What to Expect - Overland Travel in Africa
Group Size
The minimum is 6 persons up to maximum of 16 persons or 24 persons depending on availability of suitable vehicles. You can sign up on your own ( no additional surcharge ) or with a few friends. If alone, we will pair you with another member of the same sex.
Cost
We use a multi-tier approach in our trip pricing. Trips are priced accordingly to final group size. Actual fares can be found on the respective trip pages.
Trip Extension
Members have the option to extend their tour after the fixed program. The estimated rate for the extended stay is about $100 per day and will varies depending on destination. For free-n-easy arrangement, the rate can be less than $50 per day. Actual charges will be advised upon request.
Accommodation & Tourist Infrastructure
On the overland expedition, we shall use various types of accommodation such as camping ( 2 persons to a spacious 3-person safari dome tent with foam sleeping mat provided ), and hutted accommodation such as chalets and backpackers’ hostels. Camp sites used vary, depending on the different tours and countries. Many are within National Parks, such as Kruger, which have hot water, showers, flush toilets and boast extras such as laundry facilities and a swimming pool. Other camp grounds cannot provide hot water for showers but their location possibly offers what their facilities lack. If hutted accommodation is preferred, additional surcharge of $20 is payable for each night of accommodation per person.
Equipment & Gear
All group camping & cooking/catering equipment will be provided. You only need to bring your own 3-season sleeping bag rated to about -7 degree celsius and personal travel clothing / gear. We will provide each participant with a comprehensive gear checklist to ensure you know what to prepare to get ready the necessary personal gear for a comfortable trip.
Meals
Three substantial meals per day are provided. This covers a breakfast, picnic lunch and wholesome cooked evening meal. Fresh produce is purchased as we travel, to supplement our pre-packed food supplies. Juice, tea and coffee are provided. Alcoholic drinks are not included in the tour price. Occasionally the group may decide to eat a meal out, which will be for your own account. You are welcome to purchase your own drinks en route from the supermarket at various stops. Special dietary needs can be catered for upon request.
 Transport & Crew
Travel will be in either special-chartered Overland Vehicle or Mini-Coach with an experienced Driver. Depending on group size and route, your guide may also be the driver and cook. The Guide will give the low-down on the sights, wildlife, history and people of the land. Maximum capacity is either 12, 18 or up to 24 persons depending on the vehicle type.
What's Not Included
Travel insurance, airport departure & war insurance taxes, gratuities/tips to your guide, pre-trip medical immunization costs, your personal expenses, and all optional activities ( ie. bungi jumping, sky diving, horse-riding, mountain biking etc. ).
Trip Difficulty Rating
Our overland adventures are usually rated at Easy or Easy to Moderate levels and suitable for most people. This is a 'soft' adventure trip and good physical fitness level is not required although on certain days, day hiking of up to 3-5 hours can be expected. If you've been physically active all this while, but still wish to ensure you'll be in good shape to enjoy the tour comfortably, just join in a few sessions of our GCS program a few weeks before trip departure. If you have not exercised for a long period or out of shape, it's strongly recommended that you join our GCS preferably at least 4 weeks before departure.
Style of Overland Adventure
The overland style of travel is rugged and at times, a dusty one. On certain days, the driving may take up to 8 hours with stops just for toilet breaks and meals. Participants need to be mentally & physically prepared for such an adventure.
A willingness to participate is fundamental in this trip and each and all participants are expected to join in and assist in daily chores. You will be asked to pitch your own tent, help to pack the camp, assist with meal preparation and wash up the dishes afterwards. It's fun to be involved. Joining in means you'll get far more out of your trip at the end of the day. Please ensure you decide to join this trip because you are attracted by the style and itinerary of the trip and the great fun you might get out of this trip with fellow buddy adventurers.
Due to the adventurous nature of our expedition, times, dates, routes, and rates may change without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Our schedule has been planned to allow for these variations and where necessary, spare days will be used to compensate for these changes. A flexible approach by all will allow us to alter plans efficiently and effectively and achieve our trip objectives.
Participation and personal involvement is an integral part of the social side of group travel and adventure. Everyone is involved in building a cohesive team. Making friends, caring and understanding, and above all, the sharing of adventure creates true values and an unforgettable experience. The great pleasure of overlanding is to expect the unexpected whether it is the challenge of the road, negotiating a washed-out section, or joining in an unscheduled local festivity. All participants need to take special note that this overland adventure tour is NOT for the pampered or spoilt ... an open mind is a must!
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