Off The Beaten Path in East africa
Overview
We love to share the knowledge of our featured destinations and to showcase the best of the region’s wildlife, landscapes, activities, people, culture and history. Click on the icons below to learn more about this self-drive safari:
Expedition Map
Itinerary
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Meet your Drive Into The Wild team at your Nairobi hotel. After completing our Arrival In Country procedures, we depart for Aberdare National Park.
Characterised by two ecosystems comprised of dense forests and open moorlands, the picturesque Aberdare National Park is located in Kenya’s Rift Valley. It is well known for its spectacular waterfalls and is a heaven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Aberdare National Park is also the location where Princess Elizabeth was informed that she would become the queen, following the death of her father, King George VI.
Upon arrival at Aberdare National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 4:00 hours.
Meals: Dinner included, breakfast and lunch at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Treetops Lodge
DELUXE: The Ark
STANDARD: Rhino Watch Lodge
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
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After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Aberdare National Park. Activities include bird watching, game viewing, trekking and photography.
Wildlife enthusiasts will find a good selection of wildlife in Aberdare National Park, including elephant, buffalo, rhino, hippo, leopard, warthog, hyena, giraffe, zebra, antelope, colobus and sykes monkeys and baboons. For Birders, there are in excess of 280 bird species to be discovered including hawk, eagles, sunbirds and plovers. Hikers will enjoy exploring the park’s magnificent waterfalls including Chania and Karuru waterfalls.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in Aberdare National Park).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Treetops Lodge
DELUXE: The Ark
STANDARD: Rhino Watch Lodge
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
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After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Meru National Park.
Meru was made famous in the 1960s by Joy and George Adamson, following their successful reintroduction of Elsa the lioness into the wilds of this beautiful national park. Following the death of George Adamson, the park has become less visited, making this uncrowded part of Kenya worth a visit. Bisected by 13 rivers and numerous mountain-fed streams, the park boasts a diverse and wild scenery, ranging from wide open plains to woodlands.
Upon arrival in Meru National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 6:00 hours.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Elsa’s Kopje
DELUXE: Rhino River Camp
STANDARD: Ikweta Safari Camp
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
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Today, you can either enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Meru National Park. Activities include game drives, visiting the rhino sanctuary and hiking.
Straddling the equator, Meru is a remote, rugged and undiscovered wilderness area, teeming with wildlife. A variety of widlife species inhabit the park including the Big Five. It is possible to see both the black and white rhino in Meru’s rhino sactuary. Wildlife enthusiasts will also find giraffe, zebra, cheetah, crocodile, hippo and hartebeest in the park. Bird life is exceptional with over 400 bird species recorded.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in Meru National Park).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Elsa’s Kopje
DELUXE: Rhino River Camp
STANDARD: Ikweta Safari Camp
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
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After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Samburu National Reserve.
An off-the-beaten-path destination in northern Kenya, Samburu National Reserve is home to the semi-nomadic Samburu tribe, known for their traditional practices and colourful attire. Closely related to the Maasai tribe, the Samburu water their herds in the Ewaso Ng'iro River, which flows through the national reserve. There are copious amounts of wildlife to be found in this outstanding national reserve.
Upon arrival in Samburu National Reserve, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its accommodation’s facilities.
Driving Time: 3:30 hours.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Elephant Watch Camp
DELUXE: Soroi Larsen's Camp
STANDARD: Samburu Sopa
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
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After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Samburu National Reserve. Activities include game drives, cultural experiences, and visiting the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.
Reteti is a Samburu community owned elephant sanctuary in Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, which adjoins Samburu National Reserve. Reteti takes in orphaned elephant calves and releases them back into the wild. Alternatively, wildlife enthusiasts wishing to explore Samburu National Reserve can expect to see lion, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, zebra, antelope and 450 bird species. A big highlight is seeing Samburu’s elephants, made famous by zoologist Iain Douglas-Hamilton who has his research camp here.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Elephant Watch Camp
DELUXE: Soroi Larsen's Camp
STANDARD: Samburu Sopa
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
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After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Lake Nakuru National Park.
