Frequently Asked Questions

An overland tour is about experiencing Africa along the way — its changing landscapes, wildlife, communities and the people sharing the adventure with you.

Travelling with an experienced crew in a safari vehicle or purpose-built overland truck, you follow an organised route with accommodation, selected meals and activities arranged for you. Tours range from short trips within one country to longer expeditions crossing several borders.

Expect a mixture of wildlife encounters, scenic drives, outdoor experiences and time to explore. Some journeys involve camping and helping around camp, while others offer lodge accommodation and less participation.

Overland in Africa is a South African-based adventure travel company with more than 20 years of experience creating unforgettable adventures across Africa.

Our experienced travel consultants have explored Southern and East Africa extensively and have a genuine passion for sharing the incredible landscapes, wildlife, cultures and experiences that make this continent so special.

Over the years, we have built strong and trusted relationships with reputable ground operators throughout Africa, allowing us to offer a wide range of well-organised, great-value travel experiences with the support and expertise you need along the way.

Our speciality is group adventure travel. From small-group journeys to larger overland expeditions, our tours are designed for travellers who want to experience Africa rather than simply pass through it.

Whether you want to camp beneath African skies, explore national parks and wildlife-rich wilderness areas, meet local communities, enjoy adrenaline-filled activities or simply share the journey with like-minded travellers, there is an adventure waiting for you.

We offer a variety of small, medium and large group tours, with different levels of comfort and styles of travel to suit different travellers, budgets and interests.

Our job is simple: to help you find the African adventure that is right for you!

With expert advice, carefully selected tours and years of experience behind us, we make it easy to discover Africa, meet incredible people and create memories that last long after you return home.

An adventure or overland tour is about the journey as much as the destination.

Rather than simply travelling from one hotel to another, overland travel allows you to experience Africa from the road - travelling together as a group, exploring remote areas, enjoying incredible wildlife encounters, meeting local communities and sharing experiences with people from around the world.

Our tours are designed for travellers who want to get off the beaten track and experience the real Africa, while keeping the cost of travel accessible.

Travel Together. Experience More.

One of the biggest differences between an overland adventure and a traditional package holiday is the group experience.

You travel together, eat together, explore together and experience the unexpected together. Along the way, friendships are formed, cultures are shared and people who may have arrived as strangers often leave as friends.

Our groups attract travellers from all over the world, with a mixture of solo travellers, couples, friends and families. What they tend to have in common is a curiosity about Africa and a willingness to experience something a little different.

Depending on the tour, groups can range from smaller groups of around 12 travellers to larger groups travelling in purpose-built overland vehicles.

Africa Doesn't Always Go to Plan - And That's Part of the Adventure! Africa is wonderfully unpredictable.

Road conditions can change, weather can affect routes, mechanical issues can occasionally occur and wildlife doesn't exactly follow a timetable. While we plan carefully and do everything possible to keep to the published itinerary, flexibility is an important part of adventure travel.

If circumstances require a change, our experienced guides and operators will make decisions based on safety and the best possible experience for the group. Where necessary, an alternative experience of comparable value will be provided.

The unexpected moments are often the ones you remember most.

Early starts, big adventures and a whole lot of “wow, look at that!” 🚐🌍

Overlanding is all about exploring more, so expect to be on the move! Some days mean longer hours on the road, but the reward might be a game drive, a waterfall swim or watching the sun set somewhere you’ve always dreamed of visiting. Activities vary by itinerary, with a mix of included experiences and optional extras.

The journey is part of the fun. Watch the landscapes change, swap stories with your fellow travellers and enjoy those unexpected roadside moments. Travel days are generally planned for daylight hours, with evenings spent settling into camp or your lodge, sharing dinner and getting to know your new adventure crew.

Love a lie-in? You might need to rethink that! 😉 Early starts help you make the most of each destination. There’s time to unwind, but this is an adventure with places to go and things to see.. so keep an eye on that departure time!

