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Africa Overland Tours

Africa Overland Tours pricing is from R16400 $865 £680 €796 A$1319 C$1171 NZ$1422 to R224800 $11858 £9317 €10905 A$18083 C$16050 NZ$19496 per person — a total of 161 tours ordered below from shortest to longest trip. You can make your own list of tours & safaris using the tour search 

4 Day Fly-in Masai Mara Safari in Kenya - Tented Camping

Priced from pps R43244 $2281 £1792 €2098 A$3479 C$3087 NZ$3750 Full pricing info
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Walk in Ol Kinyei
Tour Duration
04 days
From Nairobi to Nairobi
An affordable fly-in Masai Mara Safari in Kenya (Nairobi return). Stay at a tented safari camp and explore the private Ol Kinyei and Naboisho Conservancy Areas.
Countries Visited
Kenya
Top Destinations Visited
Masai Mara Conservancies,  
Nairobi

South Africa Safari - Kruger & Private Reserve Overland Tour

Priced from pps R17708 $934 £734 €859 A$1424 C$1264 NZ$1536 Full pricing info
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South Africa Safari, lion in Kruger
Tour Duration
05 days
From Johannesburg to Johannesburg
This South Africa Safari is a budget Kruger & Private Reserve Overland Tour. An affordable 5-day Greater Kruger and Kruger Safari with lodge accommodation.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Johannesburg,  
Kruger National Park,  
Panorama Route

6 Day Zimbabwe Safari Adventure (Overland Camping Tour)

Priced from pps R26000 $1371 £1078 €1261 A$2091 C$1856 NZ$2255 Full pricing info
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Big Five in Hwange
Tour Duration
06 days
From Victoria Falls to Johannesburg
This fun, budget Zimbabwe Safari Adventure (Overland Camping Tour) visits Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Matobo Hills & Great Zimbabwe Ruins in six days
Countries Visited
South Africa,  
Zimbabwe
Top Destinations Visited
Great Zimbabwe Ruins,  
Hwange National Park,  
Johannesburg,  
Matobo National Park,  
Victoria Falls

6 Day Garden Route to Cape Town - South Africa Safari (Camping Overland Tour)

Priced from pps R16400 $865 £680 €796 A$1319 C$1171 NZ$1422 Full pricing info
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Tsitsikamma National Park
Tour Duration
06 days
From Port Elizabeth to Cape Town
An exciting budget South Africa Safari (Garden Route to Cape Town), this Overland Camping Tour travels from Port Elizabeth via Addo Elephant Park, Tsitsikamma, Karoo, Cape Whale Coast and more.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Addo Elephant National Park,  
Cape Town,  
Cape Whale Route,  
Garden Route,  
Karoo,  
Oudtshoorn Cango Caves,  
Port Elizabeth

6 Day Garden Route to Cape Town - South Africa Safari (Lodge Overland Tour)

Priced from pps R23200 $1224 £962 €1125 A$1866 C$1656 NZ$2012 Full pricing info
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Addo Park elephants
Tour Duration
06 days
From Port Elizabeth to Cape Town
This Budget South Africa Safari is an adventure lodge overland tour through the Garden Route to Cape Town via Addo Elephant Park, Tsitsikamma, Route 62, Cape Whale Route and more.
Countries Visited
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Addo Elephant National Park,  
Cape Town,  
Cape Whale Route,  
Garden Route,  
Karoo,  
Oudtshoorn Cango Caves,  
Port Elizabeth

6 Day Best of Zimbabwe Safari (Lodge Overland Tour)

Priced from pps R29800 $1572 £1235 €1446 A$2397 C$2128 NZ$2584 Full pricing info
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Matobos Hills Park
Tour Duration
06 days
From Victoria Falls to Johannesburg
The Best of Zimbabwe Safari is a budget Africa Overland Tour (lodge safari) to Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Matobo Hills and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.
Countries Visited
South Africa,  
Zimbabwe
Top Destinations Visited
Great Zimbabwe Ruins,  
Hwange National Park,  
Johannesburg,  
Matobo National Park,  
Victoria Falls

