Overlanding describes self-reliant Adventure travel to remote places where the journey is the primary goal, not the destination. It's about exploration, learning, and experiencing our world through vehicle-based, on-road and off-road adventure travel with a focus on self-reliance, resilience, and enjoyment of the journey.

While expedition is defined as a journey with a purpose, overlanding sees the journey as the purpose itself. The roads and trails we travel might be rough or technically challenging, but they are the means to an end, not the goal. History, wildlife, culture, scenery, and self-sufficiency — these are the rewards of overlanding.

At the heart of overlanding is a love of the great outdoors, camping culture, and exploring new places. Since the dawn of four-wheel drive vehicles, modern overlanding has captured the imagination of eager adventurers worldwide. In Africa, it has taken on a life of its own with families venturing out with their rigs, travelers taking on group overland travels, or friends joining in for a weekend in the great outdoors.

The most appealing aspect of overlanding? Anyone can do it. You can start small or go big — often it starts with a weekend here or there and then becomes more serious over time as the love for overlanding grows. Overlanding is habit forming and it could change your life forever. You only need the open mindset to venture out.

The term overlanding originated in Australia, referring to driving cattle long distances across the Outback. Later, road construction crews used it as they opened up the vast landscapes that characterize the Australian wilderness. Farmers had to move their cattle across long distances as the seasons changed, traversing great expanses — that's how they coined the word.

Modern day overlanding draws inspiration from classical journeys made across the world — from the 'First Overland' (London to Kathmandu), to journeys across the Americas, to the Trans-Saharan routes from Cairo to Cape Town, the famous Silk Road trips across Europe and Asia, and the hippie trails of the 70's. Collectively, modern overlanding routes are only an improvement of the standards set years ago by the pioneers.

Because overlanding is all about taking the road less travelled, seeing the real continent Africa as well as the highlights, and getting away from the tourist trails — our mantra is: Overlanding Across Africa. Inspired by the age-old overlanding saying: "it's the journey, not the destination", whichever trip you choose, we promise you the adventure of a lifetime.

With the emerging trend of "slow travel", we'll help you to have experiences on a deeper level — taking the time to make genuine connections with fellow travelers, local communities, enjoying the journey and truly exploring. On every overland journey with us you'll visit all the must-see highlights in the region, whether it's the Great Rift Valley, massive Kilimanjaro, the sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean, the mighty Victoria Falls, the Great River Nile, or the expansive Sahara.

By travelling in one of our purpose-built overland trucks, we'll get you well off the beaten track and into the heart of every country and region we travel to, so you can really get under the skin of the places you're visiting. You'll find yourself camping in unique places under the stars, staying in community hostels, camping on sandy beaches of the great lakes, meeting inquisitive local villagers in remote villages, and so much more.

Our trips range from 3 days to as long as 30 days or more. Alternatively, if you're looking for a truly epic journey, you could travel overland with our UK & SA based overlanding partners for several months on extended routes across the globe — from Anchorage to Ushuaia, Istanbul to Beijing, Cape Town to Cairo, or a whole loop of India or South East Asia.

Travelling overland is all about sharing a great experience with like-minded people. Your companions are as much part of the adventure as the areas you are travelling through. Our groups often have people of different ages, nationalities, and a broad-minded attitude to the world around them. Life-long friendships are forged on these journeys.

These are not just sightseeing tours — there are many different activities you could get involved with along the way. One day you may be trekking through the Mountains of East Africa, the next learning to cook in a Zanzibari village, and the next white-water rafting in the cascades of River Nile or stepping out on a city tour.

Take Note: Group overlanding is participatory travel, where the more you give is the more you get. You're more than just a passenger — you are part of the team! Everyone gets involved to help with fun chores like setting up camp, pitching tents, washing up, and helping the chef in cooking. This idea of getting involved is referred to as 'pitching in' or mucking in, which has always been intrinsic to overlanding.

Our overland trucks are truly unique. We use rugged and sturdy Mercedes-Benz Axor Trucks (known for their agility & durability), Scania Trucks (known for their versatility), Man Trucks, and Leyland DAF Trucks (best for the toughest terrains). These trucks will take you on the road and off the beaten tracks.

All of the trucks are affectionately named and have their own individual personalities. They say every truck has a soul, and many of our passengers remember the name of the truck they travelled on many years after their trip! All our overlanding trucks are well maintained by our crew of trained mechanics, following a strict maintenance schedule — guaranteeing seamless travel and safety while on the road.

Truck Equipment Includes:

• Coach style seating with forward-facing seats and spacious leg room
• Overhead luggage racks
• Large slide and roll windows offering great views and natural ventilation
• Side awning for sun/rain cover
• Water tank plus several 20-liter jerry cans
• Long range fuel tanks
• Audio equipment with MP3 player connection and surround system
• 12V charging socket points
• Integrated fridge/mini freezer & cooler box
• Large equipment storage areas for food, cooking utensils & expedition equipment
• Timbavati dome-shaped tents with integrated mosquito nets
• Camping mattresses, stools and tables
• Full kitchen & cooking equipment, gas cylinder & burner
• Camping lights
• Full range of mechanical tools and spares
• Sand mats, shovels & spades for terrain difficulties

As one of our tour leaders says: "An overland truck is a moving fortress on the road and a home whenever/wherever you park it." Our drivers are professionals with vast experience overlanding the African roads and destinations. They double up as mechanics, guides, and are trained in first aid.

