Africa Discovered
Cape Town to Nairobi
Fully Guided Self Drive 4x4 Africa Adventure
8 weeks, 7 countries
MORE INFORMATION
The following information is not an exhaustive list of everything you may want to know about this 4x4 Africa adventure but should answer some of the main key queries.
Group Size
There is a maximum of 10 4x4 vehicles per fully guided self drive Africa Advenure. This is an exclusive tour with only 1 departure per year with limited numbers.
Accommodation
Accommodation is a mix of hotels/hostels, campsites and a small amount of bush camping. We stay in hotels/hostels in Cape Town, Swakopmund and Zanzibar. The campsites have good facilities, often with hot showers, bar, restaurant and rooms/dorms available for upgrades. In East African National Parks the facilities at campsites are basic; Southern African National Parks the facilities at campsites are very good.
The Vehicles
After having spent years on the road throughout Africa in trucks, cars and on motorbikes we believe that the Land Rover is still the best 4X4 x far for this kind of trip.
A permanent four wheel drive with a very fuel efficient and sturdy turbocharged diesel engine combined with coil spring suspension provides best comfort as well as off road performance.
A very popular safari vehicle means spare parts are readily available should we require to restock.
Land Rovers have been ploughing the roads of Africa for decades and proven their reliability.
All 4x4 Land Rover vehicles are equipped with camping equipment, spare parts, tools, jerry cans for water and fuel.
The Crew
Africa Expedition Support only employs experienced road crew who have worked in some of the toughest and most demanding environments throughout Africa. They have a minimum of 5 years safari experience and are expert at negotiating the rough terrain, dealing with officials, have excellent mechanical skills and have the experience and necessary skill to deal with any challenge. Most importantly they are people persons, love what they do, and are passionate about Africa.
The Route/Itinerary
The itineraries on our 4x4 self drive Africa adventures are not day by day giving us more flexibility. You may want to spend less or more time in a certain location or visit other places of your personal interest. We always try to make your 4x4 self drive Africa adventure as tailor-made as possible but without missing out on the Must Do's in Africa.
Our itineraries are developed by experts in the know. We have included the main highlights in each country giving you the best variety and African experience.
The Road Conditions
Road conditions in Africa are challenging. Although most of this trip is on either tar or good dirt roads there are times when we will be off-roading in our Land Rovers
Southern African roads are good dirt or tar seal. With the exception of Namibia which has well maintained wide dirt roads.
East Africa roads are mostly tar however have deteriorated leaving pot holes and narrow stretches. Animals and locals often use the main roads as footpaths adding to the challenge.
The National Parks are all dirt roads, mostly in Ok condition.
The crew will instruct you in detail on how to safely drive in these adverse conditions. The lead 4x4 Land Rover will always stay in the lead and adapt their driving speed to suit the conditions.
Land Rover provides the smoothest ride on difficult road conditions.
Safety and Security
Research undertaken by Africa Expedition Support shows that personal safety and security concerns are the single biggest factor preventing people from doing this 4x4 trip individually.
Our crew know this route exceptionally well and are always updated on the latest information about areas to be visited. The crew are there to inform on driving times to ensure we always make our night stop prior to sun down.
Travelling in a group and staying in convoy provides a higher level of security.
Further as the price for the Africa Adventure includes most of the activities and National Park entrance fees you do not have to carry huge amounts of cash with you. Just enough for visas, some activities, snacks and drinks and meals while in Hotels/Hostels and a few curios (souvenirs) enroute.
Responsible Tourism
Travelling can bring many rewards to both yourself and the local people you meet along the way. Over the years we have seen tourists unknowingly offend local people.
African people in general are relaxed and often forgiving of our Western ways. But like anywhere in the World everyone deserves respect and acknowledgment regardless of cultural differences.
We are mere visitors in a place we are unfamiliar with and do not understand. Which is exactly why we choose to travel!
1. Respect the Culture - it is not our position nor right to judge, show disrespect; nor criticize a culture, value or belief which differs from our own.
2. Respect the Land and Animals - animals are protected in all National Parks. Driving off a designated track causes massive destruction to natural foliage; getting too close to wild animals is disturbing and unsettling. Littering or taking natural foliage is damaging to the environment.
3. Respect the Individual - always being polite and courteous to local people. Asking permission before taking photographs and respecting the answer.
Supporting Local Communities
Africa Expedition Support is proud to support community projects and orphanages in Kenya, Uganda and Malawi. Along the way we will stop briefly to visit these worthwhile projects and donate essential items. Visiting these projects gives invaluable insight into Africa not available on most organised tours.
We choose to support projects who receive very little or no funding hence essential items can range from little things such as powdered milk and nappies through to refurbishing schools and building toilet blocks.
Backup Support
In addition to the on-road support by our mechanic whose role is to maintain the 4x4 Land Rover vehicles to the best possible standard; Africa Expedition Support has a workshop in Nairobi.
In the unlikely event that one of the 4x4 Land Rover vehicles experiences complete mechanical failure there are spare Land Rovers based in Nairobi - the half-way point.
Visas and Passports
Visas and passports are the responsibility of the individual. Most visas are available enroute either at the point of entry or Embassies prior to entering. Our experienced crew are on hand to assist with visas and border crossings.
Trip Payment
The Trip costs are split into 2 sections Land Price and Local Payment:
Land Price: A non refundable deposit of 20% upon booking secures your seat. The remainder is payable in full 90 days prior to departure, failure to do so could result in forfeiting your seat. This is payable in GBP.
AND
Local Payment: Is payable on day 1 of your expedition directly to the crew. This is payable in post dated 2003 USD cash only.
The Land Price and Local Payment together form the overall trip price.
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