Some tips for overlanding in Africa

There's no better way to see Africa than with a big overland trip: no other way of seeing the continent reveals its amazing diversity and range of cultures and landscapes, If it's remote, adventurous and immersive travel you're after - this is the way to go. So, for Africa-bound overlanders, here's a few handy hints before your big adventure, to help with preparations and what to expect while you're rattling across the great plains.

Preparation

Pack wisely: have you seen our BIG packing list? It’s a pic‘n’mix that just stops short of including the kitchen sink. Wherever you want to go and whenever you’re planning on heading there, our list has got what you need. But here’s the general rule for an African overlander: travel light, travel smart. Check the climate of your destinations at the time of year you plan to visit and pack accordingly.

They’re covered in our packing list, but there are a few items that bear repeating – without them your African adventure won’t be half as fun. First up, you may think shorts+t-shirts=perfect hot weather gear, but more often than not you’ll feel the need to cover up. The blistering midday heat in Africa can be damaging and unforgiving, plus trousers and a light shirt help protect you from the occasional biting insect that Africa is so adept at producing.

Contacts: Remember to take some contact telephone numbers of the folks back home. We provide all our travellers with an emergency number, but don’t forget to scribble a few for your nearest and dearest. Don't rely on wi-fi connections or internet cafes for retrieving contact details. Never hurts to leave someone at home with your travel itinerary as well.

Your choice of trip: there are many different trips around Africa. Make sure you put in the research and know what you're getting into. If you're after a specialist wildlife safari experience or are hankering for luxury, the overlanding option might not be your best bet. Plus, make sure you read through trip notes and figure out whether there is sufficient time, for example, for excursions you really want to do. Here's our rule: when in doubt, ask. Whether it's on facebook or over the phone with one of our travel experts, we can chat through both our trips and how to make the most of your time in Africa. And take a look at our ultimate Africa safari guide for some ideas on where to see what, and when.

On the road

Health: Any overlander should have a first aid kit in among their swag. Gecko’s tours always pack the first aid essentials and our leaders are regularly trained as well, but it’s good to have bits and pieces of your own as well – and make sure you’ve got plenty of any prescription medicines you need. Also, drink plenty of water (and make sure it's okay to drink). Overlanding is dust-in-your-hair adventure, and can be a dehydrating business, so keeping topped up with water is essential.

Money: In cities, never a bad idea to be discreet with your cash and valuables. A lot of people like money belts, but however you choose to carry your cash and cards, a couple of tips: think about your money mix before you go. A combination of local currency, perhaps some USDs and cards is no bad thing, and means you should have readies whatever the situation. If you plan on using your bank card, make sure your bank knows about it, and try to use ATMs inside buildings whenever possible, rather than those on streets. And an obvious piece of advice: don't be flashy, if for no other reason than conspicuous displays of wealth are pretty tasteless when you're in the middle of an impoverished nation.

Language: English will get you pretty far in many parts of Africa, but put in a little effort and you can get a lot back in return. In parts of West Africa, for example, a frew choice phrases of French or Arabic always goes down well, and is helpful in instantly giving the locals the message that you're keen to chat and interact, rather than just a stranger breezing through.

State of mind

Delays happen. They're as much a part of African life as amazing wildlife and swapping campfire stories. And even when you run exactly to schedule, travelling distances can be huge - prepare yourself for some long, hard driving days in the back of the truck, not just by having a good book, but by getting into the mindset that it's all part of the adventure .The camarederie forged, the sights seen and shared will make for some of your strongest memories. Go in with the right attitude and overlanding might just be the trip of a lifetime. An open mind, tolerance and humour are all vital, as are relishing the idea of unusual situations and being in foreign lands. If you've got all that and a thirst for adventure needing quenched, Africa awaits...

There's a few thoughts to get you started, but we'd love to hear your tips, stories and advice. Get in touch with a comment below or on twitter @GeckosTales and Facebook. You can find our contacts list here or email us here.

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