west africa overland tours

DAKAR to FREETOWN

Freetown to accra, accra to accra, accra to freetown, freetown to dakar, dakar to marrakech, email: [email protected],   +44 (0) 1728 862 247, west africa overland trips & adventure travel in liberia, guinea sierra leone, ivory coast, benin, ghana, guinea-bissau, mauritania senegal (inc casamance), togo, gambia, morocco & western sahara.

Overlanding West Africa is an independent travel company operating adventure trips throughout the West Africa region.

We visit countries and places that few other overland operators venture to – taking our time to explore and travel off the beaten track.

We like to bring together groups of people who share a genuine love of overland adventure travel, focussing entirely upon this magical part of the world and nowhere else.

Largely unspoiled by mass tourism, the countries of West Africa will intrigue and fascinate even the most experienced traveller.

We won’t bump into other overland trucks every other day, and we won’t share campsites with dozens of other tourists.

Travel with us and experience colourful and vibrant markets, talented musicians, incredible landscapes, larger than life characters, rich and traditional cultures, pristine beaches, and an unrivalled arts and crafts scene.

Overlanding in the region can sometimes be tough and unpredictable. All of our trip itineraries are therefore entirely flexible to allow for the challenges and opportunities that crop up along the way. However, we guarantee you’ll be rewarded with some truly unforgettable experiences and magical memories! 

“West Africa is a quite different Africa from the countries on the opposite coast. The countries of West Africa are travellers’ lands” –   Telegraph Travel

WEST AFRICA TRIP VIDEOS

Experience the magical culture of west africa with the stilt dancers of ivory coast, life on the road in west africa - bustling markets, pristine beaches & stunning landscapes, click here to see more incredible footage from our overland trips.

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Overlanding West Africa: The Ultimate Guide for Adventure Seekers

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The Ultimate Guide for Traveling Africa on an Overland Truck.

I remember the first time I considered traveling through West Africa; it was an area far off the beaten track which seemed like it would be incredibly difficult. Especially for a single woman. Then I found out about overlanding! Navigating West Africa is not just possible but relatively easy if you choose the overlanding option. This guide will help you navigate the challenges and benefits of journeying through Africa on a truck. The guidance provided here draws from my extensive travels and the expertise of reputable travel companies, ensuring you're well-prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.

Table of Contents

What Is Overlanding?

Overlanding is the term used to describe trips that use land based transportation to cross one or more countries. These overland trips are usually done with trucks that have been converted to carry passengers, luggage, food and camping equipment.

On rare occasions mostly when overlanding trucks are travelling in only one country there might be an option to stay in rooms, however for the most part overlanding is usually camping.

As you travel on the truck you will do your fare share of bush camping, which is what some hikers would call stealth camping. Bush camping is when you camp in an area with no facilities.

Choosing Your Overlanding African Adventure

Choosing the right overland journey in Africa involves balancing the the route that you would like to travel with the cost of the trip you choose. It's important to select a travel company that covers the countries and places you're most interested in, and which also offers a style of overland adventure travel that suits your preferences.

Determining the Best Route for Your Journey

When planning a West African adventure, the best route is one that aligns with your interests and travel goals. During my time planning my Overland trip in Africa I discovered very early that there will be miles and miles of nothing while you are in West Africa.

While there are things to see and do a lot of the countries you visit don't have as established systems and services as you are used to. Because of this there are often a lack of national parks or tourism locations. It is really cool to visit places that many of your friends and family have never heard of, but you have to balance that with days and days of just driving.

If these travel only days are not for you, I wouldn't consider a West African overlanding trip. I would stick to South Africa and the east coast where there is way more to see and do.

The Different Styles of Overland Tours Available

There's a diverse array of overland tours in Africa, each offering a different perspective on this vast and varied continent. From the rugged overland truck expeditions that traverse remote areas to more leisurely overlanding trips, there's something for every type of traveller. The key is to find a balance between comfort, adventure, and the ability to travel overland through landscapes that few get to see.

Selecting the Right Overland Trip for Your Travel Preferences

It's essential to choose an overland trip that resonates with your travel style. Whether you're drawn to the off-the-beaten-track or yearn for quieter countries and places, there's an itinerary out there that will meet your expectations and provide the adventure you seek.

You also want to ensure you have the amount of time needed to do the trip you choose making sure that you aren't going to be needed to get home asap after the finish date. Overlanding is a travel style that can be easily delayed, so an expected finish day is just that – an expected date. You need to have at least a week and possibly 2 up your sleeve at the end of the trip in case the truck doesn't get to the finishing point when estimated.

You also want to consider the cost of the trip, the time frame and the company that is running the trip. The easiest comparison I can make is hiking a well known multi day trail. If you do it on your own you are responsible for everything but its cheap. If you would like more done for you, you would go on a tour. Hiking tours where you don't have to think about anything are amazing BUT they come at a price.

Overlanding is the same. Cheaper tours will be camping and likely include almost no extras. A higher level of luxury will usually mean that you do less, need to take less and more activities will be included in the trip.

Essential Preparations for Overlanding in West Africa

Preparation is key when venturing into the remote areas of West Africa. It's crucial to equip yourself with the right knowledge, gear, and mindset to handle the unpredictability of overland travel. From securing visas to packing spare emergency items, every detail matters when you're miles from the nearest town.

Setting and Planning Your Travel Budget

My travels have taught me the importance of a well-planned budget. West Africa can be surprisingly affordable, but also unpredictable. Just because you are on a truck doesn't mean you won't spend any money.

I've travelled with other overlanders who have a decent budget, but I've also travelled with people who's budget is just WAY too tight.

While your breakfast and dinner is almost always eaten off the truck there are many times that the food isn't great (due to limited availability for the most part), or you are in town so expected to feed yourself. Not having the budget to cater to these times is a gross miscalculation.

I've travelled with people who will sneakily stash leftovers from dinner for their lunch the next day so they don't have to buy it. That's a great way to annoy your other overlanders! I've actually seen people stash food in plastic containers and hide it when others haven't yet had enough to eat.

You also want to make sure that you have the budget to splurge on some accommodation if and when you need it. Our first few days in Rabat Morocco were in pouring rain and we were bush camping outside the city. So every morning we would have to pack up soaking wet tents, get on the truck and head to the consulate we were trying to get visa's from.

That wasn't too much of a challenge, however being in the city you had to spend money on food to access toilet facilities. Public toilets aren't really a thing in that area of Rabat and one of the other travellers almost got arrested squatting next to the truck because they were too limited in budget to buy lunch and use the loo. In Morocco where lunch was around $6!

That's just silly. There were also times where people were aggressively negotiating with locals about $20 out of a $250 safari. That's just rude. $20 to these people is a decent amount of money so making sure you have the funds to spend is essential to not just having a good time and seeing everything that is available but not to offend the residents as well.

Preparing Necessary Paperwork for Your Trip

Dealing with paperwork is hardly the most exciting part of travel, but it's crucial. Visas, permits, and vaccination documentation are just the tip of the iceberg. I've learned that having all my papers in order before hitting the road will make it easier for everyone on the truck.

Usually the organisers will tell you how many pages you need free in your passport, minimum expiry dates and any other challenges you might have.

Its super important to ensure you meet these requirements. I've known people that have had to leave the truck early because they haven't got enough pages left for visas. We also had an occurrence in South America where someone got denied entry into a country because they didn't have a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Whatever the organisers tell you to do or have – DO IT! I renewed my passport before heading to Africa because I didn't have enough room in my existing passport. Also make sure you have digital and physical copies of everything before you leave home. More copies than you think you will need.

Getting Visas From Your Home Country

There are occasions where you can only get a visa from inside your own country. Usually that will mean that sending your passport home to the consulate will be enough, however there are times where you have to actually present yourself in person.

This isn't a rare occurrence and usually the company will have an agent they use for this service. That means that everyone with an Australian passport will put their passports in the same pouch and its gets sent to the consulate of Angola (for example) in Sydney. They process your visa's add them to your passport and send them back as a group.

If you are the only one with a particular passport I highly recommend getting an agent to do your visa. We've had people had to get off the truck and wait for weeks because they sent their passport home and didn't get it back in time for the truck to move on.

Alternatively send it to a reliable family member or friend who can get your visa done and send your passport back.

The truck won't wait for your passport to be returned to move on, however – if yours is one of 7 with the same agent getting processed they aren't going to leave without half the guests!

Ensuring You Have the Correct Gear and Equipment

Having the correct gear and equipment can make or break an overland trip. I've found that investing in quality camping gear, a good sleeping setup and clothes that can handle multiple days wear is essential.

A few of the overland trucks have their own tents which they instruct you in setup and breakdown. A lot these days ask you to bring your own tent. This allows people to not have to share which is ideal. I took my own tent on every overland trip I've ever done mostly because I'm a rubbish sleeper and the thought of keeping someone else awake is stressful to me.

You need to remember that you are going to be using this gear for weeks or months so you need it to be quality and service all weather conditions. You wouldn't believe how cold it can get in north Africa and how wet it can be in that central belt.

TIP for your Sleeping Setup

If you are doing a longer trip you need a sleeping kit that works for very cold and very hot. A tent that has a noseeum mesh inner with an independent fly is essential. You need the mesh for insects and summer conditions when you need to keep the fly off but you need the protection of a separate fly to avoid condensation in the cold climates and of course for heavy rain.

I would suggest you take a sleeping bag that is rated for at least 0 degrees C. You can always sleep with a leg out, or have it open when its not as cold but you can't get warm if your bag isn't rated for the temps you are using it in.

A quality sleeping pad is also essential. I almost took my hiking pad but at the last minute purchased a new one that was much thicker. I was so glad I had done that. I took this Thermarest one but it is expensive. The Sea 2 Summit Camp Plus Insulated one is more affordable and I've always loved Sea 2 Summit gear.

I figured that I was going to be sleeping on it for 9-10 months so I wanted it to be quality and comfortable.

What to Expect on an Overland Tour in West Africa

Expect the unexpected on an overland tour in West Africa. From bustling marketplaces to serene natural landscapes, every day brings new sights, sounds, and experiences. Embrace the journey with an open mind, and you'll find that the unpredictability is part of the allure.

Life on the Road: Accommodation and Living Conditions

Overlanding in West Africa means saying goodbye to the luxuries of hotels and public transport. Instead, you'll find yourself setting up camp in remote locations, sharing stories with locals, and falling asleep under a blanket of stars. It's a raw and rewarding way to travel that has enriched my life in countless ways.

A typical day overlanding West Africa

You are usually up early and packed up and eating breakfast by 6am. Some trucks might have a later start to the day but typically its an early rise.

I am an early riser anyway so I would get up, get a coffee and breakfast early and then pack up my tent and sleep gear while everyone else was eating breakfast. Not to be gross but this would allow my stomach to kick in and then I would be able to “do no 2's” before we left camp. If I ate just before we left I would have to use the bathroom while on the truck and that is wildly unpredictable as to the possibility.

A lot of your days are driving days so there isn't too much to see or do. This is just a part of overlanding in area's that are not flooded with tourism things to do.

Late in the afternoon your driver would start looking for a good camp spot for the night which was usually something off the main road and a little hidden from passers by. During my first few months in Africa we

• camped next to amazing sand dunes,
• had visits from nomadic bedouins,
• had soldiers join us for dinner,
• slept next to rushing streams (which is a hell of a nice way to go to sleep)
• camped in car parks of restaurants (Dakar) and a self storage unit (Conakry)
• woke up to find we were surrounded by Baobab Trees and one one occassion in particular had local school kids join us for breakfast.

Dinner is done before it gets too dark if possible and then you are off to bed!

Cooking and food on the truck

Everyone is allocated to cook groups which means you are responsible for cooking meals for at least one day per week. The frequency of your cooking duties will depend on the amount of people on the truck so while it will usually be just once per week, as people come and go from the truck it will change.

I've had trucks where you start with breakfast and are responsible for that full day, however I've also had trucks where you start your cook group at lunch time and do lunch, dinner and breakfast the next day. It will vary according to how the company and driver run it.

Cooking on more expensive trips

I did South Africa on a different overland truck for a month and we did nothing. I could only get the accommodated option so I didn't even have to set up a tent. Lorraine the guide cooked for us every night and it was just bliss. This would be very hard to find on a longer overland trip. Check out this Nomad trip that I did in South Africa. It was excellent and also visited Eswatini and Lesotho.

Dry goods are carried on the truck. This usually consist of canned vegetables, rolled oats, coffee, seasonings etc. Meals are based on what can be found locally so you tend to eat stews and casseroles most nights. I personally HATE stew or casseroles so I joined in with the vegetarian member and ate veggies for most of the trip.

The meat you can get isn't great quality so you can only stew it for the most part. Vegies are always available but it does vary what you can get. Some places they have more potatoes than Ireland, and others are laden with tomatoes. Whatever you can get it what you cook with.

Bread is readily available for most of Africa (that's the French influence) so lunch is often bread rolls or baguettes with coleslaw. I loved lunch and often ate lunch and not much dinner.

Breakfast is routinely oatmeal or porridge to us Australians.

Hygiene and Bathing on an overland trip

Showers can be weeks apart especially in West Africa. The east coast and southern corridor are better setup for overlanders but west Africa has nothing. Actually that's not true – Morocco has some amazing Hammams (bath houses) but after you leave Morocco unless you are in a camp ground or hotel, baby wipe baths are common.

If you have a great driver (STEVE I LOVE YOU!), they will try and find bush camps close to creeks or rivers and trust me when I say you get used to washing your undies while in your undies! Some of the guys stripped down to nothing to wash but I just could never get that brave. I would just get in with my underwear on, wash myself and my smalls at the same time.

Adapting to the overlanding lifestyle means embracing simplicity and unpredictability. Learning to find comfort in the basic accommodations and joy in the simple routines of life on the road, like gathering around a fire when it's cold at night, are all part of the journey. These experiences often lead to personal growth and an enhanced appreciation for the world around us.

The Rich Cultural Tapestry of West Africa

Traveling overland through West Africa reveals an intricate mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions. Each country I've navigated is steeped in its unique heritage, from the griots of Mali, who convey history through song, to the vibrant wax fabrics that drape the markets of Senegal.

These incredible experiences are a testimony to the region's diversity, offering a profound insight into the resilience and ingenuity of its people.

I remember crossing into Senegal from Mali and we arrived on a Sunday market day. It was amazing. It took us maybe an hour and a half to get 2 or 3 kms through town. Every single person was out. After miles and miles of red dirt it was really cool and this particular day sticks in my memory.

Meet Jenny, a passionate Australian travel blogger who has explored 103 countries to date. With over 30 years of travel experience, Jenny has a wealth of knowledge to share with her readers about the cultures, landscapes, and people she has encountered on her journeys. She's always battling unfashionably frizzy hair and you will never catch Jenny in anything but comfortable shoes. Learn more about Jenny and her travels.

Navigating Challenges and Embracing the Unexpected

Embracing the unexpected becomes second nature when traveling overland in West Africa. From the labyrinthine border crossings to the days when the only meal is what you've cooked with local ingredients, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. The unpredictability is part of the allure, as it compels you to engage deeply with west African countries, their people, and fellow experienced travellers, often leading to the most rewarding experiences of solo travel.

Getting Along With Your Fellow Overlanders

This can be tough. You are never going to get along with everyone (that's life) but you do need to be able to smile and nod and not start a rivalry with anyone while on the truck.

Typically everyone is on their best behaviour for the first few weeks so my top tip is to be nice, be friendly but don't align yourself with anyone in particular for at least 10-14 days.

Everyone is also usually pretty competitive those first few days with where they've been and how much of a traveller they are. Don't buy into it. Its just people settling into life on the truck. Be nice, be friendly but take care who you really spend time with until you know who everyone REALLY IS!

Even if you don't like someone that's fine, just smile nod and say no thank you if they want to do something with you or share something with you. No is a perfectly good answer and doing the trip your way is essential to making it the best it can be.

Solo Overlanding in West Africa

Solo overlanding in West Africa can be an incredibly enriching experience, offering unparalleled freedom and personal growth. It's an opportunity to make decisions that only apply to you. Overlanding is also sometimes the only way you could get to experience these places and cultures as a single person. With the right preparation and a spirit of adventure, solo travel in this part of the world can be both safe and rewarding.

Usually your driver or guide will have contacts that enable you to make the most of anything on offer in the countries you travel through. The other great thing is that it is super rare that you would be the only one that wants to take part in any particular activity. This means you don't have to pay solo prices and you aren't alone – unless you want to be.

Individual Experiences and Testimonials

Each traveller's testimonial is a personal narrative that weaves together the joys and trials of overlanding. Their accounts will range from tales of self-discovery in the solitude of the Sahara to the kinship found in bustling marketplaces.

They will also very much embrace the challenges that were faced on that particular trip. We had one guest who travelled the entire African continent on the truck and who got on and off regularly along the way. He spent time in south Morocco for a few days of football, he didn't do Zimbabwe because he already had and rejoined the truck again after we left and he got off in Kenya to spend time with family.

Our drivers accommodated him along the way, we dropped him and picked him up at various random locations and I felt he could not have be catered to better. He was always a little challenging, however after I got home I found out that he was suing the company because he didn't get the “experience he paid for” on the truck.

That was total bollocks but people can be very difficult. If you are reading reviews please take into account that they are written by real people. People who get angry because you can't swim in the ocean in Dakar because there are so may sea urchins. Or people that didn't like the food in the middle of Mauritania. Take into account that overlanding is tough on your psyche, your diet and your level of privacy.

Evaluating the Quality of Different Tour Operators

When selecting a tour operator for your West African overland adventure, it's important to consider factors such as the experience of the guides, the quality of the vehicles, and the sustainability of the travel practices. Reviews and testimonials can be insightful, but so is engaging with the operator directly to understand their philosophy and approach to travel in this dynamic region.

I found 2 that I had narrowed it down to, but the one I chose responded way better to questions I had.

I did Oasis Overland's full Trans Africa which left UK and ended in Egypt. However, due to the nature of the challenges in Sudan at present they aren't yet sure if they will run the full trans for the next departure. The UK to Nairobi (33 WEEKS) Trans Africa is available for around $16,500 AUD. That's around $70/day.

