Overlanding - Africa Expedition Support

Frequently Asked
Questions

We often have enquiries both before and after booking overland tours. Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions we have received regarding our East Africa overland tours. Hopefully this will help to answer some of your questions however if you have a question that is not addressed in this section do not hesitate to contact Debs at info@AfricaExpeditionSupport.com. For Trans Africa clients please refer to Debs direct.

Q: What is Overlanding?

Much to the surprise of many the concept of traveling together in a large safari truck (or bus) has been around for over 20 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. Custom built 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 tanks, 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, the people, politics and places to go is second to none. No problem is too big for them to sort. This gives you peace of mind, safety and security without it being a 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.

Q: What type of vehicle will we be traveling in?

Africa Expedition Support has a variety of overland safari vehicles ranging from 7 seater 4x4 to 26 seater custom built safari truck. They all come fully equipped with tents, mattresses, kitchen equipment, stereo, cooler box/fridge, coach seats, storage for valuables, luggage space and medical kit.

Q: How old is too old to join one of these safaris?

It is not age but attitude! On average most clients range between 20 and 40 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!!).

Q: Do you charge a single supplement for lone travelers?

No, but most times you will share a tent with a same sex person also traveling on their own

Q: I hear this type of traveling is just about partying. Is this true?

While most campsites have a bar overlanding through Africa is definitely not about just having one big party. What is the point? It would be cheaper to save your money and drink with your mates at home! While we still have a good time and the odd celebration (i.e. after gorilla trekking, rafting, birthdays etc) these trips are about experiencing Africa, her culture, her scenery, her people and making the most out of your time and money.

Q: I am not very fit and worried about Gorilla Trekking. How fit do I need to be?

Trekking the Gorillas can be strenuous; however every day people from all walks of life, body shapes and fitness levels achieve this life long dream. The pace is slow and the guides make sure you have plenty of rest time along the way.

Q: I want to White Water Raft but have never done this before. Can I still White Water Raft?

Yes, it is no problem you have never rafted before. You are taken out by professional river rafting guides; they give you full instruction prior to entering the raft as well as supplying full safety gear (life jackets and helmets). Most people who raft the Nile have never rafted prior. Africa Expedition Support use a very professional local operator called Adrift - the owner is originally from New Zealand and has been rafting himself for over 25 years!

Q: Are there other costs I need to budget for?

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: Trip costs, local payment (tour extras – paid to the tour leader on day 1 of safari), optional activities, visas and personal spending money.

The overland safaris are straight forward providing two experienced crew, expedition vehicle, tents, mattresses and kitchen gear, 2 meals per day (excl. Diani beach) and camping accommodation.

You choose all the Optional Activities you want to do and pay as you go. The crew organise the Optional Activities and bookings for you.

Bring all your cash in NEW USD$ Notes.

Q: How much personal spending money is recommended?

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 $15 – USD $25 a day to pay for your lunch, 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!

For Gorillas and Beaches; and Adrenalin, Wildlife and Beaches we recommend an extra $30 per day while in Diani beach to cover meals.

Bring ALL your spending, Visa, and Optional Activities money 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 now 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).

Q: Do I need to get visas before traveling and how much are they?

For Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania visas are available at the point of entry (i.e. airport or land border). cost: Kenya USD$50 (valid for 3 months), Uganda USD$50 (IRE free), Tanzania USD$50 (IRE free). 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 and above). Costs vary if obtained prior to traveling from your home country.

Q: Do I need travel insurance?

You must have valid comprehensive travel insurance for the entire duration of the safari. This insurance must cover all activities you want to do i.e. white water rafting Grade 5 etc. 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).

Q: Do I need any special vaccinations?

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.

Q: I hear malaria is a problem. What can I do to protect myself?

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.

Q: I am vegetarian will this be a problem?

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!

Q: Do I have to cook meals?

On our East African safaris (those departing Nairobi and Entebbe) a cook is provided. Meals are planned by the crew to make the most of what is available locally, fresh meat is available most days and fresh vegetables are available all the time. Africa Expedition Support ensures the menu is varied and servings large - so you wont go to bed hungry.

However, everyone is expected to pitch-in and help out with daily activities (i.e. cooking, truck cleaning, security etc).

Q: How many passport pages will I need on average?

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 (for all Nairobi and Entebbe departures).

Q: How do I know where to meet for 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.

Q: What if I arrive the day before. Can accommodation be arranged for me?

Yes, accommodation and airport pick up can be arranged in advance. This is all covered in the “Trip Joining Instructions”. Accommodation pre and post safari are not included in the tour cost.

Q: How does the trip payment work?

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 and Optional Activity (to budget for Optional Activities refer to the web page for the particular overland your you have booked) money.

Q: I want to bring my mobile phone and digital camera. Are there charging facilities available?

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.

Q: Are there any changes I should be aware of?

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, natural disaster, political unrest, illness, or mechanical break down.

Want to find out more? Email Debs
info@AfricaExpeditionSupport.com
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to add us to your address book)