OUR CREW’S REPORT ON OUR FIRST FAMILY OVERLAND ADVENTURE

Overlanding is a brilliant way to travel (well, we think so!) seeing everyday life of the country you’re exploring as you drive through it, chatting to local people as you shop for food in markets, camping under starry skies and observing beautiful landscapes and fascinating wildlife. 

Our family overland trips are a little different to our regular trips with generally shorter drive times, a wider range of accommodation (not just camping) and more activities included and on offer that are suitable for kids.  Some long drive days are involved so that we can see as much as possible although we do our best to limit these. Airport transfers are included at both ends to keep things easy for you. Accommodation options range from remote camping to campsites with great facilities and basic hotels to lovely lodges and a few in between!

The crew on this trip were George and Sue, who met whilst working as overland crew back in 2006.  After ‘retiring’ from Oasis and overlanding, a marriage and 2 children later, they came back this year to drive and tour lead for Oasis once more, bringing along their 2 girls plus grandparents too! 

Thanks to George and Sue for helping to create this trip and for leading our families on a fantastic overland adventure! 

Our crew’s report from our first family overland adventure!: 

Well, all we can say is WOW!  

Wow what a trip, what an experience, and what amazing people to do it with. Our recent family Overland Adventure exceeded even our expectations as crew. With the group including a mum and son from Romania, a father and daughter from Luxembourg, a family currently living in Qatar from the USA and UK with their two children and a further family constituting 3 generations with grandparents, parents and children all on-board it certain made for an eclectic group.   Despite (or perhaps as a result of) this diversity everyone got on exceptionally well, even on the longer drive days when UNO did make an appearance ‘once or maybe even twice’.  

 

Heading out from Windhoek, we headed down to Sesreim and the famous sand dunes at Sossusvlei.  Having set up our first camp that evening, with even the most modest campers finding their feet with the tents, a good night’s sleep was enjoyed before heading up the dunes first thing to get the best of the scenery and sunrise. All the kids had fun shimmying down the side to return (and in some cases back up and down again and again).  In fact more sand seemed to be imported onto the truck than they had climbed but good fun all the same.  

Then on to Swakopmund for quad biking, sand boarding and desert tours as well as the intrepid pair from Luxembourg ‘going for it’ with a skydiving experience. With great value fun meals out in the evenings what more could you want. On to Etosha where the wildlife sightings proved to be non-stop with Rhino, Giraffe, shedloads of elephants, zebra and antelopes a plenty and to top it off even a lion and a packed floodlit waterhole in the evening at the campsite to top it off. 

From here to Rundu for a bit of luxury, a group meal and a boat trip in the evening overlooking Angola. Following this was a trip to the Mbunza Living museum next morning which was fascinating and certainly proved a real hit with all ages. Passing genuine African mud hut villages, the next day we headed north up to the Caprivi strip where we arrived at everyone’s favourite campsite of the trip. Offering treehouses, quirky toilets, a friendly bar and restaurant, river swimming pool (hippo cage included!) and fantastic wildlife spotting across the river in the Buffalo Park opposite, who can blame them. 

Mokoro trips and chilling out were on the cards here for a couple of nights before heading into Botswana where the group were fortunate enough to be spoilt rotten for game spotting. A game drive and a sunset boat trip offered the chance to see a group of lionesses with their cubs enjoying a recent kill, literally thousands of elephants including the cutest little one possible, crocodiles, large antelopes, waterhogs and hippos to name just a few.  Certainly a memorable way to spend the last few days of the trip before we drove to Victoria Falls, our final destination. Although we were not done just then as it was full steam ahead for all of us to head to the Falls to view the world-famous heritage site together.  We rounded off the day and the trip with a sad farewell group meal where contact details were exchanged and lifetime friendships cemented.  

Now where to next???????

2025 FAMILY OVERLAND ADVENTURE NEWS

In 2025 this trip will run from Victoria Falls to Windhoek plus we have a new family adventure planned in Kenya and Tanzania.  So if you and your family would like to join us on a big yellow truck next July/August, we have the following overland adventures for you to choose from: 

NAIROBI TO ZANZIBAR (15 days) TANZANIA FAMILY OVERLAND (starting late July, at the start of the UK school summer holidays)

VICTORIA FALLS TO WINDHOEK (15 days) Deserts & Delta Family Overland (starting two weeks later in August, finishing in time before the UK schools go back – the same trip as this year’s, but in the opposite direction this time) 

NAIROBI TO WINDHOEK (29 days) AFRICA FAMILY OVERLAND (combining both trips together if you want a full on month on the road!) 

Or join us for a trip over Easter!

WINDHOEK to VICTORIA FALLS (15 days) Deserts & Delta Easter Family Overland (timed to take in the Easter weekend as part of the trip – this may not fit all UK school holidays as they vary so much at this time of year) 

If you’re not sure if taking your family on an overland trip is for you, we are happy to chat, answer your questions and help you decide.  Please contact us and we’ll give you a call.   

If you prefer a Small Group Adventure using local transport and/or private minibuses and staying in local accommodation, we have these fantastic family tours with departure dates during all school holidays: 

CAIRO to CAIRO (12 days) Egyptian Family Adventure

This exciting family adventure in Egypt features the iconic Pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo, the stunning temples and tombs of Luxor, a brief camel ride, relaxing beach time by the Red Sea, and a traditional felucca cruise on the Nile.

CAIRO to CAIRO (9 days) Nile Family Adventure

This brief family adventure tour offers a fantastic introduction to Egypt. It includes visits to the awe-inspiring Pyramids and Sphinx, the renowned Cairo Museum, an enjoyable camel ride, a stop at a local school, and a memorable felucca cruise on the Nile.

MARRAKECH to MARRAKECH (12 days) Souks, Sand Dunes & Surf

The vibrant sights, sounds, and scents of Morocco make it an incredible family destination. Discover the ancient, winding medina of Marrakech, the breathtaking landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, the stunning Sahara Desert, and the beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast.

MARRAKECH to MARRAKECH (9 days) Souks & Sand Dunes

With its lively sights, sounds, and scents, Morocco is a wonderful family destination. Discover the ancient, winding medina of Marrakech, the breathtaking landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, the remarkable Sahara Desert, and the beautiful Atlantic beaches.

MARRAKECH to MARRAKECH (8 days) Marrakech and Sahara Teen Tour

Immerse your family in the rich and diverse tapestry of Moroccan history, culture, and experiences. From exploring ancient medinas and vibrant souks to indulging in traditional cuisine and engaging with local artisans, there are countless opportunities to connect with the unique heritage of this captivating country.

AMMAN to AMMAN (8 days) Jordan Family Adventure

This family adventure provides an ideal introduction to Jordan, featuring visits to the historic sites of Jerash, Petra, and Kerak. You'll also experience a stay at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, enjoy a thrilling 4x4 jeep safari, and have time to relax at the Red and Dead Seas.