Traveller Rating

229 Days | UK to Nairobi Trans Africa with Oasis

From: $16,589 AUD From Gibraltar to Nairobi experience the thrill of circumventing Africa's coastline on this amazing overlanding adventure.

Conclusion: Overlanding Through West Africa

The year I spent in Africa was incredible. I came home so very thankful for having won the life lottery of being born in Australia and will be grateful for the opportunities presented to me on a daily basis.

Its hard to be arrogant in Africa. The scenery is stunning, the animal life is mind blowing but most of all the people are amazing. For people who have not much at all and for the most part, never get to leave their region they enforced to me that you don't need “stuff” to be happy.

Overlanding exposed me to places I would never have seen otherwise and I will be eternally grateful forever.

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West Africa

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These 7 countries in the West African coast are arguably the toughest overland roadtrip you can embark on. Most avid travellers that try to take it on either give up, or finish exhausted without a good impression. Wander Expeditions is here to change that! We have created the most efficient itinerary without sacrifizing the best experiences in this region. Our convoy will be the best way to visit these 7 countries: Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia and Senegal. Two weeks from Banjul to Abidjan, with NO HASSLE and in a fun group! This Expedition is a Masterclass on overlanding, checkpoints and border crossings. After our four previous successful Expeditions we have the local know-how, perfected the itinerary and secured the right contacts. Forget about bribes, and being pushed around and invest that time in experiencing the best of these countries with the best group! This is the best value two weeks you will find on Wander Expedition! One of those Expeditions we won’t offer often. Don’t miss the chance!

IMPORTANT: This expedition has been designed in combination with our Mauritania and Ghana, Togo, Benin itineraries to provide you with the opportunity to explore all West African countries from Mauritania to Benin. You can combine this expedition with the Mauritania and Ghana, Togo, Benin expeditions in the following weeks! (If you apply for 2 or 3 of these expeditions, your applications will receive preference for selection.)”

• Trip dates: Oct 29th - Nov 11th 2024

Day 1: Banjul to Casamance:

• We recommend landing a day early, to explore Banjul at your own pace and recover from your long journey. Or even better, fly into Dakar, explore it over the weekend, and then fly into Banjul.
• We like to maximize our time on Expeditions, to give you more bang for your buck, so we always start in the early morning. On our Day 1, we’ll wake up in the Gambia, explore traditional fishing villages and then head into the beautiful region of Casamance, in southern Senegal. 
• Overnight in Ziguinchor

Day 2: Casamance to Bisau:

• In the morning, we’ll apply for our visas for Bissau and then continue to explore Casamance and visit a local King, head of a tribe that spans across 12 villages in Senegal and Bissau.
• Enjoy a sunset swim by the beautiful coast of Cap Skirring.
• Overnight in Cap Skirring.

Day 3: Bissau

• We start early to cross our second border and venture into the wild off the beaten path of Guinea Bissau, the most logistically challenging of the 7 countries we are visiting.
• Afternoon exploring the former portuguese colonial capital of Bissau.
• Overnight in Bissau.

Day 4:    Bissau to Gabu

• This day is the quintessential West African overland experience. Potholed muddy roads crossing jungles and villages. Slow, but steadily, we will overcome all the challenges and make it as far as possible: potentially Gabu.
• On the way, we will pass Bafata, an old colonial keystone that still holds most of it’s colonial architecture intact.
• We’ll sleep in Gabu, in the middle of nowhere, and toast for the fuckery behind us and the one yet to come.

Day 5: Gabu to Labe. 

• Today we’ll be crossing another border into this former portuguese colony. Another great thing about this journey is that we will compare each country’s colonial past as well as their differences and similarities.
• Labe is Fouta country, so we’ll have a chance to meet them in the nearby villages on our way East.
• Overnight in Labe.

Day 6: Labe to Kindia. 

• Guinea is the most underrated gem of our itinerary, and the region of Fouta Djallon is it’s highlight. We will hike it’s lush highlands on the search of the impressive waterfalls
• Overnight in Kindia.

Day 7: Kindia to Freetown. 

• Straight shot to Freetown with hopefully no hiccups when crossing one of the trickiest borders on our schedule: Guinea – Sierra Leone.
• The new paved road has made things much easier in terms of drive time so we will arrive in Freetown in time for sunset and a good meal after the 3 hardest days of our journey.
• Overnight in Freetown.

Day 8: Freetown.

• On the 8th day, we rest. Exploring the beautiful Sierra Leonean capital of course. We will visit the markets in the morning, the slums, the chimp sanctuary and head to #2 beach in the afternoon.

Day 9: Freetown to Monrovia. 

• The Sierra Leone – Liberia border is 50%  epic &  50% horrible. Let’s hope for good luck! This day will be a masterclass in overlanding, get your notebooks ready.
• Overnight in Monrovia.

Day 10: Monrovia. 

• Easily the most interesting city to visit in West Africa. The abandoned Ducor Hotel, the West Point slums, the unique American flavor, and the incredible beaches.
• A day to wander, slow down and take it all in.

Day 11: Monrovia to Man. 

• We’ll cross this border (knock on wood) and maybe, another one as a surprise. Sneaking into Guinea across a river border on a raft was one of our highlights on the first edition and we’ll try to repeat it again!
• On an African overland journey, every day is a chance for new stories and adventures!
• Overnight in Man.

Day 12: Man to Yamoussokro

• We will attend a Zaouli Magic Dance in a nearby village. We’ll visit a tribe and partake in the party the Zongleur have prepared for us.
• Afternoon will be for exploring the biggest Church in Christendom: the cathedral of Yamoussokro, the Ivorean capital.
• Overnight in Yamoussokro.

Day 13: Yamoussokro to Abidjan.

• We’ll journey to Abidjan in Ivory Coast.
• In the evening, we’ll explore the Mosque and the Cathedral, and finish off with a farewell dinner.
• Overnight in Abidjan, or if you prefer, fly out that same night.

Day 14: Fly out.

• Expedition ends after breakfast and you can stay longer in Abidjan or fly back home!

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West Africa Overland

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• Relax on Ghana's beautiful Brenu Beach
• Explore the dense jungles of Kakum National Park
• Get absorbed in Bissau's buzzing arts scene
• Discover Ghana's capital city of Accra
• Embark on a pirogue trip through the Sine-Saloum Delta
• Unlock the secrets of the historic Elmina Castle
• Encounter the great mosques of Senegal

What's this trip about?

Travel themes.

• Overland Journeys

Destinations

• Côte d'Ivoire
• Guinea-Bissau
• Sierra Leone

Attractions

• Nova Scotia
• Land expedition

Today we will continue our drive south through Guinea, stopping to wild camp close to the border with Sierra Leone.    Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours. 

Today we will travel through the central region of Guinea, stopping for a night in one of the towns en route (depending on how the drive goes, this may be Macenta or Guéckédou). In Macenta or Guéckédou we will stay in a small locally-run hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 7-9 hours.

Over the next 3 days we will drive up the length of Togo, all the way through the remote northern border with Benin. We will wild camp for 2 nights en route. Estimated Drive Times: 8-9 hours each day. 

Today we have a full day's drive heading south through Benin. We will wild camp somewhere en route between the towns of Natitingou and Abomey. Estimated Drive Time: 8-10 hours.

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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

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Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

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African Overland Tours & Safaris

Traveling as part of an overland safari is something of a rite of passage for travelers to Africa. And it’s a fabulous introduction to the continent. It may not be for everyone. The low-budget feel, the close and relentless proximity with other travelers, and the sense of always being on the move doesn’t suit every traveler. But traveling in this way has many upsides. This includes the opportunity to see as much of Africa as you can while spending as little money as possible. Most likely, it’s the sort of epic trip that will stay with you for a lifetime. And it may perhaps even sow the seeds of a passion for the continent that will last just as long.

3-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Manyara National Park

$1,375 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Budget Lodge

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)

Going Green Safari Tours

5.0 /5  –  149 Reviews

14-Day Botswana Wild Side

$2,423 pp (USD)

Botswana, Namibia, South Africa & Zambia: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Budget Camping & Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Khama Rhino, Maun (City) , Okavango Delta, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Savuti (Chobe NP) , Chobe NP, Kasane (Town) , Livingstone (End)

Sunway Safaris

4.5 /5  –  30 Reviews

10-Day Namibian Star Delight

$1,865 pp (USD)

Namibia: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Budget Camping & Self Catering Accommodation

You Visit: Windhoek (Start) , Waterberg Plateau, Etosha NP, Swakopmund (City) , Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes) , Kalahari Region, Windhoek (End)

Impala Tours

4.8 /5  –  70 Reviews

3-Day Denakil Depression

$659 pp (USD)

Ethiopia: Shared tour (max 4 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Semara (Start) , Erta Ale (Danakil Depression) , Danakil Depression (Highlight) , Semara (End)

Liyu Ethiopia Tour and Travel

5.0 /5  –  8 Reviews

1-Day Special Offer Safari to Ngorongoro Crater

$517 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Day tour Shared tour (max 4 people per vehicle)

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)

Tanzania Roadside Expeditions

5.0 /5  –  250 Reviews

2-Day Kruger National Park

$451 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Mid-range Hotel

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Pure Diamond Tours and Safari

Not yet rated

17-Day South Africa Rainbow Route

$2,749 pp (USD)

South Africa & Eswatini: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Malolotja NR, Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal) , Royal Natal (Drakensberg Mountains) , East London (City) , Addo Elephant NP, Knysna (Garden Route) , Hermanus (Whales) , Cape Town (End)

14-Day Walking Safari in South Africa and Swaziland

$2,260 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Mpumalanga, Greater Kruger, Malolotja NR, Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal) , Isandlwana (KZN Battlefields) , Royal Natal (Drakensberg Mountains) , Drakensberg Mountains (Mountain Range) , Johannesburg (End)

15-Day Zambia and Namibia Camping Safari

$2,286 pp (USD)

Namibia & Zambia: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Budget Camping & Guest House

You Visit: Livingstone (Start) , Victoria Falls, Zambezi Region, Rundu (City) , Etosha NP, Brandberg Mountain (Rock Art) , Spitzkoppe (Damaraland) , Swakopmund (City) , Namib Desert, Windhoek (End)

15-Day Namibia to Zambezi

$2,996 pp (USD)

Namibia & Zambia: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Guest House

You Visit: Livingstone (Start) , Victoria Falls, Zambezi Region, Rundu (City) , Etosha NP, Brandberg Mountain (Rock Art) , Swakopmund (City) , Namib Desert, Windhoek (End)

13-Day Botswana Trans Kalahari Camping Safari

$2,337 pp (USD)

Botswana & South Africa: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Serowe (Town) , Kubu Island (Makgadikgadi Pans NP) , Makgadikgadi Pans NP, Maun (City) , Okavango Delta, Central Kalahari GR, Khama Rhino Sanctuary (Rhino Sanctuary) , Johannesburg (End)

14-Day Mozambique and Kruger - Beach and Bush

$2,495 pp (USD)

Mozambique & South Africa: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal) , Kosi Bay (iSimangaliso WP) , Ponta do Ouro (Beach) , Maputo (City) , Inhambane (City) , Xai-Xai (Town & Beach) , Kruger NP, Greater Kruger, Johannesburg (End)

14-Day Cape Town to Windhoek - Camping Safari

$2,414 pp (USD)

Namibia & South Africa: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Budget Camping & Guest House

You Visit: Cape Town (Start) , Cederberg (Mountain Range) , Orange River, Fish River Canyon (|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld TP) , Namib Desert, Swakopmund (City) , Spitzkoppe (Damaraland) , Brandberg Mountain (Rock Art) , Etosha NP, Windhoek (End)

13-Day Cape Town to Namibia

$2,738 pp (USD)

Namibia & South Africa: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Mid-range Mountain Hut & Lodge

You Visit: Cape Town (Start) , Cape Point (Cape Peninsula) , Cederberg (Mountain Range) , Orange River, Fish River Canyon (|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld TP) , Namib Desert, Swakopmund (City) , Damaraland, Etosha NP, Windhoek (End)

10-Day Tour to South Africa and Zimbabwe

$2,550 pp (USD)

South Africa & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Guest House

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) , Matobo NP, Hwange NP, Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Town (End)

14-Day Botswana Wild Parks Accommodated Safari

$3,738 pp (USD)

Botswana, South Africa & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Mid-range Camping & Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Khama Rhino, Maun (City) , Okavango Delta, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Nata (Town) , Kasane (Town) , Victoria Falls (End)

15-Day Zimbabwe & Zambia Ancient Pathways

$2,434 pp (USD)

Zambia & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Livingstone (Start) , Victoria Falls, Kafue River, Chinhoyi Caves (Highlight) , Nyanga NP (Eastern Highlands) , Chimanimani NP, Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) , Matobo NP, Hwange NP, Victoria Falls Town (End)

15-Day Namibia to Victoria Falls Elephant Track

$3,978 pp (USD)

Botswana, Namibia & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Windhoek (Start) , Sesriem (Town) , Swakopmund (City) , Brandberg Mountain (Rock Art) , Etosha NP, Grootfontein (Town) , Kavango Region, Okavango Panhandle, Zambezi Region, Chobe NP, Victoria Falls (End)

13-Day Botswana Wild Parks from Maun

$3,631 pp (USD)

Botswana & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Mid-range Camping & Lodge

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Okavango Delta, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Makgadikgadi Pans NP, Chobe NP, Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Town (End)

21-Day Namibia and Bostwana - Desert and Delta

$2,846 pp (USD)

Botswana, Namibia & Zambia: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Budget Camping & Lodge

You Visit: Livingstone (Start) , Victoria Falls, Zambezi Region, Rundu (City) , Etosha NP, Brandberg Mountain (Rock Art) , Spitzkoppe (Damaraland) , Swakopmund (City) , Namib Desert, Windhoek (City) , Ghanzi (Town) , Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans NP, Chobe NP, Livingstone Airport (End)

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7 Questions About Overland Safari Tours

Answered by

Anthony ham.

Why should I choose an overland safari?

“Overland safaris enable you to travel on a tight budget and for longer. You also get to see far more of the continent than would otherwise be possible. And you can share the experience with like-minded travelers. Africa can be an expensive place and not everyone’s budget extends to the costs of a dedicated safari package. Not every traveler wishes to restrict themselves to one destination; nor does everyone have limited time to allocate to their safari. If your idea of the perfect safari is to rest in one place and contemplate the horizon and those animals that move slowly across it, this won’t be for you. With an overland safari, you get a feel for the continent. Its wildlife and its myriad habitats, its people and its parks are unrivaled in scope, and a true reflection of the continent’s astonishing diversity. And if you like what you see in a particular place, you can always plan to come back.”

What are the popular routes?

“The classic trans-African journeys from the Cape to Cairo do still happen. However, most overland routes are less ambitious, coming together around Nairobi (for East Africa), and Cape Town or Johannesburg (for southern Africa). Flexibility is a byword for the overland safari industry, so you can often just join for the sections that interest you. The parks of central and southern Kenya and the country’s coast are a staple. So is the northern safari circuit and coast of Tanzania. In East Africa, Rwanda is often combined with central and southern Tanzania, while those heading north may take in Uganda and even Ethiopia. Another common route begins in Cape Town, takes in major South African parks such as Kruger, then traverses either Botswana or Namibia on its way north through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and/or Mozambique. Join up all the dots, as some itineraries do, and you’ve the makings of a grand African journey.”

Will I have any chores or duties?

“Yes, you do. On an overland safari everyone is expected to contribute. It usually works on a fair roster system, with chores such as cooking, washing up, setting up camp and packing it all away again later. Part of the appeal is the sense of everyone pulling together to make things work. So, you’re not paying any more for your safari than is absolutely necessary. Overland safaris generally travel with a very small staff, often just a guide and driver. That’s why everyone needs to pitch in and, in that sense, traveling in this way is no holiday. But in no time at all you’ll get into a rhythm and the sense of working together as part of a team has considerable appeal for many travelers.”

What type of vehicle should I expect?

“Overland safari vehicles are rather impressive beasts, designed in such a way that they’re as functional for major African highways as for deep-sand national park trails. The cabin is like a bus – a party bus on some trips, hence the fridge. And there’s a seating area and big windows high above the level of other vehicles. Massive tires are common to make sure that no trail will be too difficult. Large storage areas down below are for carrying camping and other equipment, as well as supplies for those areas where shopping in supermarkets is impossible. For wildlife viewing, some tours use the larger overland truck, others change to smaller, open-sided 4x4 vehicles, and some also use a combination of both.”

How much time is spent driving on an overland safari?

“The amount of time you spend on the road while on an overland tour will vary from one safari to the next. In some ways, you’re always on the road. Your vehicle is your means of transport to get from A to B, but also the safari vehicle and home base for each night’s camp. Most travelers’ memories of these trips are those of a road trip that rolls on and on across Africa. There will be days when you’re not driving at all (when you’re in towns like Nairobi or Arusha or some coastal idyll). Then there are other days when long hours in the vehicle are a necessity to make the whole trip work.”

How much will this safari cost?

“Prices vary but most overland safaris start at around US$45 per person per day. The key is finding out what’s included. Are you expected to bring your own camping equipment? Will you be expected to contribute to any costs (such as fuel, which is unlikely, or food supplies, which is expected) along the way? Are national park fees included? What happens if the truck isn’t full? Will you be expected to make up any shortfall? Remember also that many overland companies require a payment up front as well as a separate local payment. The local payment covers optional activities and many activities are actually considered optional (and therefore extra to the up-front payment). On one level, this allows you to pick and choose the activities in which you wish to participate, and ensures that you only pay for those that you choose. At the same time, the trip may be a lot more expensive than you realize if you are only quoted the up-front payment because many activities will not be included in this price. One final thing: Sometimes, discounts are possible if you take the journey in reverse. Drivers occasionally need to get the vehicle back for the next trip and value having some company on the way back.”

What should I consider when choosing an overland trip?

“Your choice will probably come down to a combination of dates that work for you and what it is you want to see. That’s assuming that you’ve already made the decision that this kind of traveling is for you. If wildlife is your main reason for traveling, quiz the operator about how much time you actually get to spend in the parks themselves. If local culture is a priority, check whether there’ll be dedicated time allocated for interacting with locals. Find out also whether there are any rest days built into the itinerary. Or whether you’ll have any free time to go off and explore on your own, where appropriate. Ask about the level of experience of your guide-to-be. Also query whether it is possible, and how much it costs, to leave halfway through your trip if you discover that it’s not for you.”