You’ll usually spend a few nights in each place before heading off to explore somewhere new. Pack a sense of humour, a little flexibility and your spirit of adventure. Bumpy roads, border crossings and the occasional change of plan can all be part of the experience.

Check your tour dossier for accommodation, travel times and activities - or chat to us to find your perfect adventure!

Group size depends on the operator, vehicle and itinerary. We offer smaller safari groups as well as larger overland departures.

Smaller groups may suit travellers who prefer a quieter atmosphere, while larger groups offer more people to meet and share the journey with. Neither automatically means more comfort — accommodation, vehicle design and itinerary pace matter too.

Ask us about the maximum group size and vehicle used on your chosen tour. The number of guests booked may be below the advertised maximum.

Camping tours bring you closer to the outdoors and can help keep costs down. Equipment varies, so check whether tents, mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows are supplied or need to be brought with you.

Established campsites often have shared toilets and showers. Remote bush camps can have basic facilities, limited water and no electricity. Hot showers are not guaranteed everywhere.

On participation tours, guests may help erect tents, load equipment, wash dishes or assist with camp tasks. Serviced camping trips generally involve less participation.

Accommodated tours use a mixture of hotels, lodges, guesthouses, chalets and permanent tents. Standards and bathroom arrangements vary, especially in remote areas. A permanent tent does not necessarily have an en-suite bathroom.

Some departures carry camping and accommodated guests together; others operate separately. Check your specific itinerary, as an accommodated tour may still include occasional camping nights.

A typical day starts with the sun.

We make the most of the daylight hours, whether we're heading out for a game drive, travelling to our next destination or exploring somewhere new.

On camping tours, evenings are spent around camp - setting up tents, preparing meals, sharing stories and enjoying the sounds of Africa around you.

On accommodated tours, you have the added comfort of a bed at the end of the day, but the spirit of the journey remains exactly the same.

There is no single formula for an African adventure, and that's exactly what makes overland travel so special!

Meals are an important part of the group experience and, on most tours, three meals a day are included unless otherwise stated in your tour dossier.

Meals are generally prepared by the guides and crew at camp, with everyone eating together.

We can accommodate many dietary requirements, although options can be more limited when travelling in remote areas. If you have specific dietary needs, please let us know when booking so that we can advise you on what can be accommodated on your chosen tour.

Whether you're looking for a short African escape, a longer overland expedition, a family adventure or the ultimate multi-country journey, our range of group tours offers something for different travel styles, ages, budgets and comfort levels.

Choose your group. Choose your style of travel. Choose your adventure.

We'll help you find the right way to experience Africa!

Our published itineraries provide the planned route and experiences, but Africa can sometimes have other ideas!

Weather, road conditions, local circumstances and other unforeseen events can occasionally require changes to the itinerary.

Our experienced guides and operators will always aim to provide the best possible experience while keeping safety as the priority. If a published activity or destination cannot be provided, a comparable alternative of similar value will be arranged wherever possible.

One of the best things about group adventure travel is that you don't need to have someone to travel with you.

Many of our guests travel solo and quickly become part of the group. Others arrive with a partner, family member or friend and end up making connections with travellers from all over the world.

You share the road, the meals, the wildlife sightings, the laughs and occasionally the challenges - and that's what makes an overland adventure so memorable!

There are many factors to consider when calculating your budget for an overland, so let’s take a closer look at all the things you should consider when drawing up your budget.

Your spending money, visas and optional activities will be paid with a combination of cash and traveller cheques in the currency quoted (tour specific). Credit cards are only accepted at some establishments (mostly larger cities) and throughout South Africa.

While in Southern and East Africa, additional credit card surcharges from 5% to 8% may be charged when using your bank card. We would recommend only using your card in case of emergency.

ATMs are found throughout South Africa and other major towns and cities through Africa. However, you may not have access to an ATM for a few days, or they may be out of order. Please note that when drawing money from a local ATM, you will receive the cash in the local currency.

