Overland Expeditions across Africa using purpose-built vehicles

Using self-sufficient, overland vehicles is an affordable, exciting, challenging way of seeing the highlights of Africa and getting off the beaten track. Overland journeys tend to be hands on and require a taste for adventure, a sense of fun, willingness to participate and a positive attitude. You will be travelling in a group of between 15-30 like-minded travellers from around the world. Together you will experience new places and different cultures and probably make life-long friends. You’ll also discover more about yourself and your own capabilities.

There are lots of factors to weigh up looking for your perfect African overland adventure, as each overland company will offer a different experience. The clientele and company ethos can vary dramatically between companies as do service levels between fully hands on to fully serviced. There are variations in truck sizes and design and in the age of trucks and equipment. Other major differences can be the amount of trip inclusions and what you have to pay out along the way, quality of guides and tour leaders, food budget per person, general reputation and safety record and quality of product to name a few.

This is where I come in. I have spent many years living and travelling Africa and have worked as a tour guide for an overland company there. With this experience behind me, and know specialising in booking this type of travel, I can give you the independent advice you need to find the right trip for you. By booking with me, you pay no more than by booking with the operator direct. Moreover, under out ATOL licence, we provide a cast iron financial guarantee if you book your flights and tour with us.

Feel free to call me on 01273 320573 or email me at ben@travelnation.co.uk

Check out our adventure tour finder for details of the range of trips on offer, or see below for details of our top three African Overland Expeditions.

A: THE VEHICLES

Overland trucks these days are purpose built Scanias , Mercedes, MAN or DAF which are designed to ensure all round viewing, ample storage and have security and comfort in mind. The trucks do vary from company to company. They are all self sufficient with cooking and camping equipment, stools, long-range fuel tanks, exterior and interior lighting, safes, comprehensive medical kits, stereos and ipod points and comfortable seats with seat belts. Some trucks will have a fridge/freezer while some will just use cool boxes and some will have charge points for cameras, mobiles etc.

Some trucks have either roll up tarps with PVC windows or large, drop down or side slide windows both of which maximise visibility when you are on the road but have their advantages and disadvantages.

The layout of trucks vary as well with some having forward facing seats other inward facing which makes it more sociable.

There are many variations in truck style and design and we are here to help you choose wisely.

B: THE CREW

crew

Depending on the type of trip and which overland company you travel with the crew can vary between 1 and 3 people. This will clearly impact on the level of participation expected by the passengers.

The ’Tour Leader’ – who deals with the smooth running of the trip – they control the accounts for the passengers and the company, arrange all accommodation and food, book activities and optional excursions, provide information regarding where you are travelling through and deal with any problems that arise whether personal, medical or other.

The ‘Safari Cook’ – who takes care of the cooking, shopping and the truck kitchen. Passengers are still expected to help out with preparation, washing up etc.

Most companies have a mixture of international and local crew which will enhance the travel experience.

C: FOOD

food

Some companies will supply 3 meals a day others just 2 but options for lunches are always available. Meals and menus will vary depending on what produce is available locally. Fresh food is bought in local markets and bulk buys of staple goods are purchased at supermarkets in the larger towns and cities. Food is prepared using gas stoves and open fires.

Sometimes local meals are organised and occasionally group meals out in the city are provided.

Passengers are expected to get involved and help out with the shopping, preparation, washing up and cooking.

D: ACCOMODATION

The majority of overland trips are based on camping in spacious A frame, 2 man tents with built in ground sheets, separate fly sheets and mosquito netting over the entrance. With camping safaris there is often the chance to upgrade to simple accommodation for a small additional cost. If camping is not your bag there are also accommodated options but these tend to be shorter duration trips.

Some companies provide sleeping mats others don’t but you will need to take your own sleeping bag and a small pillow for that extra bit of comfort.

The campsites can vary dramatically in Africa from basic bush camps with/without an ‘ablution block’ (common parlance in Africa for a toilet / shower block) and cold running water to organised campsites with bars electricity, flush toilets, hot water and sometimes even a pool!

Camping out in the bush under a star lit sky with the sounds of the African night is an experience that will stay with you forever.

E: LOCAL PAYMENT/KITTY COST
The Kitty is a compulsory local payment held and overseen by the tour leader. It funds accommodation, camp meals, national park fees and inclusive activities which the group does as a whole. These payments are usually made in US$ as this is the easiest currency to change in Africa.

Kitty’s vary dramatically from company to company so be aware that you should view the Tour Cost as the combined sum of the tour price and the local payment.

F: INCLUSIONS and EXCLUSIONS
This is a very important element to take into account as some overland companies include excursions - such as guided walks, houseboat stays, and mini-safaris by jeep or boat in national parks - in the tour cost and some don’t. Those with no included excursions or limited inclusions tend to boast the lowest brochure prices. Be aware that once you have added in all the extra costs that ‘bargain’ tour may well not be so cost effective!!

We will help you decipher these inclusions and exclusions to get the trip that suits you.

G: SAFETY
Africa is an unpredictable continent and traveller’s safety and enjoyment is a primary concern. With the myriad of overland operators in Africa it is hard to know which company to travel with. Having worked on the ground in Africa we know how each company works and the emergency procedures they have in place as you want to have peace of mind that if anything untoward does happen then the right back-up support is in place..

We do not have hidden loyalties to particular operators so we can offer unbiased independent advice and help you find the right trip that best suits your needs.

Overland Expeditions across Africa using purpose-built vehicles

Ben Clapham, Travel Nation’s Africa specialist