Africa: what to expect on an overland tour

May 16, 2019 • 6 min read

Overlanding is the only way to get to many spectacular settings such as Spitzkoppe, Namibia, without your own vehicle @ Sarah Reid / Lonely Planet

Bumping across Africa in a converted lorry isn’t exactly luxurious, but overland tours provide an ideal way to visit corners of the continent that are difficult – not to mention expensive – to reach on your own. It’s not just for the gap year crowd either, with most companies catering to all ages, including families. But is an adventure on an overland tour for you? Here’s everything you need to know.

Overland tours rebooted

Compared to overlanding’s early days when tours were conducted in ex-army trucks with wooden bench seats, overland tours today are somewhat cushy. Purpose-built vehicles, carrying up to two dozen people, have coach-style seats, personal lockers, a fridge, charging points and a fold-away kitchen. You still camp, assist with the cooking, and learn to make peace with dust (everywhere), but it’s a manageable trip for anyone with a sense of adventure who is capable of pitching a tent. Many campsites also offer the opportunity to upgrade to a room.

Overlanding is still among the cheapest ways to visit Africa , and provides a great introduction to the continent for first-timers, with all the logistics taken care of: the tour leader handles things like national park entry permits and border crossings, while you enjoy the exquisite scenery.

A typical day on the road

Although no two days are the same, there’s generally a pattern. Early starts are the norm, either because you have a long way to go, or you’re heading out on a dawn wildlife drive. Tents are usually required to be down before breakfast (tea and coffee, cereal, fruit, and a hot dish if you’re lucky).

Lunch is typically a packed sandwich on the truck, a fresh pasta salad whipped up at a roadside stop, or, if not included, a stop at a supermarket, with toilet breaks generally of the ‘wild wee’ variety. Upon rolling into camp (occasionally after dark), some of the party will be rostered to prepare dinner. During the evening meal, your tour leader will discuss the plan for the following day before the group heads off to bed, or enjoys a few beers around the campfire or at an onsite bar. Keep in mind that everything, from the weather and security issues to corrupt border officials, may force your driver to alter the programme – do not take your itinerary as gospel.

Campsites in East Africa and Southern Africa are generally of a high standard, with hot showers, and usually a bar. Most offer wi-fi, but it is rarely free, or working. Some also have fancy facilities such as swimming pools, and a few are set in game farms or in or near national parks where elephants and hippo are known to wander into camp. There are some days, however, when campsites will have no facilities at all. On West Africa trips, these basic bush camps are more common – don’t forget to pack plenty of biodegradable wet wipes. In cities, accommodation is usually provided in hostels or cheap hotels.

Note that campsites in East and Southern Africa can get busy, with earplugs recommended.

Packing hacks

Operator packing lists spell out the essentials, but to make the journey more comfortable, a pillow, a good book, and a fully-loaded music device are key – free, reliable wi-fi in campsites is rare, and purchasing local sim cards can be surprisingly expensive. Colds and other viruses tend to spread quickly in overland trucks, so it’s handy to have medication for common travel ailments on-hand, as well-stocked pharmacies can be few and far between. Healthy snacks can also be difficult to come by in some countries, so stock up in advance. You may also wish to bring a power bank to charge your devices in your tent.

Overland tour operators supply camp chairs and sleeping mats, but if you’re opting for a long trip or have a bad back, it’s worth bringing your own inflatable mat to layer over the one supplied.

Sustainable overland tours

Overlanding produces far less emissions than flying, but there are still plenty of ways you can further reduce your impact on the fragile ecosystems you pass through. Plastic can be minimised by filling your own reusable water bottle with treated water provided by operators, and using your own carry bag when shopping for supplies. You can also avoid adding to the worrying volume of toilet paper and wet wipes by the roadside by depositing yours in a reusable zip-lock bag, and emptying it into a bin at your campsite later on.

Child protection experts advise against visits to orphanages and schools en route, and don’t forget to ask permission before photographing locals. Visiting captive wildlife attractions, which have been linked to various animal welfare issues (check out the excellent documentary Blood Lions for a primer on Africa’s tragic ‘walk with lions’ industry), is also strongly discouraged by animal welfare experts. If you’d like to give back to the communities you visit, check if your itinerary matches up with a Pack For a Purpose drop-off point, or consider donating to a charitable foundation recommended by your operator. Some run their own, such the Intrepid Foundation , and G Adventures’ Planeterra Foundation .

Tipping explained

Africa has a strong tipping culture, so remember to bring small change (ideally in US$) to tip local guides (up to US$5 per person is sufficient). Tipping your tour leader, driver and cook at the end of the trip is also customary – most companies suggest each passenger contributes US$2-4 per staff member, per day. You should not feel obliged to tip, however, if the service provided is poor.

Choosing an operator

More than a dozen overland tour operators ply very similar routes across the continent, with cheaper itineraries typically indicating fewer included activities and meals (and attracting a younger, fun-loving clientele). Guides are typically from Kenya or South Africa (though sometimes from the UK, Europe or Australia), and have varying degrees of local knowledge, so it can be handy to bring a guidebook along, too.

Some operators still require a kitty or local payment (a compulsory payment of cash, on top of the tour price, by each traveller to pay for things along the way) which can bump up the total price significantly. Overland tour companies offering a happy medium of optional and included activities include Intrepid Travel , G Adventures , Dragoman , Absolute Africa , Acacia Africa and Nomad Africa , though this is by no means an exhaustive list. Check out the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree for independent feedback on the various companies, routes, and Africa overlanding in general.

Sarah Reid travelled with support from Intrepid Travel. Lonely Planet writers do not accept freebies for positive coverage.

https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/africa-travel-guide-14

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Morocco to Ghana Group Overland Tour

• Overland Truck
• Partially Guided

• Introduction
• Day 1-14 MOROCCO & WESTERN SAHARA
• Day 15-22 MAURITANIA
• Day 23-38 SENEGAL & THE GAMBIA
• Day 39-50 GUINEA BISSAU & GUINEA
• Day 51-56 SIERRA LEONE
• Day 57-64 LIBERIA
• Day 65-71 IVORY COAST
• Day 72-75 GHANA

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What's Included

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• Additional Services

Operated by Madventure

Affordable group travel & epic overland tours suitable for all ages, gap year tours & career breaks

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Average 3.0
• Itinerary Bad 1.0
• Guide Average 3.0
• Transport Average 3.0
• Accommodation Average 3.0
• Food Average 3.0
• Tour Operator Madventure 4.6

Dates & Availability

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• November 2024
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 3 Nov, 2024 Thursday 16 Jan, 2025 English €4,010 + €1,140 Local Payment. 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates

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• Currencies $ US Dollar D Dalasi Gambia $ Liberian Dollar Liberia د.م. Moroccan Dirham Morocco and Western Sahara MRO Ouguiya Mauritania Le Leone Sierra Leone Fr CFA Franc BCEAO Ivory Coast and Senegal

As a traveller from USA, Canada you will need an adaptor for types D, M, G, C, E, F, K. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types D, M, A, B, C, E, F, K. As a traveller from Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types D, M, G, A, B, C, E, F, K. As a traveller from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types G, A, B, C, E, F, K.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Cholera - Recommended for Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mauritania, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Meningococcal meningitis - Recommended for Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana and Senegal. Ideally 3 weeks before travel.
• Yellow fever - Required for entrance into the country for Ivory Coast, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Gambia and Senegal. Yellow fever - Recommended for Mauritania. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 11th September 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 11th September 2024, a minimum payment of €340 is required to confirm your booking with Madventure. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 120 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Madventure will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Madventure" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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What is an African Overland Tour all about?

It’s an adventure! A tour that lets you experience Africa authentically.

If you up for a challenge and love to live life with an open mind while getting a taste of what it’s like to be a travel nomad, then this is the tour for you.

You get to experience the real Africa . When you travel on an overland tour, you get to see and experience Africa in a way that you never would if you were just staying in hotels and resorts. You’ll get to meet the locals, learn about their culture, and see the beauty of Africa’s natural landscapes.

You get to meet other travelers from all over the world. One of the best things about overland travel is the opportunity to meet other travelers from all over the world. You’ll make lifelong friends and learn about different cultures and perspectives.

You get to experience the thrill of the open road . There’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving through the African bush on an overland truck. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world as you take in the stunning scenery and wildlife.

You get to learn about Africa’s wildlife . One of the highlights of any overland tour is the opportunity to see Africa’s incredible wildlife up close. You’ll get to go on game drives, learn about the different animals, and even get to help with conservation efforts.

You get to have an adventure . Overland travel is all about adventure. You’ll never know what’s around the next corner, and that’s what makes it so exciting. You’ll get to experience the thrill of the unknown and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Grab your seat on an African Overland Tour in a custom-built vehicle and get ready to travel. Explore remote regions while enjoying amazing encounters with wildlife and discover African cultures and history as you embark on the trip of a lifetime !

Get in touch with nature on a Camping Tour

Travel in comfort on accommodated tours, stretch your legs on small group tours, step it up a notch on a tented & lodge safari tour.

Tammy was an overland guide for 7 years. Since joining AOT in 2016, she has helped over 1,000 travelers and has visited 23 African countries. Contact Tammy

Chemone has visited 12 African countries and has summited Kilimanjaro, trekked with Gorillas in Uganda and hot air ballooned over the Masai Mara in Kenya. Contact Chemone

Huntley has helped over 3,000 travelers during his time at AOT. His passion is exploring mountains and has visited 25 African countries. Contact Huntley

Minette is extremely passionate about helping travellers and sharing her vast travel experience. She began leading tours when she was 19 and has guided extensively throughout Africa and South America. Contact Minette

Reshma is the calm, mindful team member that is obsessed with helping travellers experience all her highlights of travelling in Africa. she is happiest behind her camera documenting wildlife. Contact Reshma

Bernelle’s knowledge of African travel is simply vast and her obsession to offer the perfect solution to meet travellers needs makes her a true gem. Contact Bernelle

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African Overland Tours Review

Africa is such a fascinating destination. It’s a continent abundant with wild animals, spectacular terrain and fascinating tribes. The continent is huge and travelling around it would take you several months. 

Visiting Africa and seeing a safari is probably on your travel wish list, and there are safari companies that do this where you see one country and experience the National Parks and the Big 5. But what if you want to see more of Africa and have weeks or even months to spare?  

From my experience of  solo travel in Africa , the best way to see the best of Africa is to go on an overland tour. I personally don’t take many tours, preferring to travel independently on a budget from country to country. Going overland is my favourite way of travel, crossing land borders instead of flying in and out of airports, so Africa overland tours were the ideal option for me.

Having spent over 4.5 months in Africa (and going back again this month), I’ve written about my experience of 3 different overlanding tours so that you can decide if an African overland tour is for you. I hope that my African overland tours review inspires you to visit this continent!

Hanging out the window for the sunrise in Sierra Leone

What Are Overland Tours?

Overlanding trips – specifically overland tours in Africa – are generally camping trips. You travel on a huge overland truck with a driver and a guide.

In East Africa, you usually get a chef, too. You join the tour in a specific country and then travel overland across borders with the truck and the group, leaving at the end of the route or, in some cases, hopping off in another country of your choice (depending on the flexibility of the tour).

You pay for the tour before you go, and when you arrive, you give the tour guide a local payment. This is in cash and covers the food kitty and camping fees for your trip. Transport, accommodation (tents) and food are generally included.

Parked up on a football pitch in the Gambia

Why Choose an African Overland Tour?  

In West Africa specifically, you’ll find a lack of tourism infrastructure and corrupt border officials. Many countries only have a bus network which connects the main cities, so going off the beaten track can be a challenge and you may have to take shared taxis or mototaxis in countries such as Benin and Togo.  

What I love about an overland tour is that it makes it easier to see countries that you may feel intrepid about travelling alone especially if you want to visit countries where you can’t speak the language. You get to join a group of other travellers equally as excited about travelling to the same region so they are a great way of bonding with like-minded individuals.  

You don’t need to obtain all your visas before the tour. This makes it so much easier. Instead of several trips to the embassies in your local country and sometimes being refused a visa (hello Cameroon!), you’re with the group filling out the paperwork together and hanging out in embassies in Africa.

Although this can take up some of your free time on your trip, it’s much better being with a group to know what to fill in on the forms.  

You really get an immersion into the country. Sitting on a truck waving at the locals, crossing borders with chickens running around, and children wanting to say hello to you are the most rewarding parts of the trip.

It’s raw and I honestly don’t think that you can have a more authentic experience. Plus, as a group, you get to experience things that only you will experience together. And there is nearly always someone on the tour who can speak the language you need for the next country, whether that’s French, Portuguese, or even Spanish!

The Tata accommodation that I upgraded to in Guinea Bissau

What If You’re Not a Camper?  

Depending on which countries you are travelling through, there is the option to upgrade. I’m not a natural camper and the first time I went on an overland camping tour, I was honestly so nervous that I cried! (I was also getting over a divorce at the time).

Now, I’ve been transformed into a hardcore camper. But as nice as it is waking to the sounds of nature in your tent, I upgrade whenever possible if it’s cheap enough. Some upgrades are from $10, and you can share a room with someone else on the tour to keep the costs down.  

It’ll definitely toughen you up. I had no idea what a groundsheet even was before I did it! It teaches you how to live in the bush and also how to cook.  

What To Expect From Overland Trips

1. a real adventure.

No two days are the same when you’re on an Africa overland tour. Even crossing a border and seeing how the border guards respond to you is an adventure, more so than cruising through No Man's land to reach another country. That’s why I love it so much.

2. Travelling on a budget

Overland touring is usually budget, so expect it to be basic with no thrills. 

3. A lot of waving

This is one of my favourite parts about being on an overland truck. The windows are usually open as it's so hot, so you get to hang out and wave at the children on the roadside and shout “hello” or “bonjour”, depending on which country you're in. 

4. Plenty of insects

There's no escaping them in Africa (especially in the Namib Desert). Depending on the time of year for your overlanding travels, you may encounter Sandflies, mosquitos, spiders, and even scorpions.

I took my anti-insect pyjamas with me on my last trip to ensure that I wasn't going to get bitten. For someone who hates spiders, my tolerance level is much better. 

5. No showers

This doesn't happen every day, but there are times when you have to go without a shower for a couple of days (take biodegradable wet wipes with you). When you arrive at a campsite with water, it may just be a bucket and cold water.

You could find yourself washing in rivers too. This also applies to toilets. Expect to pull up along the roadside and find a spot to go or take a shovel with you if you're bush camping. But the positive of feeling unclean is that you really appreciate it when you do finally have a shower. 

My tent and campsite in Namibia

6. Sharing a tent

As a solo traveller, you will probably get paired with another solo traveller (of the same gender if you prefer). For my last tour, we could take our tents for more privacy.  

The truck is self-sufficient and literally carries everything that you need for the journey. There are pots for cooking. If you don’t have a chef onboard (you won’t in West Africa), you’re put into a cooking team and cook every few days, depending on the rota.

If you’re not the best cook (like me), you usually get paired with someone who loves to cook, and instead, you can do most of the prep and cleaning up. (Cooking for 20 people is a lot!)

Being on cooking duty also means buying food from local markets and preparing a meal from what you are able to find. Some West African countries have limited vegetables, so you may need to get creative with tinned goods.  

8. Be prepared to work

As well as being put into cooking teams and buying food from local markets, you may need to help collect firewood, load the bags or tents each morning when you pack up, clean the floor of the truck, or wash the windows. Everyone usually mucks in, and you may get assigned a specific role.  

Camping on a beach in Liberia

9. Camping anywhere

Bush camping is pulling the truck up and pitching your tent anywhere. You could find yourself camping on the side of the road at a village, on a football pitch, a gravel pit or a cow field. You may even be camped next to a border crossing, and it may not be even ground either.  

10. A lot of driving

It’s called overlanding for a reason, and it’s fast-paced. To see 5 countries in 5 weeks, you have to cover a lot of ground. The most places I’ve seen in a country are 3 different destinations.

Some days, you can be on the road for up to 12 hours, and it can be bumpy with potholes or lack of road infrastructure. Expect to be up early in the morning, sometimes before the sun rises and on the road.

11. Not much alone time  

You need to be comfortable being in a group for a long period of time. There are moments when you can slip away and have some alone time, especially at night when you can read in your tent if you choose to opt out of playing card games or drinking in the camp at night.  

12. New experiences

Expect new experiences, from making jewellery in Ghana to witnessing a voodoo ceremony in Benin. Visiting museums in the capital cities, like Cape Town, gives you an insight into the country’s history.  

13. Making new friends

East Africa tends to attract social people whether they are travelling solo, as friends, or in a couple and can be a younger demographic. My West Africa trips seemed to have older travellers, the majority of them solo.

West Africa attracts more experienced travellers too, as they’ve usually been along the East Coast and seen all the wildlife and the sights.  

Ganvie in Benin

Which Region is For You?

South africa.

South Africa is for wine lovers, wildlife, and beaches. Choose South Africa up to Kenya for the Big 5, visiting townships, learning about tribes, sandboarding. Etosha National Park in Namibia is where you can spot the majestic elephants and the elusive rhinos in their natural habitat. Explore Kruger National Park with a South Africa safari for an unforgettable experience. This is the area for some of the world’s best safari parks.  

East Africa

East Africa has the best tourism infrastructure. The landscapes are stunning, there are campsites so you don’t have to bush camp that often. East Africa is for sightseeing, wildlife, partying, and trekking Mount Kilimanjaro.

North Africa

North Africa is Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Western Sahara. It’s a region for colourful riads, souks, and deserts. And there is a lot to see here, from ancient civilisations and tombs to desert villages. Expect to buy lots of souvenirs and experience a different culture.  

West Africa

You visit West Africa for the people and not really the sightseeing. Exceptions are Senegal (which is fab!), the Gambia for beaches and monkeys, and Ghana, where you can see elephants in Mole National Park. West Africa gives you an education about the slave trade, and you visit forts and museums to learn more or visit Benin and Togo to experience the voodoo religion.

Central Africa

Hardly any companies go here because it’s so unpredictable (except Madventure). Borders can close due to conflict taking place in the country, governments getting overthrown and there can be tensions in the country when there are elections.

