Discover Africa with a fully organized adventure.

After booking your self-drive trip, you'll receive an invoice for a deposit of 35% of the total trip cost, with a minimum of €500 per invoice.

The remaining balance must be paid no later than eight weeks before departure, so your trip is fully paid for before you set off.

Travelling within three months of booking? In that case, the full trip cost is due immediately after booking, without a separate deposit payment.

If your booking includes permits, entrance fees, national park fees or flights, these costs will be invoiced in full at the time of booking.

Your invoice will clearly show the amounts due and the deadlines for each payment.

Sometimes travel plans change. If you need to cancel your self-drive trip, please let us know by email. The date we receive your cancellation determines which cancellation fees apply.

You'll find the exact terms and applicable fees in the general terms and conditions on our website. That way, you'll know what to expect if your journey can't go ahead as planned.

When travelling through Africa with a camping 4x4, there are certain expenses you'll need to cover yourself. These include fuel, road tolls and any traffic fines.

Some aspects of your rental may also involve additional charges, such as returning your 4x4 to a different location, cross-border documentation, extra drivers and any applicable young-driver surcharges.

Additional accessories and Full Cover insurance are not included as standard, unless specifically stated in your quotation.

Extra charges may also apply for transfers and for collecting or returning your vehicle on certain days or outside regular hours.

Your personal quotation clearly outlines what's included and which costs are charged separately, so you know what to budget for before setting off.

When collecting and returning your camping 4x4, transfers between the rental location and the airport or your accommodation are included. This applies on the first and last day of your rental, for distances of up to 20 kilometres and during regular opening hours.

If the distance exceeds 20 kilometres or you need a transfer on another day, additional charges apply.

A surcharge may also apply when collecting or returning your 4x4 at weekends, on public holidays or outside regular opening hours.

We'll go through the practical arrangements with you in advance, so you know where and when your transfer is scheduled and whether any additional costs apply.

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When you rent a camping 4x4 with Selfdrive4x4, the main rental costs are already included. That way, you'll know what's been arranged before departure and can focus on the journey ahead.

You'll receive a 4x4 in your booked vehicle category and configuration, with unlimited mileage and Standard Cover insurance. Two registered drivers, local technical support and 24-hour roadside assistance are also included.

Mandatory contract and administration fees, standard cleaning costs and local taxes are included in the rental price.

The make, model and exact specifications may vary between vehicles. We'll explain which vehicle configuration applies to your booking and what you can expect along the way.

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With a fully equipped camping 4x4, you'll have everything you need to cook, eat and sleep along the way. You decide where to stop and enjoy life outdoors, surrounded by nature.

Depending on the vehicle, your 4x4 comes with one or more rooftop tents and/or ground tents, mattresses and a complete sleeping setup. Camping chairs, a table, a fridge and water storage or a water supply are also included.

For preparing meals, you'll have cooking facilities, pots and pans, kitchen utensils, plates, cups and cutlery. The equipment is matched to the number of travellers in your booking.

The exact equipment and tent configuration vary by vehicle. We'll let you know what's included with your 4x4 before departure, so you can set off well prepared.

With Selfdrive4x4, you'll know what's been arranged for your journey before you set off. Your personal itinerary clearly outlines everything that's included, based on your route and the way you travel.

Your trip includes your 4x4, your selected camping equipment, GPS and accommodation. Public campsites may be excluded where indicated in your itinerary. Meals and permits are also included wherever specifically mentioned.

Along the way, you can count on our support and specialist advice. You'll also have access to our travel app, where your complete itinerary, vouchers and detailed driving instructions are all kept in one place.

That way, you'll have the practical information you need close at hand and know what's already been taken care of throughout your journey.

The Great Migration is an annual journey of vast herds of wildebeest, zebras and other grazing animals through the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. The animals follow the rains and fresh grass, so their exact location varies from season to season and year to year.

