Africa Overland: Travel Information
Overland Truck Trips
The African Overland trucks are designed and built for all the requirements of Overlanding. The trucks are fitted with comfortable inward and forward facing coach seats, which provides everyone with a window seat. A wide aisle gives you loads of leg room and lots of space to move around in, this makes the back of the truck a great place to socialise.
The trucks are equipped with:
Tents and sleeping mattresses (Ripstop Inner Foam)
Tarpaulin sides with clear
windows providing all round viewing. Though rolled up most of the time
they can be tied down in cold or wet weather.
Most of the vehicles have an
additional elevated viewing platform at the front of the truck; this
offers great views and excellent photographic opportunities for game
viewing.
There are lockers for your
backpack, accessible from inside the truck; a communal safe for your
valuables; and a medical kit for emergency use.
Interior lighting for reading
plus exterior lights for cooking.
Amplifiers and attachments for
personal CD players so you can listen to your own music.
There is ample storage for food
enabling us to buy bulk along the way.
We carry over 200 litres of
water.
Extra fuel tanks, for those
long runs and fuel shortages.
Cooking equipment and eating
utensils.
Roomy, easy to erect Dome (Timbavati) tents.
We sit on camp stools in
Africa
Cooler boxes keep the drinks
chilled.
Fire grills are used for BBQ's
with gas as a back up.
Camp tables for preparing meals
on; under an all weather awning in case it rains.
You will camp in either designated campsites, or bush-camps using two person tents. We usually cook over open fires in a rota system. Driving days normally start around 8am and finish around 5pm with stops for lunch and buying food, seeing local sights etc. We won't be traveling every day, although there are times when we will travel for two days in a row. We will then be stopped for three to four days relaxing somewhere.
Good tents are supplied – but if you have one you like your welcome to bring it.
Your expedition leaders are all trained in mechanics and are experienced drivers. They are there for advice and help during the trip and have a good knowledge of the areas we are traveling through. However, they are not tour guides and so at many sights we use local guides for a more detailed and in-depth view of the places we are visiting. The African Overland tours operate with one crew member. The Overland trips encourage people to be proactive, to go out into the markets to do the shopping, interact with locals or maybe organise an additional side trip. We feel that this gives a much more complete experience and will ultimately make the safari far more memorable.
Starting & Finishing - East and South African Overland Tours
Nairobi, Victoria Falls, Cape Town & Johannesburg are the main start and finish points in Overland travel. We recommend arriving a couple of days before your trip starts in order to acclimatise and give yourself a free day. Most people also leave time spare in Cape Town & Johannesburg to explore the cities and what they have to offer and some will carry on with travel in South Africa for a couple of weeks.
Starting & Finishing - Trans Africa Overland Tours
Gibraltar, Accra, Yaounde, Cape Town, Nairobi, Cairo and Istanbul are the main start and finish points in Trans Africa Overland travel. We recommend arriving a couple of days before your trip starts in order to acclimatise and give yourself a free day. Most people also leave time spare in Cape Town, Cairo and Istanbul to explore the cities and what they have to offer.
Life on the road..
The Africa Overland day normally starts around 7am; dawn is at 6 am normally in the tropics. While the cook group sorts out the breakfast, everyone takes down their tent, rolls up their sleeping bag and stows their bags on the truck. After breakfast, normally tea, coffee, cereal and the occasional cooked breakfast or pancakes, we wash up and pack up and try to be on the road by 8am. Of course there are days where we hit the road earlier, and others with a lie in.
Our days on the road can vary from 100km to 600km. We aim to have one long drive day and then a few short ones; there are days where we don’t go anywhere; such as Zanzibar, Lake Malawi, Victoria Falls and Swakopmund. Lunch is normally at noon where we visit small eating houses so that you can try the local food, if there is nothing available on the road we eat off the truck.
Each day's different, that's half the beauty of overlanding. Much depends on where you are - you could be spending an afternoon by Lake Malawi, or you could be driving along a dusty road complete with bumps and pot holes trying to read a book but not able to keep it still for long enough. However you spend your day, evening falls quickly in Africa, sun sets at 6 pm and its dark in 30 minutes, so it’s always best to you can set up camp well before dark. Then you stretch, stop gazing at the view (or put the book down you've been trying to read) and jump out of the overland truck. If you aren't cooking that night (as a group, you take it in turns to cook, so that you will probably cook once a week - and we do cater for vegetarians, and most diets) you would start scouting around for a good place to set up your tent. Tents are roomy 2 person size dome type and easy to erect. Though our trips are camping, there are many places where you can upgrade to a room if you would like a night off from your tent. Now's a good time to put your long pants and shirts on and spray yourself with mossie repellent.
Most nights are spent at campsites; some have cold showers and others with loads of hot water. In most places you can charge your equipment, wash clothes, and have a cold drink at the bar. Meanwhile, the cooks of the day are having their tent put up by someone nice, and are busy getting hand washing bowls out, lighting the fire, opening up the kitchen and so on. Then you get down to - and really appreciate - your freshly cooked dinner put together from ingredients bought at the local markets.