Setting up the stools for dinner

Which Overland Africa Tours Should You Choose? African Overland Tours Reviews

I’ve used three companies so far: Africa Travel Co, Overlanding West Africa, and Madventure. My personal favourite was Africa Travel Co. The guide, driver, and cook were absolutely amazing! Trips last anything from 12 days to several months. 

My last overland tour was the most hardcore I have been on. It’s marketed as Madventure because it is literary for the mad traveller.

The one who wants to go to places that others don’t usually go to. They travel all the way around Africa, from Morocco to Egypt and also to other parts of the world. I joined Madventure in the Gambia and travelled through the Gambia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia with them.

The last time I wrote about West Africa, I had culture shock ( read my lessons here ) . This time I was more confident and prepared for the region. I knew it would be basic, dusty, and an adventure.

Overlanding West Africa

This company does what it says… overland West Africa. They travel from Dakar or Accra to Freetown and vice versa in opposite directions. As well as Dakar to Marrakech and Accra to Accra. I travelled from Ghana to Togo and Benin and back to the north of Ghana.

I was meant to travel to Burkina Faso, but a war broke out at the time, so we took a diversion back into Ghana to end the tour there. 

With the group from Madventure taking a river trip in the Gambia

Africa Travel Co

This company operates overland tours Africa in Eastern and Southern African countries. These are great if you don’t have much time as their trips start from 12 days experiencing Johannesburg, South Africa, to Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe.

I joined them in South Africa and travelled through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Zanzibar with them ( find my adventures under the Africa section ).

Dragoman Tours

I haven’t personally used this company, but when I worked as a travel consultant, we had a partnership with Dragoman. They have been around for 40 years and are known for overlanding.

They offer a Classic Africa Overland Safari for 20 days, starting and ending in Nairobi, including trekking Mount Kilimanjaro and game viewing. 

African Trails

This company is another one that has been around since 1980. They have 60 different safaris, and I’m considering doing a tour with them for the sector from Cameroon. Their Trans Africa Expeditions include West Africa and the Nile from 9 weeks to 41 weeks. You can also explore South and East Africa with them too.  

Exploring Benin

My Overlanding Tips

Have no expectations. And I’m talking none. If you expect these countries to operate the same as they do back home, then you’re already setting yourself up for an uncomfortable time.

Expect to be uncomfortable, whether that’s with the communication, the corruption, what you witness, or the weather. It can be hot and humid, cold at night in the desert, dry and dusty, and even all three!

As with any tour, expect there to be some negative Nancies (negative people). Parts of overlanding can be rough, and you need to keep an open mind. Remind yourself that every day is a brand new day and that ‘this is Africa (TIA)’ and you'll have a better experience.  

Travelling Côte d'Ivoire solo

Travelling Africa Solo

Can you travel around Africa by yourself?  

If you feel comfortable, yes, you can, but don’t expect transport to run on time here, as public transport can be unreliable and uncomfortable. An open mind is definitely needed for getting around.  

You have to be over 25 to hire a car, and the best countries to drive through are Morocco, Botswana, Mozambique, and Eswatini, but if travelling overland seems like too much stress, consider flying instead, but be prepared for delays.

If you do choose to hire a car and are planning to visit more than one country, check that you don’t need a Carnet de Passage, which is a document that allows you to cross international borders.  

Abu Simbel in Egypt

There are trains here, and you may feel more comfortable using a train than local buses, as they can be safer if you’re travelling alone, but they can be slower.

If you’re travelling overland for many hours, consider a sleeping compartment, and lock the door and windows at night. The trains in Tunisia are really cheap with respectful travellers. Taxis are also reasonable here and can take you around the country.  

Morocco has a good bus network, with buses running throughout the country. Choose the company called CTM if you prefer to travel in comfort. Domestic flights tend to fly via Casablanca, so travelling overland could be quicker and cheaper.  

In Egypt, feluccas or river cruises take you along the River Nile at a leisurely pace, stopping at the incredible Egyptian sites, such as Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. The rest of the country can be explored on cheap trains and buses, and there are internal flights, which are easier when visiting Abu Simbel.  

Cape Town in South Africa

Travelling by bus is an option, but not all roads are well paved, so it could be a bumpy journey, especially around the Masai Mara safari park. Public transport is difficult in Malawi, and you’ll often see people just walking miles along the roadsides. Although there is a lack of transport in Namibia, there are buses between the main cities. Botswana has a good bus and minibus network.  

If you’re travelling in Tanzania, you’ll need to find a reputable bus company, as some of the roads aren’t in good condition. Mozambique is also hard to get around. In Kenya, you can take a night bus to Mombasa, which has security cameras onboard for extra safety. This eight-hour bus journey is without any stops.  

There are intercity buses in South Africa and also international buses with air conditioning or, if you’re just travelling through countries, there are minibuses known as matatus, which generally wait to be filled before they leave. Be prepared to be the only traveller on one of these.  

The gorgeous island of Zanzibar on the East coast

Riverboats may be crammed, and ferries may be overloaded, but they are a cheap way of getting around. If you’re travelling from Mombasa to one of the beaches, be prepared for the boat to be busy and to be the only Westerner.

A good ferry service takes you from Dar es Salam to the island of Zanzibar and you’ll find ferries taking you across the larger lakes throughout the continent.  

Be careful in Kenya, where there’s a chance of getting mugged, although they do have security cameras on overnight buses. In downtown Nairobi, you’ll often see people sniffing glue openly on the streets.  

In Ethiopia, you could be a novelty, so expect attention from beggars and curious locals. If you visit Uganda independently, you may find yourself very alone if you’re not on a tour. You may feel more comfortable in countries with more travellers and tourists.  

The sun sets on Sierra Leone

West Africa is made up of countries once colonised by Europe. Expect to speak Portuguese, French and even Spanish in one!

If you are travelling here, you’ll find a lack of tourism infrastructure and corrupt border officials. Many countries only have a bus network that connects the main cities, so going off the beaten track can be a challenge, and you may have to take shared taxis or moto taxis in countries such as Benin and Togo.  

That’s not to say that you shouldn’t travel there, as countries such as Senegal and Ghana are very welcoming, but the majority of the region is definitely better seen with an organised tour.  

Getting up close to elephants in Mole National Park, Ghana

I hope that my post has shown the reality of overlanding Africa. Obviously, everyone’s experience is different. You may get a fantastic tour guide, meet amazing people and have no mishaps where everything is plain sailing.  

One thing is for sure, when you’re on an overland tour, cruising across African plains, you really feel as though you’re in a completely different reality. Africa really makes you feel alive, and these trips are life-changing.

Still not sure if an overlanding camping tour is right for you? Join our Facebook community and ask any questions that you may have.  

Related Posts

• My Experience of Camping in Africa
• Solo Travel in Africa
• Lessons Learnt Travelling To West Africa
• Camping For Beginners
• Benefits of Camping For Solos
• Anti-Mosquito Pyjamas

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4 thoughts on “ African Overland Tours Review ”

I really enjoyed your vivid explination of overland travel. This is an experience that I will like to fulfill. I have been sharing this page with several of my friends. Challenging them to embrace this African travel experience . How do I begin to prepare my self for this overland travel. I live in California. And I am wandering, do you have a contact agency/ person in my area who I can contact. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for your comment Ken. That’s great that you enjoyed it. I think the best contact would be one of the companies that I’ve listed in the article. Once you’ve booked they usually send you notes on how to prepare for the trip that are going on. Each one may differ depending on the region that you’re going to. Have an amazing time x

How do I begin to plan my West African Overland trip. Can you send me information. I live in California. What the cost. And dies the cost include air fair. I look forward to hearing from you. [email protected]

Hi Ken, if you are travelling independently there’s a Facebook group called West Africa Travellers that you could join. For the tours I recommend contacting one of the tour companies I mentioned. They don’t usually include airfare x

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Kumakonda travel in a simple way in West Africa, without luxury.

Our luxuries are all that surrounds us, people, nature, wild beaches, traditional villages, music, some good stories next to a bonfire, the smell of coffee in the morning, waking up in a magical place, we don’t need much more.

Overlanding West Africa

If your idea of adventure trip is getting into a car with air conditioning, stay each night in european standard hotels, have electricity 24 hours a day, have mobile coverage and Wi-Fi every night, find yourself in the campsites with hot water or even running water, if you get frustrated by the presence of a“bug” in your room, if you think that you will never try the local food, if you are not able to use a bush toilet if you needed, if you want to follow a tourist program with no modification, we can tell you that this kind of trip is not for you.

Adventure trips in West Africa

Who travels with us is willing to experience an adventure rather than an organized tour.

We must be clear on the type of travel we offer, telling you things clearly, and letting you know the possible challenges that we may find during the trip. 

We want you to be part of the adventure and not just a passenger.

In our trips overlanding West Africa, we don’t want to travel at full speed, according to a tourism program, in a huge vehicle, closing windows to reality, just looking through them as mere spectators.

We want you to feel the red dirt roads on which we go, its warm climate, the colours and  smells, so that you see what this unique region offers you with no barrier, strolling through markets, trying street food stalls, chatting with people, meeting a lot of curious children. We want you to enjoy the trip, that you open to improvisation if necessary and that you experience the  feeling of freedom that gives the African continent.

The cost of some of the visas for the countries we will visit can be from the $50 up to $140, so a high price to go at full speed through the country without taking time to visit.

Many of the areas that we will travel in, are very remote and have a lack of infrastructure or the poor state of them can cause some delays or changes.

In addition it is not our intention to do stressful trips, where travellers spend almost all the time inside the vehicle, or not having enough time to taste all those magical places that make this part of Africa so special.

Where we will stay and time organization when travel overlanding West Africa

Depending on the areas where we travel, the accommodation will be a combination of  camping, small basic local accommodations and comfortable charming hotels . Sometimes, when we travel through very remote areas, we will camp.

It must be considered that many countries in this region have practically no tourist infrastructure, so that accommodations can be very basic. Lack of electricity or only for a few hours with generator, the lack of running water, and of course the lack of hot water, is very common in this region. You will discover the charm of having a shower with a bucket.

Tents and rooms are for two people. If you travel alone, you will share with a person of the same sex. We have no supplements for people travelling alone.

In our type of travel is essential to follow the schedules of nature . It may vary depending on the situation of the country and the seasons of the year.

In Africa the sunrise and the nightfall are earlier compared to the Spanish timetables. A typical day in our trip begins just before the sunrise, to take advantage during the daylight hours.

We also believe that it is important and necessary that every traveler has its own free time . We will have one or two days off in interesting spots to do whatever you want, relax or do any excursion or activity by yourself.

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• AFRICA ENCOMPASSED

This 326 day overland expedition is one of the world’s last true adventures! Starting in Morocco this tour travels down the remote west coast of Africa all the way to Cape Town before turning around and heading up the wildlife-rich east side of Africa all the way to Cairo. On this trip you will visits iconic sights as well as remote areas of Africa including Marrakesh, Sahara Desert, Freetown, Lake Ganvie, Kalandula Falls, Etosha NP, Kruger NP, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar, Mountain Gorillas, Masai Mara, Khartoum and the Pyramids!

In total you will visit 38 countries on this madventure including Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somaliland, Djibouti, Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION, DATES & BOOKING

Price: £9867 Expedition Payment + $5000 Local Payment (£30 + $15 per day)

Length: 326 days

Accommodation: 75% camping, 25% hotels, guest houses & hostels

Meals:  2 meals per day while camping

Transport: 100% custom-built Madventure overland truck

Age restrictions: none, all ages are welcome

Group size: 25 is average, minimum is 15, maximum is 36

Start Fes, Morocco 03 November 2024

End Cairo, Egypt 25 September 2025

ROUTE MAP & TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

PROPOSED ITINERARY

Our proposed itinerary is here to give you an idea of where we will be going and what we will be doing during this expedition. This itinerary is the ideal route we would like to take providing all political and natural situations are acceptable during the time of our travels. Situations sometimes change during an expedition so please be prepared to take an alternative route in the event we encounter any problems. It’s all part of the adventure!

If you can’t do the whole tour you are welcome to do a shorter section of your choice so please get in touch and we will be happy to work out a bespoke itinerary and reduced price for you .

DAY 1 - 14, MOROCCO & WESTERN SAHARA

Our tour begins in the beautiful Moroccan city of Fez, the largest living medieval Islamic city in the world, and it is here that we will spend our first 2 days exploring the city’s famous covered markets, leather tanneries, winding alleys and beautiful mosques.

Entering central Morocco we are now in the High Atlas mountains where we travel along the Draa valley, an area of earth-red Kasbahs and stunning Berber villages where we visit the spectacular pink canyons of the Todra Gorge.

Our next stop is Marrakesh, an ancient caravan town that today offers fantastic souqs and the awesome Djemaa el-Fna, a nightly spectacle in the old medina where you can wander streets full of acrobats, snake-charmers, food stalls and musicians – amazing!

On the coast we now visit the laid-back fishing port town of Essaouira where you have the opportunity to relax and just soak up the Moroccan atmosphere.

Our final few days here are spent travelling down the rugged coast of Western Sahara where we will be wild camping on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

DAY 15 - 22, MAURITANIA

We now enter the Sahara proper where the desert camping is fantastic and reveals a night-sky that is probably one of the clearest in the world and littered with stars.

In Nouadhibou we restock our supplies before heading into The Adrar, a spectacular Saharan jewel in Mauritania’s crown. From our base in Atar you have the option to explore the ancient caravan towns of Chinguetti & Ouadane, steeped in history in a vast sand ocean of magnificent dunes.

Mauritania’s young and unassuming capital city, Nouakchott, is our last stop where the highlight is the colourful and frantic fish market.

DAY 23 - 38, SENEGAL & THE GAMBIA

We spend our first couple of days in a National Park offering great kayaking and bird-watching opportunities. With its crumbling architecture and peaceful ambience the nearby town of St. Louis is also a great day out.

At our next stop we camp at beautiful Lac Rose which is a short drive away from the lively Senegalese capital Dakar. Here we spend a few days exploring the city and applying for visas.

Further south we get the chance to relax on the tranquil beaches of Palmarin with it’s soft lagoons and tall palm groves.

The sliver of land known as The Gambia is a tranquil place where our first experience is to catch a ferry over the Gambia River to reach the country’s island capital Banjul. This is a laid-back city where the highlights include visiting the local markets and wandering the back streets just soaking up the atmosphere.

A real highlight of our visit to The Gambia is visiting the Tumani Tenda Eco Lodge, a self-sustaining local community where the villagers are happy to teach you about their daily lives which include oyster collecting, soap making, bee keeping, fishing & farming.

Back in Senegal we visit one of West Africa’s finest beaches at Cap Skirring where great seafood & live music is the order of the day.

DAY 39 - 50, GUINEA BISSAU & GUINEA

Entering the friendly country Guinea-Bissau we head straight for the capital city Bissau. Don’t let the crumbling colonial buildings fool you, when the sun goes down the stylish restaurants and bars open and offer great evenings out on the town.

From Bissau we head east through some lush countryside and eerie ghost-towns on our route to Guinea where out first stop is at the Fouta Djalon region where the area’s rolling green hills and waterfalls make for great trekking from our bases in Labe & Dalaba.

The beautiful Bride’s Veil waterfalls are our final stop on our route through Guinea towards Sierra Leone.

DAY 51 - 56, SIERRA LEONE

Our first stop is at the white sand beaches south of Freetown from where you can enjoy the sand & surf, explore the relaxed capital and visit the nearby Tacugama Chimpanzee Reserve.

We continue to the friendly village of Kambama where we stay at an eco-camp and have the option to visit the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary. An afternoon river cruise or evening nature walk will reveal the island’s high concentration of primates as well as pygmy hippopotamuses and river otters.

DAY 57 - 64, LIBERIA

Having only recently opened its doors to tourists Liberia is fresh and exciting and our first port of call is the marvellous beach town of Robertsport, a little slice of heaven for surfers and sun-worshippers.

Monrovia is the capital where we base ourselves on a beach just outside of town allowing you the chance to explore sites such as the abandoned Ducor Hotel and the National Museum, both offering great insights into this once war-torn city.

In the interior we wild camp at the beautiful Kpatwe Falls where you can either laze in the rock pools or hike up to the falls, one of Liberia’s most picturesque spots.

DAY 65 - 71, IVORY COAST

We first visit the sleepy town of Man where a succession of green-clad mountains rise out of the dusty earth giving our trekkers the option to hike up Mt. Tonkoui, the second highest peak in the country affording awesome views over 3 countries at the summit.

Inland we arrive at the capital city of Yamoussoukro where the absolute highlight is a visit to the spectacular Basilica Of Our Lady Of Peace with it’s stained glass windows and towering dome.

Down on the coast we base ourselves at a beach resort between the modern city of Abidjan and the colonial town of Grand Bassam allowing you the chance to enjoy the old & the new side of Cote d’Ivoire.

DAY 72 - 79, GHANA

Arriving in the west we camp on a spectacular beach near the town of Axim where you can enjoy a lazy day in the sun or explore the Portuguese Fort Santo Antonio.

Further along the Gold Coast we visit the historical Cape Coast Castle, once the largest slave-trading centre in Africa.

In Kakum NP you have the opportunity to get a bird’s eye view over the forest from a canopy walkway where if you are lucky you have the chance of spotting elephants, flying squirrels, colobus monkeys & antelopes, as well as over 300 species of birds and 600 species of butterfly.

The capital city of Accra offers us a taste of big city life with shopping malls & cafes and the old district of Jamestown’s dishevelled colonial buildings and fishing port are well worth a visit.

Heading inland we visit the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary where you have the chance to get up close & personal with Mona monkeys that will gladly sit on your shoulder as you feed them bananas.

Our last stop is at the beautiful Wli Waterfalls, the tallest in West Africa, where you have the day to hike to the falls and enjoy one of Ghana’s best natural sites.

DAY 80 - 86, TOGO & BENIN

Togo is only 50 km wide and on our first day we will visit the artistic town of Kpalime which is famous for its traditional crafts of woodcarving & batik.

We continue to the capital Lome where a day out can include visiting the bizarre fetish markets, marvelling at the displays in the Museum of West African Arts and exploring the labyrinths of the colourful Grand Market.