January to March: newborn wildebeest on the southern plains

Large herds gather around Ndutu and the southern Serengeti. February is usually the peak calving season, when thousands of wildebeest calves are born. The open plains come alive with newborn animals, while predators search for their next meal.

April to June: the herds move west

The migration gradually moves through the central and western Serengeti. Along the way, long lines of animals stretch across the plains. Their exact route depends on rainfall and the availability of fresh grass.

July to October: the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara

During these months, many herds move towards the northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara. This is when you may have the opportunity to witness a river crossing at the Mara River. August and September are often rewarding months for a safari in the Masai Mara.

River crossings are unpredictable. Sometimes the animals wait on the riverbanks for days before making their move. That's why we recommend allowing several safari days in your itinerary.

October to December: the journey south

The herds gradually make their way south again, often passing through the eastern and central Serengeti. As the rains return, fresh grass grows across the southern plains and the annual cycle begins again.

A self-drive safari following the Great Migration

You don't need to visit both Tanzania and Kenya to experience the Great Migration. We'll plan your route around your travel dates and select lodges and campsites in areas where you're more likely to encounter the herds during that season.

Tell us when you'd like to travel. We'll help you plan a suitable self-drive route, arrange your accommodation and, if you prefer, include a local guide.

That way, you'll have time to follow the migration at your own pace, while keeping in mind that the animals' exact movements can never be guaranteed.

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June, July and August are excellent months for a self-drive trip through Africa. Much of Southern Africa is in its dry season, offering good opportunities to spot wildlife.

In Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi, you can explore a variety of safari routes. Kruger National Park in South Africa is also a good choice during this period. Madagascar and Uganda are equally interesting destinations to consider.

Hoping to witness the Great Migration? Around June, the herds are often found in the western Serengeti. From July onwards, they generally move further north towards the northern Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. Their exact location depends on rainfall and the movements of the herds.

Keep in mind that nights in Southern Africa can be surprisingly cold, especially if you're travelling with a rooftop tent. June to August also coincides with the European summer holidays, so planning ahead gives you more choice when it comes to accommodation and routes.

We'll help you put together a self-drive journey that suits the season, the wildlife you'd love to see and the way you prefer to travel.

December is a lovely time to explore certain parts of Africa. South Africa and Tanzania are particularly interesting options, depending on what you'd like to experience during your self-drive trip.

In Cape Town and along the Cape Coast, it's summer. You can enjoy warm days, beaches and scenic drives along the coast and through the countryside.

Tanzania is also worth considering. During this period, the herds of the Great Migration generally move towards the southern plains, depending on rainfall and the availability of fresh grass.

We'll help you choose a route that suits the season and your travel plans. Thinking of travelling over Christmas? Keep in mind that accommodation can fill up quickly. Planning early gives you more choice when it comes to places to stay and routes to explore.

Africa is a destination you can explore throughout the year. The best time for your self-drive trip depends on which countries you'd like to visit and what you hope to experience along the way. Even within a single country, weather conditions can vary considerably.

January to March: summer in Southern Africa, newborn wildlife in East Africa

Cape Town and the Cape Coast enjoy warm summer days. Around Ndutu in Tanzania, large numbers of wildebeest calves are born, particularly in February. January and February are also often relatively dry months in Uganda.

Kruger National Park can be hot and rainy during this period. In Madagascar, we'll plan your route with the rainy season in mind.

April and May: the seasons begin to change

In South Africa, summer gives way to autumn. From May onwards, the drier travel season gradually begins in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Kenya and Tanzania often experience their long rains during these months. Road conditions can become more challenging, particularly on remote routes.

June to August: dry months and excellent safari opportunities

These are rewarding months for a self-drive safari in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Kruger National Park. Madagascar and Uganda also offer good opportunities for exploring.

In East Africa, the Great Migration moves north. During July and August, you may witness river crossings, depending on the movements of the herds.

If you're travelling through Southern Africa with a rooftop tent, be prepared for cold nights and pack plenty of warm layers.

