Published: 2015-08-12

Overlanding has changed a lot in the last two decades, and technology is at the heart of it. When Oasis Overland first started, planning trips meant letters, paper maps, and long phone calls from a tiny Hounslow bedsit; today, instant communication, GPS, and mobile phones make managing expeditions across Africa and South America far easier and safer. Our crew can report road closures in real time, drivers can share bushcamp coordinates instantly, and travellers can keep friends and family updated via social media or blogs. Yet while technology has smoothed the logistics, it has also softened some of the unpredictability and “disappearing” adventure that made overlanding so thrilling. At Oasis, we balance modern convenience with traditional adventure: bushcamps, remote destinations, and WiFi-free trucks ensure that travellers can still experience the wild, immersive, and sometimes unpredictable spirit of overland travel.

Published: 2015-08-07

Joe’s latest blog from the 39-week Trans-Africa Expedition captures the excitement and unpredictability of overlanding at its finest. From last-minute farewells in Portsmouth to the arrival of the group in Gibraltar, the journey kicked off with anticipation and curiosity about the people and adventures ahead. Morocco offered a vibrant introduction to Africa, with stunning sights like the Hassan II Mosque, Volubilis, Chefchaouen, Todra Gorge, and Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, plus the bustling souks and lively streets of Marrakech. Despite unusually heavy rains creating boggy roads and challenging campsites, the group pulled together to overcome obstacles, discovering firsthand the resilience, teamwork, and flexibility that make overland travel such a unique experience.

Published: 2014-08-27

During my recent trip to Brazil, I had the incredible opportunity to explore the Pantanal, one of the world’s largest wetlands, and was blown away by the abundance of wildlife. Staying at the charming Pousada Santa Clara, we explored the area on foot, by river, and even on horseback, spotting everything from quatis and howler monkeys to caiman, capybaras, river otters, and hundreds of colourful birds including toucans, macaws, and kingfishers. The adventure included spotlight trips at night to see nocturnal wildlife, and even a piranha fishing session for lunch! Between the lush scenery, vibrant birdlife, and unforgettable encounters with animals, the Pantanal proved to be a wildlife paradise and an essential stop on any South American overland adventure, whether on the Coast to Coast, Kingdoms & Carnivals, or Rio to La Paz, Cuzco, or Lima trips.

Published: 2014-08-20

Midway through our Kyrgyzstan adventure, the trip continued with unforgettable experiences that blended culture, nature, and a touch of adrenaline. We witnessed a breathtaking eagle display and even had the chance to hold Tamara, a four-time champion eagle, gaining insight into the care and training of these majestic birds. From there, we enjoyed the comforts of a homestay in Kochkor, relishing delicious local meals and a proper shower, before venturing to Lake Song Kol. The lakeside yurts were idyllic, offering glorious sunsets, the sound of galloping horses, and the perfect setting to try horseback riding for the first time—though my horse had its own ideas! We also watched the thrilling local sport Ulak Tartysh, where riders demonstrate incredible horsemanship. The journey continued through jaw-dropping mountain passes to Tash-Rabat, a well-preserved caravanserai along the Silk Route, and concluded with a climb up the historic Burana Tower, providing panoramic views and a moment to reflect on the beauty and diversity of Kyrgyzstan.

Published: 2014-08-12

The 2014/2015 Trans-Africa expedition, affectionately known as “The Trans,” began quietly from Somerset with two yellow trucks setting off into the night, yet what awaited their crews and passengers was anything but ordinary. Spanning 39 weeks, this epic journey would take travellers from the familiar streets of Gibraltar into the vast unknowns of West Africa, down to Cape Town, and back up the eastern side to Cairo. Along the way, they would navigate muddy tracks, bureaucratic hurdles, and unpredictable weather, all while being rewarded with unforgettable experiences: bustling, colourful towns, breathtaking natural landscapes from the Sahara to the Congo, rich and largely untouched local cultures, and the thrill of encountering Africa’s incredible wildlife. For overlanders, completing “The Trans” is more than just a trip—it is a rite of passage, a test of resilience, and a journey filled with stories and memories that last a lifetime.

Published: 2014-05-19

For anyone gearing up for the 75-day Grand Adventurer overland trip from Nairobi to Cape Town, Oasis Overland driver Dave has put together a fantastic reading list to get you in the right mindset. From Beryl Markham’s pioneering aviation memoir West with the Night to Karen Blixen’s classic Out of Africa, these books offer glimpses into the landscapes, wildlife, and rich cultures you’ll encounter. Dive into Joy Adamson’s heartwarming Born Free, Dian Fossey’s Gorillas in the Mist, or the gripping accounts of Rwanda’s genocide in Shake Hands With the Devil. Explore the mysteries of colonial Africa in Thomas Pakenham’s The Scramble for Africa or Nelson Mandela’s inspiring Long Walk to Freedom. Whether it’s memoirs, history, or fiction, these 16 books will enrich your journey, turning the sights and sounds of Africa into stories you’ve already begun to know before you even set foot on the road.

Published: 2014-04-17

If visiting Machu Picchu is on your travel wish list, Oasis Overland offers multiple ways to experience this iconic Inca citadel. For those seeking the legendary Classic Inca Trail, early booking is essential due to limited daily permits, while alternative treks like the Lares and Salkantay Trails provide stunning mountain scenery, Andean villages, and hot springs en route to Machu Picchu. Travelers who prefer a more relaxed approach can take the train to Aguas Calientes, with guided tours of the ruins timed for sunrise. All options are included in our Regional Explorer and Overland Adventures, allowing you to combine Peru’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and adventurous trekking in one unforgettable journey.

Published: 2014-03-19

Having recently returned from an unforgettable 15-day overland adventure through Kyrgyzstan, Katie shares the magic of this hidden gem in Central Asia. Starting in Bishkek, the trip takes in the towering peaks of Ala-Archa National Park, the turquoise waters of Lake Issyk Kul, ancient petroglyphs, and the vibrant bazaars and historic architecture of Karakol. With bush camps beside rivers, yurts for restful nights, and the freedom to explore at your own pace, every day offered a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure. From trekking to waterfalls and glaciers to swimming in crystal-clear lakes and meeting friendly locals, this journey highlights why Kyrgyzstan deserves a top spot on any traveler's list.

Published: 2014-02-12

Embark on the ultimate overland adventure with Oasis Overland on the 39-week Trans-Africa expedition, traversing 26 countries from the UK to Cairo via Cape Town. Tour leader Ishi shares her journey of transformation, from everyday life in Britain to leading a convoy of 18-tonne trucks and 24 adventurous travellers through deserts, rainforests, and bustling African markets. With unpredictable challenges, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable landscapes at every turn, this epic expedition offers an unparalleled chance to experience Africa in a way few ever do—raw, real, and completely life-changing.

Published: 2013-06-13

Join Oasis Overland on the unforgettable 11-day Berber Migration trek in Morocco, following a nomadic family across the Atlas Mountains from winter to summer pastures. Travelling by foot through spectacular landscapes—from rocky riverbeds to lush valleys and snowy peaks—you’ll camp under the stars, sip traditional Berber tea with welcoming families, and experience the rhythms of a disappearing way of life. The adventure also includes time in Marrakech, exploring the bustling Djemaa el-Fna, opulent palaces, vibrant souqs, and iconic film locations like Ait-Benhaddou and the Cascades d’Ouzoud waterfalls, combining cultural immersion with breathtaking scenery.