What It Is
Vehicle-based wildlife viewing, typically in open 4x4s with elevated seating. Morning and afternoon sessions lasting 3-4 hours each.
Visual Reference
Safari vehicle with tourists viewing elephants at sunrise on African savanna
Best For
All travelers; foundational safari activity
Consider Skipping If
Those who cannot sit for extended periods
Want to include game drive in your safari?
Tell us what matters most to you
Best Season
Dry season for density; green season for birthing
What to Know
Dust exposure; occasional rough roads
Trade-Offs
What You Gain
Maximum wildlife coverage and comfort
What You Trade Away
Limited intimacy with landscape; vehicle barrier between you and environment
Where Available
Game Drive is available in 9 destinations:
TanzaniaSerengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Ruaha NP, Nyerere NP (Selous), Katavi NP, Mikumi NPKenyaMasai Mara NR, Amboseli NP, Samburu NR, Laikipia conservancies, Tsavo East/West NP, Lake Nakuru NP, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Meru NPBotswanaOkavango Delta, Chobe NP, Moremi GR, Savuti, Linyanti, Central Kalahari GR, Makgadikgadi Pans NP, Nxai Pan NPSouth AfricaKruger NP, Sabi Sands GR, Timbavati GR, Thornybush GR, Madikwe GR, Pilanesberg NP, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Addo Elephant NP, Phinda, Shamwari, Kwandwe, KariegaZimbabweHwange NP, Mana Pools NP, Matobo NP, Gonarezhou NP, Matusadona NP, Zambezi NP, Chizarira NPZambiaSouth Luangwa NP, Lower Zambezi NP, Kafue NP, North Luangwa NP, Liuwa Plain NP, Mosi-oa-Tunya NPRwandaAkagera NP—Big Five reintroduced (lion, rhino, elephant, leopard, buffalo)UgandaQueen Elizabeth NP, Murchison Falls NP, Kidepo Valley NP, Lake Mburo NP, Semuliki NPNamibiaEtosha NP (floodlit waterholes), Damaraland, private reserves