7 Day Cape Town to Namibia Safari (Lodge Africa Overland Tour)

Priced from pps R29750 $1569 £1233 €1443 A$2393 C$2124 NZ$2580 Full pricing info
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Namibia quiver tree
Tour Duration
07 days
From Cape Town to Swakopmund
A great Cape Town to Namibia Safari (Lodge Africa Overland Tour) from South Africa to Swakopmund via Namaqualand, Orange River, Fish River Canyon & Namib Desert
Countries Visited
Namibia,  
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Cape Town,  
Fish River Canyon,  
Namib Desert,  
Namib Naukluft National Park,  
Sossusvlei,  
Swakopmund

7 Day Lesotho & South Africa Safari: Durban to Addo (Lodge)

Priced from pps R27000 $1424 £1119 €1310 A$2172 C$1928 NZ$2342 Full pricing info
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Addo meerkat, South Africa Safari
Tour Duration
07 days
From Durban to Port Elizabeth
An excellent, cheap Lesotho & South Africa Safari (Lodge Overland Tour) from Durban to Addo Elephant Park, via the Drakensberg Mountains and Great Karoo.
Countries Visited
Lesotho,  
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Addo Elephant National Park,  
Drakensberg Mountains,  
Durban,  
Karoo,  
Port Elizabeth

7 Day Deluxe Tanzania Lodge Safari

Priced from pps R52704 $2780 £2184 €2557 A$4240 C$3763 NZ$4571 Full pricing info
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Serengeti plain
Tour Duration
07 days
From Arusha to Arusha
A Deluxe Tanzania Lodge Safari in Tanzania staying at affordable luxury lodges to explore Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara on a fantastic budget!
Countries Visited
Tanzania
Top Destinations Visited
Arusha,  
Great Rift Valley,  
Lake Manyara,  
Ngorongoro,  
Northern Safari Circuit,  
Serengeti

7 Day Lesotho & South Africa Safari: Durban to Addo (Camping)

Priced from pps R20100 $1060 £833 €975 A$1617 C$1435 NZ$1743 Full pricing info
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Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa
Tour Duration
07 days
From Durban to Port Elizabeth
A budget Lesotho & South Africa Safari (Camping Overland Tour) from Durban to Addo Elephant Park via Drakensberg, Lesotho Maloti Mountains & Great Karoo
Countries Visited
Lesotho,  
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Addo Elephant National Park,  
Drakensberg Mountains,  
Durban,  
Karoo,  
Port Elizabeth

7 Day Namibia Safari: Swakopmund to Cape Town (Lodge Overland)

Priced from pps R29750 $1569 £1233 €1443 A$2393 C$2124 NZ$2580 Full pricing info
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Sesriem Canyon
Tour Duration
07 days
From Swakopmund to Cape Town
A 7-day budget Namibia Safari (Lodge Overland Tour) from Swakopmund to Cape Town, South Africa via the Namib Desert, Fish River Canyon and scenic landscapes.
Countries Visited
Namibia,  
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Cape Town,  
Fish River Canyon,  
Namib Desert,  
Namib Naukluft National Park,  
Sossusvlei,  
Swakopmund

7 Day Cape Town to Namibia Safari (Camping Overland Tour)

Priced from pps R19950 $1052 £827 €968 A$1605 C$1424 NZ$1730 Full pricing info
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The Red Dunes of the Namib Desert
Tour Duration
07 days
From Cape Town to Swakopmund
A fun Cape Town to Namibia Safari (Camping Africa Overland Tour) from South Africa to Swakopmund via Namaqualand, Orange River, Fish River Canyon & Namib Desert
Countries Visited
Namibia,  
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Cape Town,  
Fish River Canyon,  
Namib Desert,  
Namib Naukluft National Park,  
Sossusvlei,  
Swakopmund

