Vouchers:

• Please make sure you read through your travel vouchers carefully and all your details are correct. If you do notice any errors please notify your travel agent in order to correct the incorrect details.

Airport Transfers & Hotels:

• Some of the operating companies we work with offer airport transfers to your hotel. It is advisable to stay the pre night at the hotel from which your tour departs. This ensures that you will be on time for the departure as well as being present when the final briefing is given to the whole group of the tour.

Day Tours:

Arriving early with time to spare can allow you to enjoy a day tour before your tour begins.
Half day tours are safe and informative and relatively inexpensive. Should you be interested in this additional option please arrange this through your travel agent or operating guide upon arrival in Johannesburg.

Departure Briefing:

Your tour begins with a short meeting discussing the final tour arrangements & informing you of the day’s activities. Your voucher & insurance policy should be with you at this meeting. You will also be required to fill out an indemnity form. If you are unsure of anything this is the perfect time to ask.

Important Touring Tips:

• The itinerary is a guide ONLY and is subject to change
• There is a mix of different nationalities, ages and cultures on every tour
• Space in the truck is limited – PLEASE DON’T BRING TOO MUCH LUGGAGE!
• The tours are high adventure tours, so don’t expect European Coach tours or lodge safaris
• The tours are often created in a circular route i.e. where one tour ends, another begins
• The rate is the same throughout the year

What are adventure tours?

These are adventure tours perfect for people who enjoy camping and the outdoors. You get to experience the “real Africa” by camping out at night, sitting around the campfire, taking in beautiful scenery, visiting local shops and getting to know the locals.

What is a typical day?

A typical day on either your camping or accommodated Africa overland tour starts with an early morning wake-up call and a cup of tea or coffee followed by breakfast. Campers pack-up their campsite while comfort travellers check-out of their accommodation and hit the road.

We set off to our next destination travelling through a vast variety of landscapes, making our own new memories with new friends. Each day in Africa offers a new experience from an early morning sunrise hike, quad biking, sky dive or guided nature walk. The options are endless!

We have shorter travel days arriving at our campsite by midday or early afternoon, to enjoy lunch before joining our afternoon activity or simply enjoying a relaxed afternoon at your own pace.

On our longer travel days an early start ensures an earlier arrival at our campsite. We stop off at scenic spots to stretch our legs and take in the scenery, before lunch is enjoyed at a shady spot en-route. A mid- to-late afternoon arrival at our campsite allows us to set up camp, enjoy a beautiful sunset and end the day sitting around the campfire, under the stars.

Our best advice: expect the unexpected as this is Africa! We travel mainly on gravel roads and poorly kept tarmac roads – both setting the pace at which we travel. We do our best to arrive at our next destination, safety is our number one priority and while our overland vehicles are comfortable and spacious, they are not sports cars!

What type of vehicles do we use?

• A custom-built, comfortable, safe and self-sufficient Africa overland truck to withstand the rugged African terrain.
• Various vehicles are used on varying tours, with each offering comfortable seats with ample leg room.
• Each vehicle has large glass windows for uninterrupted views and perfect for game drives.
• Smaller 4×4 land cruiser type vehicles are used for game viewing in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, due to the roads being tougher and too narrow for the overland trucks.
• Each overland vehicle includes a passenger safe to safely keep money + passports + flight tickets + credit cards. The keys are kept with your Tour Leader who will advise of safety requirements in place concerning the safe.

Who is suited to go on an adventure tour?

• Almost anyone can go on an adventure.
• Some level of fitness is required due to accessing the vehicle and spending long days on bumpy roads (can take it out of you).

EAST AFRICA TOURS require a more adventurous, fearless attitude and are suited to a younger traveller.
If you are planning to trek with the Mountain Gorillas or climbing Mount Killi you will need to have a higher fitness level.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON A CAMPING OR ACCOMMODATED TOUR

Camping Tours:

A camping safari is for travellers who want a hands-on experience of Mother Nature. The guide(s) will do most of the work, but you will be required to assist with various tasks such as preparing the food, washing up, cleaning out the truck and setting up the campsite and your tent. If you dream of a lifetime African adventure, embark on a journey with us sleeping under the stars while listening to the sounds of wildlife in the distance.

We offer camping safaris suited to travellers who may prefer to travel in a younger group (aged 18 to 39). Or, you can choose a mixed age group (18 to 60). A camping safari must not be underestimated and will require active participation which means good health and a fair degree of fitness. We have a tour to suit what you have in mind, so please do not hesitate to enquire with us.

During an African camping safari you will stay in large two-man dome canvas tents which are spacious enough for two adults and your luggage. Or, you can opt to have your own tent by including the single supplement (valid on select camping tours).

Your tents are put up and taken down easily – your Tour Leader will show you exactly how to do this and help out when you are unsure. All tents are well-ventilated by means of a tent-door and window, covered with mosquito net. They also include a fly-sheet for the rain.

Most camping safaris include a sleeping mat (please do check with us upon enquiry). You need to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towel. All meals are prepared at the truck and you will be required to assist with the preparation.