You will very likely sit around chatting, update your diary - there are lights in the truck to allow writing and reading - or studying the stunning night sky. Then the kitchen is packed up and night draws on, toothbrushes are brought out, and the rest we leave to your imagination - chances are though you'll have sweet dreams.
Passport and visas
You are responsible for your own visa's, many of which can be obtained on the borders at the time of travel. Your driver will assist you on the day, but should you have any concerns then please do not hesitate to contact us or check out the Visa and Embassy information link: Visa and Embassy information. Please remember that you are responsible for your own visas - if you arrive in Africa and you are from a country that requires visas before arrival then we cannot be held responsible. Residents of the EU (most countries), Britain, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada normally do not require visas before arrival however, governments being governments, the regulations can change overnight.If in doubt check with each consulate. Please do not spoil the potential holiday of your lifetime without ensuring you conform to the immigration laws and regulations of each country you are visiting. A useful guide to finding out what visas you will need can be found on www.wikipedia.com if you search by putting in your passort ie British Passport etc. This will give you a list of visa costs and availability. Please remember though that this is a guide only and as things change it may not be 100% reliable
The costs listed below are a guideline; please note that prices and conditions can change at anytime without notice. Please ensure that you bring US Dollars to pay for your visas. Also be aware that you will need at least one blank page in your passport for each country you enter, which must be valid for at least 9 months. If you have dual nationality you can only use one passport. Contact us for further information regarding passport laws.
Kenya - Tourist visas are currently US$20 (for a 7 day transit visa) or US$50 (for a 30 day tourist visa) and are issued on arrival for British, Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans. You will need a valid yellow fever certificate and an onward ticket to show immigration on arrival. Americans and Canadians should check with the embassy before travel.
Uganda - At present all nationalities require visas. We obtain these on the border for most European nationalities, British, Australian and New Zealanders costing US$50. Americans and Canadians should check with the embassy before travel.
Tanzania - We can obtain visas on the border for most EEC nationalities, British, Canadians, American, New Zealand & Australians currently costing US$50. South African require a visas costingUS$60. Swiss & Brazilians require a visa BEFORE they travel.
Malawi - No visas are required for most nationalities.
Mozambique - All nationalities require a visa. We can obtain a transit visa on route or on the border for US$60 so it is not necessary to have this visa before traveling.
Zambia - While in Victoria Falls we usually cross into Zambia for a day. A one day visa can usually be arranged locally at no cost.
Zimbabwe - At present most European nationalities
and Australians and New Zealanders require an entry visa, but this is easily
purchased on the border. The visa costs US$30 for a single entry and US$50 for a
double entry. United Kingdom and Ireland passport holders require a visa costing
US$55. Visas for Canadians are US$65. There is also a DEPARTURE tax of US$30 if
you are FLYING out of Zimbabwe.
Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and South
Africa - Most nationalities do not require a visa.
Climate
In East Africa the year is divided into the 'short' rains (November) and the 'long' rains (March to May). The 'rains' usually last for one or two hours each day followed by sunny weather. There is a 'dry' season - April to October and a 'wet' season - November to March.
| Average Night and Day Temperature (°C) Average Monthly
Rainfall (mm) | ||||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| EGYPT Cairo |
08-18 5 |
09-21 5 |
11-24 5 |
14-28 3 |
17-33 3 |
20-35 0 |
21-36 0 |
22-35 0 |
20-32 0 |
18-30 0 |
14-26 3 |
10-20 5 |
| ETHIOPIA Addis Ababa |
06-24 13 |
08-24 38 |
09-25 66 |
10-25 86 |
10-25 86 |
10-23 137 |
10-21 279 |
10-21 300 |
09-22 191 |
07-24 20 |
06-23 15 |
05-23 5 |
| UGANDA Kampala |
09-24 46 |
11-24 61 |
11-23 130 |
11-23 175 |
11-23 147 |
11-23 74 |
09-23 46 |
08-23 86 |
09-23 91 |
11-23 97 |
11-24 122 |
10-23 99 |
| KENYA Nairobi |
12-25 38 |
13-26 64 |
14-22 125 |
14-22 211 |
13-21 158 |
11-21 46 |
11-21 15 |
11-24 23 |
13-24 31 |
13-23 53 |
13-23 109 |
13-23 86 |
| TANZANIA Dar es Salaam |
19-27 66 |
20-27 66 |
19-27 130 |
19-27 290 |
19-28 188 |
18-28 33 |
17-28 31 |
17-29 25 |
19-29 31 |
21-29 41 |
20-27 74 |
19-26 91 |
| MALAWI Lilongwe |
17-27 208 |
17-27 218 |
14-27 125 |
14-27 43 |
11-25 3 |
08-23 0 |
07-23 0 |
08-25 0 |
12-27 0 |
16-30 0 |
17-29 53 |
18-28 125 |
| ZIMBABWE Harare |
15-26 196 |
16-26 178 |
13-26 117 |
13-26 28 |
09-23 13 |
07-21 3 |
06-21 0 |
08-23 3 |
12-26 5 |
14-27 28 |
16-27 97 |
16-26 163 |
| BOTSWANA Maun |
19-32 107 |
19-31 79 |
14-28 71 |
14-28 18 |
