Question 1

Is a self-drive through Africa safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided you set off well prepared. Most tourist routes are perfectly suitable for independent travel. However, we recommend taking local traffic regulations into account and preferably using Tracks4Africa or another navigation app with maps available offline. Mobile coverage can sometimes be limited, so a good offline map is essential. We also advise against driving after dark (and with a hire vehicle it is often not permitted either). This is not only because street lighting outside the cities is often limited, but also because people, livestock and wildlife regularly walk on or alongside the road. During the day, visibility is much better and you can also fully enjoy your surroundings. If you choose less touristy or more remote areas, good preparation is even more important. It is precisely there that having the right information about road conditions, fuel supplies, mobile coverage, border crossings and any alternative routes is essential. If you travel with us, we will discuss the complete route and the various route options with you in detail beforehand, so that you can set off well prepared and with confidence.

Question 2

Do I always need a 4WD?

Accepted Answer

No. That depends entirely on the country, season and route. In South Africa, many routes can easily be driven in an ordinary passenger car. In Botswana, Zambia and remote parts of Namibia, a 4WD is often essential. Together, we will look at which vehicle best suits the trip you want to take.

Question 3

Is a self-drive suitable if I have never driven in Africa before?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many of our travellers take their first trip to Africa independently. The most important thing is that the route matches your experience and wishes. We recommend realistic daily distances and suitable accommodation, and provide practical tips so that you can travel in a relaxed way.

Question 4

How many kilometres do you recommend per day?

Accepted Answer

That varies by destination. In Europe, 400 kilometres may seem quite normal, but in Africa, road conditions, border crossings, wildlife and unexpected encounters often determine the pace of travel. We prefer to choose a route with fewer kilometres and more time to truly enjoy the surroundings along the way.

Question 5

What if I break down along the way?

Accepted Answer

The rental companies we work with have a good breakdown assistance service. You will also receive detailed practical information about the route in advance, and we are available during your trip whenever needed. This means you are never on your own. However, we do expect you to have some basic skills, especially when travelling by 4WD. For example, you should be able to change a tyre or adjust the tyre pressure when driving over sand or other unsealed roads. These are skills that can be very useful during a trip through countries such as Botswana or remote parts of Namibia. Before you leave, the rental company will give you a detailed explanation of the vehicle and its equipment. This includes explaining how the 4WD works, how to adjust the tyre pressure and what to look out for along the way. During the Travel Consult, we are also happy to provide practical tips, so you can start your self-drive with peace of mind.

Question 6

Can I combine several countries?

Accepted Answer

Certainly. Combination trips often make a self-drive even more special. For example, South Africa with Eswatini and Mozambique, Botswana with Zimbabwe or Namibia, or Zimbabwe with Zambia. We look not only at which countries fit well together, but above all at how much time you have available. We are not in favour of spending seven hours or more in the car every day. In our view, travelling through Africa is not only about being on the road, but also about taking the time to truly experience a destination. We therefore sometimes recommend exploring only part of a country, or combining two countries. If you have more time available, it can be particularly special to explore one or two countries in much greater depth, while leaving room along the way for safaris, walks, encounters and unexpected stops. During a personal Travel Consult, we discuss which route best suits your available travel time, so that the trip is not only logical on the map, but also feels relaxed and realistic along the way.

Question 7

Why choose a self-drive through Beyond Routes?

Accepted Answer

A good self-drive is much more than a beautiful route on Google Maps. You want to know which roads are pleasant to drive, how much time you need on the road, where you can stay comfortably and which route is actually feasible. Thanks to our own practical experience and the knowledge of our local partners, we know what to take into account regarding road conditions, seasons, hire cars, campsites and accommodation. This allows us to design a trip together that not only looks beautiful on paper, but also really works in practice. Wherever possible, we choose local accommodation providers and partners who help strengthen the positive impact of tourism. Trips covered by the Package Travel Act are protected by the VZR Guarantee Fund.

Self-drive holidays