September and October: wildlife gathers around waterholes

Across much of Southern Africa, animals gather around the remaining water sources, creating good opportunities for wildlife viewing. Madagascar, the northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara are also worth considering during this period.

Temperatures in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe can rise considerably in October. Setting off early and planning your days around the heat makes a difference.

November and December: the rains return

Summer begins in Cape Town. In Tanzania, the herds of the Great Migration generally start moving south again, following the fresh grass.

The rainy season returns to many safari areas. Some roads become more difficult to navigate, so we'll carefully adjust your route and accommodation plans to suit the conditions. If you're travelling over Christmas, it's wise to arrange your accommodation well in advance.

A route that suits your travel dates

These are general seasonal guidelines rather than weather guarantees. Conditions can vary between regions and from one year to the next.

Tell us when you'd like to travel and what you'd love to experience. We'll help you put together a self-drive itinerary that takes the seasons, road conditions and accommodation options into account, so you can make the most of your time in Africa.

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That depends mainly on which animals you'd love to see and how adventurous you want your journey to be. Each country has its own landscapes, wildlife and opportunities to explore on safari.

In South Africa, Kruger National Park is an accessible choice for your first self-drive safari. In Namibia, you can watch wildlife gather around the waterholes in Etosha, while Botswana takes you deeper into the wilderness.

Kenya and Tanzania are known for the Great Migration, which you can experience in different areas depending on the season. In Uganda, you can track gorillas and chimpanzees on guided treks. And in Madagascar, you can watch lemurs moving through the treetops.

We'll help you choose a destination and route that suit the wildlife you'd like to see, your driving experience and the way you prefer to travel.

From remote desert roads to rugged mountain landscapes and challenging 4x4 tracks, Africa has plenty to offer travellers who want to venture beyond the usual routes.

In Tanzania, you can descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, driving through a remarkable landscape surrounded by wildlife. Namibia offers the remote wilderness of the Skeleton Coast, while Morocco invites you to explore desert roads and sand dunes.

Madagascar also has routes for those looking for a greater challenge. Our Ultimate Overland route takes you through rainforests, along remote coastlines and across demanding 4x4 tracks. On certain sections, a local pisteur (navigator) joins you to help navigate the terrain.

How adventurous your journey becomes depends on your driving experience and what you'd like to encounter along the way. We'll help you choose a route that offers the right level of challenge for you.

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A self-drive trip through Africa can easily be combined with hiking in the mountains. Whether you prefer a few hours on foot or a multi-day trek where you leave your 4x4 behind for a while, there are plenty of possibilities.

In Kenya, you can hike around Mount Kenya. Uganda is home to the Rwenzori Mountains and Mount Elgon, while South Africa offers hiking trails through the Drakensberg and Cederberg mountains. Tanzania also has plenty to offer, including guided walks and multi-day climbs on Mount Kilimanjaro.

We'll help you choose hikes that suit your experience and fitness level, and work them into your self-drive itinerary. That way, you'll experience Africa's landscapes both from behind the wheel and on foot.

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Several African destinations are well suited to a self-drive adventure with children. The right destination for your family depends mainly on your children's ages and interests.

In South Africa, you can look for the Big Five in Kruger National Park or watch penguins at Boulders Beach near Cape Town. In Botswana, you can see elephants from the water on a boat trip along the Chobe River. And in Tanzania, you can combine a safari with a few relaxing days on the beaches of Zanzibar.

We'll look at what your family would love to experience and how much time your children are comfortable spending in the car. Together, we'll choose a route with a comfortable pace and plenty of variety for the whole family.

For more inspiration, read our blog Travelling in Africa with Children.

You usually won't need a driver for a self-drive trip through Africa. The freedom of being behind the wheel is part of what makes the journey special, even if it's your first self-drive adventure.

We'll help you choose a route that suits your driving experience and that you feel comfortable with.

Would you prefer to leave the driving to someone else? We can arrange a driver for you in advance. We'll also let you know where a local guide is required.

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