A Once-in-a-Lifetime 4x4 Safari Adventure with our Toyota Rav4 (5 doors)!
This itinerary is perfect for travelers looking for flexibility and independence, whether you're a couple, solo traveler, or a small group. Choose between a budget-friendly Toyota RAV4 for smooth main-road travel or a rugged Land Cruiser for deeper off-road exploration.
You can also hire a professional Gladiola Adventure driver-guide ($40/day) for expert navigation and wildlife spotting.
Whether you’re trekking to Sanje Waterfalls, encountering the Hadzabe bushmen, or watching the sunset over the Great Rift Valley, this self-drive adventure offers a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and culture.
Why This 20-Day Self-Drive Safari is a Must-Do Adventure
This 20-day self-drive safari is designed for travelers seeking the ultimate freedom and adventure in Tanzania. Your journey begins in Dar es Salaam, where you’ll pick up your 4x4 rental from Gladiola Adventure. From there, explore a mix of iconic national parks, cultural hotspots, and breathtaking landscapes as you drive at your own pace.
Start with the savanna wilderness of Mikumi and Ruaha, where you’ll encounter lions, elephants, and wild dogs. Venture into the rainforests of Udzungwa Mountains, home to rare primates and stunning waterfalls. Continue to Lake Manyara, where tree-climbing lions roam, and then immerse yourself in the vast elephant-filled plains of Tarangire.
Experience the Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife haven packed with the Big Five, before heading to Lake Eyasi, where you’ll engage with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes in a unique cultural encounter. Your adventure concludes in Arusha National Park, offering scenic canoe safaris and lush landscapes before returning your vehicle at Kilimanjaro Airport.
Whether you choose a Toyota RAV4 for a budget-friendly drive or a Land Cruiser for rugged terrains, this package gives you the perfect mix of wildlife, culture, and adventure.
You can also enhance your experience with optional add-ons like
✅ A professional Gladiola Adventure driver-guide ($40/day, exclusively from Gladiola Adventure)
✅ A personal cook ($25/day) to prepare meals while you explore
✅ Camping gear for a true off-road experience
This is more than just a road trip—it’s a journey of discovery through Tanzania’s most spectacular destinations!
We really liked the hotels that were booked for us, they were even better than ones I had in mind.
Elia, our driver and guide, was really, really good, excellent! To me, he is a definition of a guide: always ready to spot animals, tell us interesting facts, answer tons of our questions, and tirelessly drive big distances when needed, staying positive all the time. He was always attentive to our needs, he helped us with the doctor when we had encountered a minor problem etc.
The jeep was in good condition, we had a 4-seat for the two of us. The opening roof was really cool compared to usual cars - we could see a lot with comfort.
At first we didn't know what to choose - self-driving or a guided tour, and Gladiola shared their clients' contacts so we could talk to them, and we did. We think we did the right choice because it's great to spend all the time watching instead of driving, but also because the roads in the parks become really messy after rains, and I don't think it's possible to compete with guides in animal-spotting:) plus they have radios to exchange info on animals spotting.
Sergey and Ekaterina.