10-26 5 |
08-24 3 |
08-26 0 |
11-28 0 |
05-30 0 |
17-32 23 |
18-33 56 |
18-32 86 |
| NAMIBIA Swakopmund |
17-29 0 |
16-28 5 |
13-25 8 |
13-25 3 |
09-22 3 |
07-20 0 |
06-20 3 |
08-23 0 |
12-25 0 |
15-29 0 |
15-29 0 |
17-30 0 |
| SOUTH AFRICA Cape Town |
14-25 15 |
14-25 8 |
10-22 18 |
10-22 48 |
06-19 79 |
04-17 84 |
04-17 89 |
06-20 66 |
09-23 43 |
12-25 31 |
13-25 18 |
14-26 10 |
Spending Money & Local Payment
The local payment is required as it is difficult to reliably transfer foreign currency required to operate the tour. It is for this reason that we ask for a part of your tour payment to be paid on the first day, directly to your driver. The Local Payment is not a Food Kitty. Whilst it does pay for the food as per itinerary, it also covers; camping accommodation cost, local tolls and taxes and other payments required to make the tour run successfully. It is administered by the driver/guide and is not refundable. All Local Payment amounts are subject to change without notice. Changes are very rare and are normally due to a sudden or unexpected price increase by a local service provider or National Park. Although the LP is better for the Driver in USD, with the ever fluctuating exchange rates we feel it is fairer to advertise in Pounds as it is a far more stable amount. We can then worry about the exchange rate rather than you.
As a bench mark we advise £10 - £30 a day as a good start for spending money excluding the big side trips. This varies
from with how much you drink, eat out and how many souvenirs you buy. Budget
separately for the big side trips and options (Gorillas, Serengeti etc.).
The best way to break up your money for a mixture of ease of exchange and safety is to take 33% cash in US$, 33% Travellers cheques in either US$ or Pounds sterling and 33% in money on your credit card – but you really need to bring two credit cards as they can easily be rejected by the cash machine in Africa due to your own bank blocking them as suddenly withdrawing cash in Africa will seem unusual to your bank at home. In East and Southern Africa ATM machines are available about every two to four days, but remember ATM machines only pay out local currency. On most borders you can change excess left over currency for the next countries money.
US$ is the most widely recognized hard currency. When bringing travelers cheques bring the receipt and keep it separately. Many places want the receipt when you change. If your coming from USA bring $, from Europe - € & UK - ₤.
Credit Cards:
Bring two if you can get them in case one stops working, or gets swallowed by
the cash machine. There are quite a few places where you can draw out local
money. But take care as your card can easily be stopped with the unusual use
abroad (as a bank security measure). Which means you may have to get on the
phone home to get it unlocked . As a precaution, before travelling ring your
bank and tell them where you are going and when you will be away.
Health Precautions
Get medical advice from your Local GP or a Travel Doctor regarding what you should and should not take before and during your tour. We can only offer guidelines but do not rely on any advice given on on-line forums or other travellers. Everyone is individual where medical needs are concerned..
Insurance
Travel Insurance is compulsory. We can point you in the right direction for insurance but can’t sell it. You need insurance which covers you for medical, baggage, repatriation, and currency. Please bear in mind, when buying insurance, the most important thing is to look for medical and repatriation cover.
Other websites of interest:
FCO Travel Advice- www.fco.gov.uk/travel
UK Government
run site with loads of good information on all aspects of travel
abroad
Medical Travel Advice - www.nathnac.org/travel/index.htm
Useful
information and advice for travellers about what vaccinations they may need and
general health related issues when travelling abroad. The site is funded by the
Department of Health and is based at the Hospital for Tropical
Diseases.
World Medical Advice - www.wmc-card.co.uk
World Medical Center
offers a Card for a nominal fee that enables you to carry any medical
information such as medication, allergies and blood type and next of kin
information in a credit card style format. The information is then readable by
doctors anywhere in the world with a scanning device or by breaking the seal and
reading the text inside. The Card is not insurance but is designed to give you
safer medical treatment if you need it when abroad.
Where to find a
Visa card ATM overseas - www.visa.com
Find an ATM machine (some
locations will only issue cash in local currency)
Where to find a
Mastercard ATM overseas - www.mastercard.com
Find an ATM machine
(some locations will only issue cash in local currency)
Currency
Exchange Rates - www.xe.com
Currency
exchange website
World time zones - www.timeanddate.com
Time zones around
the world
Worldwide weather - www.weatheronline.co.uk
Weather
around the world
Africa Tourism and Travel Association
http://www.africanimpact.com
A chance for you to look into volunteer work all over Africa travel
http://www.africatravelguide.org
Africa travel Current news, interesting articles and practical advice for travel offered by Africa Travel Guide.