Spending money varies on your personal spending habits. While we cannot say for sure how much you may need, we would estimate USD10 to USD15 per person per day should be sufficient to cover snacks, drinks, souvenirs, internet café’s etc. Keep in mind you may spend more on some days and less on others.

Some meals are excluded on tour, allowing you to enjoy the taste of local cuisine from the local markets or restaurants. Light lunches consisting of a sandwich, fruit, snack and cold drink will cost below USD12. While a dinner of starter/desert and main meal with 2 drinks will cost an average of USD30 to USD40.

Great adventures start with great people! 🌍

Since 2003, we’ve built trusted relationships with our preferred travel partners, carefully chosen for their experience, local knowledge and shared passion for exploring Africa.

We work with people who share our values and care about your journey as much as we do. With their support on the ground and ours along the way, you’ll have an experienced team behind your adventure - from your first enquiry to your final farewell.

Wildlife Adventures – ATC
Sunway Safaris
Nomad Adventures & Tours
Jenman Safaris
Kiboko Adventures
Drifters
Tanzania Experience
Namibia Experience
Chameleon safaris
Ailis Adventures & Tours
Great Lake Safaris
Acacia Adventures
Hotspots
Kurt Safaris
Viva Safaris
Letaka Safari
MoAfrika
Wild Frontiers
Slow But Sure Safaris
Earthstompers
Bushways
Alpha Rangers

Many days start early to make the most of daylight or catch wildlife at its most active.

After breakfast, you might head out on an activity or travel to the next destination, stopping where practical for breaks, meals and sightseeing. Your crew will explain the day’s arrangements and any changes.

Evenings may involve camp tasks, a shared meal, a briefing for the following day and time to relax. Some stops offer free time for optional activities or exploring independently.

Your itinerary specifies which breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included. Do not assume that every tour provides three meals each day.

Depending on the travel style, meals may be prepared by the crew, served by accommodation providers or eaten at local restaurants. Budget separately for excluded meals, drinks and snacks.

Tell us about dietary requirements and allergies before booking. The operator must confirm what can be accommodated, particularly in remote areas. Guests with severe allergies should discuss food preparation and cross-contamination limitations before choosing a tour.

Yes. Weather, road conditions, border delays, park restrictions and other local circumstances can affect the planned route or activities.

The crew may adjust departure times, accommodation or the order of visits to manage these situations. Alternatives will depend on what is practical and available; an identical replacement cannot always be guaranteed.

Please read the operator’s booking conditions for how changes, additional costs and any refunds are handled.

Absolutely! Group tours are a great way to explore Africa without organising the journey on your own.

Room-sharing arrangements vary. Some operators can pair solo guests with another traveller under their sharing policy, while others require a single supplement.

If you prefer your own room or tent, tell us when enquiring. Single accommodation is subject to availability and may not be possible at every stop.

Overland travel suits curious, flexible travellers who enjoy shared experiences and are comfortable spending time on the road.
You do not need previous safari or camping experience for many tours. However, you should check the physical demands, participation requirements and accommodation style before booking.

Age restrictions differ between operators and activities. Selected departures welcome families, while others have minimum ages or specific age ranges.

Tell us about any mobility limitations or support needs so we can check suitability with the operator. Vehicle steps, uneven ground and remote facilities can affect accessibility.

Start with the tour price, then add any compulsory charges listed separately, such as an activity package, local payment, trekking permit or single supplement.

Also allow for:

International and connecting flights
Visas and destination entry requirements
Required insurance
Airport transfers and accommodation before or after the tour
Excluded meals, drinks and snacks
Optional activities
Tips, laundry, mobile data and souvenirs
An emergency reserve

We can help you compare the total expected cost of different tours, including compulsory extras.

This depends on your route, the meals included and your spending habits.

There is no single daily amount that suits every tour. A trip with most meals included will require a different budget from one with several restaurant meals and optional activities.

