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Is overlanding for me?

It is really important that you know just want you are getting into when doing an Africa Overland Tour. It isn’t for everyone. This is the appeal of doing an overland tour.

The truth is if you expect a rough experience then you are going to love it. If you expect it to be a European trip, you are going to hate it.

What is it like?

Long days on the road.

Dusty, bumpy and slow road conditions.

Travelling to amazing remote locations that are difficult to get to independently.

Long days on the road

Trips don’t require a high level of fitness, however, due to poor road conditions (more so in East Africa), it can take it out of you.

Overland tours are all about remote locations, game drives and seeing local cultures. This means lots of driving – 3 – 10 hrs in the vehicle or more on selected days.

What is the accommodation like?

Depending on the trip, you will either be staying in basic 2 man tents on the ground or staying in basic hotels/lodges/camps. It will most definitely be different to what you expect at home and this is all part of the experience and adventure.

Camping

2 man tents are made more comfy by mattresses that are provided.

The 2 pole tents are erected by you and take only a couple of minutes to set up.

Accommodation

If you are doing a comfort/ accommodated tour, then you will be staying in basic hotels/lodges/camps. Most of the properties have electricity however they are generally run by generators due to the remote location and switch off at night. 

They don’t have air conditioning or fans due to the electricity limitations.

What is expected of me?

Patience, participation, an understanding that things might not work to plan (you are travelling in remote locations).

Do I need visas?

Visas are really important. It is vital that you phone each embassy and request the latest information. Don’t trust websites, rather hear it from the embassies. We aren’t liable for you not getting a visa. It is your responsibility. We can’t stress it enough.

The last thing you want is to be stranded at a border crossing and not be allowed to join the truck.

Take the time and phone the embassies.

About Andrew Walton

Just a happy guy who loves travelling, loves Africa and feels that travelling changes you forever.
Article by: Andrew Walton
on October 15, 2014
Filed under  Africa Blog 
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