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The biggest things that put people off overlanding in Africa are the ideas of long travel days, roughing it while camping and having to help out at camp.

I’m here to say these are the BEST things about travelling on an overlanding adventure. And here’s why…

Long Travel Days
When did you last allow yourself to spend hours daydreaming? And not just those few minutes on the train wondering what the next season of Game of Thrones will bring. But long, meandering daydreams set to a backdrop of open savanna, wild animals and endless blue skies.

Yes, it takes time to get between places, but this is a wonderful opportunity to daydream, meditate on life’s big questions, groove away to all your favourite albums or make up crazy games with fellow travellers and laugh yourself silly. Now that’s time well spent.

Roughing it while camping
This hurdle is all about perspective. Yes, it may be a little rougher than you’re used to, but let’s face it, you’re only there for a short period of time (and you get to go home). How rough you think it will be is often worse that it actually is and there is something liberating about doing without your hairdryer or electric razor. Plus the payoff for any discomfort is you get to TRAVEL IN AFRICA!

It’s also exhilarating to see what we are actually capable of – plus anything uncomfortable makes for the best tales on your return!

Here are some tried and tested ways to help you cope:
– bring thongs (flip flops) for the shower
– wear shoes and bring a head torch for any toilet trips (don’t dwell on the toilet thing, you’re not there for long!)
– use hand sanitiser (even if it’s just for psychological reasons)
– bring baby wipes. They are fantastic to wipe your feet before you enter your tent or to freshen your face and hands before bed
– make sure you have long sleeves/trousers and insect spray for the bugs (or soak your clothes and bedsheet with pyrethrin if the thought of bugs freak you out)
– pack plastic bags to separate dirty or wet clothes and to wrap your shoes in
– bring a silk bed sheet. They are great for when it’s hot or if you are a bit suss about the bed you’re sleeping in.

Okavango Delta bush camp photo by Thomas furlong

Helping out at camp
Some people balk at having to pitch in and help chop veggies, wash the dishes or erect their own tent. But I wager that these events will become some of the highlights of your trip. These tasks give you the chance to hang out with people in a different environment and get to know them in a way you wouldn’t while simply sitting around a table. Plus by contributing in this way, you feel you’re part of a tribe rather than just in a travel group.

So don’t let a fear of discomfort stop you from travelling through Africa – these concerns fade far into the background once you’re confronted with the beauty and profound nature of this incomparable continent, which is definitely unlike anywhere else on earth!