7 Day Botswana Explorer: Vic Falls to Maun (Camping Overland Tour)

Priced from pps R28000 $1477 £1161 €1358 A$2252 C$1999 NZ$2428 Full pricing info
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Chobe River Hippo
Tour Duration
07 days
From Victoria Falls to Maun
From Victoria Falls, explore the best of Botswana, from a wildlife river cruise to desert landscapes and salt pans, and magnificent wildlife rich Okavango Delta on this Overland Camping Safari.
Countries Visited
Botswana,  
Zimbabwe
Top Destinations Visited
Chobe National Park,  
Kasane,  
Khwai River Area,  
Makgadikgadi Pans,  
Maun,  
Moremi Game Reserve,  
Okavango Delta,  
Victoria Falls

7 Day Botswana Explorer: Vic Falls to Maun (Lodge Overland Tour)

Priced from pps R35600 $1878 £1476 €1727 A$2864 C$2542 NZ$3087 Full pricing info
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Elephants in Chobe River
Tour Duration
07 days
From Victoria Falls to Maun
From Victoria Falls, Safari in Botswana, from a wildlife river cruise to desert landscapes and salt pans, and magnificent wildlife rich Okavango Delta, while staying in comfortable lodges.
Countries Visited
Botswana,  
Zimbabwe
Top Destinations Visited
Chobe National Park,  
Kasane,  
Khwai River Area,  
Makgadikgadi Pans,  
Maun,  
Moremi Game Reserve,  
Okavango Delta,  
Victoria Falls

7 Day Botswana Safari Explorer: Maun to Victoria Falls (Lodge Overland Tour)

Priced from pps R35600 $1878 £1476 €1727 A$2864 C$2542 NZ$3087 Full pricing info
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Wild Dog Pups at Chobe
Tour Duration
07 days
From Maun to Victoria Falls
A budget-friendly Lodge Overland Tour the Explore Botswana Safari travels from Maun to Victoria Falls via the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Chobe, Salt Pans and more
Countries Visited
Botswana,  
Zimbabwe
Top Destinations Visited
Chobe National Park,  
Kasane,  
Khwai River Area,  
Makgadikgadi Pans,  
Maun,  
Moremi Game Reserve,  
Okavango Delta,  
Victoria Falls

7 Day Botswana Explorer: Maun to Vic Falls (Camping Overland Tour)

Priced from pps R28000 $1477 £1161 €1358 A$2252 C$1999 NZ$2428 Full pricing info
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Zebra in Moremi
Tour Duration
07 days
From Maun to Victoria Falls
Botswana Safari from wildlife rich Okavango Delta to desert landscapes and salt pans, and a wildlife river cruise ending in magnificent Victoria Falls on this Overland Camping Tour.
Countries Visited
Botswana,  
Zimbabwe
Top Destinations Visited
Chobe National Park,  
Kasane,  
Khwai River Area,  
Makgadikgadi Pans,  
Maun,  
Moremi Game Reserve,  
Okavango Delta,  
Victoria Falls

7 Day Namibia Safari: Swakopmund to Cape Town (Camping Overland)

Priced from pps R19950 $1052 £827 €968 A$1605 C$1424 NZ$1730 Full pricing info
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Deadvlei Namibia
Tour Duration
07 days
From Swakopmund to Cape Town
Namibia Desert Safari from Swakopmund visiting Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon & Hot Springs before traveling overland to Cape Town, South Africa, on this budget Overland Camping Tour
Countries Visited
Namibia,  
South Africa
Top Destinations Visited
Cape Town,  
Fish River Canyon,  
Namib Desert,  
Namib Naukluft National Park,  
Sossusvlei,  
Swakopmund

