On this two-week African family adventure through Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, you'll get to explore some of the most varied and exciting landscapes in Africa. Starting in Victoria Falls on the border of Zimbabwe, we travel into Botswana before exploring Namibia and finishing in the capital, Windhoek.
Your starting point is the stunning Victoria Falls and the numerous activities available here. Leaving Zimbabwe we cross the border into Botswana and take you to Chobe National Park, famous for its thriving elephant population.
Heading into Namibia, our first stop is along the banks of the Okavango River, teaming with plant, bird and animal life and an area that is often known as the 'pan handle' of the Okavango Delta. There are several optional safaris from our camp both in traditional mokoro dugout canoes, and with open 4x4 safari vehicles. Moving on, Etosha National Park is one of the best places in the world to see wildlife and we have several game drives in our truck, especially looking out for the famous desert elephants there and enjoying time in the evenings at floodlit waterholes. Back on the road, we journey south to Ozohere Himba Village and Cape Cross Seal Colony. After passing shipwrecks sitting on the desert sands of the Skeleton Coast, we’ll visit Swakopmund, known as the adventure capital of Namibia where thrilling activities, such as skydiving, sandboarding and scenic flights above the stark landscape of the mountainous dunes are available. Coming towards the end of our trip, our next highlight is Namib-Naukluft National Park and Sossusvlei where we'll climb up the famous Dune 45 in the Namib Desert and see the ancient scorched black trees in the Deadvlei clay-pan. Finally we travel to Windhoek, Namibia’s capital and journey’s end.
This overland family adventure safari holiday allows you to experience the diversity and uniqueness of the different regional cultures, discover the abundance of wildlife, and get your adrenaline flowing with exciting optional activities. Accommodation is a mix of hotels/lodges, permanent camps, and in simple tents next to our truck. Travel is on one of our specialist overland expedition vehicles with an experienced tour leader and driver on board.
This family tour has a minimum age requirement of 5 years, with discounted prices available for children aged from 5 to 15. Our trucks have 24 seats on the back, and the group will be a minimum of 8 people and maximum of 18 (plus crew).
Note: If you would like to enjoy a longer family adventure in Africa with us, then our Tanzania Family Overland trip from Nairobi to Zanzibar runs immediately before this trip starts and the two are designed to be combined together if you wish.
Click map to enlarge
Welcome to Victoria Falls! You will be met at the airport and transferred to our campsite for the start of your trip. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in to your campsite chalet before we have a pre-trip meeting at 6pm and introduction to our crew and the overland expedition vehicle which will be our home for the next two weeks. Our local representative Joy, will also meet us and run through the activities and experiences available in Victoria Falls tomorrow.
Meals: No meals included today
Overnight: Victoria Falls Rest Camp - en-suite lodges
Our family overland adventure gets off to an amazing start with a visit to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. Known as the “Smoke that thunders” in the local Tonga language, it is the largest single curtain of falling water in the world and 70% of the exquisite views are seen from the Zimbabwe rain forest, from here the falling water’s impressive roar can sometimes be heard from 40 kilometres (25 miles) away. At its peak, the volume of water coming over the falls is around 150 million gallons per minute. This amount of water is just incomprehensible…a good size bath holds 40 gallons, so 1 million gallons would equate to 25,000 baths… making the high-water mark of 150 million gallons equate to 3.75 million (the entire population of Liverpool and Manchester combined) bathtubs of water thundering over the falls every single minute. That’s a lot of water!
The rain forest surrounding it, which has constant rain 24/7 from the never-ending spray of the Falls, has a unique ecosystem. It is a botanists dream and bird lovers’ paradise. There are species here that don’t occur anywhere else, and families are strongly recommended to look just a little beyond the 2 km pathway and the numerous viewpoints towards the overgrowth to try and spot them. One of the great things about the falls is that the area has not become over commercialised. In fact, once you are standing by the Falls your view will not be much different to that of David Livingstone’s who first saw the Falls in 1855.
You have the afternoon free to take part in a range of optional adventure activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swing or evening horse riding. If you're looking to relax, there are various craft markets and coffee shops to enjoy.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch eaten at the truck. Group dinner included today.
Overnight: Victoria Falls Rest Camp - en-suite lodges
We have an early start today as we leave Zimbabwe and cross the border into Botswana and on to Chobe National Park. Chobe is most famous for its elephant and buffalo populations, both of which can herd in epic proportions. With an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 elephant, these gentle giants constantly surround you. We are there during the dry season when the Chobe River sees thousands lining the banks and crossing the water towards our campsite, giving the kids the chance to view them close up, an unforgettable experience and a lifelong memory. There is the option for an afternoon game drive (not included) before our evening river cruise which provides excellent photograph opportunities! It really is a lovely way to see the sun setting over the horizon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner at the truck today.
Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge - camping
Following on from here we find ourselves crossing another border into Namibia and heading to the Caprivi strip. This is considered Namibia’s answer to The Okavango Delta, an area which offers an incredible water-based safari location. Being sandwiched between Angola, Zambia and Botswana and near the tip of Zimbabwe, the region is surrounded by 5 perennial rivers – Chobe, Kwando, Linvanti, Okavango and the Zambezi – which makes it a haven for elephants, hippo, crocodile and buffalo. The bird watching is also unrivalled, with the region recording an incredible 660 different species. All of which offers families an endless number of activities including game viewing by boat, sunset cruises and canoeing adventures which are also a great way to relax and reconnect.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner at the truck today.
Overnight: Ngepi Camp - camping (upgrades available on request)
You have a free day today on the Okavango River where a multitude of optional activities are available.
On the optional Mokoro cruise local poler guides will navigate the extensive waterways using canoes similar to their traditional Mokoros (dug out canoes). This is a great experience and a good way to get a hippo's eye view of the surroundings.
There are also a number of other optional safaris including game walks and game drives with specialist guides, giving you the chance to see elephant, crocodile and hippo up close and personal.
The trip is based on camping in our tents here. However, Ngepi Camp also has some fun treehouse and bush hut accommodation which is available to upgrade to if you wish. Please contact us to book - riverside treehouses will be allocated on a first come first served basis. The camp also has a unique floating swimming pool in the river which we just know the kids will love.
Meals: Breakfast at the truck today. Lunch & dinner at your own expense.
Overnight: Ngepi Camp - camping (upgrades available)
We head towards the extreme northwest of Namibia to the south banks of the Okavango river which borders Angola. Rundu is a bustling, lively place which provides a great insight into a thriving African town where we are able to stock up on provisions.
There is the opportunity to visit Mbunza Living Museum (not included). As a communal business for the local people of the Kavango, this sustainable project means they are able to preserve their traditional culture and to generate an additional income. The Living Museum’s traditional presentation covers everything from everyday life (traditional cuisine, fire making, basket and mat weaving, etc.) to bushwalks and fishing and finally to highly specialised techniques like blacksmithing, pottery and the making of drums. This provides visitors with a detailed and authentic insight into the traditional, pre-colonial culture which especially appeals to the younger travellers in the group.
This evening we aboard a cruise along the Kavango floodplain where we have the wonderful experience of watching the sunset whilst enjoying the local bird and wildlife, hopefully watching some hippos yawning as the sun goes down.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch at the truck. Group dinner included today.
Overnight: Camp Hogo Kavango - camping
It is now time for a classic safari as we head west to Etosha National Park, famed for offering some of the most unique game watching experiences in Africa. We will reach Etosha in the afternoon, and in the evening we'll enjoy our first game drive. Later in the evening we'll be able to watch wildlife coming to a nearby floodlit waterhole.
Meals: Breakfast at accommodation. Lunch & dinner at the truck.
Overnight: NWR Namutomi Camp - camping
Etosha is considered by many safari aficionados as one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. It covers 8,600 square miles, hosts a colossal salt pan (which is four times the size of Los Angeles and is so large that it can be seen from the moon!!). It is also home to 4 of the ‘Big Five’ (elephant, rhino, lion and leopards). Being the country's leading wildlife attraction, what better way to enjoy it than looking out from a truck as we drive along, stopping where and when is needed along the various watering holes. Kids can enjoy being David Attenborough by spotting species such as giraffes, zebra, wildebeest and elephants or even lions resting on the side of the road. With 114 different animal species and more than 300 bird species, the kids should be kept on their toes as animal spotters. Turning off the engine as needed we will have the chance to enjoy the spectacle of herds of zebra lapping, impala and many others congregating around the watering holes which during the dry season (May to October) host animal species in biblical numbers making August undoubtedly the best time for a family safari visit.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck today
Overnight: NWR Halali camp - camping
We continue to spot wildlife on our game drive to the National Park gate where we leave Etosha and journey on to our overnight camp. This is a small family operated site in the middle of the Namibian desert whose efforts serve to support the local Himba people and provide schooling for the children. Whilst there we have the opportunity to meet some of the local tribe members to learn more about their culture, traditions and way of life in the bush (not included).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck today.
Overnight: Ozohere Camp - camping
Leaving the Himba behind, we journey to the coast, arriving at Cape Cross Seal Reserve. A nature reserve that is renowned as one of the largest settlements of these animals in the world, the colony of Cape fur seals at Cape Cross marks the spot where the first European explorer set foot on the coast of Namibia in 1486. Kids can lose themselves in this noisy (and smelly!) hubbub, viewing the captivating interactions of the seal colony from an extensive walkway, separated from the mass of seals by a low wall. Strolling along the breadth of the colony, they have the opportunity to pick up interesting details about the lives of the seals at information points scattered around the grounds or gaze up at a modern replica of Diego Cao’s historical cross.
Continuing south along the Skeleton Coast, we arrive in Swakopmund, Namibia’s favourite holiday destination. With so many family and adrenaline activities as well as the beach it is easy to see why!
Meals: Breakfast & lunch at the truck. Group dinner included today.
