Doing activities on your own gives you flexibility and a real sense of adventure. You simply pay the park entry fees and explore at your own pace.
Activities with a lodge guide are usually shared with other guests (unless booked privately) and run at set times, but the advantage is local knowledge. Your guide knows where to be and when, shares insights along the way, and helps ensure you don’t miss key moments.
In Etosha, we often recommend starting with a guided game drive in an open safari vehicle, then exploring on your own afterward. In Damaraland, a guided nature drive is usually the best option, as lodge guides know where to look for desert-adapted elephants and your chances of seeing them are much higher.
If you’re unsure whether to do an activity independently or with a guide, your consultant can advise on what works best for your route and travel style.