Across the border is Benin, the birthplace of voodoo. Here our first day is spent camping on the shores of Lake Aheme and if our luck is in we will get the opportunity to watch the locals perform the traditional Zangbeto voodoo dance for us.

The remarkable town of Abomey is our next stop where you can explore the ruined temples and palaces of the Dahomeyan empire.

At Lake Ganvie you have the option to take a boat out to a village in the middle of the lake that is home to 30 000 Tofinu people who reside here in stilted bamboo huts.

Passing through Cotonou for a brief stop we now head for the Nigerian border.

DAY 87 - 95, NIGERIA

Abeokuta is our first destination in Nigeria where we visit the Olumo Rock formation, an historic natural fortress used during inter-tribal warfare in the 19th century.

In Osogbo we visit the Sacred Grove Forest to explore the sanctuaries, shrines, sculptures & artworks created in honour of Osun, the Goddess of Fertility.

In Benin City the national museum offers us an insight into the Benin Empire with a significant amount of ancient artefacts. For those more interested in modern art a walk down Bronze Casters Street will show you some fine bronze works of art.

Our last stop here is the lively colonial port town of Calabar where highlights include a visit to the Slave Trade Museum, National Museum and Drill Monkey Ranch.

DAY 96 - 103, CAMEROON

We continue inland to the capital Yaounde where you can visit the local markets & monasteries and enjoy one of West Africa’s most pleasant cities

DAY 104 - 113, GABON

Situated on the equator we get a real taste of Africa at the Reserve de la Lope where we spend a couple of days in the reserve with the option of game drives or trekking through the forest in search of mandrills, forest elephants and buffalo.

In the capital Libreville the National Museum of Arts & Tradition will give you a good insight into local culture. If you are feeling more adventurous you can take a boat over to Pongara National Park, a beautiful mangrove reserve and favorite spot for nesting turtles where you also have the chance of spotting elephants, chimpanzees & buffalo.

In Lamberene we visit Dr Albert Schweitzer’s hospital which is now a museum where we can get an understanding of the Nobel Prize winning work he done here for the African community.

DAY 114 - 120, CONGO

Our first 2 days in the friendly Congo are spent on dirt tracks which often turn into thick mud and test our vehicles off-road ability.

The small town of Dolisie is a welcome relief where we have a couple of days to get a feel for the local culture and sample the delicious street food.

On the coast we visit the red Gorges of Diosso which are referred to as Congo’s Grand Canyon. The local museum is a quaint place that explains the areas history.

In the town of Pointe Noire you have the chance to visit the African Circle Museum and also stock up on goods at a rare supermarket. From our base here you also have the option to visit the Conkouati-Douli National Park on an organised tour. This park is a highlight of the Congo where you have a good chance of seeing the thriving chimpanzee population that inhabit the area’s islands. The park is also home to elephants, leopards, turtles and gorillas.

DAY 121 - 125, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (& CABINDA)

We have a short day’s travel through the oil rich Angolan exclave of Cabinda before we reach the DRC and encounter more mud tracks on our way to the mighty Congo River.

Boma is a bustling little port where you will have the chance to get out and visit a true Congolese river town.

We cross over the Congo River via the huge Matadi suspension bridge and spend a day in Matadi town to sample the local fare and explore the bustling markets.

DAY 126 - 136, ANGOLA

The town of Mbanza Kongo is the first Kingdom the original Portuguese navigators discovered and here today you can visit one of the oldest churches in sub-Saharan Africa as well as explore the Royal Museum.

Travelling through scenic landscapes we arrive at the impressive Kalandula Falls. These falls are one of Africa’s largest waterfalls but because they are so remote they are also rarely visited by tourists so we will most likely have the place to ourselves.

The capital city of Luanda offers us some modern convenience as well as a step back in time with wonderful colonial architecture and fabulous historical museums.

On our route south we visit the Miradouro de Lua where bizarre rock formations form a sort of mini Grand Canyon stretching out into the Atlantic.

A brief stop in the town of Benguela will give you enough time to get a feel for this ancient slave port.

Our last stop here is at the cool & picturesque Lubango where Christ the King Statue overlooks the town and the surrounding mountains offer us spectacular views from the Tundavala Gap.

DAY 137 - 148, NAMIBIA

Our first stop in Namibia is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife viewing venues, Etosha National Park, where we spend a couple of days driving through the parks desert & bushveld landscapes in search of lions, buffalo, elephant & giraffe, plus many of Africa’s other great mammals.

After exiting the park we will then visit a traditional Himba village and get an insight into these indigenous nomads way of life.

Near Kamanjab we will be visiting a Cheetah Park where we get to see these incredible animals up close and watch them feeding.

On our route to the coast you will have the option to visit a petrified forest with 45m long trunks and also take a guided tour around the bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontein.

The Skeleton Coast is a desolate place and a drive through this wilderness will allow us to see an abandoned oil rig, numerous shipwrecks & a noisey seal colony.

Spitzkoppe is ‘Namibia’s Matterhorn’ and the sight of these bold granite outcrops rising dramatically out of the flat surrounding plains make it an awesome spectacle.

The adventure sports capital Swakopmund is where you will have the opportunity to go deep-sea fishing, quad-biking, sand-boarding, camel riding & skydiving, or just relax on the deserted beaches and enjoy the German influenced resort towns hospitality.

We now head to the iconic towering red sand dunes of the Namib Desert at Sossusvlei where you will have the option to climb the famous Dune 45 for sunrise. The more spirited ones can attempt the climb up the much more arduous Big Daddy dune to get a view over one of the driest landscapes on earth.

Our last stop in Namibia is at the awesome Fish River Canyon NP where you will be amazed by one of Africa’s most incredible natural rifts

DAY 149 - 175, SOUTH AFRICA, LESOTHO & ESWATINI

The Cape West Coast offers us a beautiful introduction to South Africa and we get our first taste of this country at Highlanders Vineyard where we sample a few of SA’s famous wines and enjoy a traditional dinner.

We continue south to Cape Town, one of the world’s most incredible cities dramatically set beneath Table Mountain. Here you will have a few days to relax and enjoy the area’s attractions such as the nearby penguin colonies, Robben Island, cage diving with sharks and brilliant V&A Waterfront. Not to be missed is a day trip around the Stellenbosch wineries, a must-do for any wine lovers.

We now head east along the Whale Route, a stunning drive, where we will be visiting the famous whale-watching area of Hermanus as well as the penguins at Stony Point before setting up camp Cape Agulhas, Africa’s most southerly point.

On the Garden Route we now arrive at the lagoon town of Knysna where we will base ourselves for a couple of days to explore the wonderful forests and beaches of this area.

As we travel towards the Sunshine Coast we stop off at Bloukrans River Bridge, the world’s highest bungee jump at 216m, giving our adrenalin-junkies the chance to get their fix before continuing to the surfing mecca of Jeffrey’s bay.

We now visit Addo Elephant National Park and get the opportunity to see the large herds of elephants, buffalo & kudu as well as lions, hyenas, black rhino and the largest remaining population of the flightless dung beetle.

Heading inland we enter the mountain kingdom of Lesotho where you will have the chance to explore dinosaur footprints at Quthing, towering peaks at Malealea, dramatic waterfalls at Maletsunyane and historic cultural villages at Thaba Bosiu during our 4 day visit.

Back in South Africa we spend a couple of nights in the beach resort town of Durban where you have the chance to visit Ushaka Marine World, one of the best oceanariums in the world.

We continue our journey to the kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) where you will get to experience walking amongst wildlife such as giraffes, warthogs, kudu, zebra, hartebeest & impala during our visits to Nisela Lodge & Mlilwane Sanctuary.

In Eswatini you also have the option to climb Sibebe Rock, the world’s largest granite dome.

We re-enter South Africa and head straight into the incredible Kruger National Park where we spend 2 days in the southern section of the park searching for the big 5. This is one of the world’s best game viewing experiences!

Our last couple of days in SA are spent in a beautiful area known as the Panorama Route where we visit sites such as the Maholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre, Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window & Pilgrims Rest.

In the town of Nelspruit we have the opportunity to restock our supplies before heading to Mozambique.

DAY 176 - 184, MOZAMBIQUE

With its flame-tree-lined streets, sidewalk cafes, pumping salsa bars and Mediterranean-style architecture, the capital Maputo is easily one of Africa’s most attractive cities and our first taste of this beautiful country.

A little further north we reach the legendary white-sand-beaches of Tofo, a great stop with its azure waters, rolling breakers and party atmosphere.

Our last stop is at the resort town of Vilanculos, the gateway to the beautiful Bazaruto archipelago, an area with pristine coral reefs and turquoise waters making for excellent sailing, snorkelling & diving.

DAY 185 - 191, ZIMBABWE

We enter Zimbabwe in the rarely visited Eastern Highlands, an area of outstanding natural beauty with forested mountains, lush valleys and rushing rivers where we have a day to trek into the mountains and visit the Bridal Veil Falls & an Eland sanctuary.

We continue on to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, once the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa. The ancient site provides evidence that this was home to a very advanced society.

In Gweru we visit Antelope Park where you have the opportunity to meet elephants, join lions on an evening hunt and even take a morning walk with lion cubs!

In Bulawayo we visit the gravesite of Cecil John Rhodes before spending an afternoon in Matobo NP, home of balancing boulders, ancient rock art and the rare black rhino.

DAY 192 - 205, BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA & ZIMBABWE

Our first stop in Botswana is at the world’s largest inland river delta, Okavango, where you will have the option to take a trip on a mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) through the vast waterways of the delta in search of crocodiles, hippos & elephants that make this park so special.

Namibia’s Caprivi Strip is a wild area well off the tourist trail where we have a few days to explore the regions abundant wildlife.

Back in Botswana we visit Chobe National Park where you have the opportunity to take a sunset cruise with a front row seat to one of Africa’s finest wildlife settings. With herds of elephants crossing rivers using their trunks as snorkels, pods of hippos wallowing in the pools & the rare puku munching on the wetland grass this is a memory that will stay with you forever.

Crossing back into Zimbabwe the highlight of the country is surely the incredible Victoria Falls where we will spend a few days allowing you time to explore the falls and take part in the adventure activities that abound including grade 5 rafting on the Zambezi River, abseiling, bungee jumping and gorge swinging.

DAY 206 - 212, ZAMBIA

After a visit to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls we head towards Lake Kariba, one of the world’s largest artificial dams, where upon arrival in Siavonga you have the option to overnight in a houseboat with a great view over the hippos & crocs that inhabit the lake. Tiger fishing is also a popular sport here.

The South Luangwa National park is our next stop, an area of majestic beauty with a high concentration of animals along the banks of the Luangwa River where our camp is perfectly set up for wildlife viewing. Those wishing to venture deeper into the park have the option to join the famous ‘walking safari’ in search of lions, leopards, buffalo and whatever else may cross your path!

DAY 213 - 217, MALAWI

Our first stop here is in Malawi’s chaotic capital Lilongwe where you will get the chance to explore the sprawling city’s modern malls & sample the local fare.

Following Lake Malawi north we reach Nkhata Bay and camp on the lakeshore to enjoy the natural beauty of one of Africa’s friendliest nations. Boat trips to the beautiful islands are a popular outing and for those who want to learn how to dive this is a cheap place to do it. The lake is also home to colourful tropical fish that are found nowhere else in the world.

A little further along the lakeshore we camp on the golden sands of Chitimba Beach from where you also have the option of doing a short trip into the mountains to visit Livingstonia, a quaint colonial town built by Scottish missionaries in 1894.

DAY 218 - 232, TANZANIA

Our first stop here is at Lake Ngozi, Africa’s 2nd largest crater lake, where you will have the option to take a short hike up to the caldera for stunning views of the emerald-green lake.

Passing through the Mikumi NP area you have the chance to see zebra, giraffe & elephant crossing the main roads before we arrive at Dar es Salaam and base ourselves on a beach close to town while we apply for a couple of visas.

While we wait you will have the option to visit Zanzibar, a beautiful island where you can discover the slave-trading history in the winding alleys of Stone Town and relax on the palm-fringed beaches of this idyllic paradise.

On our journey to Arusha we pass close by Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, where weather permitting you will get a good view of this immense mountain.

From our base at Arusha’s Snake Park you now have the option to visit 2 of Africa’s most iconic wildlife areas, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater, where you are likely to see the big 5 along with cheetahs, wild dogs & flamingos. From here you will also have the option to visit a Maasai village to get an insight into their traditional way of life.

We now travel west breaking new ground as we head towards Tanzania’s recently opened border with Burundi.

DAY 233 - 239, BURUNDI & RWANDA

Our first stop in Burundi is the beating heart of the nation, the Gishora Drum Sanctuary. Here the local drummers put on a display of specific rhythms mixed with combat-style dance, a true Burundian experience not to be missed!

We continue to the capital Bujumbura on the shores of Lake Tanganyika from where you can explore the quirky museums, beautiful beaches and languid villages dotted around the lake. An optional boat trip through the Rusizi National Park is often a highlight of our stay here where you can see crocodiles, hippos and numerous bird species.

From Bujumbura you also have the option to take a day trip to visit the southernmost source of the Nile River, a bumpy trip through the mountains of Burundi.

From Burundi we cross into Rwanda, heading straight for the attractive capital Kigali where we have the opportunity to visit the Memorial Centre, a sombre reminder of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

A short drive away we reach the sleepy town of Musanze from where you can visit the Karisoke Exhibit, a small museum explaining the conservation efforts of Dian Fossey who studied and protected the gorillas in the nearby Virunga massif.

From here you also have the option to trek to Dian Fossey’s gravesite where she and a few of her beloved gorillas are buried. Along the way you have a good chance of encountering gorillas and golden monkeys, all for a much smaller fee than a dedicated gorilla trek.

For those who want a guaranteed gorilla experience you can arrange a trek into the beautiful rainforest covered slopes of the Volcanoes NP where you will get to spend an hour with these gentle giants in the Virunga mountains, a truly moving experience! Please note that gorilla trekking in Uganda is much cheaper so most people choose to do it there and opt to do the Dian Fossey gravesite hike here instead.

DAY 240 - 246, UGANDA

Our first stop in Uganda is at the magical Lake Bunyoni where it is possible to take a sunset cruise amongst the lakes 29 islands. From here you also have the option to go gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and spend an hour with these amazing creatures.

Crossing over the equator we head for the relaxed capital Kampala where you have a day to explore the Hindu Temple & Uganda Museum as well as enjoy the great restaurants and wonderful nightlife the city has to offer.

Our final stop in Uganda is at Jinja, the source of the Nile River, where we base ourselves near the Bujagali Falls giving you the opportunity to raft the grade 5 White Nile, go fishing for Nile perch and take a sunset booze cruise!

DAY 247 - 260, KENYA

Our first destination in Kenya is the incredible Maasai Mara Game Reserve which is home to a great variety of wildlife including lions, leopards, giraffe, elephants, buffalo and rhino. If we are fortunate we will get to witness the start of one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles – the annual Maasai Mara migration. If this happens you will see huge herds of wildebeest & zebra waiting to cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures. If we are lucky enough to witness them crossing you will see the Mara River become chaotic with thousands of desperate animals swimming for their lives, crocodiles feasting on any stragglers and predators waiting on the opposite river bank, an unforgettable experience!

We continue to Lake Naivasha where you have the opportunity to visit Elsamere, the home of the late Joy Adamson of Born Free fame. Close by you also have the option to cycle or walk unguided through Hell’s Gate National Park, a unique experience especially considering buffalo & leopards inhabit the park!

We now head for the bustling capital Nairobi where we camp in a quiet neighbourhood just outside the city centre. Popular day outings include the local giraffe centre and elephant orphanage. The modern shopping malls are a pleasant retreat after a hard day’s sightseeing and Carnivore Restaurant is a must-do for any meat-lovers.

Driving north we pass by Mt. Kenya, Africa’s 2nd highest peak, and continue into the remote northern part of the country where you will have the option to take a safari into Samburu National Reserve, famous for its array of rare species such as Grevy zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and Beisa oryx. The park is also home to predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah & wild dogs as well as having over 450 species of birds.

Our journey now takes us north through a typical African landscape where we wild camp amongst the Acacia’s growing in the red earth.

DAY 261 - 273, ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia’s Lower Omo Valley is a true African gem with a real ethnic diversity that will fascinate you. Here you will have the opportunity to meet the Karo tribe with their intricate body painting, the Hamer tribe with their ‘Jumping of the Bulls’ ceremony and the Mursi tribe with their mind-blowing lip plates!

Following the spectacular Rift Valley we pass by numerous crocodile-filled lakes with great camps on our way to the capital Addis Ababa where we will base ourselves for a few days to obtain visas required for onward travel. While we wait you can explore the city’s famous Merkato (Africa’s largest open air market) and enjoy the convenience of a modern city.

From Addis we now head east to Awash National Park where you have the option to take a safari in search of Beisa oryx, Soemmering’s gazelles, greater & lesser kudus, defassa waterbuck and colobus monkeys. Keep an eye out as other mammals such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, black-backed jackals, caracals, servals, wildcats and aardwolves are also found in the park, but are rarely seen.

With its crumbling walls and animated markets Harar is a travelers delight where during the day you have the opportunity to visit Ras Tafari’s house, the Smugglers Market & Jamia mosque while in the evening on the outskirts of town you can see locals feeding wild hyenas sticks of meat by hand, and even by mouth!

From Harar we continue on a real adventure into Somaliland.

DAY 274 - 285, SOMALILAND & DJIBOUTI

Hargeisa is the slightly odd capital of Somaliland where we have a couple of days to explore this friendly city and get a feel for a place that is undergoing a rapid transformation after a long civil war.

We continue to Laas Geel where you have the opportunity to view hundreds of ancient rock art paintings in perfect condition adorning the walls of a series of interconnected caves. One of Africa’s best-kept secrets!

The coastal town of Berbera is an eerily quiet & brightly colored slice of heaven where we have a day to enjoy the areas superb beaches and sample fresh seafood.

Crossing into Djibouti we first visit the busy port of Djibouti City where highlights include a visit to the imposing Hamoudi mosque, a stroll through the colourful Les Caisses market & wreck diving off the islands of Maskali.

We continue to Lac Assal situated 155m below sea level, a spectacular crater lake encircled by dark, dormant volcanoes. The aquamarine water is ringed by a white salt field which contrasts starkly with the black lava fields surrounding it, an incredible sight!