Overnight: Amanpuri Lodge - rooms
This coastal resort is in complete contrast to all the land and river-based wildlife activities we have encountered so far. It offers the opportunity for families to hop onboard a catamaran cruise to spot dolphins, flamingos and even whales from Walvis Bay further down the coast, or kayak with playful and inquisitive seals at Pelican Point. Older kids will love the sand boarding, fat biking or the 4x4 or quad biking expeditions in the nearby dunes, allowing them to take to the wheel and explore. If adrenaline and sports are not your cup of tea the town offers plenty to see and do as well as numerous cafes, art galleries and museums to discover. You'll have the whole day free here to participate in optional activities of your choice.
Meals: Breakfast at the accommodation. Lunch, dinner & activities at your own expense.
Overnight: Amanpuri Lodge - rooms
We drive south through the stark, remote landscape to our campsite for the night in a stunning desert location. We will venture into the Namib Desert with an expert guide who will give us fascinating insight into the wildlife that lives here. It’s not all about the Big 5, there are the Little 5 too! We’ll meet some of the smaller creatures of this unique place and learn how they are adapted to the desert environment. Maybe we’ll see the beetle that does a headstand every morning to allow the fog to condense on its back and run down to its mouth!
Meals: Breakfast at accommodation. Lunch & dinner at the truck.
Overnight: Bushman's Camp - camping
Heading deeper into the desert, we enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park which contains the world’s highest sand dunes and is home to great salt pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. These white salt pans surrounded by dunes and dotted with black, lifeless trees, hundreds of years old are stunning locations and provide amazing photo opportunities. We include a jeep safari here today, before camping inside the Park tonight where we can appreciate the dark skies and spot shooting stars in the glittering night sky.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck today.
Overnight: NWR Sessriem campsite - camping
This morning, we have the opportunity to climb the massive dunes at Sossusvlei which are one of Namibia’s main attractions. Children can race their parents to the top where you will be met with stunning views of a ‘world of sand’ which stretches as far as the Atlantic, 50 miles away. The kids have the chance to whoosh back down, sliding down the sand which is always a popular choice as breakfast awaits at the bottom.
After breakfast we make the final journey of our family overland trip, leaving the deserts and mountains behind to reach Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. We'll then have a final evening celebrating our two week adventure with a group meal out.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch at the truck. Group dinner included today.
Overnight: Windhoek hotel/lodge - tbc
Your trip finishes after breakfast. An airport transfer to Windhoek International Airport is included. Extra nights can be added here if you wish.
Meals: Breakfast at the accommodation.
Download pre-departure information
Family Adventure
Victoria Falls
Windhoek
Africa
A deposit of just £250 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure
Trip Joining Point: Victoria Falls Municipal Rest Camp - Victoria Falls
Start Time Day 1: Anytime on Day 1, ideally arrive at Rest Camp by 4pm so we can arrange an early evening pre-trip briefing
Address: 411 Parkway Drive, Victoria Falls
Telephone: + 263 (0)13 40509
Website: www.vicfallsrestcamp.com
Email: reservations@restcamp.co.zw
PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATION:
Victoria Falls Municipal Camp is in the centre of town & close to cafes , restaurants and internet. The camp has a great restaurant, pool and laundry service. If you will be arriving early, you may book additional nights with the camp, either directly or through us, Prices are given below and on a room only basis and are are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Note - we will be providing en-suite lodges for the two nights we are there at the start of the trip.
|
Room Type |
Price |
Description |
|
Dorm |
£20.00 |
Per Person |
|
Two person Chalet - shared facilities |
£40.00 |
Per Room |
|
Three person Chalet - shared facilities |
£50.00 |
Per Room |
|
Four person Chalet - shared facilities |
£60.00 |
Per Room |
| Two person Lodge - en-suite facilities | £80.00 | Per Room |
| Three person Lodge - en-suite facilities | £110.00 | Per Room |
| Four person Lodge - en-suite facilities | £125.00 | Per Room |
| Additional Beds (max 2) | £16.00 | Per bed |
AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
Airport Transfer Costs: Included
Your Transfer Rep. will be awaiting you as you exit Immigration at Victoria Falls airport. They will be holding a sign with your name on it.
Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) is approx. 20kms from the centre of Victoria Falls Township. English is widely spoken and used for signs / directions. $US and South African rand are now the official currencies in Zimbabwe.
Our Agent in Victoria Falls is Backpackers Bazaar -
If you are arriving day or two early and would like any assistance with activities or anything else while you are in Victoria Falls, then please contact Joy at Backpackers Bazaar. They are situated opposite the Municipal Campsite in the centre of town near Shearwater Cafe. Their telephone number is (013) 45828 or 44611 or (011) 404 960. Email - joy@backpackers.co.zw .
After Day 1 as the arrival day, we have one whole day on Day 2 at Victoria Falls. We will visit the Falls together in the morning (your entrance ticket is included), and then the afternoon will be free. If you wish to partake in any optional excursions that will take more than an afternoon, you should arrive a day or more early. Backpackers Bazaar can assist you with arranging any activities you may be interested in.
As this trip includes airport transfers and the first night of accommodation in Victoria Falls, you can arrive at any time on Day 1. However, ideally we would like everyone to arrive at the Rest Camp by 4pm that day. Our tour leader will then arrange a welcome meeting early in the evening on Day 1, and our local representative in Victoria Falls, Joy, will also come and give a briefing about Victoria Falls and what options you have for tomorrow's free time. There will be a notice in reception and on the truck advising you of the time of the welcome meeting which we will finalise after knowing everyone's flight times. Your Tour Leader will collect 2 photocopies of your passport information page, insurance policy details with policy number and confirmation that the duration will cover you for the entire trip and a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number.
You should aim to arrive in Victoria Falls ideally before 3pm on Day 1 so that you can transfer to the Rest Camp, check in and meet the rest of the group before we do a pre-departure meeting early that evening, before having dinner.
Return flights can be booked for anytime on Day 15, and we will provide airport transfers to Windhoek at any time this day. We may use a private service or the truck to arrange this transfer for you, depending on the time you are departing and the number of people on different flights.
There are many online flight search engines such as www.skyscanner.net or www.ebookers.co.uk, flights can also be booked direct with airline websites or through travel agencies. We are not able to book flights for you from the UK ourselves. Please inform us of your flight details at least a few weeks before departure so we can arrange and potentially batch airport transfers together for people arriving/departing on the same flights.
One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that you have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your trip finishes. This is a general requirement for all of the countries we travel to on our trips.
If you have dual nationality you can only use one passport for the entire trip. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require.
Please bring 2 photocopies of your passport details to give to your tour leader.
Number of blank pages required for the trip, please use this as an approximate guide:
The information below is to be used only as a guide and may change without prior notice. It is advisable to contact the relevant embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require.
Visas obtained at borders must be paid for in USD cash ONLY.
|
Country |
British |
Irish |
Aust |
NZ |
S.Africa |
USA |
Canadian |
|
Kenya |
US$30 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
|
Tanzania |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
Free |
US$100 |
US$50 |
|
Zimbabwe |
US$55 |
US$55 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
Free |
US$30 |
US$75 |
|
Botswana |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
|
Namibia |
US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 |
Important Notes:
Your Kenyan eTA must be obtained in advance from the Kenyan government website. Please allow a couple of weeks for this to come through.
Most travellers obtain their Tanzania visa at the border with the rest of the group - most nationalities do not need to obtain this in advance. You do not need an additional visa for Zanzibar.
To enter Namibia with children, you must bring an original or certified copy of each child's birth certificate showing both parent's names. This needs to be the full copy, not a shortened/abridged version.
In addition, to enter Namibia and Botswana, if you will be you will be travelling as a solo parent with one or more children, then there is a very important additional requirement you need to be ready for. At both the Botswana and Namibia borders you will be asked to show an Affidavit signed by the child/children's other parent confirming that they give you authority to travel with the children without them being present.
This affidavit should have the children's names, dates of birth and passport details on, the second parent's name, address, contact number and signature, AND should be signed and stamped by a local police station or lawyer. Please ensure you bring a copy of this with you, and also send us a scanned copy before the trip departs, or you may not be allowed to enter the country.
For more information on other nationalities & visas checkout www.projectvisa.com
Botswana
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, South Africa and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter Botswana.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
Namibia
Most nationalities require a visa costing 1600 Namibian Dollars. This is a new requirement and we expect to be able to obtain the visa at the border.
You can check your nationality at https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/
Zimbabwe
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will require a visa to enter Zimbabwe. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip at the border on arrival, a visa can also be obtained at the airport on arrival into Harare and Victoria Falls. Approximate cost for Australian, USA and New Zealand Passport Holders is $30 USD, British and Irish passport holders $55 USD and Canadian $75 USD for a Single entry visa. South African passport holders are Free of charge.
If you are planning on going over to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe you will need to obtain a double entry visa for Zimbabwe so that you can return back to Zimbabwe after your day trip. Approximate cost for Australian, USA and New Zealand Passport Holders is $45 USD, and British passport holders $70 USD.
Canadians & Irish passport holders are unable to obtain a double entry Zimbabwe visa.
The visa into Zambia is called a Day Tripper visa and is available at the border and only valid for stays of less than 24 hours. The approximate cost is $20 USD.
For those joining in Victoria Falls a UNI-Visa is available at the airport on arrival, which is a multiple entry visa between Zimbabwe and Zambia and costs approximately $50 USD.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
It is possible that you may require some vaccinations for your trip, depending on the areas that you are visiting. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to give detailed advice on vaccination requirements, so please use the information below as a guide only. We have worked closely with Nomad Travel Clinics for many years and they offer Oasis travellers a 10% discount on vaccinations, anti- malarial drugs, first aid items, clothing and equipment, just enter discount code OASIS1000 at Nomad Travel. Alternatively you can check out the Fit for travel website for more travel health information or consult a reputable travel clinic or your GP for information and advice. We suggest that you allow at least 8 weeks to get all your vaccinations.