As one of Kenya’s most famous soda lakes, Lake Nakuru National Park was established in 1960 to protect its bird life. Boasting an abundance of wildlife and spectacular landscapes, the park is home to Kenya’s largest population of rhino. Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its colourful flamingos, and although they are not as plentiful as they used to be, due to rising water levels from flooding, they are still a spectacular sight for visitors to enjoy.
Upon arrival at Lake Nakuru National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 5:30 hours.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: The Cliff
DELUXE: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
STANDARD: Lion Hill Game Lodge
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
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After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Lake Nakuru National Park. Activities include game drives, birdwatching and photographic safaris.
In excess of 50 mammal species are to be found in Lake Nakuru National Park, with wildlife enthusiasts enjoying plenty of opportunities to spot lion, leopard, buffalo, black and white rhino, giraffe, zebra, eland, waterbuck, colobus monkey, hyena and African wild dog. There are an abundance of bird species to be discovered in this delightfully scenic national park, including fish eagles, pelicans and flamingos.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in Lake Nakuru National Park).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: The Cliff
DELUXE: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
STANDARD: Lion Hill Game Lodge
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
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After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Saiwa Swamp National Park.
As one of Kenya’s smallest parks, Saiwa Swamp National Park is a sanctuary for nature lovers and keen birders. With its varied landscapes comprised of woodlands, riverine forest and tropical wetlands, the national park is, with more than 370 species, classified as an important birding area. The park’s habitat is also home to the endangered Sitatunga antelope and the elusive De Brazza monkey.
Upon arrival in Saiwa Swamp National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 5:00 hours.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Not available
DELUXE: Sirwo Resort
STANDARD: Tree Top Hut
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
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After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Mount Elgon National Park in Uganda.
Widely believed to have once been Africa’s tallest mountain, and that over time erosion reduced its height, Mount Elgon is one of Uganda’s oldest landscape features. Erupting around 24 million years ago, Mount Elgon’s extinct volcano boasts the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the border with Kenya, Mount Elgon stands proudly at 4,321 metres, with its highest point located on the Ugandan side of the mountain.
Upon arrival in Mount Elgon National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 3:30 hours + 1 hour border crossing.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Sipi Heritage Lodge
DELUXE: Sipi Heritage Lodge
STANDARD: Sipi Heritage Lodge
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
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After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Mount Elgon National Park. Activities include hiking, biking, birding, and cultural encounters.
Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2003, Mount Elgon is East Africa’s fourth highest peak. Its higher altitudes provide the flora and fauna with a welcome relief from the hot plains below. More than 300 bird species can be spotted in Mount Elgon National Park, including the endangered Lammergeyer. Other wildlife to be found here include elephant, buffalo, leopard, blue monkey, hyena and aardvark, amongst others.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in Mount Elgon National Park).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Sipi Heritage Lodge
DELUXE: Sipi Heritage Lodge
STANDARD: Sipi Heritage Lodge
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
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After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Moroto.
Moroto is situated at an elevation of 1,370 metres (4,500 feet). The town is made up essentially of a line of small shops and is dominated by nearby Mount Moroto 3,050 meters (10,007 feet). Cattle are grazed on the surrounding scrub grassland, and food crops such as corn, cassava, and soybeans are grown nearby. Crafts include woodwork, pottery, weaving, and clay products. There are several mission stations, and the town has an airfield.
Upon arrival in Moroto, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 3:30 hours.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Not available
DELUXE: Not available
STANDARD: Hotel Africana
OUR TENTED CAMP: Not available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
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After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Kidepo Valley National Park.
Located at the intersection of Uganda’s border with South Sudan and close to Kenya’s in the east of the country, Kidepo Valley was declared a national park in 1962. It is widely recognised as being one of the African continent’s most prized and lesser crowded destinations. Offering some of the most stunning scenery of any wilderness area in East Africa, it boasts large concentrations of wildlife, both large and small.
