Africa overland tours

Good things come in threes, right? On most overland trips in Africa, you don’t just get one local leader, but a crew of three – a leader, driver and a cook! The leader is there to organise logistics, keep you safe and ensure the trip runs smoothly.

While not being guides in the traditional sense, our African leaders – many of them hailing from Kenya and South Africa – have a broad knowledge of their destinations, a keen eye for wildlife spotting and a passion for their homeland. At some points, we may also use specialist local guides to give you deeper insight into a place, especially when tracking and identifying game.

It’s the cook’s job to shop, oversee meal preparation and ensure the group keeps a high standard of hygiene. Your driver’s responsibility is to maintain the truck and get you from A to B safely. By the end of the trip, the trio of leader, driver and cook often feel like new friends. 

Some overland trips in Southern Africa have a smaller group size of maximum 16 people. On these trips, you'll only have two crew members with you – a leader and a driver. In these instances, the leader will help prepare meals. Check out the ‘Group Leader’ section of the Essential Trip Information to find out how many crew you’ll have on your trip.

You’ll be part of a group of maximum 22 people of all ages and nationalities, from all walks of life. That’s what overland travel is all about: sharing experiences with like-minded adventurers from around the world.

On our longer combination trips, your crew and group may change halfway through. Be prepared to spend a lot of time with each other and to make some new friends; it happens a lot.

Africa overland trips involve a lot of time on the road covering long distances, and many early morning starts. Some days we’ll drive for five, six, even nine hours at a time, although we take regular breaks.

One of the beauties of overlanding is seeing changing landscapes and local village life roll by right outside your window, but not every traveller is comfortable with so much driving.

Changes in weather, road conditions and traffic (or unexpected border and national park closures) can throw drive times out by hours, so it's important to have an open mind and a degree of flexibility.

If you’re the kind of traveller who prefers a strict, set schedule, you might be better suited to one of our destination-based short break adventures. Check the itineraries on our website for an approximate breakdown of drive times for each trip.

Most Africa overland trips are geared around wildlife viewing. We often stay a few days in each national park, giving us plenty of opportunity to encounter a wide variety of animals. On these days, you’ll usually do two game drives a day – one in the early morning when wildlife is most active and one in the early afternoon after lunch. Game drives often last 2-4 hours.   

While we do use open-roof 4WD safari vehicles on occasion (like in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater), most game drives are done in the overland truck, which is specially built for safe wildlife viewing with big sliding windows. When we come across an animal, the driver will stop and you’ll be able to get out of your seat and move around the interior of the truck.

It’s important to know that an African safari is not a David Attenborough documentary. There’s no guarantee you’ll see every member of the ‘Big Five’, and we never veer off the marked trails to get a closer look at an animal. When we’re in their territory, wildlife comes to us. Whatever happens, you’re sure to experience some pretty mind-blowing stuff.

On most overland trips, you’re more than just a passenger – you’re part of a team. Your leader may split you into smaller groups and draw up a daily roster. You’ll then take it in turns to help with tasks such as cooking, shopping, washing up and cleaning the truck, although it’s not difficult work. Please come prepared to roll up your sleeves and pull your weight – it’s all part of the fun!

When camping, breakfasts and most lunches and dinners are included. While at times you’ll be required to help out with basic cooking – chopping vegies, kneading dough – the cook overseas all meal preparations.

Meals are tasty yet simple, made using local ingredients your crew will pick up along the way. Dinner might be pasta or a BBQ, but we also throw in some local specialties. Breakfasts often involve toast, spreads, eggs and tea/coffee, while lunch is usually a sandwich and some fruit.

Sometimes, you’ll need to prepare a packed lunch if we’re going to be out on a game drive all day. If you have any dietary requirements please tell us at the time of booking, and remind your crew at the welcome meeting.

On drive days, we’ll usually make a stop at a market or shopping centre, giving you the chance to stock up on snacks and supplies. When heading into national parks for a few days we often take an esky with ice, so you can pick up some local beers or South African wine to enjoy by the campfire.

We start each day with a supply of clean, filtered water for you to fill up your drink bottle. When staying in hotels, meals aren’t included, but your leader will recommend some affordable and delicious local restaurants.

While we stick to the planned itineraries where we can, overland travel – especially in remote parts of Africa – is unpredictable. Closed roads, inclement weather or mechanical issues can affect the running of your trip. In those cases, there are plenty of other tried-and-true routes we can take. An open mind and a sense of flexibility are key to enjoying your adventure.

Optional activities – such as bike rides, hot air ballooning and walking safaris –  are dispersed throughout the itinerary. Please note that these are subject to availability, and that the prices listed are merely an indication. Ask your leader for more information.

One of the great things about an overland trip is that many things are built into the cost of the trip – accommodation, transport, game drives, activities, community visits and most meals.

You will, however, need your own financial supply for tipping, visas, personal shopping, drinks, laundry, meals when staying in hotels, optional activities and snacks for the road, so please factor this into your budget.

We make regular stops at ATMs along the way, so you don’t have to carry too much cash with you. Make sure you read your Essential Trip Information carefully so you know what’s included.

Many of the countries visited on our Africa overland trips require visas for entry. Some are best obtained before you leave home, and others can be obtained en route.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller, although we’re happy to help with any questions. Entry requirements can change at any time, so check out the relevant consular websites for up-to-date information specific to your nationality. Visas can take several weeks to process, so it’s best to apply as soon as you’ve booked your trip.

When crossing the border between countries, your leader will explain what you need to do and will walk and talk you through the whole process, so there’s no need to feel nervous.

Along with your passport, you may also need to present proof of your Yellow Fever vaccination (your doctor or nurse should give you a small booklet after having the immunisation), so make sure you bring it with you.

If you’re purchasing a visa at the border, you’ll often need cash (in the local currency or in USD). Your leader will be able to give you all this information on the ground so you’re well prepared.

To fully participate in an Africa overland trip, you’ll need to have at least a basic level of fitness. Long travel days, hot and dusty conditions, bumpy roads – overland travel can be challenging on the body.

You’ll need to be physically able to help with camp chores and climb up and down the steps of the truck 8-10 times a day. To choose a trip that suits your fitness level, please look carefully at the physical rating on our website.

It’s also a good idea to check with your doctor to see if any pre-existing medical conditions will affect your ability to participate in the trip, as we won’t have immediate access to doctors or medical facilities in some of the more remote parts of Africa.

You’ll also need certain vaccinations, so make an appointment to see a travel doctor as soon as you’ve booked your trip. See the Essential Trip Information for more information about health.

When overlanding, it’s best to pack as lightly as possible. Although you won’t have to carry your bag over long distances, you’ll need to help load and unload it from the truck.

On most trucks, your main luggage will be stored in a personal locker at the back of the vehicle, but in some cases, bags are stored together in one communal compartment. Either way, we strongly recommend a backpack or duffel bag instead of a hard-framed suitcase. Lockers usually measure 66cm long, 46cm wide and 25cm high, so keep your bag within those dimensions and make sure it weighs no more than 20 kilograms.

You’ll also need a daypack to keep your water bottle, camera and other personal items (this is stored at your feet or in the overhead shelf of the truck). You can stock up on basics – toilet paper, soap, batteries, a small lock for your locker – when we stop at supermarkets along the way.

The clothing and equipment required will depend on your destination and the time of year. Even in summer, it can get cold at night, especially when camping, so layers are always a good idea. Bring comfortable, durable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty (because they will get dirty!).

We’ll supply the camping gear, including a basic ground mat, but you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. For more information about what to bring, check the Essential Trip Information.