Real Advice from Real Overland Travelers

An African overland tour is incomparable to any other holiday destination.

There is a magic that settles deep within the soul that no other experience can capture. From the thrill of waking up to the roar of a lion, to the camaraderie forged around a campfire – traversing this beautiful continent is an unfiltered adventure. In truth, Africa is massive, and it helps to be a bit savvy when traversing Africa. 

In all our years we have discovered that the best advice does not come from a glossy brochure, but from the very same people who have smelt the fresh African air, slept under its starry skies, and woke up to the picturesque sunrise. Here are some reviews from TripAdvisor and insider tips from our past adventurers to help you feel more ready for your overlanding adventure. This insider’s guide has everything you need to know when booking an overland tour with us. 

Our guide Gideon was incredible – nothing was too much trouble and he was an amazing, very safe and considerate driver, an incredibly knowledgeable and interesting person and supremely well organized. The team behind the scenes, especially Chemone, were brilliant at helping us to plan our trip, answering the many questions we had and were reassuringly thorough in the information that they requested regarding medical issues, travel insurance etc. – Heather S

Knowing What to Pack

There is one universal truth to packing for an overland tour – pack light! You are constantly on the move, living out of a locker on a truck. Instead of carrying a massive, bulky hard-shell suitcase, choose a soft bag instead. Packing light also means packing for different seasons. Africa’s climate changes constantly; from scorching afternoons to chilly evenings – it is important to pack a variety of different clothes to suit all the seasons. A pro tip is to pack long-sleeve shirts, a warm fleece, shorts, summer clothes, and comfortable shoes. If you choose a camping tour, make sure to bring a high-quality 3-season sleeping bag too. 

Choosing the camping option, you will get the chance to sleep under millions of stars every night. Every single day you will be fulfilled with an African sunrise and African sunset, so magical, peaceful and heartwarming. Namibia is full of SO different and beautiful landscapes, you will never forget what your eyes have seen. Gift yourself and just go! ✨ – Diana G

Your safari essentials should include a good camera, high-SPF sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars, a safari hat, and extra batteries. Bring a mask or a buff for the dusty dirt roads, and baby wipes – a true lifesaver after a long drive. Another pro tip is bringing a LifeStraw water bottle and a reusable coffee cup to reduce your carbon footprint! (Yes, the water provided on the trucks is perfectly safe to drink.)

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Prep Like a Pro

Like with any adventure, there is homework to be done on what to do and bring on your expedition. That is why we have curated comprehensive packing lists and itineraries for you to use, not only to make it easier for you, but for you to also be confident that you are entirely prepared!

“She (Reshma) gave me very useful advice regarding which items I should bring in order to make the trip more enjoyable. I highly recommend her in helping to choose a safari that fits the needs and budget of any traveler.” – Nomad18506339118

It’s wise to know about the visas you require for travelling beforehand, and how best to carry money on you for tips, souvenirs and border crossings. Below are our informative blogs that cover everything you need to know.

You will need to carry paperwork if you are travelling with kids under the age of 18. It is essential to carry their unabridged birth certificates along with you. 

Do not forget to carry your medication with you as well. Oftentimes, there might not be a pharmacy that has your specific medications. Pack your own small medical kit for minor illnesses and/or injuries. Make sure you are aware of any vaccinations needed before you travel.

Living on the Overland Truck

Touring Africa – the lush greenery, the mountainous landscape, seeing animals pass you by as you travel from one destination to another –  means being on the road for long periods of time. Our partners are renowned for using tough, incredibly versatile vehicles that are built to handle the African terrain, especially the bumpy roads of Botswana! They are equipped, comfortable, and safe. Just like you’ve prepared your bag and visas, make sure you also prepare for life on the overland truck.

The truck was comfortable with water available, good windows, charging ports and seat rotation meant we had the opportunity to interact with the rest of the group. The roads were sometimes rough with bumpy segments but the truck ride was mostly enjoyable with Vincent at the wheel. The accommodations were all comfortable and had good beds, quilts and hot water. – Narayana M

Your phone is an archive of entertainment. Load your phone with audiobooks, podcasts, or saved movies you can watch offline. With a comfortable pillow, you can enjoy the scenery passing by with a soundtrack to your liking. Bring some snacks with (especially those you know you won’t find in Africa), and shop for a few at the local convenience stores. These are great to munch on while travelling, or to enjoy during evening sundowners.

Your guides are meant to help you throughout every moment of your journey. Rely on them when you need to: they are meant to make your journey as easy-peasy as possible (they are truly phenomenal!) In fact, one traveller praised two guides named Mondly and Ishmael saying that:

Norman and Arlington were fantastic. Cooking for different diet requirements for that number of people was no easy task but they managed every meal with ease and always seemed to know what was best for the day at hand (from fresh watermelon on a hot day to a filling delicious chicken stew in the evening). I was so impressed by how well timed all our excursions were, and that they knew how to gauge the weather so that we would have the best experience.– Queen61Piers

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Tick Off that Bucket List!

The best way to enhance your journey is to say yes to optional excursions. Here are a few thrilling adventures you can choose from that are bound to add to your unforgettable experience:

• The Serengeti Balloon Safari: A safari is exciting. But a safari in a hot-air balloon is spectacular! Drift silently over the savanna at sunrise in a once-in-a-lifetime event.
  
• Rhino Tracking: If seeing rhinos is on your bucket list, then Kenya’s Solio Game Reserve is for you. They specialize in rhino tracking, meaning you will definitely scratch that off your bucket list.
  

• Gorilla Trekking: the misty mountains of Rwanda or Uganda promise a thrilling experience. Make sure to bring power bars for energy, and wear long socks to tuck your trousers in, and keep safari ants out.
  

We watched a double kill of Cape buffalo calves by 4 lionesses. We saw a leopard with her cub, up close. We have unbelievable stories we’ve shared with family, about the elephant who walked through our camp, and the two lions who had a roaring contest metres behind our tent, at 2 in the morning. Where else could we possibly have had experiences like that? – Cheryl G

The Correct Mindset

An overlanding adventure is not about capturing the perfect shot of a giraffe, or making sure you carry bug spray. It all begins with the mindset you bring. Overlanding is about taking a leap of faith and embracing the unexpected. Wildlife is unpredictable, so are things not going to plan. It is in those moments of unexpectedness that you may find exactly what you went out seeking. Memories are created, laughs are shared, team work makes the dream work, and you discover something about yourself that was always there, but hidden deep within. 

So be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime – the kind that changes you in the best of ways. Interact with the locals, be flexible, go with the flow, and let your sense of wonder guide you. There truly is nothing like the winding roads of Africa – relax, breathe in deeply, and let the magic take over you. 

The support and information I have received from Tammy at African overland Tours whilst planning, booking and preparing for my upcoming trip has been invaluable…Without her help I’d have been planning in the dark. Her friendly and open manner especially during our call is hugely appreciated. Even though I’ve now booked my trip she is still in regular contact, informing and advising me about visas, travel insurance, vaccines etc. I really can’t recommend AOT more if you are planning a trip. Thanks Tammy and AOT!! – Anna C

Of course, every overland tour is different and has its featured moments. Browse these wonderful overland tours to plan an unforgettable trip into the wild heart of Africa with African Overland Tours.