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African Trails F.A.Q
Download the FAQ's PDF about Africa Travel.
Who is responsible for my visas
Passports
Local payment
Cost of the Trans Africa
Is each trip run separately
Charging electrical equipment
e-mail
Can I use credit cards on tour
Spending money
Traveler's cheques
Middle East accommodation
Weather on tour
Insurance
Gorilla permits
What language is the overland tour conducted in
Can I bring my own tent
Cooking
Single travelers
How much luggage can I bring
How are the seats laid out in the overland vehicle
Special diets
I want to know the equivalent price in my local currency
Can I book through a Travel Agent
How can I make a booking
How many people are on tour
Can I drink the water
Where is the best place to get medical advice before travelling?
"What 's a typical day on the Overland Vehicle like "
To find out more just click on this link "A day in the life of an overland tour"
"Who is responsible for my visas "
You are responsible for your own visa's, many of which can be obtained on the borders at the time of travel. Your driver will assist you on the day, but should you have any concerns then please do not hesitate to contact us or check out the Visa and Embassy information link on the Links page.
"I am travelling on a certain passport - is that going to be a problem"
Please remember that you are responsible for your own visas - if you arrive in Africa or the Middle East and you are from a country that requires visas before arrival then we cannot be held responsible.
Residents of the EU (most countries), Britain, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada normally do not require visas before arrival however, governments being governments, the regulations can change overnight.
If in doubt check with each consulate. Please do not spoil the potential holiday of your lifetime without ensuring you conform to the immigration laws and regulations of each country you are visiting.
A useful guide to finding out what visas you will need can be found on www.wikipedia.com if you search by putting in your passort ie British Passport etc. This will give you a list of visa costs and availability. Please remember though that this is a guide only and as things change it may not be 100% reliable.
"What are local payments (LP) for "
We require the local payment as we are unable to reliably transfer foreign currency required to operate the tour. It is for this reason that we ask for a part of your tour payment to be paid on the first day, directly to your driver. The Local Payment is not a Food Kitty. Whilst it does pay for the food as per itinerary, it also covers; camping accommodation cost, local tolls and taxes and other payments required to make the tour run successfully. It is administered by the driver/guide and is not refundable.
All Local Payment amounts are subject to change without notice. Changes are very rare and are normally due to a sudden or unexpected price increase by a local service provider or National Park.
Although the LP is better for the Driver in USD, with the ever fluctuating exchange rates we feel it is fairer to advertise in Pounds as it is a far more stable amount. We can then worry about the exchange rate rather than you.
"How much will the Trans Africa cost me"
From Spain to Capetown budget for between GBP£5000-£6000 approx. This includes trip cost, local payment, visas, vaccinations, spending money and optional extras.
Of course, this is just a guide price and some people may spend less and, others, more.
" Is each trip run separately or will people be getting on and off?"
Basically, once a month we have one truck that does a full ten week trip. This is the Africa All The Way trip. This trip is then broken down into all the other trips that you see on offer. The reason we do this is that not everyone can afford to take ten weeks off work (if only!), so this allows people to come and do a few section at a time. This also means that there will be a more diverse and integrated group of people on your truck and fresh faces too.
"Can I charge equipment batteries on the overland truck or at campsites"
Most campsites have mains power so you can charge your laptops, phones, I pods and cameras. Bring a multiple charger as no campsite has the same plug system.
Charging off the truck can only be done when the truck is running and we can only charge mobile phones. Truck charging reduces the life of your battery and can damage lap tops and cameras; these are best charged only on mains power.
Only mobile phones can be charged from the truck charge but for charging on the overland safari truck you will need an in car charger for 12/24v as the overland truck runs on 2 x 12v batteries, making it 24volts.
Most major towns now have internet cafes, and some campsites offer email facilities. You will most likely have no more than three days between internet cafes to keep up to date with everyone at home.
"Can I use my Credit Card whilst on the trip"
Don’t rely on it. You can bring it, but it is best to keep it for emergencies only. Bring two if you can get them in case one stops working or get swallowed by the cash machine. There are a few places where you can draw out money, but there are often problems.
“How much spending money should I bring?”