Yellow Fever - Being vaccinated against Yellow Fever and having a valid certificate and a photocopy is deemed compulsory in nearly all the countries we visit in Africa, especially at certain borders and are needed if you are entering from an infected country. You can view a list of countries requiring a certificate through the World Health organisation.
Rabies - Vaccinations are regularly advised for all countries that we travel through in Africa - especially if time and money are not a deterrent.
Malaria - In some of the areas we visit there is a risk of contracting Malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria prophylactics you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your own physical efforts against being bitten - which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them. Your crew will advise on where the worst affected areas are on the trip. There are a number of prophylactic malaria treatments on the market & requirements change. It is also wise to take a sample of whichever prophylactic you choose, a few weeks before you leave. This way you may determine early on if you have any adverse reactions so you can change the regimen if necessary. Please consult a reputable travel clinic or GP for advice. For more information visit Nomad Travel or Fit for the Travel website.
Dengue - Unlike the malaria mosquito, which bites at night, the dengue carrying mosquito bites during the day. Some areas we travel to do have occasional outbreaks & it is therefore advised that you take care not to be bitten during the day as well as at night. There is no vaccine available.
Health - To join our trips you should be in good general health. Your medical insurance company must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition / allergy or if you are on any regular medication, otherwise you may not be covered under your policies for these. Our crew will need to know of any medication or conditions you may have. For general health advice log onto here.
It is a compulsory requirement that you have adequate travel insurance before you join any Oasis Trip & at the very least are insured for all necessary medical & repatriation costs incurred.
You will be asked to provide the following details if you have not already done so: travel insurance name, insurance policy number & insurance emergency telephone number. You will also be required to give a copy of your policy with this information to your Tour Leader on arrival with confirmation that the policy duration is sufficient to cover you for the entire duration of your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safe keeping.
We believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. It is a mistake to think that "it will never happen to me". It is also very important that you are covered for all the activities that you may wish to undertake while on our trip. It is extremely important that you check the full extent of your cover related to 24 hour Medical Emergency Assistance. In the event of you needing medical treatment you want to know that you have the best cover available to you. Your policy should include adequate Medical Emergency and Repatriation cover as well as Cancellation, Baggage and Personal Liability cover. You need to be aware of EXACTLY what activities your policy covers you for. Please note that skiing is not usually covered in most insurance policies.
We offer tailor made Overland Adventure Travel Insurance that covers most of the adventure and sporting activities on our trips.
For further information on the insurance we offer, the activities covered and costs, check out the Travel Insurance section of our website.
There is no Local Payment on this trip. The whole trip price is paid before you travel. You will however need some spending money during the trip...
How to bring your currency?
Past Oasis travellers have fed back that, as a general rule it is best to bring some of your money in US$ dollars cash, although you could also bring a combination of US$ & £GB if British pounds are your home currency. It will depend on the exchange rate at the time of your trip as to which currency is better, but we suggest that US$ are the preferred option for East Africa, whilst £GB can also be easily exchanged in Kenya, Tanzania and Southern Africa. PLEASE NOTE YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY BRING AT LEAST 50% of your money in cash. You will need to pay for your Zimbabwe visas and many of the optional excursions using cash and there will be times when you need cash to change into local currency. Some travellers worry about carrying so much cash with them, however all Oasis Overland trucks are equipped with an onboard safe for the security of your money and passport.
We also advise to bring £50 worth of SA Rand in Cash, as this may be needed if we arrive into Namibia on a weekend & the banks/ATMs are closed.
Make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused by the banks and shops. Please ensure your notes are dated post 2006 and do not have a serial number starting with CB. Scottish pounds are also not accepted.
Please remember that Visas need to be paid for in US$ CASH ONLY!
Spending Money
From past trips and traveller feedback £100 to £145 per week should cover costs such as some meals out (on average 2 per day are supplied), soft drinks and beers, email & communications, souvenirs and other general spending. Personal spending habits & budgets differ greatly from person to person.Budget on visa costs (see visa section above) and optional activities separately (see optional excursions page) & allow extra for your Local Payment contribution.
Changing money
Change your money only at banks, hotels, airports or forex bureaus. It is illegal to change money on the street, as these people will normally be opportunistic thieves or undercover police. Your crew will advise you where & when you can change money & with what means. It is also a good idea to have a small CASH emergency fund, to allow for the unexpected.
Credit & Debit Cards
If you are intending using your credit or debit card, we suggest taking more than one card with you as you may find that your card is not accepted in the first ATM you try. Visa and Maestro cards are best. MasterCard based cards may have limited access in some parts of Africa.Please note that usually you will be given local currency and NOT US$ or £GB. We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked. Please see the optional excursions page for activities that can be paid for using a Credit or Debit Card.Commission rates vary between 2-8%. It can therefore be helpful to obtain an online account from one of the new 'starter banks' such as Revolut, Monzo, Starling etc. as they often offer much more competitive rates for spending abroad. Revolut does not work in Zimbabwe.
Pre-Paid Travel Currency Cards
These cards are similar to normal Credit and Debit cards but they can be pre loaded with cash before you travel with a set amount allowing you to withdraw this cash using the card at normal ATMs. It is a more secure way to access cash on your trip, but again do not rely on these as your sole means of funds on a trip - (please refer to the ATM section). Several banks and companies now offer these cards, but be sure to look into the rates for withdrawing cash when making your decision. When using these cards abroad you will use them to withdraw the local currency from an ATM and not the currency that you loaded onto the card.
ATMs
These are available in most major cities along our route and allow you to withdraw local currency only. We discourage you from relying on your ATM card as a primary source of funds in case it is lost/stolen/swallowed, or the machine isn't working. In some destinations we probably won't even see a bank or ATM for days on end so having hard currency to exchange is essential. Besides memorising your PIN, it is also important to be aware of your daily withdrawal limit and bank withdrawal costs.
Tipping
Is often expected and relied upon. It is often more than a reward for services well done, but, as wages are extremely low, it is an accepted means of supplementing an income. If you would like to leave a tip for any activity/individual, you could organize this as a group and give a tip at the end. A recommended amount for restaurants is usually 10% of your total bill and similar for activities. Some countries also add an extra Government tax on restaurant bills.
Because it can be difficult to know what to tip, and because it has such importance in some areas both economically and culturally, there may be times and activities for which your crew will make it clear what level of tipping is 'customary/expected'. They may also be quite enthusiastic or assertive in encouraging you to take account of these suggestions. This is motivated by the knowledge of how important tipping can be, and the offence or confusion that can be caused when local people are tipped poorly. In the end, tipping remains at the discretion of the individual, but our crew will continue to advise on normal or average rates, and we would ask you to carefully consider the economic or personal impact of being seen as 'under tipping'. We know that many who travel with us are on a tight budget, but ask you to consider that those we work with locally may also face financial hardship, and also work very hard to try to give you unrivalled service/ experiences.
In the past we have been asked by travellers about tipping your Oasis Crew. If you choose to do this, it would be budgeted separately from the above. Our guys work very hard at making your trip a great travel experience. Working overseas can often be challenging and they are pretty much on call for you 24 hours a day, so it's appreciated as a thank you for hard work and good service, but it is not mandatory. Our suggestion is to budget around US$2-5 a day for each crew member.
In Southern Africa (Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa) the 'dry' season is April to October when the nights can be quite cold, particularly in June and July when it can get very cold at night. Day temperatures are very pleasant at this time, usually mid 20s (°C). From November to March the weather is hotter and there is summer rainfall, although this is very intermittent when it may not rain for months, or it can rain for a day at a time. View African Climate Chart
The less you take the less you have to pack, wash & lug home & you can always pick up extras along the way. Most people make the mistake of bringing too much. Clothes washing or laundry facilities will be available at least once a week. You will be travelling in the heat & camping in the cold, so bring clothes for all climates; rough stuff is best. Pack according to season: summer is very hot in places & winter can be very cold with occasional frost overnight in the south. (May to Aug can be very cold in Southern Africa). Make sure that you bring your gear in a 70-90L rucksack or holdall - suitcases are not suitable.
| Equipment | Toiletries - Most available to buy on trip |
|
|
| Clothes | Personal Effects |
|
|
| Recommended Medical Kit List | |
|
|
Even though our trucks are equipped with a comprehensive medical kit, we advise you to bring a small personal medical kit as our truck kit is not for general everyday use. It will also be your responsibility to carry your kit on included excursions and optional activities as some local operators may not have medical kits to hand.
Cameras (incl. Digital & Video Cameras) - An easy to use 'point and shoot' and nearly all smart phones will get you some good photos. For memorable shots, it may be worthwhile investing in an SLR camera, but be sure to get some practice in before the trip! Most towns and cities have internet cafes where you can download onto CD/internet sites - but don't rely on it. Internet speeds can be slow for uploading photos to social media or the Cloud.
Photography - Be aware of your surroundings when taking photographs and filming. Some locations will be sensitive or have local laws banning photography. For example it is usually forbidden to use cameras at borders or around government buildings, military installations, bridges and airports or to take photos of local officials. If you do take photos or film where it is not permitted you may find yourself being questioned by irate officials who may decide to confiscate your camera or instruct you to delete all the images/footage on your device. If in doubt ask for permission, or if there is no-one to ask use some common sense.
Drones - As the use of drones becomes more common, countries throughout the world are gradually updating their laws and restrictions on usage. The specific regulations will vary from one country to another, so do check the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice for the latest information. Use of drones is not allowed in most National Parks or protected areas. To keep things simple, we ask that people do not bring drones with them on our trucks.
Electrical charging & power supply - It may be difficult to find a power source for charging at times, so a spare battery is a must.