We always strive to prepare healthy, wholesome, and plentiful meals. We cook most meals from our own kitchen on the truck. When camping out with us, we usually have a sumptuous alfresco brunch and dinner prepared by our dedicated team of overland chefs.

We encourage all our travelers to feel free to assist in the kitchen and clean up after the meal — that's called pitching-in in overlanding terms. We do cater for vegetarians, but we might not cater for fussiness. In group situations, everybody must appreciate we might not cater for individual likes and dislikes. Ultimately during the safari, you will always look forward to meal time.

All our trucks are equipped with a fridge used for perishable kitchen food stuffs only. Cleanliness plays an important role throughout the expedition, and our crew will maintain an acceptable level of general hygiene throughout your journey to ensure the wellbeing of the group.

During our overland travels, our primary form of accommodation is camping. Our truck is the ultimate camper, loaded with Timbavati canvas dome tents — very spacious, accommodating 2 persons per tent, with mosquito nets on doors & windows, a stargazing net on top (not all tents), and waterproof for all weather conditions.

We provide two camping mattresses per tent. Going camping for the first time? Be ready for an unforgettable experience, sleeping in canvas under the moon and a galaxy of stars. Our campsites are handpicked to guarantee adequate space for our truck, level campground, serene and secure locations, and basic amenities (electricity, running water, washrooms, and showers/bathrooms).

Should you prefer not to camp or want some time alone, you can often rent yourself a private room at your own expense.

Our trips are attended to by a dedicated crew consisting of a Driver/Mechanic, Tour Leader, Media Specialist, Chef & Helper, and Local Guides. Our staff are hard-nosed overlanders — professionals, well trained, appraised regularly, and well guided by our overlanding code.

Everyone on this trip is here to serve you, our esteemed travelers, and to ensure you all have the best experience gallivanting across Africa. You'll get to meet the crew in person before departure, during the tour leader's pre-departure brief.

Essential Items:

• Valid travel documents and Yellow Fever immunization certificate (for international travels)
• Personal toiletries and face mask
• Comfortable safari wear for the travel days
• Closed & open footwear (crocs/slippers/sandals/leather strap shoes)
• Good hiking/walking shoes or boots
• Warm clothing for chilly days & nights (we'll be camping!)
• Swimming costume/bikini
• Beddings (sleeping bag/Maasai shuka/duvet/kikoi or shawl)
• Extra backpack for essentials/snacks/water
• Eye protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, umbrella, rain coat
• Phone charger, power bank & multi-plug
• Camera & binoculars
• Spotlight/torch/headlamp/rechargeable lamps (essential for camping)
• Snacks, drinks, and extra drinking water
• Refillable water bottle (protect the environment — avoid single-use plastics)
• Music collection (flash disk/iPod/memory stick)
• Mosquito repellent cream
• Books to read/cards/board games
• Padlock to secure your locker in the truck
• Extra cash for souvenirs, shopping & tips
• Your spirit of adventure!

Important: Please pack your personal medication and if you have a pre-existing condition or dietary restriction, kindly inform our staff. Pack enough luggage using medium-sized bags and carry only what's essential.

This is a full participation expedition, so you need to be in good general health and reasonably fit. The main concern is that everyone is able to pitch in equally and do their fair share when it comes to group activities like communal cleaning up, packing gear in and out of the vehicle, and erecting your own tent.

You do not need to be super-fit by any means, and all ages are welcome. We always attract a very broad age range on these expeditions, from people in their 20's through to people in their 70's. Please inform us of any medical conditions before departure so your crew knows how to deal with a medical situation if it should arise. We always encourage our travelers to have MedVac and travel insurance.

Our trips are designed to allow plenty of free time in all the places of interest, but we are driving a fair distance. Yes, there are going to be a lot of drive days and some of them will be long. This is where you have to be able to take pleasure in the scenery, some good banter, music, or a good book from time to time.

Generally, on a drive day we leave in the morning after breakfast, around 6am-8am, and arrive at our destination before dusk in daylight. Sometimes it will be a full day's drive and you'll have the following day or two free. On rare occasions it may be 2 or 3 drive days in a row. Some areas can be remote, and the pleasure is in the scenery.

Our proposed itinerary is the ideal route we would like to take, providing all political and natural situations are acceptable during our travels. Situations sometimes change during an expedition, so please be prepared to take an alternative route if we encounter any problems. We always strive to arrive at our destinations on time, but our itinerary can change if an area becomes off-limits for any reason.

Are you ready to step off your comfort zone and embark on an unforgettable overland experience?

LET'S GO KIBAZENGA.