What can we expect travelling in Africa?
What about children on safari tour?
Can the route and itinerary change on safari?
What type of vehicles do we use on an overland?
How much time do we spend driving on safari?
What camping equipment do we need on an overland?
What are the campsites like in Africa?
What type of food do we eat on tour and what about dietary requirements?
What laundry facilities are there on tour?
What about the local laws and customs in Africa?
What about the abuse of alcohol and drugs on tour?
What should we expect when visiting local African villages?
How often can we charge batteries and power supplies on tour?
How do you keep in touch with home while on tour?
Can I extend my Africa trip?
What can we expect travelling in Africa?
You are guaranteed a fun adventure, the most amazing sunsets, breathtaking sunrises, inspiring landscapes, tasty meals, good company, fantastic photographic opportunities and memories to last a lifetime.
‘Expect the unexpected’ is the key phrase when travelling in Africa!
Here is a guide on what a Safari in Africa is all about.
Our Africa overland operators are experienced, knowledgeable, reliable and very well connected with local and international support throughout Southern and East Africa. Should a mechanical breakdown or incident occur; good back-up procedures are in place to ensure swift resolution. Travel in Africa with an open mind, sense of fun and adventure and remember … This Is Africa!
What about children on safari tour?
Due to the nature of overland tours the minimum age limit is 18. Younger travellers (10 to 17) travelling with a parent(s) will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the tour, time of travel and tour availability.
We do have select tours offering Family Departures, suited for children aged 10 to 17.
Privately arranged charter tours’ age limits will be assessed based on the route and type of tour you choose.
Please bear in mind that the Gorilla Trekking tours have a minimum age limit of 16 years.
Can the route and itinerary change on safari?
Yes, especially where yours and the group’s safety is concerned.
Our Africa overland operators make every effort to follow the intended route of the tour with changes rarely made, due to unforeseen circumstances which are beyond their and our control.
In some instances, a particular highlight or city may be unsafe (due to political or natural reasons) in which case your itinerary will be changed to ensure your safety.
Know that we are in daily contact with local campsite managers and operators, and always have an ear to the ground.
Any services booked in addition to your tour (i.e. flights, transfer, accommodation, day tours etc.) must be covered by your comprehensive travel insurance.
What type of vehicles do we use on an overland in Africa?
A custom built, comfortable, safe and self-sufficient Africa overland truck to withstand the rugged African terrain.
Various vehicles are used on varying tours, with each offering comfortable seats with ample leg room. Each vehicle has large glass windows for uninterrupted views and perfect for game drives. Smaller 4×4 land cruiser type vehicles are used for game viewing in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, due to the roads being tougher and too narrow for the overland trucks.
Each overland vehicle includes a passenger safe to safely keep money + passports + flight tickets + credit cards. The keys are kept with your Tour Leader who will advise of safety requirements in place concerning the safe.
How much time do we spend driving on safari?
Time spent driving depends on the tour and route you’ve chosen. On average each tour has both short drives (a few hours) and long drives (all day) which will include lunch stops, restroom stops and scenic stops to stretch your legs and enjoy the surroundings.
What camping equipment do we need on an overland?
All tours will include; tents (camping tours), chairs, table, cutlery, pots, pans etc.
Sleeping bags are included on select camping tours, while a sleeping bag rental option is available on others. Most travellers will bring their own sleeping bag + travel pillow + towel. Bedding is included on the accommodated tours.
Sleeping mats are included on most overland tours, with the exception of a few budget overland camping tours. We will advise on this when suggesting a tour(s) for your overland adventure.
The camping tour makes use of large 2-man dome canvas tents, with built in mosquito nets. They are super quick and easy to put up and take down. The accommodated tours combine the adventure of camping and comfort of bedded accommodation, making use of twin and single rooms in hotels, hostels, lodge-style bungalows, chalets and permanent tented safari camps.
What are the campsites like in Africa?
Campsite facilities are overall very good facilities through Southern Africa with basic facilities in East Africa. It’s all part of the adventure and it adds to the flavour of the trip. Remote campsites such as; Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Masai Mara can be more primitive and do not always have hot water. Less remote campsites and accommodations have hot and cold running water, swimming pool, small shop and a bar.
A handy tip: always have pocket tissues + baby wipes + hand sanitizer with you.
What type of food do we eat on tour and what about dietary requirements?
Your crew try to pre-plan meals including a tasty African braai (BBQ) and local cuisine. Specific dietary requirements are easily arranged – just let us know. Where bedded accommodation is included (i.e. Swakopmund or Victoria Falls) breakfasts are provided by your accommodation establishment.
If you have any dietary requirements or allergies, please do let us know so we can cater accordingly.
What will you eat on your overland safari
What laundry facilities are there on tour?
Laundry facilities are available in Cape Town, throughout South Africa, Johannesburg, Maputo, Swakopmund, Victoria Falls, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kampala and Nairobi. Often for a small fee, you can have your laundry washed on your behalf. Most camps (excluding remote camps) have hand-washing facilities.
A handy tip: you can buy a small box of eco-laundry detergent from your local camping store or once in Africa.
What about the local laws and customs in Africa?
Please obey all the laws of the countries through which you are travelling. Naturally each country does have their own individual customs and it’s best to respect and adhere to them. Your Tour Crew will advise of these as you travel. Always remember you’re a guest and it is only good manners to comply with local customs.
Kenya has a Zero Tolerance Policy to Plastic Bags (fines are issued on the spot).
What about the abuse of alcohol and drugs on tour?
Africa Overland tours are not ‘booze-cruise’ tours. It is perfectly fine to have a few drinks at sunset and around the campfire, however, excessive drinking and disturbance is not tolerated. It is our aim to ensure that the group has fun, but due to the remote wilderness locations we visit and the cross section of travellers on the tour this has got to be kept within reason to ensure everyone has a pleasant tour.
We have a ‘zero tolerance’ policy on any illegal drug use. If you’re found in possession of any illegal contraband, non-prescribed narcotic drugs or firearms, you will be asked to leave the trip immediately with no refund of the trip fare. Know that an African jail experience is not really on your list of adventure activities.
What should be expected when visiting African villages?
As a form of respect and general courtesy towards local inhabitants and village dwellers, we don’t encourage complete invasion of their privacy and homes by tourists.
However, there are certain villages that do allow tourist visits at a minimal fee.
How often can we charge batteries and power supplies on tour?
Most campsites and accommodation offer charging facilities with select overland vehicle offering on-board charging of camera batteries, iPods etc. Please do bring a fully charged spare battery as everyone will need charging facilities. Be sure everything is fully charged every 3-4 days.
How do you keep in contact with home while on tour?
Internet cafes are freely available in all major African cities for you to touch base at home with friends and family. International call cards and mobile reception is available within major cities, with little to no reception in smaller remote towns, villages and national parks.
In East Africa both internet and phone access is limited and often you could expect to pay USD3 per minute for a call home. Tell your friends and family communication will be tricky and that you’ll touch base every few days or when possible. Ask us about communication on your chosen overland tour.
Can I extend trip in Africa?
Tours are scheduled with various departure dates and so allow us to mix and match tours to create your ultimate Africa overland adventure. We can also tailor-make an adventure before or after your scheduled tour. In either event, we do recommend 2 or 3 days between tours to allow a good connection in case there is a delay which may affect your second trip. It is best to pre-book your overland tours to guarantee your seat and ensure a seamless African adventure holiday.