Upon arrival at Kidepo Valley National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 4:45 hours.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Apoka Safari Lodge
DELUXE: Apoka Safari Lodge
STANDARD: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
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After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Kidepo Valley National Park. Activities include game drives, hiking, birding and cultural experiences.
Kidepo Valley National Park is home to more than 75 mammals and around 475 bird species. There is a abundance of wild animals to be found in the national park including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, ostrich, monkey and the majestic cheetah, which can be found nowhere else in Uganda. Kidepo Valley is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting a wide range of birds including ostrich, secretary bird, bee eater, and many more wonerful species.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accommodations:
PREMIUM: Apoka Safari Lodge
DELUXE: Apoka Safari Lodge
STANDARD: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
OUR TENTED CAMP: Available
When we create your itinerary, you will receive complete descriptions of all your property choices. In the meantime, have a look at a sample of our popular accommodations.
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After breakfast, its time to make our way to the airstrip for your flight to Entebbe, and your onward travel arrangements.
Alternatively, consider extending this trip by adding one of our Extension Ideas (enquire for details) to this program.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Be Inspired
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Your Team
We specialise in designing one-of-a-kind self-drive safari adventures, taking great pride in our ability to plan and execute every trip to perfection. We offer two types of expeditions for customers to choose from:
Escorted are group trips led by our founders, Richard and Kristin, supported by their on-the-ground expedition crews and travel specialists located in our regional offices in Kigali, Kampala and Nairobi.
Un-escorted are led by you, supported remotely by our regional office teams. We plan an itinerary especially for you, make all accommodation bookings, and create a mapped out route for you to follow.
Accommodations
We offer the choice of Premium, Deluxe and Standard accommodations, in addition to Drive Into The Wild’s very own mobile Tented Camps across East Africa.
When choosing accommodations, we can suggest a wide range of properties where you can stay. Let’s arrange a call so we can discuss the suitable hotels, lodges and camps with you.
A sample of our popular accommodations:
Driving
Due to the distances we travel whilst on a self-drive safari, long driving days will sometimes be required in order to explore off-the-beaten track destinations.
We spend a minimum of 2 nights in each destination, which gives our customers time to relax and recuperate, enjoy the property facilities, participate in activities and prepare for the next driving day.
On the days where long drives are required, we leave at 8am in the morning, drive for 2 - 3 hours, stop for a 2 hour lunch-break, and continue for another 2 - 3 hours in the afternoon before reaching our destination.
Prices & Dates
The price of your self-drive safari is calculated by your choice of vehicle, the travel dates (high vs. low season), number of participants and accommodations.
Your travel dates are determined by the type of self-drive safari you select. You can choose between escorted or un-escorted, as listed below:
Escorted:
Next available scheduled trip:
09 - 23 AUGUST, 2025
Contact us for additional dates in 2025
Un-Escorted:
When do you want to travel?
We will plan a travel itinerary especially for you.
travel notes
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Kenya Climate
Kenya is generally warm all year round, with temperature fluctuations mainly determined by altitude. One of the most popular times to visit Kenya is from July to September, which coincides with the Great Migration. A good time to see baby animals and migratory bird species is typically from December to February.
The approximate seasons are January to March, short dry season; April to June, long wet season; July to October, long dry season and November to December, short wet season. During rainy seasons there are fewer tourists, and the landscape is strikingly green and lush.
Language & Currency
Kiswahili and English are the official languages of Kenya. Kiswahili is spoken by most Kenyans, with English fluency varying outside of major towns and cities. There are over 65 languages spoken throughout Kenya, which mainly belong to the various Bantu and Nilotic tribal populations.
The local currency is the Kenyan shilling, which divides into 100 cents. US dollars are often accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Hotels in tourist areas generally accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. Remote lodges often accept cash only. When making payments in US dollars, many businesses only accept notes that are dated 2013, or newer. Access to cash machines is available in most major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
All foreign nationals will require a Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for entry to Kenya. Please check with your local Kenyan Embassy or our travel team for further information. ETAs can not be obtained, on arrival, at any port of entry.
