Popular Overland Tours in Africa

Below I have put together a list of the most recommended Africa overland tours. I have included a wide variety and budgets with some short week long trips that cover only one or two countries, to year long trans Africa marathons that take right across the continent:

>> View all African Overland Trips available

 

Africa Overland Trip Map

Check out available overland Africa trips that start in the country of your choice:

 

Note: Countries without flags do not have available overland tours that start in that country, but do have safari holidays available there and overland tours that pass through the country.

More About Africa Overlanding Tours

Traveling overland across Africa as part of a group is a perfect way to meet new people and make life long friends, but it is not for everyone, so below I have listed some considerations as well as a few of the pros and cons that will hopefully help you decide if it is right for you.

Who is Overlanding for?

Overlanders come from all over the world and from all walks of life - the age range of the majority of passengers is from early 20's and 30's. Although most companies do not operate an age restriction, you need to be in good health, reasonably fit, adventurous and of open-minded spirit and attitude. Overland trips are generally not suitable for children and most overland tour operators do not take children on their trips.

Going with a group on an organised tour takes a lot of the problems of cross border travel in Africa leaving you more time to enjoy your adventure.

How Big are the Groups?

The amount of people on any overland tour does vary from company to company and usually depends on the route and type of vehicle. But in general numbers range from 7 to 22 on the larger long haul trips using large trucks.

Is Overlanding in Africa Safe?

Whilst nothing in life can be gauranteed, travelling overland on an organised tour is considered to be the safest way of seeing the African continent and is usually much safer than going alone.

Because Africa is so unpredictable and things change daily, the overland companies are regularly updated on political situations and run their trips in accordance with the guidelines suggested by the relevant authorities of the countries visited. In the event of a political upheaval or other event that could compromise safety of passengers - planned routes would be changed.

What Vehicles are used for Overlanding Tours?

Most of the best operators use custom built robust vehicles (often trucks) specially designed for travel through more remote areas. The type of vehicle used and lay out varies from company to company and itinerary to itinerary.

The larger vehicles provide a locker for your gear which is accessible from inside the truck as well as a communal safe for your valuables and a medical kit for emergency use. Interior lighting and Exterior lighting.

Types of Accommodation

On most African overland trips you will be camping most of the time with established campsites used most of the time. Facilities can range from basic to luxury with good amenities. Sometimes free camping in a bush camp is carried out when there is no permanent campsite nearby. A bush camp is something special to remember as you are truly out in the bush. Most operators equip you with 2 or 3 man tents with flysheets and mosquito netting, but you will need to take your own sleeping bag.

What is included in the price?

With the majority of the tours, the transport in a fully equipped expedition vehicle, road taxes and tolls, ferries, services of the driver-leader, use of camping and cooking equipment, campsite fees, entrance to gameparks as specified and meals as specified are included in the advertise price.

What meals are provided?

It is important to check with the operator before booking as to which meals are included in the price as this does vary. Some overland companies will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner whilst others may provide only breakfast and dinner.

On some overland trips there will be a cook with the passengers taking turns to help out. Whilst on others the group will organise all the cooking and shopping between themselves usually on a rota system. Bulk food stuffs are purchased prior to departure and topped up along the way, fresh foods are purchased from many markets and road stalls along the way.

What's not included?

In general the price of the tour does not include your flights to the start country, visas, personal insurance, side trips, meals out, items of a personal nature. Most operators are however able to advise and provide help with booking of your flights.

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What to Take on Safari

This page is part of a series of posts on what to take on safari, for further reading try:

• Safari Binoculars
• Best Digital Cameras for Safari Holidays
• Best Superzoom Cameras 2012
• African Safari, Travel & Wildlife Books
• What Equipment I take on Safari
• Bird Photography: Equipment used on Safari
• Safari Clothing Advice
• Safari packing list of what to take on safari