Consider bringing a 12V in-car charger or USB adapter (our vehicles are equipped with a couple of 12 volt cigarette lighter type charger sockets) or bring along your 230V mains charger and travel adaptor plug for use at some of the hotels, hostels and campsites we stay at.
NOTE: 12V - 230V inverters cannot be used on our vehicles because of the power drain they cause.
Log ontowww.whatplug.netfor information regarding the different electrical plugs and voltage used in each country.
The internet and WiFi are available in many towns / cities you will visit. Do bear in mind that the connections can be unreliable and will not always be as fast as you are used to at home. If a lot of people try to use the internet at the same time the speed will be slower still, especially if trying to make Skype calls or upload photos / videos. During periods of the trip where we are wild camping, internet will be less common.
Some travellers choose to take an unlocked mobile phone with them and buy local SIM cards in each country, allowing them to use mobile data. If you particularly want or need regular internet access this may be a good option. Telephone calls can be expensive usually £1 to £5 for a three minute call.
Online Diaries - A great variety of free "travel blogs" are now available online, they are a good way of keeping relatives and friend up to date with what you are doing and a good place to upload photos, collecting messages as well as keeping a record for yourself.
Before you go
While you're travelling
From experience gained in running trips, we have developed our own practical and manageable environmental policy which all of our crew practice on the trips we operate, and they will share this information with you at the start of your trip. We welcome your input on this, plus any new ideas you may have, to improve our existing procedures. As a guide here's a few tips to bear in mind.
Community Projects - Oasis are active in raising awareness and providing support to a number of projects and local schools where we believe we can make a positive difference. More information on the projects we support.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) offer country-specific advice, regarding not only security but also entry regulations, local laws and customs and health. We strongly recommend all travellers visit the FCDO website, or the equivalent in their home country, to familiarise themselves with local conditions and issues in the countries they plan to visit before committing to a trip with us. You can view their website here.
If you have any questions at all about the safety or security of your trip, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to discuss your trip in more detail.
In cities - All major cities have their share of petty crime (just like our cities) and sensible precautions need to be taken. Wearing expensive looking jewellery or watches and carrying cameras will draw unnecessary attention to you. Leave valuables such as passports and excess money in your hotel safe or truck safe (we recommend carrying a copy of your passport details page at all times). You may find a simple money belt is more discreet than a bag. Always be aware of your surroundings and when approached by people you do not know, use your common sense. At night in cities it's best to use a taxi, rather than walking around the streets, single women in particular need to be careful and we would suggest that it is safer to be in a group.
On board the truck - Each vehicle is fitted with a hidden, lockable safe to be used for money, passports and important documents. Group members will be responsible for the safe and Oasis Overland cannot accept any liability for clients' personal or monetary contents kept in the safe or on board the truck. We advise you to not take items of value that are not essential for the journey. In certain areas a roster may be drawn up for the group to share the task of guarding and keeping the vehicle secure.
It is a compulsory requirement that you have adequate travel insurance before you join any Oasis Trip, and at the very least are insured for all necessary medical & repatriation costs incurred if you need them.
You will be asked to provide the following details on the Traveller Information Form that you send in to us after making your booking. If you have not already done so: travel insurance name, insurance policy number & insurance emergency telephone number. You will also be required to give a copy of your policy with this information to your Tour Leader on arrival with confirmation that the policy duration is sufficient to cover you for the entire duration of your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safe keeping.
We believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. It is a mistake to think that "it will never happen to me". It is also very important that you are covered for all the activities that you may wish to undertake while on our trip. It is extremely important that you check the full extent of your cover related to 24 hour Medical Emergency Assistance. In the event of you needing medical treatment you want to know that you have the best cover available to you. Your policy should include adequate Medical Emergency and Repatriation cover as well as Cancellation, Baggage and Personal Liability cover. You need to be aware of EXACTLY what activities your policy covers you for. Please note that skiing is not usually covered in most insurance policies.
We offer tailor made Overland Adventure Travel Insurance that covers most of the adventure and sporting activities on our trips.
For further information on the insurance we offer, the activities covered and costs, check out the Travel Insurance section of our website. UK residents can purchase the insurance we recommend directly through Campbell Irvine.
Before you go
While you're travelling
From experience gained in running trips, we have developed our own practical and manageable environmental policy which all of our crew practice on the trips we operate, and they will share this information with you at the start of your trip. We welcome your input on this, plus any new ideas you may have, to improve our existing procedures. As a guide here's a few tips to bear in mind.
Post-trip accommodation can be arranged with your tour leader during the trip or directly with the hotel on arrival. The return airport transfer can be arranged through your hotel / hostel and is not included, it is at your own expense. We regret these services cannot be arranged via the Oasis office before departure.
You need to arrive at your departure city at least the day before your trip begins. Return flights must be booked for at least the day AFTER the trip is due to end. You may wish to allow some extra time to explore your arrival and departure cities (if you are joining in Victoria Falls - we suggest arriving at least 2 days before if you wish to partake in the many adrenaline activities on offer).
There are many online flight search engines such as www.skyscanner.net or www.ebookers.co.uk, flights can also be booked direct with airline websites or through travel agencies. Please inform us of your flight details through your online account, as airport transfers can be arranged for various trips.
One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that yaou have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry.
Departure Taxes: Please check with your Travel Agent or Airline if your flight ticket already includes a departure tax payment out of the country. If it does not - please budget for approx US$30 to $70 USD - to be paid in US$ only.
Addis Ababa / Djibouti to Cairo flights (or v/v): If we are not able to travel through Northern Ethiopia and/or Sudan then we may need to leave the truck in Addis Ababa or Djibouti and fly from there to Cairo (or vice versa). We will advise before or during the trip if this is the case, and which date and time to book the flight. This flight will be an additional cost for you to book and pay directly.
Local Payment (LP)
LP is part of your overall trip payment and is the most cost effective and practical way to get hard currency to Africa to pay for a variety of your day to day local costs (i.e. all meals prepared by the group - 3 per day whilst travelling and 2 whilst in towns, campsite fees, wood, gas, and certain activities listed in the brochure) which cannot be pre-paid from the UK.
Please note: CASH ONLY is accepted and needs to be in $US Dollars. Please make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused by the banks and we will therefore be unable to accept them either. Larger denomination notes are preferable for your Local payment. Please make sure that $US Dollars are dated 2013 or later and do not have a serial number starting with CB. Scottish Pounds are not accepted.
How to bring your currency
Past Oasis travellers have fed back that they have felt, as a general rule it is best to bring your money as US$ cash. If you are coming from the Eurozone, Euros cash are also accepted in some countries and can be the preferred currency in many West African nations. It will depend on the exchange rate at the time of your trip as to which currency is better, but US$ Dollars are widely accepted from Angola all the way to Cairo. Great British pounds are also accepted in Southern Africa, and some East African countries, as well as Egypt.
Credit / Debit and Pre-paid travel currency cards are also an option if you are concerned about bringing all your money in cash - BUT DEFINITELY BRING AT LEAST 60% of your money in cash. Some travellers worry about carrying so much cash with them, however all Oasis Overland trucks are equipped with an on board safe for the security of your money and passport.
We also advise to bring £50 worth of SA Rand in Cash, as this may be needed if we arrive into Namibia or South Africa on a weekend & the banks/ATMs are closed (only if you are travelling to these countries).
US dollars dated pre-2013 are not widely accepted in Africa so please ensure your notes are dated 2013 onward & Scottish pounds are also not accepted. The rate of exchange for small denomination $US bills are usually slightly less than larger bills, but it is still advisable to bring an assortment of both as some activities and operators will not have the facility to give large amounts of change. Your Local Payment should be paid using high denomination bills please $50s or 100s.
Spending Money
For personal spending money budget on approximately £400 per month (from Ghana to Angola) and £120 to £175 per week (from Namibia to Egypt) to cover you for some meals out, drinks, communications, souvenirs and other general spending.
We recommend the following to be used as a guide - including a few days layover in Cape Town:
The recommendation above is worked out on the assumption that you will be fairly budget-conscious. Remember, however, there are also other costs to bear in mind such as drinks and snacks, post trip hotel and food costs, optional side trips, your time in Cape Town, email & communications, souvenirs and other general spending. This is an estimated figure as personal spending habits and budgets differ greatly from person to person. Budget on optional activities and visa costs separately (see visa section above & optional excursions page) and allow extra for your Local Payment contribution.
IMPORTANT: Contingency Fund - It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all your costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis.
Changing money
Your crew will advise you where & when you can change money & with what means. It is also a good idea to have a small CASH emergency fund, to allow for the unexpected.
Credit & Debit Cards
If you are intending using your credit or debit card, we suggest taking more than one card with you as you may find that your card is not accepted in the first ATM you try. Visa and Maestro cards are best. We do not recommend using MasterCard based cards in Africa as they have very limited access through large parts of Africa. Please note that usually you will be given local currency and NOT US$ or £GB. We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked. Please see the optional excursions page for activities that can be paid for using a Credit or Debit Card. Commission rates vary between 2-8%.
Pre-Paid Travel Currency Cards
These cards are similar to normal Credit and Debit cards but they can be pre loaded with cash before you travel with a set amount allowing you to withdraw this cash using the card at normal ATMs. It is a more secure way to access cash on your trip, but again do not rely on these as your sole means of funds on a trip - (please refer to the ATM section). Several banks and companies now offer these cards, but be sure to look into the rates for withdrawing cash when making your decision. When using these cards abroad you will use them to withdraw the local currency from an ATM and not the currency that you loaded onto the card.
ATMs
These are available in most major cities along our route and allow you to withdraw local currency only. We discourage you from relying on your ATM card as a primary source of funds in case it is lost/stolen/swallowed, or the machine isn't working. In some destinations we probably won't even see a bank or ATM for days on end. Even where do find them, they cannot always be relied upon - things change, and ATMs don't always work! Besides memorising your PIN, it is also important to be aware of your daily withdrawal limit and bank withdrawal costs.
