Group Charters FAQ

At Africa Expedition Support we have a fleet of custom built overland safari trucks that can take up to 21 passengers. These vehicles are custom built to appreciate the diversity of the landscape and maximise social and communal style of travel.

Our vehicles are homes on wheels! They are self-sufficient with their own fresh water tanks, tents, camping chairs, tables, extensive kitchen and storage space; as well as a stereo with an amp for music, internal and external lighting, cooler box, medical kit, fire extinguishers and firewood locker to name a few of the amazing features.

Occasionally we will use smaller registered tourist 4x4 vehicles for certain activities where it is not practical to use the larger overland trucks.

No, there is no minimum number required. We have had as few as a family of 4 hire an overland truck for their safari!

No. We have had children as young as four years old. The beauty about chartering a vehicle just for your group means you don’t have to be restricted by a company policy about age minimums and maximums.

The maximum number our trucks seat are 21 passengers.

You do! You tell us what you want to do and we will make it happen. As Africa Expedition Support is based in East Africa we are up to date with latest trends and road conditions and are therefore in the best position to offer suggestions based on our knowledge and experience.

Generally groups want to spend most of their time on safari exploring the different wildlife game parks and reserves throughout East Africa; some like to add cultural experiences, walking safaris, nature hikes, Mountain Gorilla trekking, adventure sports like white water rafting or kayaking, colonial historical sites, prehistoric attractions, or some beach time on the enchanting Swahili coast or romantic island of Zanzibar.

Over the years we have developed itineraries for a range of special interest groups including teacher groups interested in aspects of education; agricultural students, budding photographers, church and religious groups to name a few.

The great thing about hiring an overland truck for your group is that you can decide what to include in the package and what not. Most groups and families simply want everything included for sake of convenience while others prefer to leave some options open.

As a minimum we include the use of the vehicle, permits, fuel, 1 crew (driver/tour leader/cook), accommodation and/or camping fees (including use of tents and camping equipment), plus entry fees for the truck and crew.

From that base we can build on and include meals and activities like a walking safari, park entrance fees, Gorilla trek permits, bottled water to hot air ballooning!

The options for accommodation are endless from well-equipped campsites to comfortable 3 star hotels; luxury 5 star tented camps to exquisite 7 star lodges. Often the choice of accommodation comes down to your budget and preference.
Some groups prefer mostly camping while others opt for hotel and lodge accommodation while others prefer a mix of camping and hotels!

We have groups where some of the participants want to camp while others prefer to spend the night in accommodation. Most of the campsites we choose also have room accommodation either onsite or very nearby. The room accommodation can range from executive hotel rooms, cozy country cottages to luxury tented camps. There is always something for everyone!

Yes, there are chances to do laundry along the way.

English is widely spoken across Uganda and Kenya. In fact English is an official language of Uganda along with several indigenous languages. English is also spoken in Tanzania but not as widely as Kenya and Uganda.

There are dozens of official languages spoken across East Africa however the most common indigenous language is Swahili.

Yes, most places we stay have charging facilities. East Africa works on 220/240 volts and 3 pin English plugs therefore you may need to pack a plug adaptor and those from North America will need to bring an adapter to convert 110 to 220 volts.

Keeping in contact with family and friends is very important. Over the years the communication network has improved immensely. Several places we stay have WiFi.

The mobile phone network throughout most of Africa is very extensive – far better than Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom. Mobile phones that are GSM and unlocked can be used with local SIM cards for phone, texting and internet access. This is often a much cheaper option to international roaming.

Yes, most definitely, when you hire an overland safari truck it comes with a qualified driver/tour leader/cook. Some groups may prefer 2 crew. Either way our crew are responsible for getting you from A to B safely, arranging the day to day group activities and preparing sensational meals while camping.

There is a variety of food available from Western to Asian to traditional African. Dietary needs can be catered for, just let the AES office know well in advance so we plan ahead.

Yes, most certainly!

Allergies and food intolerances often prevent individuals from traveling. Having celiac, fructose intolerance and severe nut allergies can make or break your holiday. This topic is often avoided by other tour operators as they simply do not understand or know how to cater for certain dietary requirements.

We make every effort to provide a variety of meals to cater for those who cannot eat certain foods. We ensure we have the highest kitchen hygiene standards to prevent cross contamination. Keeping you well and healthy is our priority.

Over the years we have catered for clients with all kinds of food intolerances and allergies successfully from severe nut allergies, fructose intolerance, celiac to diabetes.

For those with more complicated diet requirements like fructose intolerance the office will email a list of foods we use for you to nominate what you can and cannot eat. By working together prior to your safari or expedition we ensure we are fully informed and can plan ahead.

Your health is very important to us and we take dietary requirements very seriously.

Yellow Fever and Covid vaccinations are compulsory for all East African countries (don’t forget to bring the certificates!). For all other vaccinations it is best to refer to your local Travel Doctor or GP.

We strongly recommend taking tablets to help protect you against Malaria. Malaria is a serious illness however it is also easily prevented as long as you follow a few basic principles; like taking anti-malaria tablets, along with covering up arms and legs from dusk to dawn and use a reliable insect repellent spray (DEET based is best).

Your best protection is to cover up from dusk to dawn (light coloured long sleeve shirt and trousers), use a strong insect repellent (DEET based) and take anti-malaria prophylaxes (tablets).

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!

It is essential you obtain advice from your Travelers Medical Clinic on precautions and prophylaxis that suits you best.

Yes, it is a condition of booking that every participant has comprehensive travel insurance.

Yes, visas are required for Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Visas can be obtained online.

*Kenya is in the process of changing over from visas being issued at point of entry to being available only online.
**South African’s staying in Kenya for 28 days or less doesn’t require a visa for Kenya. Those staying more than 28 days require a visa costing USD$50
***Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda have introduced a joint visa called the East African Visa, this costs USD$100 and is available at point of entry and allows for travel throughout the 3 countries over 3 consecutive months.

For all other nationalities and up to date visa information please refer to Debs at info@africaexpeditionsupport.com

Everyone has different needs and life styles. It is hard to predict what every individual will spend. As a rough guide we recommend at least USD $30 - USD $60 a day to pay for your snacks, a couple of beers in the evening, souvenirs, the occasional upgrade to a room, as well as e-mails and phone calls home. For example a bottle of local beer (500ml) costs approx. USD$3-5, a glass of wine is more expensive approx.USD$5-7. So if you are a wine drinker - budget more!

Bring ALL your spending and Visa funds 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 2018 and above; clean new notes without rips or pen markings otherwise they will not be accepted in East and Southern Africa.

Do not assume the banks or money changers in UK/Europe/AUS/NZ/USA/RSA know you need NEW post dated 2018 USD CASH. You must check the dates and condition of each note before accepting them.

Credit cards are useful in large cities for purchases and cash from ATMs 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).

Over the years more and more places are accepting credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) and ATMs are popping up in major towns and cities. While this is a great advancement it does not mean we can rely on ATMs as a reliable source of cash. It is not uncommon for ATMs to be out of cash, the connection fails or it is broken! While a good backup source they cannot be relied upon. The same goes for credit cards, while more and more places are accepting credit cards (visa and mastercard) as a source of payment there are regular technical hitches that impede successful transactions.