All along, the Africa is remarked as the best continent in the world for self-drive safaris. With a total number of 55 countries, the continent is renowned for its amazing game viewing safaris within its open savannah national parks in several countries scattered in different regions like eastern, northern, southern and western region. Among all the countries on the continent, here are 3 best countries that are worthy self-drive road trips in Africa.
- South Africa:
Known as the southernmost country on the African continent, South Africa is ranked among the best 3 countries for the self-drive trips. With a total area of 1,221,037 square kilometers, South Africa’s self-drive safaris are mostly done in private reserves like Sabi Sand and Timbavati reserves that are adjacent to Kruger national park. In these destinations, there several attractions to sight including wildlife, urban leisure, cultural experiences, and beaches. Also, one can have self-drive tours in the urban areas of the country like Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town has proven to be the best option.
- Namibia
Namibia is a special destination on the African continent located in the southern region with the Atlantic Ocean along its western borders and land borders with Zambia and Angola to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and east. With a total surface area of 825,615 square kilometers, Namibia encompasses the world’s oldest desert – Namib desert that pushes up against the cold Atlantic Ocean coastline and forms The Skeleton Coast, one of the most desolate and remote places on earth. The red sand dunes at Sossusvlei are one of the most spectacular scenic areas on the planet. The country features a number of national parks where self-drive trips can be done and among these include; Etosha national park, Namib-Nauklift national park, Mudumu national park, Mangetti national park and others.
Namibia is best for its scenic landscape, remote wilderness adventures, and wildlife specialties, such as tracking black rhino on foot or searching for desert-adapted elephants. It also has a great diversity of cultures that can be incredible to experience.
A recommended combination is to visit Namibia for the scenery and some active adventure combined with Botswana or South Africa for a short, traditional safari to increase your game viewing.
- Tanzania:
Officially the United Republic of Tanzania, Tanzania is an East African country within the African Great Lakes region along the international borders of Uganda, Kenya, Indian, Ocean, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo.
With a total surface area of 947,303 square kilometers, Tanzania is renowned for its incredible wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty and almost 38% of its total land has been set aside for conservation of the wildlife both animals and plants.
The country is ranked among the best tourism destinations for both guided and self-drive safaris with 21 national parks, 32 controlled areas, about 30 reserved areas, mountains, forests and many others. Among the areas to encounter the self-drive safaris include; Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro and many others. Not only parks are good for a visit during a self-drive trip in Tanzania but also towns and cities like Arusha, Dar es salaam, Mwanza, and the beautiful beaches and islands in Zanzibar. Also, you can enjoy cultural experiences with different tribes like the Masai, museums, Bomas and others.
