Wonderful story (and, although stressful, the perfect intro to a self drive in the bush).
Having grown up in South Africa, I have countless stories just like it. But that’s what makes it all so unique — anything could happen and there’s something special about having to be totally self reliant (which is not the case in other places in the world!).
For sure—every trip out there is totally its own thing. I bet you’ve got some great stories (and misadventures) from the bush too! I’ve been to Botswana but mostly just Chobe/the Northeast, so I still need to spend more time in the Okavango. If you’ve got any recs, let me know. Thanks for being here!
Great story! So glad everything ended up alright. Wonderful pictures! I want to do a self-drive safari now. I hope you found a better guide for your subsequent safaris.
We didn’t, unfortunately. We had been planning to, but then the pandemic hit. Since gorilla visits already require masks, the authorities as you could imagine took extra precautions to protect them (and good on them for that). By the time treks resumed 1+ year later, we had sadly already moved.
Wow, what a story! And I didn't know Rwanda was such a great place for safaris! At the start I was thinking I was going to ask for Solange's contact info but...
Honestly, Akagera is worth visiting, but it’s smaller and has fewer animals compared to other parks on the continent. Rwanda is really best known for gorilla trekking in the northwest. That said, what African Parks has accomplished there is truly impressive.
P.S. You heard it here first, my full Rwanda country guide is coming this Friday for your future visit (as I know you were thinking about going in the past), so stay tuned. P.P.S. I mean Solange is sure to give you a time to remember...
Ha! All the people showing up to agree that the car was stuck is so relatable. Maybe one of the most frustrating occurrences one could experience. I’m glad you added the bit at the end. Mid-story I said, out loud, “Wait, are you supposed to do that when you are being charged by an elephant?”
Haha I love that. Awesome you got to see a pride of lions! My dad and I rented a car in South Africa to do a self guided safari too and ended up with a Prius. We were nervous but didn't end up getting stuck. We didn't know about the guide for hires though, that is a game changer! Great adventure.
Nice! Kruger? They have a ton of nice paved routes there so most people don’t realize a Prius will do the trick. Only need a SUV for the additional height. I’m sure you’ll catch the lions the next time! 🙌
Wonderful story (and, although stressful, the perfect intro to a self drive in the bush).
Having grown up in South Africa, I have countless stories just like it. But that’s what makes it all so unique — anything could happen and there’s something special about having to be totally self reliant (which is not the case in other places in the world!).
Get to Botswana next if you can!
For sure—every trip out there is totally its own thing. I bet you’ve got some great stories (and misadventures) from the bush too! I’ve been to Botswana but mostly just Chobe/the Northeast, so I still need to spend more time in the Okavango. If you’ve got any recs, let me know. Thanks for being here!
What a story! I had no idea you could do a self-drive safari, I've only done the safari tour kind. Your photos are amazing!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it and hopefully you can try a self drive in the future but without the misadventure. 😅
Great story! So glad everything ended up alright. Wonderful pictures! I want to do a self-drive safari now. I hope you found a better guide for your subsequent safaris.
Thanks! You should do one, yes, better guides and setting off alone have both been great. Glad you enjoyed it.
Loved reading this story! Did you go gorilla trekking while you were in Rwanda?
We didn’t, unfortunately. We had been planning to, but then the pandemic hit. Since gorilla visits already require masks, the authorities as you could imagine took extra precautions to protect them (and good on them for that). By the time treks resumed 1+ year later, we had sadly already moved.
Gripping stuff!
Great story!!
Wow, what a story! And I didn't know Rwanda was such a great place for safaris! At the start I was thinking I was going to ask for Solange's contact info but...
Honestly, Akagera is worth visiting, but it’s smaller and has fewer animals compared to other parks on the continent. Rwanda is really best known for gorilla trekking in the northwest. That said, what African Parks has accomplished there is truly impressive.
P.S. You heard it here first, my full Rwanda country guide is coming this Friday for your future visit (as I know you were thinking about going in the past), so stay tuned. P.P.S. I mean Solange is sure to give you a time to remember...
Ha! All the people showing up to agree that the car was stuck is so relatable. Maybe one of the most frustrating occurrences one could experience. I’m glad you added the bit at the end. Mid-story I said, out loud, “Wait, are you supposed to do that when you are being charged by an elephant?”
Haha, thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, it's most definitely not what you should do, and I wanted to make sure no one made that same mistake.
Haha I love that. Awesome you got to see a pride of lions! My dad and I rented a car in South Africa to do a self guided safari too and ended up with a Prius. We were nervous but didn't end up getting stuck. We didn't know about the guide for hires though, that is a game changer! Great adventure.
Nice! Kruger? They have a ton of nice paved routes there so most people don’t realize a Prius will do the trick. Only need a SUV for the additional height. I’m sure you’ll catch the lions the next time! 🙌
No we were in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park near Richards Bay. I think I will go for the SUV next time as well. Great post.
Ah very nice, have never been. Worth it? Thanks!
That was such a great story. DIY at its finest.
Haha, thanks. Glad you could enjoy the misadventure.