Tipping
Is often expected and relied upon. It is often more than a reward for services well done, but, as wages are extremely low, it is an accepted means of supplementing an income. If you would like to leave a tip for any activity/individual, you could organize this as a group and give a tip at the end. A recommended amount for restaurants is usually 10% of your total bill and similar for activities. Some countries also add an extra Government tax on restaurant bills.
Because it can be difficult to know what to tip, and because it has such importance in some areas both economically and culturally, there may be times and activities for which your crew will make it clear what level of tipping is 'customary/expected'. They may also be quite enthusiastic or assertive in encouraging you to take account of these suggestions. This is motivated by the knowledge of how important tipping can be, and the offence or confusion that can be caused when local people are tipped poorly. In the end, tipping remains at the discretion of the individual, but our crew will continue to advise on normal or average rates, and we would ask you to carefully consider the economic or personal impact of being seen as 'under tipping'. We know that many who travel with us are on a tight budget, but ask you to consider that those we work with locally may also face financial hardship, and also work very hard to try to give you unrivalled service/ experiences.
As a very rough guide, we would suggest that you budget for an amount equal to 10% of the local payment for your trip, plus 10% of the cost of any of the listed optional excursions that you wish to do. The amounts you end up tipping may vary from a rigid 10%, but hopefully this will help you budget in general.
In the past we have been asked by travellers about tipping your Oasis Crew. If you choose to do this, it would be budgeted separately from the above. Our guys work very hard at making your trip a great travel experience. Working overseas can often be challenging and they are pretty much on call for you 24 hours a day, so it's appreciated as a thank you for hard work and good service, but of course not mandatory. Our suggestion is to budget around US$1 a day.
Rain is a regular occurrence in Morocco with chilly night time temperatures - especially in the desert. Most days are nice and sunny - and it only gets warmer as we head south. From Mali to Nigeria it is quite humid during the day and we may hit 'short' rains in Central Africa (Cameroon to Angola). In Southern Africa - November to March the weather is hotter and there is summer rainfall, although this is very intermittent when it may not rain for months, or it can rain for a day at a time. In East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) the 'short' rains are around November. The 'rains' usually last for one or two hours each day followed by hot sunny weather. Nights can be surprisingly cold at higher altitude in western Uganda, Ngorongoro Crater & the Rift Valley. Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt can be very hot (35C+). View Trans Africa Climate Chart
The less you take the less you have to pack, wash & lug home & you can always pick up extras along the way. Most people make the mistake of bringing too much gear. Clothes washing or laundry facilities will be available at least once a week. You will be travelling in the heat & camping in the cold, so bring clothes for all climates; rough stuff is best. Pack according to season: allowing for extremes in temperature (from the constant baking heat in the dry season to the cold and occasional frost overnight in the south). Make sure that you bring your gear in a traditional soft sided 70 - 90L rucksack or holdall - suitcases are not suitable. Remember baggage is limited to 20kg per person plus one day bag.
| Equipment | Toiletries - Most available to buy on trip |
|
|
| Clothes | Personal Effects |
|
|
| Recommended Medical Kit List | |
|
|
Even though our trucks are equipped with a comprehensive medical kit, we advise you to bring a small personal medical kit as our truck kit is not for general everyday use. It will also be your responsibility to carry your kit on included excursions and optional activities as some local operators may not have medical kits to hand.
What to wear - Keeping your arms, shoulders and legs covered will go a long way to prevent causing offence and hassle to yourself. This is true for men as well as women (especially in Morocco, Mauritania, Sudan, Egypt and predominantly Muslim countries). Avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing, but generally on beaches you can wear what you like. Attitudes range from fairly liberal in such places as the Red Sea coast, to fairly conservative in some of the small towns. Cities and large towns are also fairly relaxed, but outside these areas dress conservatively.
Cameras (incl. Digital & Video Cameras) - An easy to use 'point and shoot' will get you some good photos. For memorable shots, it may be worthwhile investing in an SLR camera, but be sure to get some practice in before the trip! Most towns and cities have internet cafes where you can download onto CD/internet sites - but don't rely on it. Internet speeds can be slow for uploading photos to social media or the Cloud.
Photography - Be aware of your surroundings when taking photographs and filming. Some locations will be sensitive or have local laws banning photography. For example it is usually forbidden to use cameras at borders or around government buildings, military installations, bridges and airports or to take photos of local officials. If you do take photos or film where it is not permitted you may find yourself being questioned by irate officials who may decide to confiscate your camera or instruct you to delete all the images/footage on your device. If in doubt ask for permission, or if there is no-one to ask use some common sense.
Drones - As the use of drones becomes more common, countries throughout the world are gradually updating their laws and restrictions on usage. The specific regulations will vary from one country to another, so do check the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice for the latest information. As with cameras, use your common sense if you do use a drone and avoid operation in sensitive areas. If you plan to bring a drone on your trip with us please contact us first to ensure there will be a suitable place to store it while on your trip.
Electrical charging & power supply - It may be difficult to find a power source for charging at times, so a spare battery is a must.
Consider a 12V in-car charger (our vehicles are equipped with a couple of 12 volt cigarette lighter charger sockets - truck trips only) or bring along your 230V mains charger and travel adaptor plug for use at some of the hotels, hostels and campsites we stay at.
NOTE: 12V - 230V inverters cannot be used on our vehicles because of the power drain they cause.
Log onto www.whatplug.net for information regarding the different electrical plugs and voltage used in each country.
The internet and WiFi are available in many towns / cities you will visit. Do bear in mind that the connections can be unreliable and will not always be as fast as you are used to at home. If a lot of people try to use the internet at the same time the speed will be slower still, especially if trying to make Skype calls or upload photos / videos. During periods of the trip where we are wild camping, internet will be less common.
Some travellers choose to take an unlocked mobile phone with them and buy local SIM cards in each country, allowing them to use mobile data. If you particularly want or need regular internet access this may be a good option. Telephone calls can be expensive usually £1 to £5 for a three minute call.
Online Diaries - A great variety of free "travel blogs" are now available online, they are a good way of keeping relatives and friend up to date with what you are doing and a good place to upload photos, collecting messages as well as keeping a record for yourself.
All major cities have their share of petty crime (just like our cities) and sensible precautions need to be taken. Wearing expensive looking jewellery or watches and carrying cameras will draw unnecessary attention to you. Leave valuables such as passports and excess money in your hotel safe or truck safe (we recommend carrying a copy of your passport details page at all times). You may find a simple money belt is more discreet than a bag. Always be aware of your surroundings and when approached by people you do not know, use your common sense. At night in cities it's best to use a taxi, rather than walking around the streets, single women in particular need to be careful and we would suggest that it is safer to be in a group.
On board the truck - Each vehicle is fitted with a hidden, lockable safe to be used for money, passports and important documents. Group member will be responsible for the safe and Oasis Overland cannot accept any liability for clients' personal or monetary contents kept in the safe or on board the truck. We advise you to not take items of value that are not essential for the journey. In certain areas a roster may be drawn up for the group to share the task of guarding and keeping
FCO Advice - The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) offer country-specific advice, regarding not only security but also entry regulations, local laws and customs and health. We strongly recommend all travellers visit the FCO website, or the equivalent in their home country, to familiarise themselves with local conditions and potential issues in the countries they plan to visit before committing to a trip with us. You can view their website here.
As an adventure tour operator, some of our trips will travel to areas that are rarely-visited and occasionally attract negative publicity. We are not in the business of taking our travellers or indeed staff to regions that we consider dangerous and the safety of all who travel with us is always our main priority, but as a discerning customer we understand you will want to be aware of any risks before travelling. We liaise with the FCO on specific regions or areas as necessary, as well as monitoring open media outlets and political risk resources, and speaking to our contacts on the ground.
In some rare cases, our trips may have to travel through areas against which the FCO either ‘advise against all but essential travel’ or ‘advise against all travel’. When our trips travel through these areas we will carry out all due diligence and notify you in advance. This advice can change without notice. In these instances you will need to ensure you have full and comprehensive travel insurance that includes cover for these areas – some policies will exclude them. We are able to provide additional cover, if required, at additional cost. It may also be required that you read and sign a short information sheet confirming you have been advised of the risks and agree to travel contrary to the FCO advice.
If you have any questions at all about the safety or security of your trip, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to discuss your trip in more detail.
The information below is to be used only as a guide and may change without prior notice. It is advisable to contact the relevant embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require. We will however provide information before the trip starts about which visas you will need to obtain in advance and which can be obtained on the way.
Visas obtained at borders and embassies during the trip must be paid for in either USD, Euros or local currency CASH ONLY, as stipulated by the relevant immigration officials. Evisas will require payment online by credit or debit card.
|
Country |
British |
Irish |
Aust |
NZ |
S. Africa |
USA |
Canadian |
|
Ghana |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
|
Togo |
US$45 |
US$45 |
US$45 |
US$45 |
US$45 |
US$45 |
US$45 |
|
Benin |
€36 |
€36 |
€36 |
€36 |
€36 |
€36 |
€36 |
|
Nigeria |
US$144 |
US$170 |
US$130 |
US$33 |
US$78 |
US$160 |
US$116 |
|
Cameroon |
€153 |
€153 |
€153 |
€153 |
€153 |
€153 |
€153 |
|
Gabon |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
|
Rep. Congo |
US$165 |
US$165 |
US$165 |
US$165 |
US$165 |
US$165 |
US$165 |
|
Dem. Rep. Congo |
US$250 |
US$250 |
US$250 |
US$250 |
US$250 |
US$250 |
US$250 |
|
Angola |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Namibia |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
N/A |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
|
South Africa |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Important Note: We will obtain most of these visas en-route, after you have already started your trip with us. Prices above are for the visa fee itself and are subject to change. When visas are obtained at embassies along the way, often you may also need to pay an additional fast processing charge, or local admin fee, or other fees charged by the embassy or local fixers we may use to get the visa over the line promptly. These extra costs can be necessary to avoid us having to wait for up to a week or more for a visa to be processed, and can apply especially to Nigeria and DRC visas, but also some others. Please budget an additional USD 200-300 to cover these extra costs.
