THE GUIDE: Overlanding in Africa

Where to go: What countries you go to will depend on your interest and how long you have to explore. If wildlife is your focus South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania are must sees. If ancient history is your thing Egypt is unmissable, for incredible landscapes Ethiopia and Namibia should top your list and if it’s adrenaline then Vic Falls Zimbabwe is a must. Think about what kind of a holiday you want. Places like Sudan and Ethiopia and much of West Africa are less used to tourist and the facilities and infrastructures in country reflect that. For a rundown of some of the most popular country destinations see the travel feature in this issue.
 

What to expect: All overlanding trips vary slightly but operate on a simple framework: a bunch of people in a truck being led by a tour leader and driver across continent with equipment for camping and cooking. The important thing to remember is that while it is amazing, overlanding is not a holiday per se. With long drive days, ardous border crossings, early starts, rotating cooking duties and truck cleans overlanding is a hands on, interactive and ultimately hugely enriching experience.
Overlanding is a little bit like living in the Big Brother house and interaction with your fellow passengers is a huge part of the trip. You will cook together, tent together, travel together an if emergency hits – such as a flat tire – you will have to pull together as a team. If you come with a friend or partner you will tent share with them, but if you are traveling solo you will normally be sharing with a fellow solo travelers of your sex. Tenting with someone is living in pretty close quarters so it could be the germation of a lifelong friendship…or not. Either way there is no doubt you will learn a lot from the communal aspect of the tour!
Mostly you will be camping at campsites with toilet / shower facilities but sometimes (especially in North Africa) you will be bush camping – basically free camping in the wilderness, the desert or sometimes on strip a gravel road – and at times you might even be staying in a hostel. Often at campsites you will be given the option to upgrade to a simple room for a small fee if you want a break from the tent.
Africa is a huge continent and depending on how many countries you plan to see you may be covering a lot of ground which can mean looong drive days. Be prepared to feel bored, restless, cramped and ill – as well as thrilled, amazing, excited and exhilarated of course!
 

How to choose a company:
There is no shortage of options so here are some things to look for in narrowing your choice -
Equipment: Your truck and your tent are going to be your home for the duration of your trip so it’s important to study this in detail before going. Many of the trucks have different layouts inside so although the difference between seats facing forward and seats arranged in a circle seems trivial, after months of truck life it won’t!
Itinerary: Have a close look at what is and isn’t included on your trip. Some companies include things like national park entrance fees and jeep safaris in the price while others have almost every activity costing extra. So even if one company seems cheaper than the other, account for the fact that you may be forking out extra at every turn when you arrive. Think in advance abut how much flexibility you want in terms of choosing your activities and choose your trip and budget accordingly.
Word of Mouth: The best way to find out if a company is for you is by speaking to people who have been and researching feedback. Though no two overlanding experiences are ever the same, you can certainly increase your chances of success if you go for a company that has been given a good rap by most people who have done a tour.

What to take: Although your overlanding company will give you a detailed list of what to take, here are a few extra tips for things that will improve your overlanding experience:

* Music. The soundtrack to your trip is vitally important for enhancing your drives, fueling your parties and lightening the pain of long border stops. Most trucks are equipped with a sound system so that all can enjoy together (or fight over tastes!)
* Books / cards / board games. Though not the best way of engaging with the continent, the truth is that on long trips and around quiet campsites you will want to unwind, and entertainment helps. Card games can be a great tool for group interaction early on. Books are not always readily available so if you’re a big reader it’s a good idea to bring a few so you can swap with other passengers during the trip.
* Diary. It’s amazing how quick the trip will fly by and before you know it you will be waking up and asking ‘what country am I in?’ Keeping even a brief diary will help job your memory when your trip is just a distant one.
* Donations. It’s no secret that most of Africa is extremely impoverished so passing on unwanted clothes or other useful items to the locals is always appreciated. Tell your tour leader when you start and they will help get your goods to the right people.
Likewise if you have items such as a watches or a torches that you’re not attached to you can use them to barter for goods in the marketplace in many countries!                                                                                                                                                           * Condiments and creativity. Food options can be limited with you are cooking for groups so little flavor boosters like vegemite, chili sauce or spices can become your best friend and jazz up any meal. Bringing a few simple recipe ideas never hurts either – trust me when I say you’ll tire of coleslaw and baked potatoes pretty quickly!
* Sense of adventure! You will be challenged you will be challenged and tested but never forget that this is the adventure of a lifetime!