Frequently Asked
Questions
We often have enquiries both before and after booking Guided Self Drive tours. Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions we have received regarding our East Africa Guided Self Drive Tours. Hopefully this will help to answer some of your questions however if you have a question that are not addressed in this section do not hesitate to contact Debs at info@AfricaExpeditionSupport.com. For Cairo to Cape Town clients please refer to Debs direct.
Much to the surprise of many the concept of traveling overland throughout Africa has been around for over 30 years. In short; overlanding is a unique way to experience not only the places we visit but also the journey in getting there.
Overlanding refers to anyone who travels from place to place over land. You may have done a "road trip" with a group of friends or family across Europe or a weekend to a major festival... That is a type of Overlanding.
Overlanding is a safe way to travel through Africa over land, with a group of like-minded individuals. Adapted 4x4 safari vehicles are used to ensure maximum comfort while experiencing the best Africa has to offer. We are completely self-sufficient, fully equipped with tents, camping chairs, sleeping mattresses, fresh water, complete kitchen (minus the microwave!) and a fire grill for those all important BBQs!!
Overlanding is the best way to see and experience Africa - you are not on your own but with a group of like-minded individuals and 2 experienced crew. Africa Expedition Support crew choose to live and work in East Africa - hence their knowledge of the areas, animals, the people, politics and places to go is second to none. No problem too big for them to sort. This gives you peace of mind, safety and security without it being an over-the-top fully guided tour (please note Africa Expedition Support crew are drivers and leaders! Not guides - we do not use umbrellas!!); giving you a sense of independent travel but without the hassle of having to organise everything yourself.
Overlanding with Africa Expedition Support gives you a unique insight into Africa not found on expensive fly-in lodge safaris.
Guided self drive is not unlike a tag-along tour, however you will be driving one of our Land Rover Discovery's. Each group has a lead vehicle with 2 experienced crew who are on hand to sort out the day to day activities, meals and solve any issues which may arise throughout your safari.
The lead vehicle sets the speed and route taken on that day. However, when in game parks you are free to game drive on your own and at your own pace. This is what makes self drive so unique - you can choose to sit by a watering hole for hours on end and wait for the animals to come to you or you can drive around to see how much you can find. There is no pressure, nor competition for that perfect photo. Obviously, should you see something interesting it would be polite to inform the rest of the group via your CB radio!
You are responsible for putting up and taking down your tent, and looking after the equipment supplied for your safari. The crew prepares your meals and organizes activities; you simply drive and enjoy the scenery.
On our 7-14 day safaris extreme 4x4 off-road driving experience is not essential, however you do need to be a capable driver. It is handy to have had some 4x4 experience (driving through mud and sand) however this is not essential. The crew is on-hand to answer any questions, and if you do get stuck they are only a radio message away from rescuing you. The crew is there to assist you in every way possible; the second crew member is also a driver and therefore is on call should another driver be required.
For Cairo to Cape Town clients please refer to the office directly.
Africa Expedition Support has a variety of adapted overland safari 4x4 Land Rover Discovery's ranging from 2-5 seats. Each vehicle is equipped with Oz Tent, camp beds, kitchen cutlery and crockery, stereo, cooler box/fridge, luggage space, CB Radio, fire extinguisher, basic first aid kit, light for the tent, small inverter (UK plug), spare tyres and basic tools.
The lead vehicle carries an extensive kitchen, tools, spare parts, and fridge.
It is not age but attitude! On average most clients range between 35 and 65 years old. However our oldest client celebrated his 70th birthday on one of our safaris. If you have the energy levels for a camping trip, can put up and down your tent and have a positive attitude toward life you are not too old! Africa Expedition Support does not discriminate on age (we are not that young either!!).
You must be in possession of a valid driving permit (without penalty) from your home country and International Driving permit, be medically and physically fit, be able to drive in challenging conditions and for long periods of time (up to 8 hours) and be able to drive a manual right hand drive vehicle.
Yes, in most places it is possible to upgrade room accommodation. The complete list and prices are available from the office.
Yes, prices for single bookings are available on request.
Our philosophy is to keep things simple for you. You don't have to read
between the lines to find out what's included and what's not! No hidden
costs, no surprises. You can split this up into:
1. Trip cost and local payment
2. visas and personal spending money.
We have included in the trip cost and local payment pretty much all the activities with the exception of Adventure options available along the way i.e. mountain biking.