Our last stop here is at Lac Abbe you will get to see an eerie plain dotted with limestone chimneys belching out puffs of steam making for sensational photos.

DAY 286 - 308, ETHIOPIA & ERITREA

Crossing back into Ethiopia we now visit Lalibela where you have the option to visit the areas fabulous 12th century rock hewn churches originally built to give Christians a place of worship and spare them the dangerous journey to Jerusalem.

Further north we visit the laid-back town of Mekele from where you have the option to visit the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest, lowest and driest places on earth. Driving over salt flats dotted with warts of twisted orange sulphur you will also get the chance to swim in natural spa pools and watch the Afar people hack blocks of salt out of the ground to be loaded onto the famous camel caravans.

An optional add-on to your Danakil tour is the incredible Erta Ale volcano. Provided the volcano is not too active you will have the opportunity to hike to the rim for a view over an incredible lake of bubbling lava.

We now start an exploratory leg of this tour as we aim to be the first ever overland truck to enter Eritrea. The country’s border has only recently opened and no official customs office has been opened yet but with the assistance of our agent in Eritrea we aim to get permission from the government to enter with a foreign vehicle. Should we however be denied entry with our vehicle we will have to conduct this part of the tour on local transport.

Our first visit will be to the impressive Qohaito ruins near Adi Keih, where a few hours can be spent exploring the areas tombs, temples & rock art sites.

Winding our way through a series of canyons we reach Massawa, a beach town displaying historic whitewashed Ottoman, Italian & Egyptian architecture. The nearby Dahlak islands can be visited by boat and are a great day out for any beach lovers.

Back inland we travel through villages displaying traditional round thatched huts on our way to the historic market town of Keren where you will have the chance to visit the Mariam Dearit Shrine, a Catholic place of worship built into a 500 year old baobab tree.

In the delightful capital city of Asmara we have a couple of days to explore highlights such as the Opera House, tank graveyard & central market, as well as hang out at the authentic coffee houses where locals will gladly give you an insight into the country’s recent turbid history.

Back in Ethiopia we travel to Aksum, famed home of the Queen of Sheba and supposed resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. The area is also filled with ancient tombs making this an explorer’s dream.

Travelling along a snaking mountain road of switchbacks we now head into the Simien Mountains where you have the option to trek into the beautiful national park famous for its incredible scenery and grass-eating Gelada baboons.

Once out of the Ethiopian Highlands we visit Gondar where you have the option to visit the castle and discover the history behind the huge stone walls that stand proudly as this intriguing town’s centrepiece.

From Gondar you have the option to do a day trip to Lake Tana to explore the monasteries on the islands within the lake as well as visit the Blue Nile Falls along the way.

DAY 309 - 316, SUDAN

The Sudanese are perhaps the most hospitable & friendly people in Africa and our first destination is the surprisingly modern capital city of Khartoum. Here we camp near the confluence of the Blue & White Niles where highlights include a visit to the National Museum, a wander around the camel market and lunch at the R2D2 building.

We continue into the red sands of the Nubian desert and visit the spectacular Pyramids of Meroe where we will probably have the site to ourselves. The pyramids also house some well-preserved hieroglyphics and the ruins of the ancient Royal City are nearby.

Travelling north we get to see more Pyramids near the town of Merowe before camping at a petrified forest in the Nubian desert.

Our final stop in Sudan is at the small Nubian village of Abri situated on the banks of the Nile from where you have the option of visiting historic Sai Island as well as the Temple of Soleb, a clear indication that we are now close to the land of the Pharaohs.

DAY 317 - 326, EGYPT

A short ferry ride across Lake Nasser brings us to the iconic temple of Abu Simbel, a colossal monument to the Pharaoh King Ramses II and perhaps Egypt’s most impressive site.

We continue to the town of Aswan which lies on a particularly beautiful stretch of the Nile with palm-fringed islands and flotillas of white sailed feluccas. Highlights here include the botanical gardens, the craft market & high tea at the Old Cataract Hotel.

From Aswan you now have the option to travel for 2 days on a traditional felucca boat which will take you down the Nile and stop off at the spectacular temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu. Those who opt not to do the felucca trip will have extra time in Aswan and Luxor.

In Luxor you will have the opportunity to visit the temples of Hatshepsut, Luxor & Karnak, as well take a trip to the incredible Valley of the Kings where you will be amazed by the well-preserved ancient tombs filled with hieroglyphics.

Hugging the Nile River we now travel north to Cairo where you will get to see 2 of Egypt’s most iconic sites, the Sphinx & Pyramids of Giza. A trip to the Cairo Museum is also a must-do and houses over 100 000 ancient artefacts including the golden treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamen, a magnificent ending to an incredible overland journey around Africa!

ADDITIONAL INFOMATION

Booking & payment.

How to Book

To make a booking please fill in our online booking form and then pay a £300 deposit by direct bank transfer or Paypal, or call us to pay using your credit or debit card over the phone. Once we receive your online booking form and deposit we will confirm your booking by email and send you all relevant information necessary for your expedition preparations.

Expedition Payment

The Expedition Payment of £9867 is the main bulk payment for your expedition and is payable in the U.K. in GBP (£ Sterling). In order to reserve a place on this expedition you must pay £300 as a deposit. Eight months prior to departure a further payment of £4000 must be paid to secure your booking. The final balance of your Expedition Payment £5567 must then be paid in full at least four months prior to the expedition start date. If you book between 4 to 8 months prior to the departure date a deposit of £4300 should be paid upon booking. If you book within 4 months of the departure date the full Expedition Payment of £9867 should be paid upon booking.

The Expedition Payment can be paid by direct bank transfer, Paypal or credit/debit card.

Bank Details for Direct Transfers

NOTE: Please use your full name as a reference when paying by direct transfer.

Account name: Madventure Ltd.

Sort code: 400810

Account number: 91618415

IBAN : GB14HBUK40081091618415

Swift/Bank BIC: HBUKGB4B

Branch BIC: HBUKGB4116A

Bank address: HSBC Bank, 6 High Street, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 5AZ, United Kingdom

Paypal account name: [email protected]

Local Payment

This is a cash payment of USD $5000 that must be paid to your expedition leader at the beginning of your trip and will be used to pay for all expenses while you are on the road.

Please bear in mind that this is not a kitty and is not refundable. The local payment is simply a way for us to get cash to the expedition leaders so they can run the trip.

Please bring your local payment in new unmarked $100 bills if possible.

Although all local payment amounts are advertised in USD you may be asked to bring the equivalent amount in either Euros or GBP

WHAT’S INCLUDED & WHAT’S NOT

We realise that not everyone is going to visit every site or take part in every activity along the way so we have left most of these activities as optional and therefore kept the expedition payment to a minimum.

• Services of your expedition leader/driver
• Use of our own custom-built expedition vehicle and equipment
• Diesel, mechanics, shipping and any other costs relating to the vehicle
• Ferry tickets (when travelling as a group)
• An average of 2 meals a day while camping (usually breakfast and the evening meal)
• All accommodation costs (75% camping, 25% hotels, guest-houses & hostels)
• National Park entry fees when we enter as a group with our vehicle
• Local transportation costs (if required)

Not Included

• Personal travel insurance
• Personal spending money (£100 – £120 per week recommended)
• Visas & Letters of Invitation (approximately £2200 depending on nationality)
• Meals while staying in hotels/guest houses/hostels
• Accommodation upgrades
• Entrance fees to optional sites and parks
• Any optional activities
• Any flights (no flights expected)
• Tent, roll mat, sleeping bag & pillow

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Below is a list of the most popular optional excursions along with the most recent prices. Prices can of course change and are not controlled in any way by Madventure so please use the list below as an approximate guide only.

Morocco Fez guided wal k £5 Marrakesh guided walk £5 Todra gorge Free

Senegal Kayaking in NP £10

Sierra Leone Tacugama Chimpanzee Reserve £15

Tiwai Island wildlife sanctuary £15

Liberia National Museum   £5

Ivory Coast

Yamoussoukro Cathedral £5

Kakum NP canopy walk £25

Cape Coast slave fort guided tour £10

Museum of West African Arts £4

Lake Ganvie canoe trip £12

Mt. Cameroon 3 day trek £120

Reserve de la Lope guided walk £35

Reserve de la Lope river safari £35

Pongara NP day trip £40

Conkouati NP £200

Kalandula Falls £10

Skydiving £160

Sandboarding £30

Quad-biking £50

Game fishing £100

Hot air ballooning £300

Scenic flight, Sossusvlei £250

South Africa

Cable car to Table Mountain £15

Abseil Table Mountain £60

Cage diving with Great White sharks £150

Robben Island guided tour £20

Stellenbosch wine tour £40

Stony Point penguins £5

Bloukrans bungee jump £60

Ushaka Marine World £12

Moholoholo rehabilitation centre £10

Panorama route entrance fees £10

Basotho pony trek £30

Thaba Bosiu cultural village entrance £6

Sibebe rock climb £6

Diving in Bazaruto archipelago, per dive £35

Bridal Veil Falls hike £10

Great Zimbabwe ruins £15

Walking with lions £70

Lion night encounter £75

Lion feeding £20

Elephant interaction £10

Matobo NP tour £70

Zambezi rafting at Vic Falls £100

Bungee, gorge swing & highwire day at Vic Falls £160

Bungee jump off Victoria Falls £130

Flight over Victoria Falls £120

2 day Okavango Delta Mokoro trip £120

Okavango Delta scenic flight £80

Chobe NP morning game drive £40

Chobe NP sunset cruise £30

Victoria Falls entrance fee £20

Lake Kariba 2 day houseboat trip £100

South Luangwa NP walking tour £40

Diving, per dive £40

Horse riding £40

Village tour & dinner £5

Zanzibar Island ferry return ticket £60

Zanzibar accommodation, approx. per night £20

Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater 3 day tour £600

Maasai Village tour £5

Genocide memorial £10

Gorilla trek in Virunga Mountains £1250

Gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest £620

White-water rafting on Nile £100

Source of the Nile sunset cruise £30

Elsamere £10

Hell’s Gate NP entrance fee & bicycle hire £35

Giraffe centre £7

Elephant orphanage £5

Samburu NP safari £100

Ethiopia Lower Omo Valley tribes tour £50

Lalibela £40

Danakil Depression 4×4 tour  £150

Erta Ale volcano add-on £150

Aksum historical sites £10

Simien Mountains guide fee per day £15

Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls day trip £60

National Museum £1

Meroe pyramids £15

Blue & White Nile boat trip £10

Merowe pyramids Free

Sai Island & Soleb Temple day tour £40

Abu Simbel £10

2 day Felucca boat trip on Nile £40

Kom Ombo £5

Edfu Temple £7

Valley of the Kings £12

Hatshepsut Temple £6

Balloon flight over Luxor £70

Luxor Temple £8

Karnak Temple £8

Cairo museum £10

Pyramids & Sphinx £12

VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT

We will be travelling in a purpose-built Madventure overland vehicle 100% of the time on this expedition. A standard bus simply wouldn’t be able to tackle many of the roads we travel on. Please note that we may have to use local transport in Somaliland, Djibouti and/or Eritrea if we are refused entry for any reason.

The overland vehicle we use is a custom-built expedition truck which can accommodate up to 36 people although most of our expeditions travel with approximately 25 people.

Comfort and safety is of course a big factor during expeditions of this length and nature so all our vehicles have high-backed coach seats with safety belts. The seating is on the upper level of the vehicle giving you an almost 360° view of the surrounding scenery.

Our vehicles are designed to allow sufficient luggage storage and are also equipped with lockers to keep all your gear safe.

Our long range diesel and water tanks ensure our self sufficiency in remote areas and the equipment we take with us is also of vital importance. In case of a breakdown we are equipped with a good selection of spare parts as well as a comprehensive tool kit to undertake any necessary repairs on our own as and when we need to.

There may also be times when we get stuck in the sand or mud when travelling off road so all necessary recovery equipment such as sand mats, cables, ropes, shovels and pickaxes are also on board.

We spend a lot of nights around the campfire so we take along good axes and saws for the times when we have to replenish our wood supply.

We usually carry 500 litres of treated drinking water and we are equipped with a good kitchen which includes all cutlery, plates, cups, pots and pans, utensils, gas cooker, BBQ grate, etc.

All our vehicles are equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook groups food only. For personal food & drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.

Fold up chairs are provided for outdoor seating and we also have a large tarpaulin to keep us dry on those rainy days.

Our vehicles are equipped with USB charging points only so try and bring all of your important electronic devices such as telephone, tablet & head-torch to charge from a USB socket. We do not have a 120V or 240V power supply on the vehicle but you will have the opportunity to charge your 120/240V electronic equipment when we stay at campsites & hotels.

We carry solar showers and a toilet tent with us for those times when we are bush camping without amenities.

We carry a comprehensive first aid kit for emergencies but we recommend you bring your own for general use.

FOOD & COOKING

Eating well is a very important factor on our expeditions and good food is vital for everyone’s health and well-being so we always strive to prepare healthy, wholesome and plentiful meals.

We will be cooking a lot of meals from our own kitchen on the truck. When we are camping we usually eat breakfast and the evening meal from the truck. For lunch we usually stop at a cheap local restaurant giving you a chance to taste the local fare too. Lunches are at your own expense. When we are staying in hotels/guest houses/hostels (usually in cities) it is often impractical to cook on the truck so we do not provide any meals at these times.

When it comes to shopping and cooking we will divide ourselves up into groups of 3 or 4 people (depending on group size) who will shop for and prepare the day’s meals and clean up at the end. This will work out that you roughly get to cook once a week (depending on numbers).

Fresh food is generally available daily so we try and eat meat and vegetables for every main evening meal. We do also cater for vegetarians but we cannot cater for fussiness. In these group situations everybody must appreciate we cannot cater for individual likes and dislikes.

Don’t worry if you are not a gourmet cook as your crew are also always there to give advice.

Cleanliness plays an important role throughout this expedition and your crew will make sure an acceptable level of general hygiene is maintained throughout your journey to ensure the wellbeing of the group.

ACCOMMODATION

You will spend 75% of your time on this expedition in your tent camping and 25% of your time staying in local hotels, guest houses and hostels.

Quite often we will wild camp by ourselves out in the bush or in the desert and other times we will use designated campsites with amenities. The majority of our wild camp locations are usually very scenic and we always strive to find the perfect spot on the banks of a river, overlooking a canyon, behind a dune in the desert, etc. but sometimes we just have to camp wherever we can find a spot.

From past experience on expeditions of this length and nature we have found that people prefer to supply their own tents as they are then not forced to share and they can pick a tent that suits their needs. As a general rule, try and choose a good quality lightweight and waterproof free-standing tent that is easy to erect, take down and carry.

When we are not camping (usually in cities) we always try to use decent, clean budget hotels, guest houses and hostels, however, taking into consideration the sometimes unpredictable nature of this expedition and the remoteness of some of the areas we visit, please be aware that in some circumstances we just have to take what we can get – good or bad. When staying in hotels/guest houses/hostels you can expect to share your room with other expedition members of both sexes.

In many of the places we stay there are upgrade options available so should you prefer not to camp or you just want some time alone you can often rent yourself a private room at your own expense.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. Your contract is with Madventure Limited, a company registered in England and Wales (Company No. 6809461) whose office is at 10 Ablett Close, Oxford, OX4 1XH, United Kingdom.

2. A deposit of £300 is payable at the time of booking. The deposit is non-refundable unless Madventure is unable to offer you a place or you cancel within 14 days of the initial booking date. Madventure guarantees not to increase the tour price once the deposit has been received.

3. A booking is made in the name of the client and is not transferable to another person. You are only permitted to transfer your deposit once to a future tour, after that a further £300 non-refundable deposit will be required to book another tour. Please note that you will be affected if you have transferred and there is a price increase as you will have to pay the current tour price at the time that the tour balance payment is due.

4. Eight months prior to departure a further payment must be received to cover 50% of the total tour price in order to secure your booking. This payment is non-refundable unless we can not provide the tour. The final 50% balance of your tour payment must then be paid in full at least four months prior to the tour start date at which time the tour will be confirmed to run. Once the tour is confirmed to run you will not receive any refunds of any monies paid. If the full payment is not received 4 months prior to departure Madventure may deem the booking cancelled and all monies paid will be forfeited. If you book within the 4 to 8 month period prior to departure a non-refundable 50% deposit of the total tour price should be paid upon booking. If you book within the 4 month period prior to departure the full non-refundable 100% tour payment must be paid upon booking.

5.  Cancellation of a booking must be notified in writing and when received by Madventure any monies paid will be forfeited. You acknowledge that payment for the tour is an intrinsic part of the tour’s income and contributes towards the overall costs of equipment, vehicle running costs, staff administration, travel permits, etc. and Madventure will have incurred a large part of its costs before the actual departure date. You will not receive a refund of any amount after the tour has been confirmed to run (which will usually happen no later than 4 months prior to the tour departing). We therefore recommend you take out your travel insurance from the date you make your final tour balance payment, 4 months prior to departure, so you are insured if you have to withdraw off the tour. If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy you may be able to reclaim these charges but it is your sole responsibility to do so and we accept no liability for any acts or omissions of your insurance company.

6. It is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your tour, but we do plan all tours many months in advance. Occasionally, we may have to make changes and we reserve the right to do so at any time. Most of these changes will be minor and we will advise you of them at the earliest possible date. We also reserve the right in any circumstances to cancel your tour. For example, if the minimum number of clients required for a particular tour is not reached, we may have to cancel it. However, we will not cancel your tour less than 4 months before your departure date (except for reasons of Force Majeure). If we are unable to provide the tour for any reason you can either have a full refund of all monies paid within 14 working days of the tour being cancelled or accept an offer of an alternative tour of comparable standard from us, if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value).  In the event of the tour being cancelled prior to departure, all monies paid by you towards the tour cost only will be refunded. In the event of a cancellation Madventure is not responsible for reimbursing equipment, flights, visa costs, vaccinations, medication, etc. purchased by yourself so we therefore recommend you have suitable travel insurance to ensure these types of expenses are covered under the terms of your insurance policy as you may be able to reclaim these charges but it is your sole responsibility to do so and we accept no liability for any acts or omissions of your insurance company.