8 Day Victoria Falls & Botswana Safari Overland (Lodge Tour)

Priced from pps R41500 $2189 £1720 €2013 A$3338 C$2963 NZ$3599 Full pricing info
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Chobe giraffes
Tour Duration
08 days
From Victoria Falls to Johannesburg
Combine Victoria Falls & Botswana Safari gems (Chobe, Okavango Delta, Makgadigadi Pans) on this African Safari Overland (budget lodge safari) ending in South Africa
Countries Visited
Botswana,  
South Africa,  
Zimbabwe
Top Destinations Visited
Central Kalahari Game Reserve,  
Chobe National Park,  
Johannesburg,  
Kasane,  
Khwai River Area,  
Makgadikgadi Pans,  
Maun,  
Moremi Game Reserve,  
Okavango Delta,  
Victoria Falls

8 Day Mozambique Beaches Tour (Lodge Overland Safari)

Priced from pps R26450 $1395 £1096 €1283 A$2128 C$1888 NZ$2294 Full pricing info
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Bazaruto Archipelago tour
Tour Duration
08 days
From Maputo to Maputo
An idyllic Mozambique Beaches Tour. This budget Mozambique Vacation is a lodge overland safari exploring Vilanculos, Inhambane, Tofo & the Bazaruto Archipelago
Countries Visited
Mozambique
Top Destinations Visited
Bazaruto Islands,  
Inhambane Tofo,  
Maputo

8 Day Eswatini & South Africa Safari (Lodge Overland Tour)

Priced from pps R35500 $1873 £1471 €1722 A$2856 C$2535 NZ$3079 Full pricing info
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Hluhluwe rhino
Tour Duration
08 days
From Johannesburg to Durban
Eswatini & South Africa Safari (Lodge Overland Tour) to Kruger National Park, Panorama Route, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, iSimangaliso & Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Countries Visited
South Africa,  
Swaziland
Top Destinations Visited
Durban,  
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve,  
Isimangaliso Wetland Park,  
Johannesburg,  
Kruger National Park,  
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary,  
Panorama Route

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What are Africa Overland Tours? by

What are Africa Overland Tours?

Travelling Africa overland is the best way for the free-spirited budget traveller to experience the excitement of true adventure travel, and unspoiled African scenery and cultures in remote places, within a specific set time.

Away from boring sanitised holiday locations, many of the tour stops lack the more civilised facilities of regular tourist traps, and there is also an element of unpredictability, as sometimes the scheduled route has to be altered due to external factors.

Different to any other kind of package tour holiday

Overland Adventure Travel is therefore altogether a different trip from the regular package tour holiday, as it goes beyond merely providing you with a bed and a bus. The journey itself is part of the destination, and this holistic approach to experience is the point of every trip.

Teamwork Makes the trip

Tour members do everything together: travel, dine, do chores, take part in activities, relax, interact and learn about one another's countries, and form a working team who will hopefully all become good friends by the end.

Africa Overland Tour Activities

Attractions include interacting with indigenous people and culture, watching wildlife and participating in the more adrenalised experiences available, such as whitewater rafting, climbing, diving, cycling, walking with lions or a swim with dolphins.

When not on the road or involved in these activities, travellers must assist with the daily responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning up and setting up or dismantling the camp and packing the trucks. The level of participation required will depend on what type of Overland Safari you choose to do. Most of the activities where you will be expected to assist with occur at daybreak and dusk so that we can utilise every daylight hour for the adventure side of the trip! It is important to note that we sometimes rise before dawn if we have to leave early for the next destination.

Your Tour guide or Trip Leader and support staff are well trained and highly knowledgeable about Africa and will assist your every need, but you also need to be keen to muck in, as they won't indulge too much laziness! However, there is also plenty of free time to sit around the fireside, play cards or board games, enjoy each other's company and discover more about Africa, shoot a few photos, jot in your diary or just chill under the stars listening to the sounds of the bush.

Things won't always run to schedule or as planned

On any Africa Overland Tour two things are for sure: one, that the days will not run 100% smoothly all the time and two, no two journeys will ever be alike. Roads could be closed or collapsed due to extreme weather conditions, mechanical problems could delay us, wild animals could invade the campsites or similar. TIA (This Is Africa) but we've seen it all before, so bear in mind that whatever goes down we'll get you through it safely and you will have the time of your life and a travel experience like no other on earth.