For more information on other nationalities & visas checkout www.projectvisa.com
Please Note: Your Tour Leader will collect a USD 30 visa kitty per person at the beginning of the trip - which goes towards paying for taxis, photocopies, faxes, communication etc - when applying for a majority of visas as a group. Your Tour Leader will keep a separate account of expenses incurred and will inform the group of any surplus funds remaining at the end of the trip - or any extra that is required.
Angola
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, South Africa and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter Angola.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
Benin
All nationalities require an e-visa for Benin. We will apply for this online during the trip.
Cameroon
Those starting their trip in Morocco - all nationalities require a visa and we will apply for this in advance during the trip.
Those starting their trip in Accra - all nationalities must obtain a Cameroon visa in advance, before joining the Oasis trip. Most nationalities will need to make an online application to obtain an online visa issuance authorisation and then go in person to their nearest Cameroon Embassy or Consulate to obtain the actual visa sticker in their passport. You may need to make an appointment for this. Most visas are valid for entry for 90 days from the date of issue so you cannot apply for this visa before the November prior to your trip departure. Details for the visa application process and documents required will be emailed to you a few months before your trip departs. Cost will depend on the embassy in your home country.
All nationalities must obtain a Cameroon visa in advance, before joining the Oasis trip. Most nationalities will need to make an online application to obtain an online visa issuance authorisation and then go in person to their nearest Cameroon Embassy or Consulate to obtain the actual visa sticker in their passport. You may need to make an appointment for this. Most visas are valid for entry for 90 days from the date of issue so you cannot apply for this visa until approximately 6 weeks prior to your trip departure. Details for the visa application process and documents required will be emailed to you a few months before your trip departs. Cost will depend on the embassy in your home country.
Congo
All nationalities require a visa for Congo. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip.
Democratic Republic of Congo
All nationalities require a visa for Democratic Republic of Congo. We will apply for this visa whilst on the trip.
Gabon
All nationalities require a visa for Gabon. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip.
Ghana
All nationalities must currently obtain a Ghanaian visa in advance, before joining the Oasis trip. You will need to apply for this visa in your country of residence, so please allow time for your visa process before you leave home. A new e-visa system is being implemented in 2026 but we have not tested this yet for overland entries.
Depending on your nationality and the trip you have booked, you may be able to apply for a 3 month, 6 month or 1 year visa. Details for the visa process and application will be emailed to you a few months before your trip departs.
Namibia
Most nationalities require a visa costing 1600 Namibian Dollars. This is a new requirement and we expect to be able to obtain the visa at the border having started the process online first.
You can check your nationality at https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/
Nigeria
Those starting their trip in Morocco - all nationalities require a visa and we will apply for this in advance during the trip.
Those starting their trip in Accra - all nationalities must obtain a Nigeria visa in advance, before joining the Oasis trip. Most nationalities will need to make an online application and then go in person to their nearest Nigerian visa agency to submit their passport and hardcopies of their supporting documentation. You will need to make an appointment for this which must be within 45 days of entering Nigeria. Details for the visa application process and documents required will be emailed to you a few months before your trip departs. Cost will depend on the embassy in your home country.
Note - a new e-visa system is being implemented - we will advise you before your trip starts if this should be usable for your trip.
All nationalities must obtain a Nigeria visa in advance, before joining the Oasis trip. Most nationalities will need to make an online application and then go in person to their nearest Nigerian visa agency to submit their passport and hardcopies of their supporting documentation. You will need to make an appointment for this which must be within 45 days of entering Nigeria. Details for the visa application process and documents required will be emailed to you a few months before your trip departs. Cost will depend on the embassy in your home country.
South Africa
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter South Africa.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance. Those who do need a visa and are travelling on a trip that includes Lesotho or Eswatini, will need to make sure that they obtain a multiple entry visa for South Africa as you will be entering and exiting these countries from South Africa.
Togo
All nationalities require an e-visa for Togo. We will apply for this online during the trip.
The information below is to be used only as a guide and may change without prior notice. It is advisable to contact the relevant embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require. We will however provide information before the trip starts about which visas you will need to obtain in advance and which can be obtained on the way.
Visas obtained at borders and embassies during the trip must be paid for in either USD, Euros or local currency CASH ONLY, as stipulated by the relevant immigration officials. Evisas will require payment online by credit or debit card.
|
Country |
British |
Irish |
Aust |
NZ |
S. Africa |
USA |
Canadian |
|
South Africa |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
|
Lesotho |
Free |
Fee |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
|
Eswatini |
Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
|
Mozambique |
US$150 |
US$150 |
US$150 |
US$150 |
Free |
US$150 |
US$150 |
|
Zimbabwe |
US$55 |
US$55 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
Free |
US$30 |
US$75 |
|
Botswana |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
|
Namibia |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
Free |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
|
Zambia |
Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
|
Malawi |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
Free |
US$50 |
US$50 |
|
Tanzania |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
Free |
US$100 |
US$50 |
|
East Africa Visa |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
|
Burundi |
US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 |
|
Rwanda |
Free | US$50 | Free | Free | US$50 | US$50 | Free |
|
Uganda |
US$100 | US$100 | US$100 | US$100 | US$100 | US$100 | US$100 |
|
Kenya |
US$30 |
US$30 | US$30 | US$30 | US$30 | US$30 | US$30 |
For more information on other nationalities & visas checkout www.projectvisa.com
Please Note: Your Tour Leader will collect a USD 30 visa kitty per person at the beginning of the trip - which goes towards paying for taxis, photocopies, faxes, communication etc - when applying for a majority of visas as a group. Your Tour Leader will keep a separate account of expenses incurred and will inform the group of any surplus funds remaining at the end of the trip - or any extra that is required.
Kenya
Most nationalities require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter Kenya which must be obtained in advance of travel.
Travellers need to apply via https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en. This will take at least 3 days to process but you can apply up to 3 months in advance, so allow yourself plenty of time in case of delays. You will need to either print a copy of your eTA or download it to your mobile to present on departure at the airport and at immigration at your point of entry into Kenya. You may be denied boarding of your flight to Kenya or denied entry to Kenya if you do not have your copy of your eTA with you.
We know that the Kenyan visa websites often have issues taking payments. If your payment doesn't go through, the process will not have completed. We suggest that you:
If your trip travels from Kenya to Uganda and Rwanda and then returns to Kenya, your eTA will still be valid for entry when you return.
If you are travelling on the Trans Africa or Nile Trans expeditions you will apply for your eTA whilst on the trip.
Note - You can enter Kenya if you have an East Africa Visa issued from Uganda or Rwanda. However, you can no longer obtain an East Africa visa if you are entering Kenya as your first country of the three.
Botswana
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, South Africa and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter Botswana.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
Lesotho
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter Lesotho.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
Malawi
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries now require a visa to enter Malawi.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
Mozambique
Currently there is conflicting information available about the Mozambique visa however, passport holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries should expect to require a visa. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip - please bring 3 recent colour passport photos along with you and have digital copies of your passport and a passport photo in case they are required for your application.
South African passport holders are free of charge.
Passport holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
Namibia
Most nationalities require a visa costing 1600 Namibian Dollars. This is a relatively new requirement and we expect to be able to obtain the visa at the border having started the process online first.
You can check your nationality at https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/
Rwanda
Most nationalities require a visa for Rwanda. However, Commonwealth citizens can obtain a free visa on arrival into Rwanda.
We recommend that all travellers who are travelling to both Uganda and Rwanda, who need a Rwanda visa, or who are returning from Rwanda back into Uganda, should apply for an East Africa visa which will cover you for multiple stays in both countries. You must apply for this through the first country you will be entering. So if you will enter Uganda first, apply through this website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. If you will enter Rwanda first, apply through this website. https://irembo.gov.rw/user/citizen/service/dgie/request_a_visa (scroll down to 'Immigration and Emigration' and select 'Visa application')
South Africa
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter South Africa.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance. Those who do need a visa and are travelling on a trip that includes Lesotho or Eswatini, will need to make sure that they obtain a multiple entry visa for South Africa as you will be entering and exiting these countries from South Africa.
Tanzania
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and most EU countries will require a visa to enter Tanzania. The current cost is $50 USD with the visa available on arrival at the border. Passport holders from the USA also need a visa and can obtain it on arrival, but the cost is $100 USD. Alternatively visas are available in advance via the Tanzanian government's e-visa website. South African passport holders are Free of charge.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
For those travelling on the Grand Adventurer, Apes & Lakes and Gorillas, Gameparks & Zanzibar trip, the Tanzanian visa is a Single entry visa and also covers you for Zanzibar.
Uganda
Most nationalities require a visa for Uganda.
Those who are travelling to both Uganda and Rwanda should apply for an East Africa visa which will cover you for multiple entries into both countries. You must apply for this through the first country you will be entering. So if you will enter Uganda first, apply through this website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. If you will enter Rwanda first, apply through this website https://irembo.gov.rw/user/citizen/service/dgie/request_a_visa (scroll down to 'Immigration and Emigration' and select 'Visa application')
Zimbabwe
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will require a visa to enter Zimbabwe. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip at the border on arrival, a visa can also be obtained at the airport on arrival into Harare and Victoria Falls. Approximate cost for Australian, USA and New Zealand Passport Holders is $30 USD, British and Irish passport holders $55 USD and Canadian $75 USD for a Single entry visa. South African passport holders are Free of charge. An e-visa is also now available from https://www.evisa.gov.zw/
If you are planning on going over to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe you will need to obtain a double entry visa for Zimbabwe so that you can return back to Zimbabwe after your day trip. Approximate cost for Australian, USA and New Zealand Passport Holders is $45 USD, and British passport holders $70 USD.
