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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
- 01Because you're not simply being taken to Africa – you're travelling through it, and you're part of the adventure.Overlanding is about the freedom and excitement of doing it yourself, but doing it safely. You drive your own fully equipped 4x4, follow remote tracks, cross changing landscapes, help establish camp and experience the wildlife and wilderness as part of the journey rather than simply being driven from one destination to another.You travel as part of a small group of vehicles, led by Haley and Angus who are experienced Adventure Leaders, so you have the independence and satisfaction of driving your own 4x4 while still having guidance, support and the reassurance of travelling together. We use radios between the vehicles, help one another when conditions become challenging and make decisions as a team.There may be deep sand, rough tracks, elephants blocking the road, spectacular wildlife sightings or unexpected stops along the way – and that's exactly the point. Overlanding is an adventure, not a packaged journey where every minute is predictable.You drive the tracks. You help make camp. You sit around the fire at night. You wake up in the wilderness. You learn about the vehicles, the wildlife and the places we're travelling through – and you share all of it with a small group of people doing the journey alongside you.It's independent travel without being alone; adventure with experienced leadership; and a chance to experience Africa by actually travelling through it yourself.
- 02No. Our ventures are designed for all experience levels. Roof-top tents are simple to use, and our team provides full support, guidance, and demonstrations throughout the trip.
- 03You will travel in a fully equipped 4x4 overland vehicle fitted with roof-top tent, dual battery system, fridge/freezer, recovery equipment, and camping gear. All vehicles are maintained to expedition standards for remote African travel.See our Vehicles Info Page: https://www.africa-overland-adventures.com/vehicles
- 04Driving days typically range from 4–5 hours, with plenty of stops for photos, wildlife sightings, fuel, and breaks. Routes are planned to be comfortable and enjoyable, not rushed.Routine For Driving Days | Africa Overland Adventures
- 05Yes, ideal. Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia are some of Africa's most visitor-friendly countries. Our itineraries and support systems are designed for both first-timers and seasoned travellers.
- 06Yes — all three countries offer exceptional wildlife encounters. Expect elephants, hippos, giraffes, antelope, zebra, predators (lion/leopard/wild dog), and incredible birdlife.
- 07All three countries are considered very safe for travellers. Campsites and lodges are well managed, and our routes avoid unsafe areas. Normal travel awareness is advised, especially in wildlife zones.
- 08Yes. We can tailor routes to include more river time, more desert and wilderness, extra days in national parks, or country combinations (Botswana + Namibia + Zambia).
- 09Most guests bring around GBP £200 in local currency for optional activities, snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. Fuel is pay-as-you-go on all our trips, and we will advise the cost during our online briefing. This generally can be paid by bank card.
- 10We recommend speaking with your GP or a travel nurse well in advance of your trip, as they can provide advice based on your personal medical history and the specific regions you’ll be visiting. You can also find useful guidance in our online information here: https://www.africa-overland-adventures.com/risk-management#anchors-m3j0e6gw
- 11Swimming is sometimes available during the trip, but this is typically limited to designated swimming pools or plunge pools at lodges or campsites. These are controlled environments where safety can be more effectively managed. Use of any pool is always subject to local conditions and your Adventure Leader’s guidance, and you must follow any rules or restrictions in place. Swimming is a potentially hazardous activity that requires appropriate supervision and risk management, so decisions are made carefully on a case-by-case basis. Swimming in natural water (rivers, lakes, etc.) is not permitted unless specifically authorised by your Adventure Leader, and only when strict safety criteria are met. Please refer to our full guidance here: https://www.africa-overland-adventures.com/risk-management#anchors-m3j0e6gw
- 12Yes. Botswana, Namibia and Zambia can all include malaria risk areas, depending on the region, season and route travelled. All clients should check the relevant NaTHNaC / Travel Health Pro pages and speak to their GP, Travel Nurse or travel clinic for personal medical guidance well before departure: Namibia https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/157/namibia Botswana https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/33/botswana Zambia https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/247/zambia NaTHNaC advises arranging a travel health appointment at least 4–6 weeks before travel, especially if vaccines or malaria tablets may be needed.
- 13Overlanding is about the journey as much as the destination. Rather than being driven from lodge to lodge, we travel through Africa ourselves in equipped 4x4 vehicles, following remote tracks, camping in wild places and experiencing the landscape as we move through it. It combines self-drive safari, camping, exploration and genuine adventure – but with experienced leadership and support throughout.
- 14Yes – but you can also be a passenger. Driving is a big part of the adventure experience. Guests can share the driving of our 4x4 vehicles, travelling together as a small convoy. You won't simply be a passenger watching Africa through a window; you'll be part of the expedition. If you don't want to drive, that's fine too.