7. In the unlikely event of a Force Majeure situation that forces us to cancel the tour within 4 months of the planned departure date because of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, you can either have a full refund of all monies paid within 14 working days of the tour being cancelled or accept an offer of an alternative tour of comparable standard from us, if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). In the unlikely event of a Force Majeure situation that forces us to cancel or change the tour while it is underway because of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control we will not refund you or pay you compensation, so we therefore recommend you have suitable travel insurance as if the reason for the tour cancellation while underway is covered under the terms of your insurance policy you may be able to reclaim these charges but it is your sole responsibility to do so and we accept no liability for any acts or omissions of your insurance company. Force Majeure situations can include, for example, war, riot, industrial dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, epidemics, pandemics, health risks, closed or congested airports, ports or stations, poor local infrastructure, changes imposed by rescheduling or cancellation of transport by the transport supplier such as flights by airlines or main charterer, the alteration of transport or transport types, adverse weather conditions (actual or threatened), avalanche and technical failure with transport, Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice changing and advising against travel to the tour destination.

8. If you choose to leave the tour for any reason on your own accord once the tour is underway you will not receive any compensation from Madventure including any refunds of the tour payment and/or the local payment. We therefore recommend you have suitable travel insurance as if the reason for your departure is covered under the terms of your insurance policy you may be able to reclaim these charges but it is your sole responsibility to do so and we accept no liability for any acts or omissions of your insurance company.

9. We reserve the right at any time prior to the departure date, without prior consultation with yourself, to merge your tour with one or more other tours travelling at the same time. This will not constitute a major change and would usually just mean swapping vehicles.

10. The tour payment and local payment cover transport, accommodation, some related ferry and train tickets, meals and national park entry fees as specified on the website, repair of our expedition vehicle as well as repair and replacement of camping equipment including stools, cooking equipment & utensils.

11. The tour leader has sole responsibility for the local payment. Any local payment monies or stock remaining at the tour end are non-refundable.

12. You undertake to comply with the laws and regulations, whether in respect of health, immigration, currency exchange control, dress or any other matter of all the countries visited during the tour.

13. You undertake to obtain a valid passport and have enough blank pages in the passport for the tour and your specific passport and visa requirements. Immigration requirements are your responsibility and you should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. We do not accept any responsibility and shall not be liable if you cannot travel or cannot participate in any part of the tour because you have not complied with any passport, visa or immigration requirements. You are responsible for obtaining and having available the necessary documents (including but not limited to full, current passport with enough blank pages to complete the trip and valid for at least 9 months from the last day of the tour and visas for all periods, countries and territories within the tour) enabling you to participate in the tour and shall comply with all local legislation and regulations of the countries in which the tour takes place (including immigration requirements, customs regulations and currency exchange). You shall indemnify us against any loss or expense that we may incur or suffer as a result of breach of this condition by you.  We cannot guarantee visa prices and availability of visas. Ultimately visas are your own responsibility to obtain.

14. Madventure reserves the right to deviate from the advertised tour route if in their reasonable opinion such deviation is necessary for the safety or well-being of any or any one of the members of the tour or for the satisfactory progress of the tour. In the event of it becoming necessary to fly over a country or countries in order to satisfactorily and safely continue the tour, all costs of your flights will be borne by yourself.

15. Madventure accepts no responsibility for matters arising out of political disputes, border closures, epidemics, pandemics, natural disasters, climate, armed robbery, terrorism, etc. Should it become necessary to abandon a tour because of such an event Madventure will be entitled to retain all monies paid. We therefore recommend you have suitable travel insurance as if the reason for cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy you may be able to reclaim these charges but it is your sole responsibility to do so and we accept no liability for any acts or omissions of your insurance company.

16. You accept that owing to the nature of countries visited, all tours involve an element of personal risk and are of a potentially hazardous and unpredictable nature. In many countries we visit, the basic infrastructure, such as roads, is very poor and therefore less safe than that familiar to people from many western countries. In particular, lack of road markings or warning signs, unmarked speed bumps, seasonal flooding of roads and bridges, local vehicles which are poorly maintained and driven and which are hazardous to other road users etc. are factors beyond the control of Madventure. You accept that in some areas we drive off-road and that this involves personal risk when the expedition vehicle can be negotiating rough terrain. Madventure owns and operates many of its own expedition vehicles and employs its own crew. Where stated, locally arranged transport and crew, including trains, ferries, buses or coaches are used. Where Madventure’s own vehicles and/or crew are not used for the above services, you agree that the obligation of Madventure to yourself is to select normally competent, independent subcontractors to provide the necessary services related to the tour and to exercise reasonable care in selecting such suppliers to provide these. You also accept that you undertake this tour at your own risk and your participation is your own decision and does not form any part of your contract with Madventure. Madventure does not take responsibility for cancellations, unreliability of services or safety of operators, agents or contractors.

17. You accept that local emergency facilities are usually of a very limited nature. Hospitals outside of large cities often have no accident and emergency facilities and emergency transport facilities can be non-existent.

18. If you have a problem during your trip please inform the tour leader immediately who will endeavour to put things right. If your complaint is not resolved locally please follow this up by emailing or writing to our office giving all other relevant information and, where possible, evidence. We must receive any such complaint no later than 28 days from the date of completion of your tour in order to take appropriate action. Please keep your letter concise and to the point. This will assist us to quickly identify your concerns and speed up our response to you.

19. We do not accept any liability or responsibility for any personal possessions (including but not limited to cameras, jewellery, valuables and money) which is carried on or in our vehicles, carried on public transport or transport supplied by independent subcontractors, left in accommodation provided by us or our suppliers during a trip or left in our care during a tour. Such items are carried and/or left at your own risk.

20. Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on our tour are not part of your tour arrangements provided by us. For any excursion or other tour that you book your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator. You accept that the prices quoted for optional activities are approximate as local prices can and do change. Any of the optional activities listed are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Madventure. You also accept that you undertake any activity at your own risk and your participation is your own decision and does not form any part of your contract with Madventure. Madventure does not take responsibility for cancellations, unreliability of services or safety of operators, agents or contractors.

21. Whilst a tour is in progress you will at all times be expected to act in accordance with all reasonable instructions from us and/or the tour leader. We may exclude you from the tour or any part thereof at any time (including during the tour itself) if we are of the opinion that you are likely to prejudice the good order, discipline or safety of the tour, including as a result of failing to comply with the tour leader’s instructions, breaking any law or regulation of any country where the tour takes place or failing to adhere to the tour code of conduct, provided that we exercise our discretion reasonably in this regard. In such an event you shall reimburse to us any reasonable costs, losses or expenses which we incur or suffer as a result of our decision to exclude you from the tour, and Madventure shall cease to have any responsibility to/for you. No refund will be given for any unused services.

22. By completing the booking form you confirm that you appreciate the risks involved in the tour and that you do not suffer (or have ever suffered) from any pre-existing medical condition that may prevent you from actively participating in the tour other than those that have been declared to us. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are medically fit enough to undertake the tour and to ensure that you have received the necessary vaccinations and medications (and taken them as prescribed by your doctor) relevant to the destination country. Unless informed otherwise in writing we will assume that you are in good health and are not aware of any reason why you may be unsuitable to take part in the tour. We recommend that you consult your doctor before making a booking to ensure that you are medically fit and are fully aware regarding the immunizations and medical issues related to your destination countries. If you have any pre-existing medical condition, illness or disability, are undergoing medical treatment or, since entering into the contract, develop any medical condition, illness or disability or undergo any medical treatment; you will give us full particulars at the earliest opportunity and at the latest sixty (60) days before the departure date. If it is later discovered that a pre-existing condition was not declared within the specified time, and such condition would, if we had knowledge of it, have led to our refusal to accept or to cancel your booking, we reserve the right to withdraw you from the trip without any refund or recompense. In such an event, you shall reimburse to us any reasonable costs, losses or expenses which we incur or suffer as a result. In the event of you being withdrawn from a tour, no refunds will be given and we will not be responsible for (and you agree to indemnify us against) any costs, claims, losses and expenses arising including costs of repatriation, eg. flights and legal expenses. By agreeing to these conditions, you provide your consent to us and our insurers obtaining your medical records should we consider it necessary. You will be responsible for any charges for the provision of the information. We reserve the right to inspect your vaccination book at any time and to withdraw you from the tour in the event that you have not received and/or taken all the requisite inoculations and/or medication. If the information provided by you is incorrect and we discover that the correct information affects your suitability to take part in the tour, we may terminate the contract and withdraw you from the tour without refund or recompense, including during the trip. You agree and acknowledge that certain activities undertaken whilst you are on the tour may be inherently hazardous and have risks associated with them. You agree to abide by all instructions given to you whilst you are on the tour and you acknowledge that we cannot be held responsible for any injuries that may arise as a result of you failing to comply with such instructions.

23. You must be covered by personal travel insurance to undertake any Madventure tour. We recommend you take out a travel insurance policy that covers you fully against the cost of tour cancellation by you or by Force Majeure, medical care and repatriation should you become too ill to continue and above all covers you against the cost of air evacuation should sickness or injury necessitate such a course of action. You should also note that passenger liability insurance covering vehicles, particularly in third world countries, may be inadequate. It is therefore important that your travel insurance cover makes sufficient provision for your dependents in the event of an accident. Please note however that we have no control over the availability or standard of medical and repatriation services and facilities in the areas we visit and these do not form any part of our contract with you. Please remember that many of the areas we visit are not as developed as the UK and the availability and standard of such services may well be lower. Please read your travel insurance policy details carefully and take them with you when you travel. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular needs. We do not check individual insurance policies for suitability.

24. It is understood that on the Madventure tours where we use our own expedition vehicles the sections of the tour that travel through Europe, USA, Canada and Mexico are provided to you free of charge. You will not have to pay any additional fee to travel through Europe, USA, Canada and Mexico with us but it is understood that we do not operate for hire and reward in these areas. We do this purely as a legality in order to operate our specialised overland vehicle in these areas legally.

25. Privacy & Data Protection – we shall ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to protect your personal data (as defined in the European GDPR act 2018 and the UK Data Protection Act 2018) and we do not store our customers financial details. When you make a booking, you do however consent to all the information you provide being passed on to our suppliers, agents, subcontractors, employees or volunteers whether based inside or outside of Europe for the purposes of us providing you with the tour.

26. By agreeing to these terms and conditions you consent (unless otherwise stated on your application form) to our staff taking photographs and or video footage of you during the tour and that these images may be used by us for publicity and training purposes including, but not limited to, brochures, websites, marketing material and in the media.

27. We shall be entitled to novate or assign the contract or any part of it to any third party. You shall not be entitled to assign the contract or any part of it. This contract is made on the terms of these conditions, which are governed by English law, and subject to the provisions of condition you agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts. If any of these conditions is found by any court or other competent authority to be wholly or partly unfair or unenforceable the validity of the rest of the booking conditions and the rest of the condition in question shall not be affected and shall remain valid and enforceable to the extent permitted by law. A reference in these conditions to a statute, convention or regulation shall be as a reference to that statute convention or regulation as amended, re-enacted or extended at the relevant time. The headings in these conditions are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation. Where the context otherwise requires, words importing the singular meaning shall include the plural meaning and vice versa and words denoting the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders. Where the context so admits, words denoting persons shall include natural persons, companies, corporations, firms, partnerships, limited liability partnerships, joint trips, trusts, voluntary associations and other incorporated and/or unincorporated bodies or other entities (in each case, whether or not having separate legal personality) and all such words shall be construed interchangeably in that manner.

28. The information given on the website, on social media, in newsletters, in the brochure and other literature supplied is given in good faith but no warranty is given that it is correct.

29. No servant, agent or authorised representative of Madventure has authority to commit Madventure to any liability whatsoever and Madventure will not be bound by any statement or representation unless it is in writing and signed by one of the directors.

30. ABTA – We are members of ABTA, membership no. Y6801. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com

31. Financial Protection – In accordance with the UK Package Travel & Linked Travel Regulations 2018, Directive (EU) 2015/2302 or the local applicable law in the country of residence of the passenger(s) booking with Madventure Ltd are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies received by us, including repatriation costs and arrangements, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Madventure Ltd.

The respective laws according to the country of residence of the passenger(s) usually only requires us to provide cover for Package & Linked Travel Arrangements, there is no requirement for Financial Protection of day trips or single elements, and none is provided unless the local law requires such. If you have questions on this then please contact Madventure Ltd.

Madventure Ltd has taken out an insurance provided by International Passenger Protection Ltd (IPP) with Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe SE (LMIE) trading as Liberty Specialty Markets, a member of the Liberty Mutual Insurance Group. LMIE’s registered office: 5-7 rue Leon Laval, L-3372, Leudelange, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Registered Number B232280 (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés).  LMIE is a European public limited liability company and is supervised by the Commissariat aux Assurances and licensed by the Luxembourg Minister of Finance as an insurance and reinsurance company. This insurance is only valid for passengers who book and pay directly with/to Madventure Ltd.

In the event of our insolvency please make contact as soon as practically possible giving full details of what has happened quoting the name of your Travel Operator:

For UK & Worldwide excluding EU Passengers

IPP Claims at Sedgwick

Telephone: +44 (0) 345 266 1872

Email: [email protected]

or online at http://www.ipplondon.co.uk/claims.asp

For EU Passengers

Telephone: +31 103120666

Email: [email protected]

or online at https://www.ipplondon.co.uk/claims.asp

PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Personal budget & travel money.

Personal Budget

We recommend a budget of £100 – £120 per person per week to live comfortably during this expedition. This budget should cover day to day things like lunches, snacks, soft drinks, meals when not camping, the odd few beers, etc.

Budget approximately £2200 for your visas, security clearances and letters of invitation.

Souvenirs are something that can be very cheap or very expensive so if you are going to be buying things like silk carpets you should budget for it.

Please also have a look at our Optional Excursions list as you may want to budget for a few of those activities too.

Travel Money

We recommend you bring ¼ of your money in cash US Dollars, ¼ of your money in cash Euros and the rest of your money on your Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card.

They generally accept all major currencies for exchange but Euros are best for the first 3 months of this tour and US Dollars are generally accepted everywhere.

ATM’s are sometimes available for you to draw local currency using your Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card except in a few countries in north & west Africa where it is recommended you have cash available for exchange.

To keep your money/credit cards/ipod/camera/laptop safe we recommend you purchase a ‘Pacsafe Travelsafe’ product. They offer various size portable anti-theft bags that can be attached to the vehicle when travelling and also attached to the toilet/bed/closet in your hotel room when off the vehicle.

VISAS & PASSPORTS

Below is general information and recommendations regarding visas and passports. Visas are ultimately your own responsibility to obtain and visa requirements may vary according to your nationality and place of application, so use the information below as a guide only. Madventure is in no way responsible for obtaining your visas or passports.

We recommend you obtain the following visas in your passport before departure if possible – Ghana and Nigeria (both valid for 6 months).

Please note: many nationalities can’t get 6 month Ghana and Nigeria visas issued prior to departure so if that applies to you then don’t worry, you can get them issued en-route, it just means you have to visit 2 more embassies during the trip

All other visas for this trip can be obtained en-route.

You can either obtain visas yourself or use the services of a visa agency such as www.thevisamachine.com

Some nationalities may also require a Letter of Invitation in order to apply for certain visas (for example, Americans need an LOI in order to apply for the Sudan visa). Sometimes we can provide these for you for a fee.

Approximately 3 months prior to departure you will be sent the information required in order to complete your applications and apply for your visas (there are often time restrictions on visas so you can not apply earlier). We recommend that you make your passport available 2 months before departure in order to obtain your visas comfortably.

Budget approximately £2200 for all your visas and letters of invitation.

Please ensure you have 40 free pages in your passport in order to accommodate all the visas and ensure your passport is valid for at least 18 months after your departure date.

You will need approximately 20 passport photos for the duration of the expedition.

VACCINATIONS & MEDICAL

Vaccination requirements are constantly changing so we recommend you seek the latest professional medical advice at least 8 weeks before departure to ensure you allow yourself enough time to obtain all necessary vaccinations. Nomad Travel’s website has up-to-date information on vaccinations, malaria and other general medical advice for all the countries we will be visiting and they also administer vaccinations at their Travel Clinics in various locations in the UK.

www.nomadtravel.co.uk

Alternatively speak with your local Health Professionals for current accurate information. You will need to make an appointment with your GP or Travel Clinic and take a list of the countries you are visiting and the approximate dates when you will be there.

NB: YOU MUST HAVE AN UP TO DATE YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CERTIFICATE WITH YOU DURING THIS TOUR AS IT IS A REQUIREMENT AT CERTAIN BORDERS.

Medically Fit & Able

You need to be in good general health for this expedition and be reasonably fit and able. The main concern is that everyone is able to pitch in equally and do their fair share when it comes to group activities like the communal cooking and cleaning up, packing gear in and out of the truck, erecting your own tent, etc. You do not need to be super-fit by any means and all ages are welcome. We always attract a very broad age range on these expeditions, from people in their 20’s through to people in their 70’s.

Please inform us of any medical conditions that you have before departure so that your crew know how to deal with a medical situation if it should arise. All information will be kept confidential unless you request us to inform your fellow travelers. For example, it may be wise to inform fellow travelers if you are allergic to something like bee-stings so they know what to do if you get stung.

First Aid Kit

We carry a comprehensive first aid kit aboard the vehicle but it is recommended that you bring your own basic first aid kit for general use.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is compulsory that every person who travels with Madventure obtain travel insurance for the complete duration of the tour. Proof of travel insurance must be shown before joining a tour.

You may be covered under your credit card’s travel insurance so it might be worth checking with your credit card provider first.

There are various travel insurance companies to choose from and a Google search will bring up a vast selection but for a comprehensive reliable policy that includes Covid Cover and Medical Repatriation we recommend a London based company named Campbell Irvine, Telephone: +44 20 7938 1734, https://microsite. campbellirvinedirect.com/ madventure/ . They are familiar with what we do so if you mention Madventure and the tour you are travelling on they should be able to provide excellent cover for you.

For people based in North America a company called Allianz offers good cover – Telephone: +1 866 884 3556, www.allianztravelinsurance.com

If you choose to obtain your travel insurance through another company please ensure you read the small-print and make sure your policy includes Covid Cover and Medical Repatriation.