The African campsites are basic and comfortable and you will be able to upgrade your accommodation at most of the places, but this is subject to availability. Most have warm showers and flushing ablutions, while others may have natural ablutions. Some places visited are bush camps where there are no facilities.

Please be cautious when smoking and with throwing your cigarette butts anywhere. There is a no smoking policy on our overland vehicles, in the tents and around the kitchen area- this is for the comfort of all the travellers.

Accommodated Tours:

Accommodated safaris are ideal for travellers who prefer to experience African wildlife and adventure with extra comforts. You are surrounded by vast landscapes and wildlife, curiously roaming at your door-step. It is comfort, without the price tag!

Our accommodated safaris make use of a combination of lodges, hostels, bungalows, chalets, permanent safari camps, hotels and traditional huts. Our properties are ideally located at each destination for an authentic experience with incredible views.

We book Twin rooms if you are travelling with a partner or friend and Single rooms for single travellers (including single supplement). Most of the time we stay in 1-3 star properties with en-suite bathrooms in Southern Africa. In Eastern Africa we offer a combination of en-suite and shared bathrooms. In the case of shared bathrooms, you will be sharing with friends on your tour. Please bring your own towels as these are not always provided.

Select accommodated safaris include a camp assistant to help out with the smaller aspects of your vacation.

The standard of the properties varies along the trip. The Southern Africa properties are much more established than the East Africa accommodation. They vary from basic (but comfortable) to lovely properties. Due to the remote nature of the trips, accommodation choices are limited.

Distances and Road Conditions:

Our tours cover long distances so you can see significant amounts of Africa this means that there will be long days spent on the road often with nothing to look at except vast open plains. You can spend between 350km and 650km a day in the truck so it is important to be prepared.

What will you eat on safari?

Our Africa overland vehicles are fully stocked with dry goods at the start of each tour. We buy fresh produce (fruit and vegetables) almost daily to ensure fresh, good quality and tasty meals. Over the summer months fresh produce is not always available due to the heat and humidity, especially in East Africa and Mozambique – so we may have to skip tomatoes from lunch or opt for rice instead of potatoes at dinner.

Each Africa overland camping and accommodated tour include meals as per the itinerary. Often, we may only include breakfast and lunch, allowing you to enjoy dinner at a local market or restaurant. Drinks such as tea, coffee and fruit juice is included with every meal, but exclude bottle water, beer, soft drinks, alcohol etc. – these can be bought en-route or at your campsite bar.

We do cater for most dietary requirements (allergies, vegetarian, lactose-intolerant). Other requirements (gluten-free) may be more challenging on remote routes (i.e. East Africa) where starch is a stable-food in Africa. Please do speak to us about your dietary requirements and we will advise according to your trip. You will be amazed by the variety of tasty meals prepared on an open-fire!

Almost all your meals are pre-prepared over an open campfire or on the gas stove in your overland vehicle. All cooking equipment such as pots, pans, cutlery and crockery is included for you. Excellent hygiene standards are maintained at all times preparing food and washing up of kitchen equipment. Your guides will provide you with a separate washing up basin to wash hands in warm soapy water before and after each meal.

Our camping tours are limited participation tours, whereby we ask you to help out with daily chores (putting up / taking down tents) and help out your guides at meal times (rinsing, chopping vegetables).

So what are the meals like on tour? We have included a few meal options as a guideline:

Breakfast:

Tea/coffee and juice + cereals + bread/toast + fruit. Take 2 fruits and keep one for a mid-morning snack. An occasional cooked breakfast (bacon, pancakes, eggs) is made when you have more time to allow for this (normally when you spend 2 nights at the same destination).

Lunch:

Juice + bread + cheese + cold meats + salads + fruit (make a sandwich for a mid-afternoon snack)
Juice + fresh rolls + green salad (or rice salad or pasta salad) + fruit.

Dinner:

Tea/coffee and juice + chicken curry + rice, grilled or roast chicken + salad + garlic roll, grilled chicken + vegetables + salad, fish braai + salad, steak + veggies, pasta, stir-fry + rice, casserole, braai (barbeque) + salads + jacket potatoes, soup + fresh rolls.

Drinks

Tea, coffee and cordial drinks are supplied with meals but other cooldrinks and alcohol can be purchased along the way.

What about children on tour?

• Children under the age of 18 travelling must have their full unabridged, certified birth certificates.
• Due to the nature of overland tours the minimum age limit is 18. Younger travellers (10 to 17) travelling with a parent(s) will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the tour, time of travel and tour availability. We do have select tours offering Family Departures, suited for children aged 10 to 17.
• Privately arranged charter tours’ age limits will be assessed based on the route and type of tour you choose.

Please bear in mind that the Gorilla Trekking tours have a minimum age limit of 16 years.

Packing for your tour:

Packing sensibly is essential for your Africa Overland trip. One backpack and one daypack are needed and these can weigh no more than 25kg. A duffel bag is preferable as it will fit into the lockers on the truck, but you can also take a backpack with a compact, flexible, soft shell (without a hard frame). Please do not take suitcases. The airlines implement a 20kg per person limit on international flights for your luggage (your main bag) and a further 5 kg for carry-on luggage (your day bag). A good idea is to include a spare bag for curios that you may purchase, but don’t forget to include this in your weight for your trip home. A moneybelt is a useful item for keeping your money safe and hidden.