Use your itinerary to count excluded meals, then add an allowance for drinks, snacks, laundry, data and souvenirs. Budget for optional activities and tips separately. Ask us for guidance for your particular route.

Bring a combination of cash and payment cards rather than relying on one method.

Card acceptance and ATM access vary between destinations. Remote stops may have no banking facilities, and connectivity or power interruptions can affect payments.

Check your operator’s instructions for the currencies needed, particularly for compulsory payments. Carry some smaller denominations for everyday purchases and keep your backup card and reserve cash separately.

Check bank fees, withdrawal limits and any merchant surcharge before paying. Do not plan to rely on traveller’s cheques.

Some operators charge a compulsory local payment or activity package in addition to the advertised tour price. Other tours include these costs.

Your quotation should explain the amount, what it covers, whether it is compulsory, and when and how it must be paid.

A local payment may require cash in a particular currency, while an activity package may be payable before departure. Follow the instructions for your chosen tour rather than assuming payment arrangements are the same across operators.

Gorilla trekking requires a permit for the country and trekking destination included in your itinerary.

Check whether the permit is included in your tour price or quoted separately. We will confirm the applicable cost, payment deadline and booking conditions with the operator.

Permits are limited, so arrange them as early as possible. Do not assume you can purchase one on arrival or pay cash at departure.

Age restrictions and cancellation or amendment conditions apply. Tell us early if trekking is a priority so we can check availability and suitability.

Your itinerary or tour dossier will identify activities available at an additional cost.

Some can be arranged through the tour leader during the trip. Others need advance booking because of limited spaces, permits or scheduling.

Prices, payment methods and availability can change. Check whether transport is included, whether age or fitness restrictions apply, and whether your insurance covers the activity before booking.

ATMs and currency exchange services are available in many larger towns and cities, but you may travel for several days without reliable access.

ATMs generally dispense local currency and may have withdrawal limits or additional fees. Not every machine accepts every international card.

Plan cash withdrawals around your route, use authorised exchange services and keep a backup payment method. Your crew can advise where facilities are available, but access cannot be guaranteed.

Each destination has its own currency and payment practices.

Country	Currency
South Africa	South African rand — ZAR
Namibia	Namibian dollar — NAD
Botswana	Botswana pula — BWP
Zambia	Zambian kwacha — ZMW
Malawi	Malawian kwacha — MWK
Mozambique	Mozambican metical — MZN
Tanzania, including Zanzibar	Tanzanian shilling — TZS
Kenya	Kenyan shilling — KES
Uganda	Ugandan shilling — UGX
Rwanda	Rwandan franc — RWF
Eswatini	Swazi lilangeni — SZL
Lesotho	Lesotho loti — LSL
Morocco	Moroccan dirham — MAD

Zimbabwe has its own currency, Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), alongside arrangements for foreign-currency use. Ask for current payment guidance for your tour.

Some tourism services are priced in US dollars, but this does not mean dollars are accepted for every purchase. Check the currencies required for your route.

If bringing US dollar cash, choose clean, undamaged, recent-series notes and follow your operator’s guidance on denominations.

Acceptance requirements vary, so avoid relying on a universal issue-date rule.

Tips are a voluntary way to thank your crew and local guides.

Use your operator’s current tipping guidance, as suggested amounts vary with the crew structure, destination and tour style. Check whether the recommendation is per guest, per day and per crew member.

Budget separately for local activity guides, porters and restaurant service where appropriate. Before adding a restaurant tip, check whether a service charge is already included.

Keep an emergency reserve separate from your everyday spending money, along with access to a backup card.

Unexpected expenses could include replacement essentials, extra accommodation, transport changes or medical costs.

Check your insurance policy’s assistance and claims procedures before departure. Some expenses may require upfront payment, while others may need prior approval from the insurer. Keep receipts and save the emergency assistance number offline.