Canadians & Irish passport holders are unable to obtain a double entry Zimbabwe visa.
The visa into Zambia is called a Day Tripper visa and is available at the border and only valid for stays of less than 24 hours. The approximate cost is $20 USD.
For those joining in Victoria Falls a UNI-Visa is available at the airport on arrival, which is a multiple entry visa between Zimbabwe and Zambia and costs approximately $50 USD.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
Burundi
Most nationalities require a visa for Burundi. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip.
It is possible that you may require some vaccinations for your trip, depending on the areas that you are visiting. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to give detailed advice on vaccination requirements, so please use the information below as a guide only. We have worked closely with Nomad Travel Clinics for many years and they offer Oasis travelers a 10% discount on vaccinations, anti-malarial drugs, first aid items, clothing, and equipment, just enter discount code OASIS1000 at Nomad Travel. Alternatively, you can check out the Fit for travel website for more travel health information or consult a reputable travel clinic or your GP for information and advice. We suggest that you allow at least 8 weeks to get all your vaccinations.
Yellow Fever - Being vaccinated against Yellow Fever and having a valid certificate and a photocopy is deemed compulsory in nearly all the countries we visit in Africa, especially at certain borders and are needed if you are entering from an infected country. You can view a list of countries requiring a certificate through the World Health Organisation.
Rabies - Vaccinations are regularly advised for all countries that we travel through in Africa - especially if time and money are not a deterrent.
Malaria - In some of the areas we visit there is a risk of contracting Malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria prophylactics you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your own physical efforts against being bitten - which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them. Your crew will advise on where the worst affected areas are on the trip. There are a number of prophylactic malaria treatments on the market & requirements change. It is also wise to take a sample of whichever prophylactic you choose, a few weeks before you leave. This way you may determine early on if you have any adverse reactions so you can change the regimen if necessary. Please consult a reputable travel clinic or GP for advice. For more information visit Nomad Travel or the Fit for Travel websites.
Dengue - Unlike the malaria mosquito, which bites at night, the dengue-carrying mosquito bites during the day. Some areas we travel to do have occasional outbreaks & it is therefore advised that you take care not to be bitten during the day or at night. There is no vaccine available.
Health - To join our trips you should be in good general health. Your medical insurance company must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition/allergy or are on any regular medication, otherwise you may not be covered under your policies for these. Our crew will need to know of any medication or conditions you may have, for general health advice log onto here.
Download pre-departure information
Family Adventure
Victoria Falls
Windhoek
Africa
A deposit of just £250 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure
The Oasis truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable, secure base with which to experience your trip. As part of the 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.
Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Our overland trucks in Africa also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
This tour has been designed to stay in a wide range of different accommodations to provide you with a good experience of exploring Africa in different ways.
Camping - Oasis uses roomy three-person tents that on our adult group trips we use for just two people to share. 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. You will be able to split your family between one, two or more tents depending on the size and make-up of your family. If we are full though, it will not be possible to have a tent to yourself. All our camping nights are spent in organised campsites, or camping grounds at lodges. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed. This will be subject to availability when you arrive. Some
Lodges / Hostels - At some locations we will stay in lodges and hostels that are small, locally run establishments. The accommodation will vary depending on the rooming available, from dormitory style rooms, to twins/doubles or triple rooms. Upgrades may be available on arrival, but cannot be reliably pre-booked. Please refer to the individual trip inclusions for the percentage break up of your accommodation.
Upgrades - While we are staying at Ngepi Camp, we will be using our Oasis tents and camping. However, there are upgrade options available to book in advance there if you would like some more comfort and to stay in one of their riverside Treehouses or Bush Huts (away from the river). Please contact us to check availability and for booking.
During the day
As a guide, driving days normally start at about 8am and finish at about 5pm, with stops for lunch and buying food, seeing local sights etc. We won't be driving every day, although there are times when we will drive for two, but we will then stop for a few days and you will have free time to explore, meet local people, do some optional activities or just relax and do your own thing. Expect to sometimes get dusty & dishevelled during the day and although you will be able to shower most nights (except at bush camps), not all camps will have hot showers. There will be some earlier starts on long driving days.
Meals & cook groups
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 three or four people probably only once or twice on the trip, 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. Several group meals at local restaurants are also included on this trip.
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 the set budget due to the high cost of these specialised and often imported foods.
Remember that when eating out in local restaurants & hotels that vegetarianism or food allergies / intolerances, 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.
In the evenings
When at a bushcamp or campsite where you and your tent buddy will put up the tent, and then lend a hand with getting out the tables, stools, firewood and water containers. The fire grates need to be taken out, the fire lit and someone can fill the kettle and make hot drinks while the cook group prepares the evening meal. Then just sit back & chill and enjoy the rest of your evening!
Oasis Crew
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!
Itinerary
Because Oasis Overland do not operate normal 'package holidays' the itineraries given cannot be guaranteed to run exactly as outlined. However, it is rare that we have to make major changes and in the event that we do this will be discussed with you either before or during the trip. It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis. Should it not be possible for an Oasis trip to begin from a scheduled starting city due to border closures, civil unrest etc, Oasis will make all reasonable efforts to begin the trip from an alternative location. However, all additional costs that you may incur in travelling to the alternative location will be paid by you or your insurance company and not Oasis.
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. 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! 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.
Itinerary
Because Oasis Overland do not operate normal 'package holidays' the itineraries given cannot be guaranteed to run exactly as outlined. However, it is rare that we have to make major changes and in the event that we do this will be discussed with you either before or during the trip. It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis. Should it not be possible for an Oasis trip to begin from a scheduled starting city due to border closures, civil unrest etc, Oasis will make all reasonable efforts to begin the trip from an alternative location. However, all additional costs that you may incur in travelling to the alternative location will be paid by you or your insurance company and not Oasis.
Expedition Vehicle
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!
Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Our overland trucks in Africa also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
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). We spend some nights bush or desert camping and the rest of the time in campsites. 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.
During the day
As a guide, driving days normally start at about 8am and finish at about 5pm, with stops for lunch and buying food, seeing local sights etc. We won't be driving every day, although there are times when we will drive for two, but we will then stop for a few days and you will have free time to explore, meet local people, do some optional activities or just relax and do your own thing. Expect to sometimes get dusty & dishevelled during the day and although you will be able to shower most nights (except at bush camps), not all camps will have hot showers.
Meals & cook groups
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.
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.
In the evenings
When at a bushcamp or campsite where you and your tent buddy will put up the tent, and then lend a hand with getting out the tables, stools, firewood and water containers. The fire grates need to be taken out, the fire lit and someone can fill the kettle and make hot drinks while the cook group prepares the evening meal. Then just sit back & chill and enjoy the rest of your evening!
Oasis Crew
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!
Itinerary Changes
Due to the unpredictable nature of this expedition - it is not always possible to follow the exact itinerary as set out below. We will always endeavour to visit all the places listed, and often more that are not. All the information regarding the itinerary is given in good faith and is subject to change, dependent on local political or country instabilities, weather, security & road conditions etc. Any major itinerary changes will be decided by the crew & company directors and will be discussed with the group beforehand whenever possible. It is also possible that the expedition may arrive later than specified into Cape Town/Nairobi or Cairo.
It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all your costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis.
If we do have to fly over a particular area or country we will endeavour to take in other places of interest if time permits. While Oasis Overland will cover all ground and transport costs, we have not taken the cost of flights into our pricing structure. Therefore any flights will have to be paid for by each individual.
Download pre-departure information
Family Adventure
Victoria Falls
Windhoek
Africa
A deposit of just £250 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure
Optional Excursions are paid for on the day and organised during your trip, so you can decide whilst travelling which activity you may want to do. Prices listed are only a guide and may be dependant on fluctuating exchange rates and minimum numbers. Please see below for more details.
| Title | From Price |
|---|---|
| Chobe afternoon game drive | US$55 |
| Title | From Price |
|---|---|
| Quadbiking – 2hrs | US$55 |
| Mokoro trip – 2.5hrs | US$17 |
| Mokoro trip – half day | US$36 |
| Boat cruise drive | US$16 |
| Guided walk drive | US$16 |
| Sandboarding – Lying Down / Standing Up, from | US$45 |
| Dolphin Cruise | US$65 |
| Game Fishing – 1 Day | US$120 |
| Paragliding | US$115 |
| Tandem Skydive | US$220 |
| Mahango game drive | US$34 |
| Full day Delta experience (morning Moroko, lunch, afternoon game drive) | US$67 |
| Horse Riding | US$60 |
We feel that having optional excursions gives a greater degree of flexibility and independence to our group members; independence to decide how much your spending budget can afford; flexibility to decide when and what time of day or with whom to visit a particular site, rather than for example, with the whole group at a pre- ordained time. If you decide not to join a popular excursion, you will have free time to relax or wander off to a market, village or beach, depending on where we are.
You pay for the optional excursions to the local operator, ensuring the money stays with that operator in the local community and this ensures as well, that you are paying the true price for any optional excursions you want to do. This also applies to accommodation costs before and after the trip. Please note that the prices of optional excursions quoted are approximate as local prices can and do change. Please see the relevant trip page for the Optional excursions you can do on that trip and a list of prices.
Download pre-departure information
Family Adventure
Victoria Falls
Windhoek
Africa
A deposit of just £250 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure
| Start | Finish | Special Events | Trip Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 07 Aug | Sat 21 Aug | C$6,274 | |||
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Download pre-departure information
Family Adventure
Victoria Falls
Windhoek
Africa
A deposit of just £250 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure
On this two-week African family adventure through Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, you'll get to explore some of the most varied and exciting landscapes in Africa. Starting in Victoria Falls on the border of Zimbabwe, we travel into Botswana before exploring Namibia and finishing in the capital, Windhoek.
