Overlanding in Africa: The true meaning of adventure

Well, there’s adventure and then there’s adventure. And few places in the world offer the type of adventure that an overland camping trip through Africa does. This is the kind that has you riding through the savannah alongside herds of animals you’ve only ever dreamed of seeing. It’s the kind that has you walking into small villages and meeting the local people. Ultimately, this is the kind of adventure that has you sleeping outside underneath a clear, dark African sky full of stars you can’t normally see where you live.

An overland camping trip through Africa may sound like a huge undertaking, but with some effort and energy, will be one of the best and biggest adventures of your life. So, how’s it done?

Camp

First and foremost, these are camping trips that take you through some of the most amazing landscapes and nature our world has to offer. The sites we stay at are almost all regulated campsites either inside or just outside of national parks. These are sites in craters and savannahscapes, beneath the limbs of massive trees and, of course, outside of game reserves. All you need to bring is a sleeping bag and pillow because all other equipment – sleeping tents, chairs, food tables, etc – is provided for you. And most sites we stop at have running water, toilets, and showers. Some even have bars, shops, and wi-fi access. This is far from your basic camping experience.

Hit the road

Overland tours bring together like-minded travellers who aren’t fussed about roughing it or going the distance to discover the remote vistas and incredible wildlife of this grand continent. The trucks you’ll ride aboard are designed specifically for the purpose of transporting a small group through amazing scenery.

Exclusive to G Adventures and available on select overland tours in Africa, these custom-made, purpose-built overland adventure vehicles (OAV) will get you where other vehicles can’t in a style you won’t get anywhere else. They’re super-comfy and have massive windows that make every seat a window seat. People love these trucks, and we hear about it all the time. Click here for a closer look!

Pitch in

Another special something about the journey is that everyone on the ride pitches in to help where they can. This is called “participatory camping.” Don’t worry – the work is minimal. It basically means travellers might help set up camp a few nights or help get dinner ready. Each trip comes with two CEOs, with one doing the driving and the other in charge of preparing the food and making sure the trip is as incredible as possible for everyone involved.

And then, on top of it all, you’re in Africa! These are seriously some of the most incredible places we visit. Imagine walking up Table Mountain to peer down at stunning Cape Town. Or watching the red, red sunset reflect off the granite peaks of Etosha in Namibia. Track lions; smell the air at the foot of Kilimanjaro; be welcomed by the Masai people in a small Kenyan village; and then cool it all off in the mist emanating from Victoria Falls. Yeah, it’s possible.

Few journeys in life offer the sense of adventure on the scale of an overland camping trip through Africa. Come armed with the desire to do something truly different for a change – and the will to realize it – and this will be a trip that will quite literally change your life.

Getting There

G Adventures runs a number of overland tours in Africa encompassing a wide range of departure dates and activities to cater for different tastes. We’re thrilled at the prospect of showing you this big blue planet of ours — check out our small group trips here.