Published: 2017-08-04

Fresh from leading one of our Central Asia overland trips, Oasis Director Chris returned with a glowing and refreshingly honest perspective on travelling through Iran. From the moment you arrive, he explains, you’re met with extraordinary warmth and curiosity, as locals eagerly welcome visitors, practice their English and invite conversation. Far from being touristy, Iran offers a rare sense of discovery, with highlights ranging from the stunning bridges and mosques of Esfahan to ancient desert cities, ingenious wind catchers and ice houses, and richly spiced cuisine infused with saffron and pomegranate. Perhaps most striking of all is the deep sense of trust and openness Chris observed in everyday life, making Iran feel not only safe and affordable, but genuinely special – a destination he urges travellers to experience now, while its sense of innocence and excitement remains so strong.

Published: 2016-08-27

Brazil is so much more than Rio, São Paulo, and Iguaçu Falls—our Oasis Overland Trans South America Expedition revealed hidden gems that are sure to amaze any traveller. From the adrenaline rush of the world’s (probably) longest zip-line in Taquaraçu, to the palm-lined beaches and water parks of Porto Seguro, and the vibrant riverside markets of Belém, there’s something for everyone. Discover the surf-friendly fishing village of Itacaré, the cobbled streets and gold-rich history of Ouro Preto, or the party-filled harbour town of Paraty. Trancoso offers pristine coastline and artisan markets, while Salvador dazzles with its Afro-Brazilian culture. Off the beaten track, Pedra Caída delivers a magical cave-and-waterfall adventure, and the friendly town of Lençóis, gateway to Chapada Diamantina National Park, combines outdoor exploration with lively street cafés and bars. These ten destinations prove that Brazil’s hidden corners are as breathtaking as its famous icons.

Published: 2016-08-24

This deeply moving story shares the extraordinary journey of Herbert, the trusted partner who has arranged gorilla trekking permits for Oasis Overland travellers for many years, and his harrowing experiences as a child soldier during Rwanda’s turbulent 1990s. Lured from school at just 14 under false promises, Herbert was forced into the Rwandan Patriotic Front and endured hunger, fear and unimaginable hardship through years of conflict in the Virunga Mountains and beyond. His powerful reflections offer rare insight into the realities of child soldiers and the long-lasting scars of war, while also standing as a testament to resilience, survival and hope, as Herbert has since rebuilt his life and now runs a successful business supporting both his family and local employment in Rwanda.

Published: 2016-08-24

Few celebrations on earth compare to the colour, energy and sheer scale of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, where centuries of tradition have evolved into one of the world’s greatest parties. Rooted in pre-Lent festivities brought by the Portuguese, Carnival today fills the city with samba, costumes and nonstop street celebrations, from Copacabana and Ipanema to the iconic Sambadrome, where Brazil’s best samba schools perform. With Oasis Overland, travellers can experience Carnival alongside some of Rio’s most famous sights – from Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer to beaches, hang-gliding and local neighbourhoods – all while sharing the unforgettable atmosphere with new friends on an epic South American overland adventure.

Published: 2016-08-23

Zimbabwe has been at the heart of Oasis Overland adventures for nearly two decades, and it’s easy to see why this remarkable country continues to captivate us. From the thunderous spectacle of Victoria Falls – where adrenaline-fuelled rafting, bungee jumping and gorge swings meet unforgettable wildlife encounters – to the tranquil beauty of Chimanimani National Park and the dramatic landscapes of Matobo, Zimbabwe offers an extraordinary mix of scenery, history and adventure. Add in ancient rock art, the evocative Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a nostalgic train journey through Hwange, and the famously warm welcome of the Zimbabwean people, and you have a destination that truly showcases the very best of Africa.

Published: 2016-08-11

Venturing far beyond the headlines, Oasis Operations Director Mark’s journey into Northern Pakistan revealed a land of extraordinary landscapes, resilience and warmth that few travellers now experience. From travelling north in a rugged ex-military jeep to navigating landslides, glacial lakes and the dramatic Karakoram Highway, the adventure was as raw as it was rewarding. Amid ancient forts, towering peaks and treks to places like Rakaposhi base camp, it was the kindness of local people and the stark absence of tourism that left the strongest impression, offering a powerful reminder that behind the media narratives lies a stunning, welcoming country waiting to be rediscovered.

Published: 2016-08-05

For true adventure seekers, the overland journey from London to Beijing is the ultimate expedition and a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience. Spanning 17 weeks and crossing an incredible 19 countries, this epic trip takes you from Europe through Turkey, the Caucasus and Central Asia, all the way to the Great Wall of China. Packed with cultural encounters, historic landmarks and iconic sights such as Dracula’s Castle and the Terracotta Army, it offers the perfect balance of included highlights, optional excursions and free time to explore. With nearly two decades of overland expertise, Oasis Overland delivers this extraordinary journey with trusted crews, great value and no hidden surprises, making it ideal for solo travellers, couples or friends ready to take on the adventure of a lifetime.

Published: 2016-08-03

From riverfront camps on the edge of the Okavango to sleeping under Namibia’s vast star-filled skies, this leg of the journey was packed with unforgettable moments and ever-changing scenery. Wildlife encounters in Etosha, from elephants and lions to multiple rhinos at floodlit waterholes, were matched by deeply personal experiences such as visiting a Himba village, touching rescued cheetahs, and exploring ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. Bush camps, the haunting Skeleton Coast, the overwhelming Seal Colony, and dramatic desert landscapes led to adrenaline-fuelled adventures in Swakopmund, from skydiving and quad biking to dolphin cruises, before iconic sights like Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon and finally the vineyards of Stellenbosch rounded off an extraordinary overland journey to Cape Town.

Published: 2016-08-01

From the thundering Victoria Falls to the wildlife-packed waterways of the Okavango Delta, my Deserts & Gameparks adventure through Zimbabwe and Botswana was nothing short of spectacular. Starting with adrenaline-fuelled experiences at the Falls—gorge swings, zip lines, micro-lighting, and helicopter flights—the journey then moved into Botswana, where herds of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and even a fish eagle greeted us on a Chobe River cruise. Nights at Elephant Sands brought incredible close encounters with elephants wandering past our tents, while a flight over the Okavango Delta revealed the vast expanse of this wildlife haven before we explored it up close in traditional Mokoros. With stunning sunsets, serene bush camps, and the chance to learn from local polers, this leg of the trip perfectly blended adventure, wildlife, and relaxation—an unforgettable start to a Southern African overland journey.

Published: 2015-08-21

Having just completed the 2014-2015 Trans Africa trip with Oasis Overland, I want to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who made this journey unforgettable! Special shout-outs go to Natalie and Katie in the Oasis office for their exceptional planning, support, and reassurance that kept the trip running smoothly from start to finish. Huge thanks to the amazing crew we met along the way—Pete, Tabitha, Mick, Alan, Mark D., Liam, Chris, and Mark—for their company and inter-truck entertainment (blame the whisky and tequila if I forgot anyone!). To Steve Newsway on the West Coast for his wisdom, calm, and experience, Steve Lloyde for his wild sense of adventure and knack for lifting the mood, Gareth Redington on the East Coast for his driving skills, laid-back attitude, and creative history lessons, and Joseph Kennedy for masterminding the entire epic journey from the UK to Cairo via Cape Town with tireless planning and a can-do attitude. This incredible team made 27 countries of Africa come alive and turned an overland trip into a truly unforgettable adventure.