These overland safaris are straight forward providing two experienced crew, expedition vehicle and all costs, tents, camp beds and kitchen gear, 3 meals per day, camping accommodation, activities as per the itinerary.
Bring all your cash in NEW USD$ Notes.
You can never have too much!!
Everyone has different needs and life styles. It is hard to predict what every individual would spend. As a rough guide we recommend at least USD $25 - USD $40 a day to pay for your snacks, a couple of beers in the evening and the odd souvenir as well as e-mails and post cards. For example a bottle of local beer (500ml) costs approx. USD$1.50, a glass of wine is more expensive approx.USD$3.50. So if you are a wine drinker - budget more!
Bring ALL your spending and Visa in new USD CASH ONLY. Large USD notes
(tip: $50 and $100 notes obtain a higher exchange rate than small notes).
USD notes must be dated 2003 and above; clean new notes without rips or
pen markings otherwise they will not be accepted in East Africa.
Do not assume the banks or money changers in UK/Europe/AUS/NZ/USA/RSA know you need NEW post dated 2003 USD CASH. You must check the dates and condition of each note before accepting them.
Traveler's cheques and credit cards are OK emergency backup money only. DO NOT rely on them as a source of cash (they also attract very high commission rates regardless what you are told back home).
Kenyan and Tanzanian visas are available at the point of entry (i.e. airport or land border). cost: Kenya USD$50 (USD$25 until 31 December 2009, valid for 3 months), Tanzania USD$50 (USA/IRE/CAN USD$100). This is true for UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN, IRE, RSA and EU passport holders. For other passport holders check with the relevant embassies.
All visas must be paid for in NEW USD Cash Only (dated 2003). Costs vary if obtained prior to traveling from your home country.
You must have valid comprehensive travel insurance for the entire duration of the safari. This insurance must cover all activities, including driving. Africa Expedition Support crew on Day 1 of your overland tour will take insurance details from you (24 hour medical emergency number, policy number, and insurer).
You must have a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (and bring it with you!). For all other vaccinations refer to your Travelers Medical Clinic for advice.
There are various prophylaxes available. They all have pros and cons. You have to keep in mind none of them provide 100% protection; they only buy you time to treat the infection. Treatments are available throughout malarial zones for relatively little money. Your best protection is not to get bitten. Malaria is a serious illness!
Your best protection is to cover up from dusk to dawn (light colored long sleeve shirt and trousers), use a strong insect repellent (DEET based) and take anti-malaria prophylaxes (tablets).
It is essential you obtain advice from your Travelers Medical Clinic on precautions and prophylaxis which suits you best.
No. Vegetarians and medical dietary requirements (i.e. allergies) are catered for. It does help if we are informed of this prior to departure date. Africa Expedition Support crew are experienced safari cooks - they can cater for veggies!
No, meals are provided where stated on the itinerary. Meals are planned by the crew to make the most of what is available locally, fresh meat is available most days and fresh fruit and vegetables are available all the time. Africa Expedition Support ensures the menu is varied, quality ingredients are used and servings large - so you wont go to bed hungry.
However, the crew do appreciate some assistance in peeling vegetables, stirring the pot, turning the meat on the BBQ!
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the finish date of the trip. You must have at least 3 empty pages at the start of the safari.
Once you have booked and paid the full amount we will email you "Trip Joining Instructions", this will give you all the relevant information you need to ensure you arrive at the meeting place on time.
The trip costs are split into 2 sections:
Land Price: Is payable in full 8 weeks prior to departure. This is payable in GBP.
Local Payment: Is payable on day 1 of your expedition directly to the crew. This is payable in post dated 2003 USD Cash only.
Once you have booked, we will send you an invoice for the Land Price (this is payable directly into a bank account, via internet banking or telegraphic transfer). Once this payment is received we will email you the "Trip Joining Instructions". On day 1 of the overland safari your tour leader will collect the Local Payment.
Most of the campsites we stay have charging facilities. However, keep in mind that power failures are common so bring spare batteries, lead with UK power plug/or adaptor. The vehicles are fitted with an inverter to charge small appliances such as camera, camera batteries, lap top,
All prices for optional extras/activities, visa costs etc are subject to change. Although unlikely, the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to road conditions, weather, natural disaster, political unrest, illness, or other force majeure.