As a bench mark we advise that if you have spent £600 on the cost of your trip (i.e. £400 TC & £200 LP), then bring that in spending money. That money should be in a combination of Travellers Cheques and preferably US Dollars cash. Yes, TC’s are an annoyance when changing, but will save you a huge loss if the worst does happen. There are also an increasing number of ATM’s so bring a card, but keep it as an emergency back up only. ATM’s can often have no power, no money, and are renowned for eating cards. This works out at around £15-£20 a day, and budget for more options than you think as you’ll be surprised at what you change your mind to do when you’re out here.....
"What currency should I bring my travellers cheques in"
Although US$ is the most widely recognized hard currency, the rate is getting weaker. Many activities, campsites and operators are now advertising their prices in Pounds or Euros. There are still things that either you or the driver can pay for with them instead of cash. When bringing travellers cheques make sure you bring the receipt, but keep it in a separate location. Many places in Africa require the receipt in order to change them up. If you are coming from the States bring them in Dollars, from Europe, in Euro’s and the UK, Pounds, then as and when the best rates are found will be where you can change them. This also applies to bringing cash.
"On the Middle East trip, how much is camping and how much hostels"
This will depend on what time of year you are doing your trip. During the winter season we will be doing around 30% camping and 70% hostels. This is then reversed during the summer, when camping is more suitable.
"What will the weather be like on my overland tour "
Best thing to do is decide on the trip you want to do and the time of year, then look up the weather website from our links page, and you should be able to get a fairly good idea. But bring a jumper, as it can get cold at night, even though you?re in Africa!
"Do I need insurance for overland tours"
Travel Insurance is compulsory. We can offer you insurance which covers you for medical, baggage, repatriation, and currency. If you would like any more information, then give us a call or email us.
"Can you guarantee that I will see the gorillas if I buy a permit"
No one can guarantee you will see the gorillas as they move freely around the jungle. The gorillas are tracked and 99% of the groups do get to see them but, if the gorilla families are sick, for example, then they are protected from human contact. The permit only allows you the chance to see them however we have managed to see the gorillas every time in the last five years.
"What language are the tours conducted in"
English - don't worry if your English is rudimentary or non-existent. By the end of the tour you will be speaking a lot more English and have made some great new friends.
"Can I bring my own tent"
Of course!
"I can't cook"
Don't worry about that as there is always someone around who can give you tips and pointers - it all adds to the experience. Shopping and learning to haggle over prices in the local markets can be great fun and a real insight into the African and Middle Eastern cultures.
"I'm a single traveller - does that matter"
Relax - you'll have a great time. Over 50% of our passengers are single travellers or travelling with friends so, by the end of the trip, you'll have met great new mates and world-wide friends.
"Do you have luggage restrictions"
Not really. Our safari trucks are very roomy but remember that most airlines restrict you to 20 kilogrammes of luggage without charging so that may limit you in what you carry.
The trucks are designed for storing backpacks not suitcases.
"Which way do the seats face in the overland expedition vehicle"
Sidewards, but some safari trucks have some forward and rearward facing seats, as well.
Our budget safari truck design has evolved over the 28 years we have been operating and we believe that our seating layout gives our passengers greater room to move.
Vehicles with bus-layout seats means that your movement is restricted a lot more and there is less space for everyone.
"I have particular dietary requirements - is that a problem"
No, most diets can be catered for but please bear in mind that in Africa and the Middle East sometimes ingredients can be limited.
If you do have a particular dietary requirement (or medical condition), other than being a vegetarian, please advise us at the time of booking.
"I want to know the equivalent price in my local currency"
The tour cost can be worked out in your local currency using the exchange rate of the day.
"Can I book through a Travel Agent"
Yes, you can. We do not deal with every travel agent as we are a specialist operator but most travel agents can book us.
Call us for your nearest agent.
"How can I make a booking "
You can either use the booking form on this website or contact the closest agent to you from our contact page. You need to complete our bookings form and pay a GBP £150 deposit to secure your seat. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure. To join the actual tour travel insurance is compulsory.
"How many people are on tour "
The average number of passengers on an Africa tour is normally between 12 - 18, with a maximum of 30 and minimum of 8.
"Can I drink the water on the truck?"
Yes, and although it is perfectly safe to drink, bottled water is readily available and many people feel safer drinking it. But whatever you do, make sure you’re drinking a lot of water as it’s easy to get dehydrated and lose important electrolytes from your system. Bring rehydration sachets and take one at least once a week.
Where is the best place to get medical advice before travelling?
From your doctor. We can only offer guidelines but do not rely on any advice given on on-line forums or other travellers. Everyone is individual where medical needs are concerned..