Long overland trips in Africa are a core part of the adventure, but they can also be one of the biggest surprises for first-time travellers. Long driving days, early starts, and rough roads are all part of the experience.
The good news? With the right mindset and a few smart strategies, those long hours on the road often become some of the most memorable parts of your safari.
In this guide, we share practical tips from experienced overlanders to help you stay comfortable, entertained, and fully enjoy the journey.
Overland Travel Days at a Glance
Wondering what long travel days are really like on an overland safari? See our Africa overland tours guide to understand how these trips work and what to expect on the road.
Or watch this first-time overland safari experience on YouTube.
When signing up for an African overland adventure, it is important to be aware of the long, tedious strips of road between destinations. These often dirt tracks can seem to stretch to infinity. The 10 to 12 hours between Dar es Salaam and Arusha, 9 hours from Maun to Kasane or the paltry 6 hours between Sesriem and Swartkop are hours that need to be lived to be believed.
What Long Overland Days Really Feel Like
Long travel days aren’t just about getting from A to B; they’re part of the experience.
You’ll watch landscapes shift from city to wilderness, see rural life unfold along the roadside, and share the journey with a group of like-minded travellers. Some days feel long, yes, but they’re also where friendships form, stories unfold, and the adventure really sinks in.
There are some pretty crazy road trip stories and some pretty crazy people out there, but while not every trip is Fear & Loathing, it need not be driving Miss Daisy.
We spoke to our team of well-seasoned overlanders about the best way to pass these long hours and found a few more to boot.
The biggest difference between the modern traveller and those of bygone years is technology.
Long overland travel days are much easier when you have your own entertainment ready. Don’t rely on signal or Wi-Fi; download everything in advance.
Load your phone or tablet with podcasts, movies, audiobooks, and offline apps. A Kindle or reading app is also a great addition, giving you access to dozens of books without the extra weight.
A good soundtrack can completely change the feel of a long journey. Music helps pass the time, sets the mood, and adds a personal rhythm to your trip.
Create a playlist before you go, then add to it along the way. Swapping music with fellow travellers is also a great way to connect, just keep it respectful and use headphones rather than playing music out loud.
A few small comforts can make a big difference on long travel days. Overland trips aren’t luxury travel, but they don’t have to be uncomfortable.
Bring a travel pillow, a lightweight blanket or sleeping bag, wet wipes, snacks, and a reusable water bottle. Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.
With constant use of phones, cameras, and tablets, battery life disappears quickly on the road. Charging points are often limited, especially on longer routes.
A reliable power bank gives you extra hours of entertainment, navigation, and photography without needing to compete for plug space on the truck.
Group games are one of the best ways to pass the time and break the ice on long overland journeys. They turn long drives into shared experiences rather than something to endure.
Simple favourites like I Spy, 20 Questions, trivia games, and word association are always popular. More interactive options like murder mystery games or storytelling challenges can get the whole truck involved.
Popular Overland Travel Games
Top Tip: Create Your Own Travel Video
Long overland journeys are the perfect time to get creative. With modern smartphones, you don’t need fancy gear to capture high-quality footage.
Film short clips along the way, different scenes for each leg of the journey, and get your fellow travellers involved. Assign roles, create a loose storyline, or just capture spontaneous moments on the road.
You can even use downtime to edit your footage into a short travel video. It’s a fun group activity and one of the best ways to create a lasting memory of your safari, something you’ll actually want to watch again long after the trip ends.
Who knows, your overland crew might just create the next viral safari video.
Never underestimate how far a simple pack of cards can go. Card games are easy to learn, require no setup, and work perfectly in small spaces.
Whether it’s a quick two-player game or a full group showdown, cards are one of the most reliable ways to keep everyone entertained.
Easy Card Games for Overland Travel
Reading is one of the easiest ways to relax during long drives. It gives you a break from screens and helps pass the time quickly.
An e-reader or reading app is ideal for travel, letting you carry multiple books without the weight. If you want to connect more deeply with your destination, consider books set in Africa or written by African authors.
African Authors & Books to Read on Safari
Modern & Influential African Voices
Why Read on Safari?
Pro Tip
Download a mix of genres, fiction, memoir, and light reads. Long travel days call for variety, and the right book can turn hours on the road into one of the highlights of your journey.
Overland safaris are hands-on, and that’s part of the fun. Meal prep, campsite setup, and shared responsibilities bring the group together.
If you get the chance, help plan or cook a meal. Some of the best safari memories come from simple moments around the fire, not just game drives.
Long travel days, heat, and dust can take a toll if you don’t stay hydrated. Always keep water within easy reach.
At the same time, be mindful of how often you drink, especially on long stretches without stops. It’s all about balance.
Some of the most memorable parts of an overland safari happen between destinations. The landscape constantly changes, from cities to villages to open wilderness.
Keep your camera ready, watch for wildlife, and ask your guide questions about what you’re seeing. The journey itself is part of the experience.
The biggest factor in enjoying long overland journeys isn’t what you pack, it’s how you approach the experience.
Things won’t always run perfectly to schedule, and that’s part of the adventure. Stay flexible, embrace the unexpected, and you’ll find that long travel days often become some of the most rewarding parts of your trip.
Long overland journeys are part of what makes these trips so memorable. Yes, the days can be long, but with the right mindset and a few simple strategies, they often become some of the most rewarding moments of the entire safari.
If you’re travelling with children, Family Friendly Overland Tours are a great option, with shorter distances and a more relaxed pace. You can also explore our guide to The Best African Overlanding Adventures on a Tight Budget to get a feel for different routes and travel styles.
Ready to plan your trip? Speak to an African Budget Safaris expert for honest advice and help choosing the right overland tour for your travel style, budget, and timeline.
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