Are You Suited to Africa Overland Tours?

Whilst travelling through Africa has become easier in the past decade, it remains quite demanding physically, and thus the hectic schedule of a Camping Overland Tour tends to appeal to the younger, more adventurous personality type, between 18 and 35. However, recent years have seen an influx of adventurous older passengers as well as families. We have now catered for all in terms of the type of Overland Safari on offer.

The older crowd tends to enjoy the accommodated overlanding trips, and the younger singles or groups tend to enjoy the camping-orientated trips more, especially during university vacation times. These are fairly broad assessments though, and outside of normal holiday times, the passenger profile can be quite varied.

Age limit on Overlanding Camping

We do tend to set an age limit of between 18-55 years old though for the Overland Camping Tours, as in our experience, the often tough nature of Camping Overland Tours is unsuitable for people outside this age bracket. However, we do sometimes permit older passengers on the camping tours. As long as you are "Young at Heart". It's also important to note that on some tours children over the age of 6 are allowed. It's best to check with African Budget Safaris if this is a concern for you.

Although being relatively fit is usually a requirement for Overlanding, a patient, friendly nature and a sense of adventure, when dealing with situations such as a truck stuck in the mud, a stampeding buffalo or squatting behind the lone bush in the veldt, is an advantage.

Nevertheless, as a big component of every trip is the social aspect, we can almost guarantee that everyone will click, as most people who gravitate toward African Overlanding trips tend to have similar interests and a shared outlook on life. For the Camping tours whilst we do get couples and groups of friends travelling together, passengers are most often single and the ratio of males to females is usually an even split, augmenting the fun social dynamic. Camping trips can take up to 28 passengers, although the average is usually slightly less.

The Size of Your Africa Overland Tour Group

Accommodated trips are usually capped at about 18 people and for Exclusive Overland Trips the group maximum size is 16. Around half of our passengers hail from English-speaking nations (Canada, UK, USA, Australia, NZ etc.) and the remainder from Asia and Europe.

Maintain a Positive Attitude for Best Results!

A last word of warning: whilst on the majority of trips most nights will be at the very least spent in a relatively safe, well-equipped campsite; there will be times when a hot or even cold shower or a chilled or even warm beer might not be at hand. The weather can often be inclement or searingly hot and you will have to put up with long drives, bouncing slowly over bumpy, barely recognisable roads. The inevitable unforeseen occurrences that can only happen in Africa can really test you, so a positive disposition is probably the most important requirement for any Overland trip.

Types of Africa Overland Tours on offer:

No matter your age or character African Budget Safaris will be able to match you with the perfect Africa Overland Tour. We have carefully categorised the Overland Safaris we offer into the following categories. All you need to do is decide which category best suits you and check out our website for the list of options in each category on offer.

Camping Africa Overland Tours

As the name implies camping overland tours involve travelling in Africa in an Overland Truck and sleeping in two-man canvas dome tents along the way. There is nothing quite like camping in Africa. With the wide-open skies and sounds of the wilds as a backdrop, this is a great option for those clients who wish to connect with Africa on a ground level. Camping Overland Tours are the best-priced tours available in Overlanding.

Camping tours generally appeal to the younger traveller on a tight budget. The average age is between 18 - 35 years of age. Although we do not have an age restriction on these tours we do suggest to clients over the age of 55 to consider an Accommodated or Exclusive overland Safari.

You will be expected to actively participate in the tour to ensure the smooth running of your adventure. The maximum group size is 28 persons on a truck.

Accommodated Africa Overland Tours

Accommodated Africa Overland Tours are aimed at clients who want to experience the thrill of transversing Africa in an Overland Truck but at the same time receive a level of comfort above that of a camping tour. The accommodation we make use of is usually in the form of 2-3 star lodges, bungalows, guesthouses, permanent tented camps, hotels and occasionally Backpackers.