Some destinations require visitors to purchase a specific inbound insurance policy, even if they already have their own travel insurance.

Zanzibar: Check the applicable compulsory inbound insurance requirement through the official Zanzibar Insurance Corporation portal:
https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/

Tanzania mainland: A compulsory inbound insurance requirement took effect on 1 October 2026. Qualifying EAC and SADC travellers are exempt from the mainland requirement; this does not automatically exempt them from Zanzibar’s requirements.

For itineraries visiting both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, the applicable purchase arrangements depend on the first point of entry. The official notice states that visitors should not need two mandatory policies for the same insured journey where their policy is valid and applicable.

Check the current eligibility rules, premium and application instructions before travel. Keep your insurance certificate and QR code accessible throughout the journey.

Destination-specific insurance should be considered alongside your own comprehensive travel cover. Check that your policies cover your itinerary and planned activities.

Follow your operator’s packing list and luggage allowance. Soft bags are often easier to store in overland vehicles, but size and weight limits vary.

Useful essentials include:

Comfortable clothes and a warm layer for early mornings
Walking shoes, a sunhat and swimwear
A lightweight rain jacket
Sunscreen and insect repellent
A refillable water bottle and head torch
Charging cables, suitable adapters and a power bank

Personal medication and basic toiletries
Copies of travel documents saved offline
Camping guests should check whether a sleeping bag, pillow and towel are required.

Trekking, beach stays and seasonal conditions may call for additional items.

We recommend arriving at least a day before departure where practical, giving you time to settle in and allowing a buffer for flight delays.

Check the meeting point, departure time and any compulsory pre-tour briefing before booking flights. Airport transfers and pre-tour accommodation are not automatically included.

Avoid booking a tight onward connection on the final day, as road conditions and border crossings can affect arrival times.

Facilities vary between accommodation providers, vehicles and destinations. Wi-Fi may be slow, chargeable or unavailable, and mobile coverage can disappear in remote areas.

Charging points may be shared or available only at certain times. Ask about your vehicle’s facilities and bring a suitable power bank.

Download essential documents before departure. If you need power for medical equipment, tell us before booking so we can check arrangements with the operator.

Tell us where you would love to go, how much time you have, your budget and the level of comfort you prefer.

We will help you compare routes, group sizes, accommodation and inclusions, along with the practical details that affect your experience.

Get in touch and let’s find your African adventure!

Since 6 October 2026, travellers completing a new eTA application must purchase the Kenyan insurance policy before proceeding to eTA payment. The policy can also be purchased separately through eCitizen.

New eTA applications:
The insurance purchase is part of the application process for entry by air, land or water. EAC citizens are exempt.

Clients who already hold an eTA:
There is no need to reapply. Insurance can be purchased separately through eCitizen.

Cost for planning:
Live purchase tests indicate a USD 44 premium, with payment and transaction fees bringing the total to approximately USD 52 per traveller. An official tariff has not yet been published; use this figure for planning rather than as a confirmed quotation.

Existing travel insurance:
Cover purchased elsewhere cannot currently be uploaded. The Kenyan policy sits alongside the traveller's own travel insurance and does not replace it.

As of 1 October 2026, Tanzania’s mandatory inbound travel insurance requirement is now in effect for foreign visitors entering Tanzania.

Cost: USD 44 per adult
Valid: 92 days, multiple entries
Children: 50% off for ages 3 to 17, free for ages 0 to 2.

Where to buy: before travel or on arrival. Official purchase process to be confirmed.
Own insurance: still required. This policy does not replace it.

Exempt: EAC and SADC residents.
Zanzibar: we are confirming whether one policy covers both. Please keep any existing Zanzibar insurance in place for now.

Do not buy through unofficial links. The official link is https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz/

All travelers entering or leaving South Africa by air, road, sea, or rail must complete a mandatory online customs and currency declaration through the SARS Customs Online Traveller Declaration Portal or the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) mobile app.

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