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Oasis Overland is a leading adventure travel company specializing in unique overland journeys that connect travelers with the heart and soul of diverse landscapes and cultures. Founded on the belief that the journey is just as important as the destination, Oasis Overland offers a range of exhilarating trips that traverse some of the world’s most iconic routes. From the rugged terrains of Africa to the breathtaking vistas of South America, each expedition is designed to immerse adventurers in local traditions, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. With a strong commitment to sustainable travel practices, Oasis Overland ensures that its tours not only provide unforgettable experiences but also support the communities and environments visited. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time traveler, Oasis Overland promises an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure that will leave you with lifelong memories and a deeper appreciation for the world around you. Discover the thrill of overland travel with Oasis Overland and embark on your next great adventure!
What is Overlanding?
Overlanding is an adventurous way to travel that allows you to immerse yourself in the landscapes and local life of the countries you are travelling through, exploring remote and rugged terrains away from the tourists crowds as well as reaching iconic cities and sites. When travelling by overland truck, you can be self-sufficient with tents, cooking supplies and spare vehicle equipment, allowing you to reach places off the tourist trail, camping out in the wild and stopping in local towns and villages. It’s as much about the travel experience as the places you visit.
Whether it’s watching the landscapes roll by from your overland truck window, chatting to local villagers on a lunch stop or camping overnight under the stars, traversing deserts, mountains, or forests, overlanding offers a sense of freedom and adventure, attracting those who seek to disconnect from everyday life and connect with the great outdoors. It encapsulates the spirit of exploration, encouraging travelers to venture off the beaten path.
Traditionally overlanding meant travelling by expedition vehicle for many months. Nowadays we have a wide range of options, from 5 days to 47 weeks, whether it’s travelling in our custom built overland truck in an Overland Adventure or Ultimate Expedition or exploring by local transport on a Small Group Adventure.
The following will give you some insight into what to expect when travelling by overland truck on one of our Overland Adventures or Ultimate Expeditions.
What Can Travellers Expect While on an Overland Trip?
Firstly expect the unexpected! If you are looking for a set itinerary where everything runs smoothly, then this is not the kind of trip for you. On our Ultimate Expeditions in particular, our itineraries can change due to local circumstances, and in such situations we'll always try to minimise any disruption, but bear in mind that from time to time events happen outside our control. It is this very unpredictability which makes each expedition different, exciting and one of the most adventurous things that you will possibly ever do! Overland Adventures are generally less prone to changes but still be prepared for hitches along the way – road closures, border delays and the like can happen at any time!
You will be travelling in a group of up to 24 people. Many of our past travellers are still in touch with others in their group! As part of this adventure you will be expected to have an active involvement in the day to day running of the trip, be part of the group and get stuck in and help with various tasks, whether it's cooking meals over open fires, pitching your tent or keeping the truck clean and tidy.
What Are the Food Arrangements Like on an Overland Trip?
When 'on the road' or camping, we usually cook using gas or over open fires in a rota system and you can expect to cook in a group of two or three people approximately once every ten days depending on the number of people on trip and whereabouts you are. Your cook group will have to decide on what to cook, utilise stocks from the truck stores and locally obtain ingredients from markets, shops etc. and rustle up a meal. But don't worry if you're not a Gordon Ramsay as the rest of the group and the Tour leader usually lend a helping hand. Here is an idea of what to expect at meal times:
Breakfasts: Usually simple - we help ourselves to cereal, toast, hot drinks and on occasion we will splurge with a cooked breakfast.
Lunch: Cold and usually quick. The cook group will put out bread, tinned supplies and maybe make a salad.
Dinner: Cooks come into their own in the evening, and will always attempt to cook up some delights. When the truck is parked up for a few days in a town or city most people usually like the option to eat out at local restaurants - so we often don't cook all meals when at these locations.
Vegetarians / Vegans / Coeliacs / Gluten & Lactose intolerance - Our Tour Leaders will always do their best to cater for any dietary requirement or intolerance whenever possible. However we do not cater for fussy eaters. It must be remembered that the variety of dishes available may not be the same as available to meat eaters. If there is anything in particular you require in your diet or because of an allergy or would miss from home, it would be best to bring these with you, as these cannot be purchased with normal Local Payment funds due to the high cost of these specialised and often imported foods.
Because we will be cooking communally in a shared outdoor kitchen, it is hard, if not impossible, to prevent against some cross contamination. So, if you have severe allergies to certain food products you must tell us as soon as possible so that we can consider the implications and advise you further. Remember that when eating out in local restaurants & hotels that vegetarianism or food allergies / intolerance's, are still not widely known about or understood by many local people. i.e Vegetarians or Vegans will often be offered fish or chicken in error. Most large towns and cities, or areas used to tourists, will often have more choice but please be aware that it will probably not be as varied as you are used to when eating out at home.
Who Will Be Accompanying Travellers on an Overland Trip?
We usually have two crew whose duties are extensive and quite demanding, with challenges ranging from driving and maintaining the expedition vehicle to a high standard, to organising visas and border crossings, arranging accommodation, pre-booking some excursions and guides, helping with shopping and cooking as well as finding the best deals, socializing and making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. While our crew are usually experienced and knowledgeable they are not tour guides as such. Our trips pass through many countries and our tour leaders cannot be expected to have detailed knowledge of each country's history, flora and fauna and archaeological sites. Even so - they will be more than willing to pass on any interesting and useful information that they have acquired whilst on the road. A rewarding way to gain a better insight into the wildlife, cultural and historical diversity of the countries we travel through is by reading guide books as well as talking to the local people and using local guides.
Adventure travel can be unpredictable and occasionally our crew may have to amend the itinerary to take into account changing local circumstances or because of a delay at a border or because of circumstances outside our control. This can all lead to additional work and commitment for our crew who will do all they can to minimize any disruption to the trip. While our crew are essentially on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week, it has to be remembered that no one is actually expected to work these hours, so at Oasis we are realistic that within a trip there will be times when our crew need 'down time' and a chance to relax and 'let their hair down' as well. They are only human!
Where Will Travellers Be Staying on an Overland Trip?
In Africa we spend some nights bush or desert camping and the rest of the time in campsites. In West Africa, facilities are generally very basic and there is a lot of bush camping.
In South America we often stay in hostels or basic hotels when in towns and cities. When camping, the majority is in campsites with some bushcamping. Occasionally we are very limited on options and we will camp at overnight services.
In Central Asia there is also a mix of bush camping, campsites, hostels and basic hotels including yurt stays and simple pensions in villages.
Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an overland trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. Tents are shared (between two people of the same sex from your group unless you are a couple).
Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed.
For most of your trip the Oasis expedition truck will be your new home - giving you a comfortable & secure base with which to experience your trip. We use purpose built truck's which have been converted especially for this expedition, which pass through all types of terrains from soft sand, mud, rock and potholed roads to tarseal. It is reassuring to know that these vehicles can handle the tough conditions that they are put through. The truck is equipped with all the equipment we may need en route, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water & fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts and the kitchen sink, (well almost!) so all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat and your own personal gear!