The Kenyan government has introduced an online eTA application system for issuing eTAs in advance of travel. Travellers should carry a printed copy of their eTA to present to immigration officials.
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Rwanda Climate
Rwanda has a year-round tropical highland climate. Temperatures vary by location and altitude, with little variation throughout the year. Rain is commonplace in Rwanda. The driest months are June to mid-September and the wettest from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December.
The dry season sees cloud cover and light rainfall. Roads and paths tend to be easier to navigate during this period.
Language & Currency
The official languages of Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French, English and Swahili. Generally all Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda. French, English and Swahili is widely spoken in tourist areas, with varying degrees of fluency.
The local currency is the Rwandan franc, which divides into 100 centimes. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Very few places accept credit cards outside of the major hotels in Kigali.
Access to cash machines is available in most major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
All foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Rwanda. Please check with your local Rwandan Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visas can be obtained, on arrival, for all travellers at all ports of entry. Visitors from the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie are waived visa fees for visits up to 30 days.
For travellers of other nationalities, a visa fee is payable. The Rwandan government has introduced an online ‘e-visa’ application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers who choose to arrange their visa prior to arrival should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
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Tanzania Climate
Tanzania is a year-round destination with the weather varying by location, altitude and season. Picking the 'best time' will depend on your interests, where you are travelling to and for what purpose. Visiting the Serengeti is popular in June and July to see migrating wildebeest and in January and February to see calving.
The approximate seasons are January to February, short dry season; March to May, long wet season; June to October, long dry season and November to December, short wet season. During the rainy seasons, the landscape is lush and green with fewer tourists around.
Language & Currency
Kiswahili and English are the official languages of Tanzania. Kiswahili is spoken by most Tanzanians and Zanzibaris, with English fluency varying outside of major towns and tourist areas. In Zanzibar, many residents also speak Arabic. There are 126 languages spoken throughout Tanzania, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in East Africa.
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling, which divides into 100 senti. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Larger hotels in tourist areas may accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. Do not rely on using credit cards other than as a backup. Remote lodges often accept cash only. Access to cash machines is limited outside of major towns and cities. Exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
Most foreign nationals will require a visa for entry to Tanzania. Please check with your local Tanzanian Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visit visas can often be obtained, on arrival, at most ports of entry.
The Tanzanian government has introduced an online 'e-visa' application system for obtaining visas in advance of travel. Travellers who require a visa prior to arrival should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
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Uganda Climate
Uganda is tropically warm all year round, with temperature fluctuations mainly determined by altitude and the presence of lakes. Rain showers are commonplace, with the dry seasons being December to March and June to August. In the south, April is the rainiest month, and the rains can stretch into May.
Although the dry months are more popular for gorilla trekking and birding, you might see more during the wetter months as this is the peak breeding season for wildlife.
Language & Currency
English and Kiswahili are the official languages of Uganda. There are over 40 languages spoken throughout Uganda, with Luganda being the most geographically spread language.
The local currency is the Ugandan shilling. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Larger hotels in tourist areas may accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. Access to cash machines is available in most towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
Visas
Most foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Uganda. Tourist visas can no longer be obtained, on arrival, at any port of entry.
The Ugandan government has introduced an online e-visa application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
Plan your Expedition
Are you ready to start planning your self-drive safari adventure? Would you like our team to start working on a suggested expedition itinerary for you?
To provide excellent customer support is always our top priority at Drive Into The Wild. There are to options to get in touch with us:
Complete the Introductory Call form
As part of this option we offer both telephone and video appointments, which can be scheduled at a time to suit you, all from the comfort of your home or office.
Complete the Enquiry form
Whilst completing this form you will be required to answer questions, which will provide us with the required information to start working on your itinerary.