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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dave Williams" data-source="post: 3586633" data-attributes="member: 53820">£8000 is a lot of money to most but it doesn't go too far when it comes to safari trips in many places. We were quoted that for a week in Botswana without air fares getting there.We ended up taking a self drive trip to Namibia in January and I have a blog that might help you decide if it's for you.( link at the bottom of the page). Certainly in Namibia's Etosha NP I see little point of having guided trip, in fact in lots of places the same thing applies , because your vehicle can't go off road. The only advantage is that guides are on the phone to each other when they spot animals I guess.To me the big advantage is you can stop as long as you like and when you like if you have control. I wouldn't want to be in a group but that's my personal view.The wet season is cheaper and better for birds but it also makes animals harder to find as they don't need to visit the water holes if there is an abundance of it.I would also warn that it can be a cruel world and only the strongest survive. You might witness some distressful sights on your travels.Ah just noticed that you don't drive as per Jos's post. You need to consider getting ba driver too then. Probably not as expensive as you think.</blockquote>