In Southern Africa we make use of double/twin room accommodation at each place, ideal for couples. Single rooms are available for clients travelling alone but a Single Supplement will apply.

For East Africa, we occasionally will make use of accommodation that requires 3-4 clients per room. However, it is possible to upgrade at most places to a private room at an additional cost paid for by you on arrival. We cannot guarantee this however and it will depend on availability. The upgrades cannot be pre-arranged and you are only able to enquire on arrival. For most accommodated tours covering East Africa, there is no single supplement cost.  The level of participation on accommodated tours is generally restricted to packing of the truck and assisting the cook in the occasional meal preparation. The Maximum Group size is 18 on the truck.

Exclusive Africa Overland Tours

This form of Africa Overland Tour would appeal to clients who are looking for a more exclusive African experience. To guarantee this the group size is restricted to 16 on the Vehicle. The Vehicles themselves on the whole have additional facilities like an onboard fridge for example that allow for that extra bit of comfort.

It is important to note that we make use of a combination of camping and fixed accommodation along the way for most tours. The tents are large spacious well well-ventilated tents with canvas mattresses provided on most occasions. When we stay at fixed accommodation it usually is at 2-3 star lodges/guesthouses/bungalows and hotels.

It is important to note that there is an age restriction of 55 years on Exclusive Overland Safaris. Sometimes exceptions are however made and clients over the age of 55 are permitted on these tours, depending on the health of the client and the particular route of the safari.

By virtue of the smaller group size, on several tours, it is possible to access areas that are not open to the public or larger overland groups. It is also important to note that a lot of the Local activity options available at each place we stop at will be included in the price of the tour.

The level of participation on Exclusive Africa Overland Tours is still expected.

On the whole, this type of overland experience is for a more refined traveller wanting to tackle Africa on a ground level but with that bit more exclusivity included in the tour offering.

Family Africa Overland Tours

Tours that are specifically set aside for travel with children. The majority of these tours follow the same structure as a camping overland tour with camping being the most common form of accommodation. An active level of participation is expected.
The key difference between a Family overland tour and the other 3 categories is in the distance travelled between destinations. With Family Africa Overland Tours the distances are kept to a minimum to ensure that the children spend as little time as possible confined to the truck which generally ensures happy children.

Travelling with other children from different nationalities ensures a great cultural education for all concerned. The maximum group size is 28.

Africa Overland Tour Trucks and Equipment

All Africa Overland Tours are done in specially designed Overland Trucks. Each one has been customized to ensure utmost safety - and whilst they are not air-conditioned tour buses with onboard restrooms, they do feature cushioned seats for a pleasant, comfortable ride. In some cases, the Trucks have forward-facing seats, some with seats facing one another with small tables, and some with bench-style seating. (Please note however the Truck specifications will depend on the Tour Type you choose).

All of the trucks carry the full stock of camping and cooking necessities, large water tanks, and long-distance gas tanks and are equipped with cassette decks (into which we can plug your CD or MP3 player) and interior/exterior lights.

As there is limited space for baggage on every tour vehicle we suggest you pack as lightly as possible (see what to bring). Finally, although the vehicles are regularly serviced, we will also potentially have to endure the odd breakdown as the African conditions often push the trucks beyond their limits. As we've said, you need to expect this, and patience is a prerequisite, as we solve the problem or wait for spares etc. Finally, whatever you do, don't call the vehicle a bus or the crew bus drivers; they are truck drivers alright!

What you need to check before the start of your Overland Tour:

Passport and Visa Info

Ensuring you have all the required documentation for the trip is you're responsible. The last thing you want to do is hold up the tour because you have neglected some important bit of paperwork or rubber stamp (and indeed, the tour leader will not wait for you and you might find yourself dumped at some forgotten border post).

Make sure your passport expires more than 6 months after your departure date and try to ensure you have at least one page open for each country on the tour itinerary. (Note: some countries will not let you in without at least a couple of blank pages, so make sure your passport is not too full, especially if you are planning on travelling further in the region after the trip.)