- 15No. We brief everyone before we enter more challenging terrain and help you understand the vehicle, four-wheel-drive system and techniques required. We travel together and communicate between vehicles by radio. Nobody is expected to tackle something they aren't comfortable with.
- 16It varies enormously. Some days include good gravel or tar roads; others can involve deep sand, corrugations, rocky tracks, mud or water depending on the route and season. We don't treat difficult terrain as a competition. We take our time, help one another and use the appropriate driving techniques for the conditions.
- 17Then you've had a proper overlanding experience! Getting stuck occasionally is perfectly normal when travelling through sand, mud or difficult terrain. Our vehicles travel together and carry appropriate recovery equipment. Your Adventure Leaders will manage the recovery and show you how it's done safely.
- 18Yes. We operate as a convoy and use radios between the vehicles. We have clear convoy procedures and nobody is left behind. Part of the fun is travelling as a small expedition rather than three completely separate vehicles.
- 19Remote travel requires preparation. We carry essential recovery and emergency equipment, communications, Starlink or SAT Phone, water and vehicle spares appropriate to the journey. Our Adventure Leaders assess the situation and manage the response. The important point is that you are not undertaking a remote self-drive journey alone.
- 20Our philosophy is that the best wildlife encounter is one where the animal is able to behave naturally. We don't crowd wildlife or deliberately push into an animal's comfort zone for a photograph. Elephants, in particular, are given plenty of space and the right of way. You'll be briefed on wildlife behaviour and what to do when animals are around the vehicles.
- 21We wait! Elephants have right of way. Watching a herd quietly cross a track can become one of the highlights of the journey. We never try to squeeze past, pressure or force wildlife to move. Sometimes patience provides a far better wildlife experience than driving closer ever could.Sharing the road with giants: SHARING THE ROAD WITH GIANTS. Driving Safely Around Elephants and Hippos
- 22Not always – and that's part of what makes this such an extraordinary experience. On some routes we camp in genuine wilderness where elephants, hyenas and other wildlife may move through or around camp. You'll receive a full camp and night-time wildlife briefing so everyone understands how to behave safely.
- 23We operate clear camp procedures after dark. Food and waste are managed carefully, torches are kept accessible and guests don't wander away from camp alone. Where we're camping amongst wildlife, your Adventure Leaders will explain the procedures before darkness falls.Further information: https://af547b48-89b7-436b-9684-726cc2d1c6df.usrfiles.com/ugd/af547b_b2fa9971e0974f5b999779b1bf17b9a4.pdf
- 24Very possibly. Hearing lions calling, hippos grunting, elephants moving nearby or hyenas calling while you're lying safely in your tent can be one of the most memorable parts of an African overland adventure. It's very different from experiencing Africa from inside a conventional lodge.
- 25Depending on the journey, we use rooftop tents and/or good-quality ground tents. Overlanding camping is deliberately practical rather than luxurious, but that's part of its charm. You're sleeping in the landscape rather than simply visiting it during the day.More information and pics: Vehicles | Africa Overland Adventures
- 26We all do. Overlanding works best when everyone becomes part of the expedition. Your Adventure Leaders organise the camp and show everyone the routine, but guests help with tents, chairs, kitchen equipment and packing away. After a couple of days it becomes surprisingly quick – and very sociable.
- 27Meals are part of the experience. We prepare proper food in camp and eat together, often around the fire or under the stars. Everyone is welcome to get involved. There are few better places to talk about the day's adventures than around an African campfire.
- 28We'll explain the arrangements at each camp. In the camps we use there are good sit on toilets and washing facilities. During the days we are driving from one location to another, a Wild Wee is required!
- 29Space in the vehicles is limited, so soft luggage is strongly preferred to large rigid suitcases. We'll provide a recommended kit and clothing list before departure. You need considerably less than you might imagine.Further info on Kit and Clothing: Kit & Clothing | Africa Overland Adventures
- 30Usually, yes, although facilities vary by route and camps. Our trips are designed for remote travel, so it's sensible to bring power banks and appropriate charging cables. We'll provide route-specific advice before departure.
- 31Sometimes – and sometimes wonderfully, no. Once we enter remote areas, phone coverage and internet access can disappear completely. We plan and communicate accordingly. For many guests, being properly disconnected for a while becomes one of the unexpected pleasures of the trip.We have Starlink and use that where we can which is very good.
- 32Tell us. There is no pressure and no bravado. Your Adventure Leaders can talk you through a section, change drivers or take over where appropriate. Confidence usually develops very quickly once you've spent some time with the vehicle.
- 33You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable getting in and out of 4x4s, travelling on rough roads, helping around camp and dealing with some long days. It's an active holiday rather than a conventional luxury safari.If you want it top be more active, there are area where we can go for long walks/hikes. Namibia is you best overland option if you want walks and hikes.
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