Overland travel is in our blood
In 1988, two young backpackers gathered some friends and set off across the continent in a modified ex-council truck. They must have had fun because when they got home, they started a little company called Intrepid. These days, our itineraries are more polished, our vehicles are custom-built for overlanding and our leaders are passionate and expert locals, but we’ve still got that sense of adventure.
You’ll get off the beaten track, connect with local people and see more animals than you can poke your (respectfully distant) binoculars at. An African overland trip is truly a drive on the wild side.
Our Africa overland trips
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Explore Tailor-Made tripsWhat to expect
The style of accommodation depends on the adventure you choose. When in cities and towns, we often stay in hotels, but on the majority of Africa overland trips you’ll be camping – sometimes in campsites that you’ll share with other tour groups, and sometimes in the middle of the wilderness (don’t worry, our leaders are well trained to protect you and it’s very safe!).
Campsites facilities can be basic. Sometimes the showers are cold and some toilets are of the squat or hole-in-the-ground variety. You’ll be expected to pitch your own tent each night, but the two-person canvas tents provided are easy to set up and come with built-in mosquito screens.
Intrepid’s fleet of overland safari trucks are custom-built for wildlife viewing and off-track adventure. While the seats are comfortable, the ride can be pretty bumpy at times. Most trucks have electrical plugs for charging phones and cameras, but we’ve made a conscious decision not to have Wi-Fi on board (who needs the internet when you’ve got Africa to gaze at?). And there’s “natural air-conditioning” – meaning you’ll need to open a window for fresh air.
While we regularly service our trucks, the occasional breakdown may happen (don’t worry; your leader is well-trained to deal with these situations). But that’s all part of the adventure.
Meet our leaders
If you're thinking of traveling on an overland safari through Africa with Intrepid Travel, but you're not entirely sure what it will be like – then take a look behind the scenes of a real overland experience and meet our leaders.
Florence
Timon
Glamping
While most Africa overland trips are classified as Basix, for those less inclined to rough it, there’s a “glamping” option with our Comfort range of trips. On a Comfort trip, you’ll still need to be prepared for long, hot, bumpy drives in the truck, but you’ll rest your weary head in lodges and permanent tented camps instead of campsites.
Plus – you won’t be preparing your own meals, as they’re mostly included and provided by the lodges. Check out our Comfort trips in Africa below.
Combine your overland journey with another African adventure
Going on an overland adventure might be a dream vacation, but there are plenty of other great things to see and do in Africa, too. You can climb Mt Kilimanjaro, explore the lush rainforests of Madagascar or go on a food adventure through Morocco. Make your overland adventure part of an even bigger Africa vacation on any of the trips below.
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Serengeti Trail
Kenya Wildlife Safari
Kenya Wildlife Safari
Kenya Wildlife Safari
East Africa Highlights