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travelling on an overlanding expedition
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An overland expedition through Africa visiting often hard to get to places is made possible aboard an expedition truck. This method, combining truck transportation and tented camping, is the safest, most sociable and cost-effective way of visiting this region of the world where transport links and availability of low-cost accommodation can be difficult to find.
Overlanding allows us the flexibility to get off the beaten track and visit some of the most stunning or remote locations on the planet. An overland expedition isn’t a European-style tour where everything happens automatically. Bell hops won’t swarm over your luggage and there’s no maid or ‘turn down’ service.
Group participation is crucial and you’ll assist with camp chores and erecting/dismantling your tent. On the majority of our expeditions, we have a cook in charge of group meal preparation, though even with this bonus we ask that everyone partakes in the preparation on a rota basis. Everyone will be expected to pitch in with market shopping for provisions, collection of firewood, washing up and other camp chores! If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, possess relative fitness and a positive, enthusiastic and relaxed attitude, keenness to explore and experience different cultures whilst bidding farewell to the ‘hilton & hair dryer’ lifestyle and are not averse to the odd hiccup, then overlanding is for you!
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Expeditions - life on the road
Driving days normally commence at around 08:00am and finish around 5:00pm, with stops for lunch, grocery purchases if required and local sightseeing. We’re not on the road every day, although dependent upon where we are and what distance needs to be achieved, we will sometimes drive for two or three days in a row. Travelling on the road is rewarded by stops that range from a night to a couple of nights where you’ll have free time to relax, explore and undertake some optional excursions.
We always arrive at our destination before nightfall (except under extenuating circumstances) in order to pitch camp before dark. In choosing our campsite, facilities such as security, availability of water, waste disposal and communications are taken into account at permanent sites, though sometimes bush camps are chosen where no facilities are available. It all adds up to the experience of a lifetime.
Our Expedition vehicles
A comfortable, yet durable and practical expedition truck is a vital element to the success, and experience of an overland adventure. Developed over the years, our truck design is one that best fits our principal requirements of safety, passenger comfort and efficiency.
Truck design
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Our trucks are fitted with comfortable cloth-upholstered coach style seats. Our multi-directional seat layout affords excellent all-round viewing and a more social experience for travellers, whilst the vehicle is in motion, not to mention more legroom. Seating for 27-33 passengers (dependent upon which model of truck is deployed for the journey).
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All season roll up PVC or tarpaulin windows, which allow for exceptional viewing.
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Large, secure baggage lockers for all your gear.
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Onboard truck safe for valuables.
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Onboard kitchen with gas supply and storage.
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Large water, fuel and food carrying capacities, allowing for extensive travelling range.
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Other features |
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Range of mechanical spares and tools (particularly appropriate to expeditions of 18 wks +)
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Sand mats, shovels, winches (when geography dictates).
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Radio/cassette stereo or CD system - most trucks.
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Professionally compiled medical kit.
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Intercom link with Driver and Trip Leader - some trucks
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Coolbox for perishables
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Internal and external lights.
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Modest library of books and maps |
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Camping & Additional Equipment
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Spacious, durable 2-person A-frame or dome tents; easily erectible with sewn-in ground sheets and fly sheet. |
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Comprehensive range of cooking and catering equipment including cutlery and crockery, cooler box, tables and individual camp stools, gas and fire grills for cooking and BBQs |
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Interior/exterior truck lighting and an all-weather awning (for shade and inclement weather) |
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Our crew
On most expeditions from 10 - 57 days operated by on the go, we have three crew members. See relevent expedition page for details (under 'what you get'). The team comprises - an experienced Trip Leader, Driver and Cook. The cook on these expeditions is charged with meal preparation for the group. A helping hand is however sometimes appreciated! Aboard our Istanbul to Cairo, Africa all the Way & any Morocco expeditions, the crew will comprise a Trip Leader and Driver.
All our crew possess a passion for overland travelling in Africa and are chosen for their extensive travel experience and knowldge of this region. Indeed, many of our crew are African. These are the people of Africa showing you their Africa. In addition, some of our crew hail from England, Europe or Australasia. Our team are there to ensure the expedition runs as smoothly as possible, to help you get the most out of your time, to share their passion for Africa and for to ensure you have the time of your life.
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Ablutions
There is no toilet or rest room aboard the truck. If we’re out on the road, we’ll make stops as and when the group require. Don’t expect tidy toilets or restrooms anywhere. Rest rooms are infrequently available. Gas station restrooms are a more common feature in Southern Africa, for example - Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. With no restroom in sight, it’s back to basics. Toilet paper is kept aboard the truck, along with a shovel. Also keep a personal supply of toilet paper in your daypack. Dispose of waste by digging a small hole and burying everything. At campsites, there will be an ablutions block with toilets and showers. Rural or remote campsites may only offer one or two facilities. Expect ‘longdrop’ toilets in remote locations. Water is a precious commodity in many, many parts of Africa. If showering, turn off the water whilst soaping up.
Pack all your gear in a rucksack/backpack for this type of trip. Bring also a daypack, to keep personal items such as your camera, water bottle, reading books and medication to hand. Your rucksack/backpack must not have an exterior frame. Only the soft, flexible variety is permitted. Leave your suitcase at home. Suitcases are a no go. They’re simply not practical.
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