WHAT TO BRING

Tent: A good quality lightweight and compact waterproof free standing tent is recommended for this expedition. A removable fly-sheet will help you stay cool on hot dry nights. If you are travelling on your own you are restricted to a 1-2 man sized tent. If you are sharing a tent, you are restricted to a 2-3 man sized tent.

Sleeping bag: Any good quality 2/3 season sleeping bag will be fine but one with a ‘Mummy Hood’ is a good idea for the times that it will be cold. Please make sure that your sleeping bag has a ‘crush bag’ so it can be compacted down.

Sleeping bag liner: A Thermal Fleece or Silk Liner will bring your sleeping bag up a season when it’s cold and they are good to use on their own when it’s too hot for your sleeping bag.

Roll Mat: A compact inflatable Thermarest roll mat is recommended. A non-compact mat will not be permitted as they take up too much room.

Pillow: If you do wish to take a pillow (although most just bring a pillow case and stuff their fleece in it at night) then Thermarest do a good stuff pillow that compacts down small.

Backpack/sports bag/suitcase: We recommend you carry your luggage in a backpack but irrespective if you prefer a sports bag or a suitcase you are restricted to a maximum 100 liter volume.

Day bag:  You are also permitted to bring a day bag with a maximum 40 liter volume that you can carry in the overhead luggage rack on the back of the truck with you.

Pacsafe: in order to keep your valuables safe we recommend a Pacsafe product. They make a range of anti-theft bags which vary in sizes and can accommodate your money, credit cards, passport, camera, laptop, etc. They can be attached to the overhead luggage rack on the back of the vehicle when travelling and/or to a fixed item in your hotel.

Headtorch: an invaluable investment! Check out the Petzl range of USB rechargeable headlamps.

Water purifier – quite a handy thing to have to purify contaminated water and avoid ‘Delhi Belly’. Check out the range of Lifestraw products.

Kindle: optional but great to keep all your travel guides and books in 1 place.

Ipad/Tablet: not a necessity but many places have WiFi available these days so having your own Ipad or Tablet will save you hanging around internet cafes.

Smartphone – not a necessity but very convenient for emailing, taking photos, mapping, and calling home using local sim cards.

Camera: completely up to you but most people bring one.

Toiletries: available everywhere but start with some toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, deodorant, soap and shampoo.

Towel: a microfibre travel towel is a good option as it dries quickly and packs down small.

First aid kit: only a basic one is recommended but should include plasters, antiseptic cream, bandage, pain relief tablets, scissors and safety pins.

Passport photos: You will need approximately 20 passport photos for the duration of the expedition.

Passport: please ensure you have 40 blank pages in your passport to accommodate all the visas required on this tour.

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate: an up to date certificate is required to enter certain countries.

Clothes & shoes: 1 pair of flip flops 1 pair of walking shoes, trainers or boots 4 pairs of socks 4 pairs of undies 4 bras 4 t-shirts and/or vest tops 2 pairs of zip-off trousers which can be worn long or short 1 swimming trunks/bikini 1 lightweight long sleeve top 1 decent fleece top or fleece jacket 1 beanie/woolly hat for the cold days 1 wet weather jacket 1 light-weight dress/skirt for the ladies 1 collared shirt for the blokes A pair of thermal gloves

NITTY GRITTY

As our expeditions are not your average run of the mill overland tours we would like to go through every aspect of the trip with you to ensure that you are as informed and prepared as possible. At Madventure we believe in giving you the nitty-gritty details as well as the obvious highlights, as in our opinion these are just as important and we want to explain the expedition in as much detail as possible so you can be sure you are suited and prepared for one of our overland adventures. If after reading this, you decide that this expedition is not for you then, as long as it is within 14 days of your initial booking, you can cancel off the expedition and receive a full refund of your deposit.

The following may sound a little negative at times, but it’s just so we are secure in the knowledge that we have provided you with as much information as possible, the good and the bad, to ensure everybody is completely aware exactly what type of trips we run for the benefit of you, us and your fellow expedition members as there is nothing worse than getting someone booking on the trip when it is not what they actually wanted or expected as our expeditions are too long and too full on. You need to know what you are in for and be able to handle it!

At times you will be exposed to all the elements, from extreme cold to intense humid heat and high altitude. And, for example, as wonderful as places like Nigeria & Sudan are, they do not have a western infrastructure and their acceptable level of hygiene standards are very different to ours.

Mucking In: This is a full participation expedition so you need to be able to participate fully in all aspects of the trip including cooking, cleaning, truck security, carrying water, collecting firewood, digging your vehicle out of sand & bogs, etc.

We get everyone to agree that you are medically fit and able and can physically participate fully in all aspects required. Don’t worry, you don’t need any prior experience or knowledge or to be a fitness freak, just to be happy to do your share and have a willingness to get stuck in when necessary.

When things go wrong: The only thing we can guarantee is that at some point things will not go according to plan! We have to follow the legislation of each individual country and they may all have different regulations and attitudes towards us. Generally everyone is always friendly and it’s usually obstacles such as breakdowns, bad roads and natural disasters that have a bearing on the expedition. Everything changes from trip to trip depending on what the current situation or problem is, so it’s not ‘if’ something goes wrong, it’s ‘when’.

Please be prepared to expect the unexpected and accept that things will go wrong from time to time. These instances are usually the stories that remain with everyone so enjoy the experience. An easy-going approach will help the situation immensely. Moaning about every little thing that doesn’t go our way will not!

Attitude & Group Living: A good, easy-going attitude will help you get through this trip and ensure you are liked by your fellow travelers as well as the locals. The one thing that is extremely detrimental to an expedition such as this is your common ‘moaner’. It has nothing to do with age, sex or nationality, it just matters that although they signed up for this ‘in theory’ they can’t cope ‘in practice’ and it’s always got to be someone’s fault. It sounds a bit harsh but by weeding out any moaners early on we can have a chat with them and ensure your expedition is as good as it can be. It’s hard enough at the best of times without in-house problems so by ensuring everyone is on the same page from the get go will start us off in good stead.

We have no age restrictions and if there is one thing we have come to realize, through experience, is that it’s the mental attitude that counts the most and a broader age range is better on a long trip as it stops the stereotyping – the more in the mix the better.

There will be parties and there will be quiet nights. There are no set rules and it always sorts itself out depending on the individual personalities of who’s on board.

Laziness and selfishness will also be spotted early on so we advise everyone to pull their weight. We can guarantee that at some stage during the expedition you will have to just fit in and go with the flow when it’s not what you personally wanted to do. When situations arise where we can’t please everybody we always aim to please the ‘majority of the group’, not the individual.

Please be aware that if any particular person is constantly causing the rest of the group (or the crew) grief due to their behavior they will be warned and then asked to leave the expedition if nothing improves and no refund will be given. This is obviously the most extreme situation but we will not let one or two lazy or selfish individuals spoil it for everybody else. Everybody knows the score from the start and this is for everyone’s benefit. Usually everybody who does our trips has a relaxed approach and everybody gets on very well and any unsuitable people do not last long and leave on their own accord.

This is a once in a lifetime experience so let’s all enjoy it!

Drive times, routes and proposed itineraries: We are driving a long way across Africa in a restricted time frame, so yes, there are going to a lot of drive days and some of them will be long. This is where you have to be able to take pleasure in the scenery or a good book from time to time.

As a general rule on a drive day we leave in the morning around 7-8am (after breakfast) and pull up just before dusk in order to set up camp in the daylight, but this really depends on the distance between destinations.

Sometimes it will be a full day’s drive between destinations and you’ll have the following day free. On rare occasions it will be a 3-4 day long drive where you’ll leave early, stop late and wild camp in-between, then have a few free days at your destination. Sometimes it’s only a few hours between locations. Driving is a huge part of the trip so be prepared for a lot of it and expect the odd long drive into the night.

Please note: at times we may placed under military or police escort when travelling through troubled areas. If this occurs then we are at their mercy and they make the decisions with regard to driving hours and routes. We do not argue with those who are trusted to ensure our safety, so please be aware that sometimes the pace will be faster than we would personally choose and the route they pick will be the one we follow, regardless of our proposed itinerary.

Delays: We always strive to arrive at our destinations on time but if we experience any delays we will adjust our itinerary accordingly. If we experience any major delays our end date can be extended to suit our needs. The proposed itinerary is just that, ‘proposed’, and can and will change at the crew’s discretion if need be.

We advise you not to book onward flights until we get within a week of our final destination.

Drugs: In a lot of the countries we travel through drugs such as marijuana are in abundance and readily available. Please be aware that they are still illegal and some countries hold the Death Penalty as punishment for being caught in possession. Obviously you are free to do whatever you want to do in your own free time but there is NEVER to be any illegal drugs onboard the expedition vehicle at any time.

If you are caught with any kind of illegal drugs on the expedition vehicle, regardless of the amount, you will be asked to leave the expedition immediately and no refund will be given. This is a very strict rule as any inconsideration can lead to the vehicle being impounded, the expedition cancelled and other innocent parties arrested. We will not hesitate to remove someone if we have to so please respect your other expedition members.

Your Crew: You will normally have a crew of 1 experienced person who fills the role of being the driver/expedition leader. Sometimes our crew prefer to work with a partner so there may occasionally be 2 crew who share the roles of driver and expedition leader. On some expeditions we may also have a cameraman who is there to help market our tours and update our social media accounts.

Your crew member will drive and maintain the vehicle as well as sort out all the accommodation, permits, border crossings and generally ensure the smooth running of the expedition. Your crew member is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every country you travel through. Apart from the odd optional extra that needs to be organized in advance, we leave most of that stuff to you guys, this way ensuring you get to do what you want, at the price you are happy to pay.

You do the reading up on the places we are going to in advance and decide how you want to spend your time and what activities you want to do. Apart from some basic truck rules this is not a trip where we hold your hand, it’s an expedition and we expect that you will want to be as independent as possible when it comes to your free time.

Your crew will be hand-picked and trained by Madventure and will have experience of overland travel but they may or may not have done this expedition before. They will however have detailed notes from previous expeditions and backup from the office in the UK.

Tipping: Tipping the crew at the end of your expedition is always appreciated. As this is a long expedition, but also a budget one, we recommend you tip your driver/expedition leader a minimum of £1 per day if you are happy with their service. Thank you.

CONTACT US TODAY

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Madventure Ltd. 10 Ablett Close Oxford, OX4 1XH United Kingdom

TELEPHONE +44 7712 225 438

WHATSAPP +44 7712 225 438

EMAIL [email protected]

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Copyright Madventure 2023 / UK company no. 6809461 / VAT no. 947398564 | All Rights Reserved | ABTA | FINANCIAL PROTECTION | TERMS & CONDITIONS |

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Africa Overland Tours & Holidays

• Overland Tours
• Africa Overland Tours & Holidays

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 tour is truly a drive on the wild side.

World Sale ends soon - last chance to get up to 20% off* selected trips.

Lock in your next trip and save up to 20% off* Asia, Africa, South America and beyond - for departures until 14th December 2024.

Our Overland tours in Africa

Okavango experience, 10 days from 1179.

Tour through Johannesburg, Maun, Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta and Victoria...

Explore Southern Africa

18 days from 2331.

Spend some time exploring Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe with included safari...

Gorillas & Game Parks

16 days from 3029.

Encounter the wildlife of Kenya and Uganda on this adventure including a gorilla trek...

Cape Town to Vic Falls

22 days from 1971.

Spend three weeks exploring South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, from Cape...

East Africa Highlights

10 days from 2534.

Travel through East Africa from Kenya to Tanzania, stopping at the Masai Mara, the...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Kenya Wildlife Safari

8 days from 1071.

Experience Kenyan wildlife on an eight day trip travelling from Nairobi to Lake...

East Africa Safari & Coast

13 days from 3191, road to zanzibar, 12 days from 1790.

Experience the beauty of the Ngorongoro and Serengeti, Usambara Mountains and Zanzibar...

The Masai Heartlands

15 days from 2576.

Uncover Kenya and Tanzania on a 2 week trip with Serengeti safaris, Ngorongoro, Nakuru,...

Serengeti Trail

8 days from 1535.

Roam the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Amboseli National Park to spot Africa's Big...

Vic Falls to Kruger

9 days from 1152.

Take on a safari adventure through Hwange National Park, Matobo National Park, Kruger...

Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches

27 days from 5000.

Go deep in East Africa on this epic trip, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Experience Southern Africa

16 days from 3033.

Visit Africa and travel through southern Africa's beautiful regions. Visit South Africa...

Botswana Adventure

10 days from 3260.

Visit Africa and travel through Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe on a tour from Windhoek...

Kruger to Vic Falls

Travel from South Africa's capital to Botswana and Zimbabwe, visiting two of southern...

Namibia Discovery

13 days from 2941.

Travel from Cape Town in South Africa to Namibia’s Windhoek through coastlines, sand...

Kruger, Coast & Cape

22 days from 1908.

Embark on a 22 day Southern African odyssey through wildlife-rich game parks, idyllic...

Amazing Southern Africa

22 days from 6014.

Jump onboard an exhilarating journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls through the...

Vic Falls to Cape Town

22 days from 1980.

Discover the unique and contrasting lands of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South...

Garden Route Adventure

14 days from 1180.

See Africa from Durban to Cape Town on a 14-day adventure. Tour Tsitsikamma, Addo...

Best of East Africa

20 days from 3026.

Step out onto the Serengeti and keep your eyes out for rhinos, lions, leopards and a...

Cape Town to Zanzibar

41 days from 3731.

See Africa on this incredible overland adventure from South Africa to Tanzania. Soak up...

Serengeti & Kilimanjaro

15 days from 3961.

Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya, including a trek to the summit of Mt...

Nairobi to Stone Town

9 days from 1125.

Marvel at East Africa from Nairobi to Stone Town on this epic trip with safaris, hikes...

Okavango & Beyond

9 days from 1652.

Travel from Zimbabwe to South Africa via Botswana. The Okavango and Beyond trip is the...

Vic Falls to Stone Town

17 days from 1454.

See East Africa in 17 days including Victoria Falls, Matobo, South Luwanga, Lake Malawi...

Southern Africa Adventure

30 days from 3096.

Take a month long southern African adventure from Cape Town into Namibia, Botswana and...

Essential East Africa

10 days from 1208.

Hit the (dirt) road through Kenya and Tanzania. Safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro...

Johannesburg to Kenya

37 days from 4545.

Travel the waterways of Botswana, the beaches of Zanzibar and the savannahs of the...

Cape Town to Kenya

49 days from 5310.

Experience the ultimate African adventure on this epic trip including Kenya, Botswana,...

Kruger & Coast

9 days from 820.

Explore diverse southern Africa on this nine-day adventure, including Kruger National...

Gorillas to Vic Falls

42 days from 6494.

Explore Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe on this epic trip that included a...

Essential Botswana

9 days from 855.

Four countries, at least five national parks, hundreds of animals, thousands of birds,...

Safari to Kilimanjaro - Machame Route

16 days from 4391.

Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya including a trek to the summit of Mt...

Africa Encompassed Southbound

63 days from 7560.

Set out on a mighty African adventure through Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe...

Vic Falls to Kenya

28 days from 3209.

Discover East African wilderness and the animals that call it home on an adventure...

Zanzibar to Cape Town

40 days from 3352.

Explore Africa on an epic wildlife-rich adventure from Tanzania to South Africa while...

Kenya to Cape Town

48 days from 4848.

Tour Africa's best from Kenya to Cape Town through Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zimbabwe...

Real East Africa & Zanzibar

14 days from 1784.

Explore the wildlife-rich plains of Kenya and Tanzania and then unwind in Zanzibar....

Stone Town to Nairobi

9 days from 1500.

Explore Tanzania on this trip travelling to Nairobi via the Serengeti and the Usambara...

Essential African Safari

9 days from 725.

Travel from Zimbabwe to Botswana and South Africa on a real African adventure. Visit...

Stone Town to Vic Falls

16 days from 1416.

Track rhinos on foot and embrace the sights and sounds of Eastern Africa on this unique...

Johannesburg to Gorillas

52 days from 7601.

Experience the waterways of Botswana, the beaches of Zanzibar, the savannahs of the...

Kenya to Vic Falls

27 days from 3260.

Explore the wilds of East Africa on a trip from Nairobi to the Serengeti, Usambara...

Kilimanjaro & Serengeti Adventure

15 days from 4233, beaches, game parks & gorillas, 27 days from 4919.

Spend 27 days exploring the wonders, wildlife and tribal cultures of East Africa to...

Zanzibar to Vic Falls

19 days from 1664.

Explore East Africa from Zanzibar's beaches to the roar of Victoria Falls, seeing...

Johannesburg to Zanzibar

29 days from 3083.

From Johannesburg to Botswana, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lake Malawi and...

Zanzibar to Nairobi

12 days from 1692.

Get a true taste of eastern Africa on a 12-day trip to Zanzibar, the Serengeti,...

Vic Falls to Zanzibar

20 days from 1722.

Travel from the thundering Victoria Falls to the spice plantations of Zanzibar via...

Vic Falls to Gorillas

43 days from 6449.

Take an epic trip through eastern Africa, via Victoria Falls, the Serengeti and...

Our accommodation styles

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 tours 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.

Our Overland vehicles

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 travelling 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.

What crew will accompany me on an Overland tour?

Good things come in threes, right? On most Overland tours 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 tours, 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.

What’s the group size?

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.

What are drive days like?

Africa Overland tours 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 shortbreak adventures. Check the itineraries on our website for an approximate breakdown of drive times for each trip. 

How do game drives work?

Most Africa Overland tours 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 4x4 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.

Am I expected to help out with tasks on the road?

On most Overland tours, 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!

How do meals work?

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.

How do the itineraries operate?

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 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.

How do we deal with money on the road?

One of the great things about an Overland tour 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.

How do visas and border crossings work?

Many of the countries visited on our Africa Overland tours 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.

What should I know about health?

To fully participate in an Africa Overland tour, 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 to 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.

How do I pack for an Overland trip?

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 26 inches long, 18 inches wide and 10 inches 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.

While most Africa Overland tours 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 holiday, but there's 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 Real Food Adventure through Morocco. Make your Overland adventure part of an even bigger Africa holiday on any of the trips below. 

Read more about Africa