Depending on what nationality you are, visas are obtainable at most border posts. You must double-check this with the consulate of each nation though, well before your departure and obtain the necessary visas if need be. We also strongly encourage you to make copies of your passport, keeping one on your person and handing the other to the tour guide. If you have more than one passport it is important that you only use one to enter and exit countries or you might be denied entry or exit at a later stage.

Health and Vaccination Info

The twin threats of disease and danger are everyday realities in Africa. One of the biggest killers remains Malaria, which is endemic to most parts of Africa. Mosquitoes are most active around dusk and dawn, so make sure you wear long-sleeved tops and pants and apply plenty of insect repellent to their favourite places to bite: ankles, wrists and neck. Also, check with your GP regarding malaria tablets before you leave.

Make sure you get all your shots

You will also need to make sure you get the correct vaccinations for the countries you plan to visit. Most will require you to get a jab for Yellow Fever. You'll get a certificate for this, which like your passport, you should copy and bring with you (some home nations require you to show this when you return). Other possible vaccinations include Typhoid, Meningitis, Tetanus, Diphtheria and Hepatitis A & B. Whilst these injections are not compulsory, all these diseases are prevalent and precautions are advised.

Another affliction rife in Africa is of course AIDS. Fortunately, whilst there is no shot for this, condoms are widely available for those who might need them.

It is important to inform us of any medical conditions you might be suffering from or medication needs (e.g. asthma, diabetes) as we are often a couple of hundred kilometres from the nearest hospital.

Even if you are in otherwise healthy, if you begin to feel ill on a trip, please let the Guide / Tour Leader know immediately as they might have to make a plan to get you medical assistance. Most time it will just be your body reacting to the rigours of the trip or mild germs or bacteria but it's better to be safe than sorry. 

All Overland tour vehicles carry a basic first aid kit but travellers will usually be asked to replace any items they take from it. Therefore it is important to bring your own emergency kit, stocked with the following recommended items: anti-diarrhoea pills, headache tablets, anti-septic ointment, plasters, sterile dressings, sterile strips, water purification tablets, anti-histamines, sun/after-sun cream, lip balm, eye drops, mosquito/insect repellent, moisturiser, rehydration salts and sterile wipes.

To prevent the spread of disease we supply of anti-bacterial liquid for washing dishes and cutlery (make sure you do this thoroughly if it is your turn) and antibacterial soap for the washing of hands, so apply liberally and wash them often.

Insurance Matters

You will not permitted to join any tour without some form of medical insurance and will be required to furnish us with the specifics of your policy before departure. Make sure your insurance covers air evacuation as most hospitals in Africa are very basic and you may have to be lifted out. Also, make sure your insurance covers injury from extreme activities such as river rafting etc. if you are planning to partake in these.

What to Take

We advise you pack your personal items in a sturdy backpack (it is best if this has a solid internal frame) and would rather you didn't bring a conventional suitcase as these are impractical for Overlanding. Include a small daypack to cart around everyday items.

Clothing to bring

Note: try not to bring synthetic clothing which is uncomfortable to wear in warm climates. Otherwise, we suggest the following minimum:

  • Warm anorak/jacket
  • Two pairs of jeans/cargos
  • Two pairs of shoes (one pair of trainers, one pair of hiking boots)
  • Sandals (strapped sandals are better than slip slops)
  • One tracksuit
  • Two pairs of shorts/skirts
  • Four t-shirts
  • Two long sleeves
  • One thick sweater
  • Boardshorts or swimming costume
  • Underwear and socks (including at least one pair of thick socks)
  • Sun hat (that covers your entire face and neck)
  • Sarong/kikoi
  • Light raincoat/windcheater
  • Gloves (to protect you from stinging nettles and keep you warm on cold nights)

Other items to bring

  • Sunglasses and watch (make sure these are inexpensive though)
  • Sleeping bag & mat (plus a mosquito net and groundsheet if you plan to sleep outside)
  • Water bottle
  • Torch
  • Binoculars
  • Torch/batteries
  • Toiletry bag
  • Washing soap (biodegradable), pegs and clothesline
  • Wet wipes
  • Ziploc bags
  • Scrubbing brush
  • Camera/film/memory cards
  • Universal socket adaptor
  • CD /MP3 player
  • Books/magazines

Safari Budget

Local Payment

These must be made in US dollars (USD) in equal measure by all passengers on the morning of departure or at the Pre Departure Meeting held the evening before. These funds go into a communal kitty, which provides for meals, accommodation, entrance into parks/reserves and some highlights.

