a very economical, interesting and exciting way to explore the many attractionsSouthern Africahas to offer.
Vehicle Selection:
Your vehicle selection will be one of the major decisions, even before you start planning an African self drive safari. Should you choose a 4×4 or 2×4, a diesel or petrol engine, a station wagon or pick-up, long or short wheelbase, new or second hand, off-road 4×4 trailers or no trailer ?
A 4×4 is definitely the way to go if you are planning to venture into any of southern and eastAfrica’s remoter regions. You will find that some areas are only accessible by 4×4 and these are mostly the unspoiled areas you’d want to explore. Places likeNamibia(Kaokoland),Botswana(Central Kalahari, Moremi, Savute and Chobe), Kafue, Lower Zambezi, Zimbabwe,MozambiqueandKosiBayall require 4×4. There are many places that you can reach with a normal car, but those ‘special’ spots are the ones where you’ll have to select low or high range to discover what the realAfricalooks like!
We would suggest a 4×4 with low and high range, as well as diff lock. This ensures that you don’t get stuck while out on a game drive or on your way to that remote waterfall you read about in your guide book. If you are planning to tow a camping trailer, then a 4×4 is a must as the additional drag will definitely require 4WD, even in the slightest challenges (sandy patches, muddy gravel roads, ditches, river crossings, etc.) encountered on the road.
Petrol or Diesel ?
If you plan to go on a long overland journey into areas where you might not find unleaded petrol for your brand new 4×4, we’d suggest go with diesel. A diesel engine generally offers better fuel consumption, but it doesn’t give you the power of a petrol engine. Most diesel engines are also simpler in design (especially the older models), and easier to work on if it needs attention. For heavy towing however, nothing beats a petrol engine. Diesel engines are fine for off-road trailer towing.
Station Wagon or Pick-up ?
Station wagons are generally more comfortable than pick-ups due to the superior suspension systems but pick-ups offer more room for packing equipment and gear.
Station wagons are generally easier to pack and unpack as the gear is reachable from both the inside and the back of the vehicle. In a pick up, packing can get difficult as everything needs to be packed through the back of the pick up, and to then find something can be time consuming. There are excellent packing systems on the market that suit both these types of models. Drawer systems and side entry canopies allow for easy packing and should make both options viable.
Off-road trailers are very popular with travellers choosing station wagons as it allows for more than adequate packing space. Pick-ups are generally more affordable and if you’re only two persons, a single cab makes sense. Some travellers even choose to arrange the back of their pick-up to make it possible to sleep in the back, on top of their gear and equipment. At end of the day it will be personal preference and practical use that will determine the final decision.
The same goes for short- or long wheelbase. Many 4×4 owners choose to travel in a short wheelbase vehicle, as they only go on short journeys and travel as a couple. If you’re worried about packing space, then tow an off-road trailer which serves as a complete camp-on-wheels.
Keep in mind that a long wheelbase vehicle is substantially more comfortable on rough roads and in most cases more stable too.
By far the most commonly used 4×4 vehicles in Africa are the Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Hilux, Land Rover Defender and the Nissan Patrol. You are likely to find spares for these makes almost anywhere, as well as mechanics that can work on them. There are some excellent 4×4′s on the market these days but if you encounter mechanical problems along the way, you can be stuck there for a while waiting for a spare part or a mechanic that can fix the vehicle. It can also be an expensive exercise if your vehicle has to be towed to the nearest dealer where a qualified mechanic can fix it.
Some of the more luxury 4×4′s seen acrossAfricaare Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Prado and Land Rover Discovery. All these vehicles are great for long distance (tar roads and moderate gravel) driving but they are not made for harsh conditions and bad roads over long periods of time.