Take along comfortable, casual and semi-casual “wash & wear” clothes. Cotton is a good material for when it is hot, and fleece for when it gets cold. Pack clothes that don’t crease easily as the laundry facilities are limited. Find clothes that can be mixed and matched easily and are colour co-ordinated. A great item of clothing is zip-off pants. These double-up as shorts or trousers and are useful for when the weather changes. Reversible clothes are also very convenient and will help to reduce space in your bag.

Be sure to dress appropriately when crossing borders and visiting villages and markets. No bikini tops, bare feet or chests. Please respect the Islamic religion when visiting Zanzibar and some areas of Tanzania, Kenya and Malawi.

Clothes:

• 3-4 short sleeved shirts or T-shirts
• 2 pairs of trousers or 1 pair and 1 skirt – try not to pack jeans as they take a long time to dry
• ¾ pants
• Warm sweater or fleece top
• 1-2 pairs of shorts
• Tracksuit pants
• Light sweater or sweatshirt (can also be used as an additional pillow)
• Warm fleece top
• Underwear and socks
• Hat/peak cap/bandana
• Gloves
• Scarves
• Water/wind-proof jacket
• Boots or sturdy trainers

Beachwear:

• Swimsuit
• Sunglasses
• Beach towel and/or sarong
• Sandals or thongs (need to be waterproof if you want to go white-water rafting)

Toiletries:

• Personal toiletries
• No electric shavers
• Hand sanitiser/wipes (waterless sanitisers are convenient)
• Baby wipes/wet wipes
• Tissues
• Moisturiser
• Face wash
• Facecloth

Sleepwear:

• Pyjamas
• Travel pillow
• Spare pillowcase
• Sleeping Bag
• Fleece blanket

Medication/first aid kit:

• Prescription medication
• Anti-histamine cream or tablets
• Antiseptic cream
• Sunscreen (high factor) and lip balm
• Water purifying tablets
• Pain killers
• Eye drops
• Diarrhoea medication
• Moisturiser
• Dehydration salts
• Elastoplasts/band aids
• Insect repellent (Malaria is a big problem in Africa, so the more protection the better)
• Sterile dressings

Extras:

• Water bottle
• Book (you can swap with the rest of the group)
• Extra memory/film for your camera (remember to set at the highest resolution as you might want to enlarge the pictures)
• Head torch
• Pens
• Zip-lock bags (medium sized for cameras, snacks, trash etc.)
• Extra batteries
• Travel power strip ( a compact three-plug unit that includes two USB connections. With just one wall plug you can charge five gadgets) Buy on Amazon and will help to reduce space in your bag.
• Penknife
• Watch
• Biodegradable laundry detergent
• Vaccination certificates for some areas
• Cash
• Small scrubbing brush
• A padlock for your luggage locker in the truc
• The power plugs in SA have 3 round pins. East Africa has British power plugs.

Laundry:

• There will be washing facilities at most campsites which you can make use of.
• Please remember to bring some environmentally friendly washing
• We suggest you take along crease-free clothing as the facilities available for ironing are limited

Safety on Game Drives:

• When on safari be as quiet as possible at all times and don’t make any sudden movements, this will ensure you don’t disturb the animals and get the most out of your game drive.
• Do not jump off the truck at any time.

Accommodation (Pre Tour):

• It is highly recommended to arrive a day before your tour starts so that you do not miss out on the pre departure meetings as it covers important information you need to know for your trip.
• It is strongly advised that you arrive a day before the tour starts.
• We do advise letting us know as soon as possible in order for us to make the best hotel reservation for you.
• Post accommodation can be very easily arranged.

Personal Health:

• Ensure that the guides know of your medical conditions!!!
• Let them know how you are feeling.
• AIDS is an enormous problem in Africa so please be careful and practical, condoms are cheap and freely available.
• A First Aid Kit is available on the truck for any emergencies.

Vaccinations:

• Please ensure you seek medical advice from your travel doctor before visiting Africa.
• You should consult your travel doctor or travel clinic for the latest requirements for Hepatitis A (Havrax), Yellow Fever, Tetanus Booster Shot, Rabies
• If you are entering a Yellow Fever infected area, you will be required to have a vaccination which can be done at Travel Clinics.
• Obtain an international Certificate of Vaccination with a valid stamp.
• Yellow Fever – Valid for 10 years and mandatory for most African countries. It is compulsory to produce a yellow fever certificate when entering Kenya, Zanzibar and Malawi and for taking part in the Gorilla Trek. Failure to present this may result in entry being refused.
• We also recommend that you ask your doctor about: Typhoid, Tetanus, Hepatitis, Meningitis, Polio, Hepatitis A&B, Cholera
• Tents have mosquito nets in the vents and it is not generally necessary to bring a separate mosquito net unless you plan to sleep outside, under the stars(in which case you are recommended to bring one)