Please note that the Local Payment price might go up slightly, but we will inform you if this occurs.

Optional activities on Africa Overland Tours

You will be provided with a list of optional activities to take part in on the tour that you can book on the day or along the way with your Guide. You must include these when doing your budget. These include adventure sports such as bungee jumping or river rafting (we only use the safest, most reliable operators).

Most additional activities are optional, depending on your budget and personal requirements (not everyone has to bungee jump!).

Daily budget

Other things you might want to spend money on include local restaurants, tips and shopping. Though credit cards are widely accepted we recommend you bring cash, most advisably USD. A budget of at least USD20 a day for things like cool drinks, alcoholic beverages snacks etc. is about right. Please note that tipping is encouraged, depending on the service level and activity anywhere from USD 1.00 (housekeeping staff at lodges for e.g.) to 5.00 (gorilla tour guides, for e.g.).

Emergency amount

Always make sure you have access to a decent amount of money, in case of an emergency.

Africa Overland - On the Road

Drivers, Cooks, Guide/ Tour Leader

On average each trip has three crewmembers, one each of the above. The drivers and cooks are usually from Southern or East Africa and the guides/trip leaders from Africa, Australia or Europe. Whilst the latter are primarily there to make sure the trip runs smoothly and are not necessarily experts on Africa, they will be happy to share with you their experience of the region.

 In some difficult circumstances, the guide or trip leader will often have to make hard decisions and whilst some of these might not be popular with everyone in the group, their decision is binding and final.

Fellow travellers (the group)

Unsociable or messy fellow travellers are rare and not tolerated well and if someone selfish is causing problems for you please let your guide know or speak rationally to the individual. However, if you pull your weight and or your utmost to be aware of the needs of your fellow travellers you should have no problems and make some good friends along the way.

Participation on Africa Overland Tours

Your involvement in key aspects of the tour is expected. The level of Participation will be determined by what type of Overland Safari you choose. Regardless of this fact there will be some form of participation required. Participation might take the form of washing up, unloading your gear and putting up and taking down tents. However, your help assisting wherever else it might be needed will be appreciated and will also allow the crew more time to focus on the fun aspects of the tour.

Food on Africa Overland Tours

All fresh food is treated with an anti-bacterial spray. The crew will sort out the catering aspects for breakfast, lunch (usually a picnic) and dinner, but you are encouraged to get involved if you are handy in the kitchen. All crockery and cutlery is provided by the tour so please look after it.

Photography on Africa Overland Tours

You may, within reason, ask the guide to stop if you would like to take a photo. The truck will also stop at key viewing points along the way for this purpose. When taking pictures of people always ask their permission and respect their privacy if they decline (some believe cameras steal souls!).

Make sure you have adequate film and/or memory sticks as these are not available in most of rural Africa and you will be confronted with a million photo opportunities, and that your camera bag is dustproof. Powerpoints to recharge electronic items are available at some of the campsites, but extra batteries are still recommended.

Above all a yearning for adventure and a good sense of humour will ensure you have a fantastic time in Africa no matter what type of African Overland Safari you choose.

Overland Tours Special

Kenya to Cape Town Overland Camping Adventure

Priced from pps R139320 $7349 £5774 €6758 A$11207 C$9947 NZ$12083 Full pricing info
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Cheetahs in East Africa What’s the deal? Book by 31/03/2024 for tour departures before 30/04/2024 & get 20% discount with these last minute safari deals!

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