Can people of any age go overlanding? Overlanders and adventure lovers of all age are welcome. As these trips are about family and friends and not about how many we can squeeze in. Overlanders need to be relatively fit and healthy. Exceptions are made to the age bracket. Those over the age of 50 are welcome provided they are healthy and young at heart.
Is overlanding safe?
Yes, it is. The vehicles are all inspected before departure and guides are experienced. Everything you need is on board and the guide will never put you in any unexpected danger. We will never go where it is not safe to go!!
Do animals come into camp?
Yes, they do! There are no fences, it is truly wild. But they don’t come looking to eat someone, just passing by.
How long beforehand should I book?
If you are thinking about traveling during the peak tourist seasons it is best to book a few months beforehand. It is essential for us to book with all the National Parks.
What is included in the price of an overland tour?
Different tours include different things. Your more luxury tour will have all of the adventure activities included in the cost whereas the budget tours you can pick and choose which acitivity you want to do as some of them can get expensive.
Is there somewhere for my money and valuables? There are safes on the vehicles which are locked at all times. It is always important to insure your valuables just to be certain.
What vaccinations do I need?
The majority of areas in Africa require that you have a yellow fever vaccination and it is important to bring the vaccination certificate with you when you travel. In some areas if you do not produce the relevent document you will be denied access into the region. Malaria is another serious mosquito borne disease that you will need to take prescription tablets for before you travel.
Must I organize my own visas?
Most African visas can be purchased at the border posts or in the countries you travel into.
My passport is nearly full, should i get a new one?
We suggest applying for a new passport if you are travelling to South Africa. South Africa requires that you have two blank pages (alongside each other) in your passport. You will also need space for all of the visa and country stamps.
Should I insure my camera equipment?
Yes, the terrain that overland adventures cover can be rugged and you can never be too certain about what happens when you are out in the wilderness! Your camera could get stolen, get wet or caught in a dust storm.
How long beforehand should I book?
If you are thinking about travelling during the peak tourist seasons it is best to book a few months beforehand. It is possible to turn up on the day of departure and squeeze into the truck (provided there is space and you have all of your correct documents, travel insurance and vaccinations are in order).
What are the group sizes like?
We do not cater for large groups, purely for family and friends. You decided who goes and who stays.
Can people of any age go overlanding?
Overlanders and adventure lovers of all age are welcome. As these trips are about family and friends and not about how many we can squeeze in. Overlanders need to be relatively fit and healthy. Exceptions are made to the age bracket. Those over the age of 50 are welcome provided they are healthy and young at heart
Who travels on an Overland Trip?
People from all walks of life. Students, corporate businesmen and basically anyone that has an interest and passion for experiencing Africa.
How much time do we spend on the road?
Most of your trip will be spent in or around the vehicle, which is why it is so important to understand why we only have 2 passengers per vehicle, unless prior arrangements are made.
What type of Accommodation is included?
Overland adventures will mostly be camping (ground or roof top tents). In certain areas you will stay in permanent tented camps, chalets and on certain trips hotels. Remember, the aim of overlanding is to be at one with nature and camping adds to your experience of Africa!
What type of vehicles are used?
All fully equipped Landrovers and Toyotas are used. They are all kitted with fridgers / freezers, roof top tents, water tanks, long range fuel tanks, winches and more.
What type of food will we be eating?
There is all sorts of food which is well prepared. Types of food will also include the local cuisine of the country you are visiting.If you have any special dietary requirements then you need to let us know. Fear not, food is something we pride ourselves on!
What Cash must I bring?
We recommend that you bring some US Dollar cash in small denominations so that you do not have to change money at the aiport. You might only want to change a small amount at the airport because you normally receive a better exchange rate in town. You will find that you get given a very bad exchange rate if you organize African currency in your home country.
Although Traveller’s Cheques are definitely the safest way of bringing your money out, most of our past passengers have found that bringing USD cash for optional highlights is very handy.
Make sure you change or spend all your local currency before leaving a country and definitely do not take it home, expecting to change it at your local branch. It will then only be good as a souvenir.
Don’t forget to save some of your USD cash for departure tax, payable locally at the airport when leaving.
Personal spending?
One of the questions we get asked the most is, "How much money am I going to be spending?" There is no hard answer to this question. Africa is definitely not as cheap as most guide books make you believe. Only you know how much you are likely to spend, do you smoke/drink/love shopping? Our past passengers have spent on average about USD 20 – 30 per day, on top of any optional activities.
It is advisable to bring both Traveller’s Cheques and cash when you bring your own personal money with. Only buy Traveller's Cheques of a known brand and make sure you bring your purchase receipt with you. Keep a record of any Traveller's Cheques bought and cashed in. According to the terms & conditions of your Traveller's Cheques, you should keep your receipt separate from the actual Cheques and everyting separate from your passport.
American Express travelers cheques are widely accepted in Africa.
Please make sure that you always have an accessible emergency fund, in case of emergencies.
So, How Do You Budget for Your Tour?
Optional activities + personal spending money + emergency fund = trip of a lifetime!