Your starting point is the stunning Victoria Falls and the numerous activities available here. Leaving Zimbabwe we cross the border into Botswana and take you to Chobe National Park, famous for its thriving elephant population.
Heading into Namibia, our first stop is along the banks of the Okavango River, teaming with plant, bird and animal life and an area that is often known as the 'pan handle' of the Okavango Delta. There are several optional safaris from our camp both in traditional mokoro dugout canoes, and with open 4x4 safari vehicles. Moving on, Etosha National Park is one of the best places in the world to see wildlife and we have several game drives in our truck, especially looking out for the famous desert elephants there and enjoying time in the evenings at floodlit waterholes. Back on the road, we journey south to Ozohere Himba Village and Cape Cross Seal Colony. After passing shipwrecks sitting on the desert sands of the Skeleton Coast, we’ll visit Swakopmund, known as the adventure capital of Namibia where thrilling activities, such as skydiving, sandboarding and scenic flights above the stark landscape of the mountainous dunes are available. Coming towards the end of our trip, our next highlight is Namib-Naukluft National Park and Sossusvlei where we'll climb up the famous Dune 45 in the Namib Desert and see the ancient scorched black trees in the Deadvlei clay-pan. Finally we travel to Windhoek, Namibia’s capital and journey’s end.
This overland family adventure safari holiday allows you to experience the diversity and uniqueness of the different regional cultures, discover the abundance of wildlife, and get your adrenaline flowing with exciting optional activities. Accommodation is a mix of hotels/lodges, permanent camps, and in simple tents next to our truck. Travel is on one of our specialist overland expedition vehicles with an experienced tour leader and driver on board.
This family tour has a minimum age requirement of 5 years, with discounted prices available for children aged from 5 to 15. Our trucks have 24 seats on the back, and the group will be a minimum of 8 people and maximum of 18 (plus crew).
Note: If you would like to enjoy a longer family adventure in Africa with us, then our Tanzania Family Overland trip from Nairobi to Zanzibar runs immediately before this trip starts and the two are designed to be combined together if you wish.
Click map to enlarge
Welcome to Victoria Falls! You will be met at the airport and transferred to our campsite for the start of your trip. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in to your campsite chalet before we have a pre-trip meeting at 6pm and introduction to our crew and the overland expedition vehicle which will be our home for the next two weeks. Our local representative Joy, will also meet us and run through the activities and experiences available in Victoria Falls tomorrow.
Meals: No meals included today
Overnight: Victoria Falls Rest Camp - en-suite lodges
Our family overland adventure gets off to an amazing start with a visit to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. Known as the “Smoke that thunders” in the local Tonga language, it is the largest single curtain of falling water in the world and 70% of the exquisite views are seen from the Zimbabwe rain forest, from here the falling water’s impressive roar can sometimes be heard from 40 kilometres (25 miles) away. At its peak, the volume of water coming over the falls is around 150 million gallons per minute. This amount of water is just incomprehensible…a good size bath holds 40 gallons, so 1 million gallons would equate to 25,000 baths… making the high-water mark of 150 million gallons equate to 3.75 million (the entire population of Liverpool and Manchester combined) bathtubs of water thundering over the falls every single minute. That’s a lot of water!
The rain forest surrounding it, which has constant rain 24/7 from the never-ending spray of the Falls, has a unique ecosystem. It is a botanists dream and bird lovers’ paradise. There are species here that don’t occur anywhere else, and families are strongly recommended to look just a little beyond the 2 km pathway and the numerous viewpoints towards the overgrowth to try and spot them. One of the great things about the falls is that the area has not become over commercialised. In fact, once you are standing by the Falls your view will not be much different to that of David Livingstone’s who first saw the Falls in 1855.
You have the afternoon free to take part in a range of optional adventure activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swing or evening horse riding. If you're looking to relax, there are various craft markets and coffee shops to enjoy.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch eaten at the truck. Group dinner included today.
Overnight: Victoria Falls Rest Camp - en-suite lodges
We have an early start today as we leave Zimbabwe and cross the border into Botswana and on to Chobe National Park. Chobe is most famous for its elephant and buffalo populations, both of which can herd in epic proportions. With an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 elephant, these gentle giants constantly surround you. We are there during the dry season when the Chobe River sees thousands lining the banks and crossing the water towards our campsite, giving the kids the chance to view them close up, an unforgettable experience and a lifelong memory. There is the option for an afternoon game drive (not included) before our evening river cruise which provides excellent photograph opportunities! It really is a lovely way to see the sun setting over the horizon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner at the truck today.
Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge - camping
Following on from here we find ourselves crossing another border into Namibia and heading to the Caprivi strip. This is considered Namibia’s answer to The Okavango Delta, an area which offers an incredible water-based safari location. Being sandwiched between Angola, Zambia and Botswana and near the tip of Zimbabwe, the region is surrounded by 5 perennial rivers – Chobe, Kwando, Linvanti, Okavango and the Zambezi – which makes it a haven for elephants, hippo, crocodile and buffalo. The bird watching is also unrivalled, with the region recording an incredible 660 different species. All of which offers families an endless number of activities including game viewing by boat, sunset cruises and canoeing adventures which are also a great way to relax and reconnect.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner at the truck today.
Overnight: Ngepi Camp - camping (upgrades available on request)
You have a free day today on the Okavango River where a multitude of optional activities are available.
On the optional Mokoro cruise local poler guides will navigate the extensive waterways using canoes similar to their traditional Mokoros (dug out canoes). This is a great experience and a good way to get a hippo's eye view of the surroundings.
There are also a number of other optional safaris including game walks and game drives with specialist guides, giving you the chance to see elephant, crocodile and hippo up close and personal.
The trip is based on camping in our tents here. However, Ngepi Camp also has some fun treehouse and bush hut accommodation which is available to upgrade to if you wish. Please contact us to book - riverside treehouses will be allocated on a first come first served basis. The camp also has a unique floating swimming pool in the river which we just know the kids will love.
Meals: Breakfast at the truck today. Lunch & dinner at your own expense.
Overnight: Ngepi Camp - camping (upgrades available)
We head towards the extreme northwest of Namibia to the south banks of the Okavango river which borders Angola. Rundu is a bustling, lively place which provides a great insight into a thriving African town where we are able to stock up on provisions.
There is the opportunity to visit Mbunza Living Museum (not included). As a communal business for the local people of the Kavango, this sustainable project means they are able to preserve their traditional culture and to generate an additional income. The Living Museum’s traditional presentation covers everything from everyday life (traditional cuisine, fire making, basket and mat weaving, etc.) to bushwalks and fishing and finally to highly specialised techniques like blacksmithing, pottery and the making of drums. This provides visitors with a detailed and authentic insight into the traditional, pre-colonial culture which especially appeals to the younger travellers in the group.
This evening we aboard a cruise along the Kavango floodplain where we have the wonderful experience of watching the sunset whilst enjoying the local bird and wildlife, hopefully watching some hippos yawning as the sun goes down.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch at the truck. Group dinner included today.
Overnight: Camp Hogo Kavango - camping
It is now time for a classic safari as we head west to Etosha National Park, famed for offering some of the most unique game watching experiences in Africa. We will reach Etosha in the afternoon, and in the evening we'll enjoy our first game drive. Later in the evening we'll be able to watch wildlife coming to a nearby floodlit waterhole.
Meals: Breakfast at accommodation. Lunch & dinner at the truck.
Overnight: NWR Namutomi Camp - camping
Etosha is considered by many safari aficionados as one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. It covers 8,600 square miles, hosts a colossal salt pan (which is four times the size of Los Angeles and is so large that it can be seen from the moon!!). It is also home to 4 of the ‘Big Five’ (elephant, rhino, lion and leopards). Being the country's leading wildlife attraction, what better way to enjoy it than looking out from a truck as we drive along, stopping where and when is needed along the various watering holes. Kids can enjoy being David Attenborough by spotting species such as giraffes, zebra, wildebeest and elephants or even lions resting on the side of the road. With 114 different animal species and more than 300 bird species, the kids should be kept on their toes as animal spotters. Turning off the engine as needed we will have the chance to enjoy the spectacle of herds of zebra lapping, impala and many others congregating around the watering holes which during the dry season (May to October) host animal species in biblical numbers making August undoubtedly the best time for a family safari visit.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck today
Overnight: NWR Halali camp - camping
We continue to spot wildlife on our game drive to the National Park gate where we leave Etosha and journey on to our overnight camp. This is a small family operated site in the middle of the Namibian desert whose efforts serve to support the local Himba people and provide schooling for the children. Whilst there we have the opportunity to meet some of the local tribe members to learn more about their culture, traditions and way of life in the bush (not included).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck today.
Overnight: Ozohere Camp - camping
Leaving the Himba behind, we journey to the coast, arriving at Cape Cross Seal Reserve. A nature reserve that is renowned as one of the largest settlements of these animals in the world, the colony of Cape fur seals at Cape Cross marks the spot where the first European explorer set foot on the coast of Namibia in 1486. Kids can lose themselves in this noisy (and smelly!) hubbub, viewing the captivating interactions of the seal colony from an extensive walkway, separated from the mass of seals by a low wall. Strolling along the breadth of the colony, they have the opportunity to pick up interesting details about the lives of the seals at information points scattered around the grounds or gaze up at a modern replica of Diego Cao’s historical cross.
Continuing south along the Skeleton Coast, we arrive in Swakopmund, Namibia’s favourite holiday destination. With so many family and adrenaline activities as well as the beach it is easy to see why!
Meals: Breakfast & lunch at the truck. Group dinner included today.
Overnight: Amanpuri Lodge - rooms
This coastal resort is in complete contrast to all the land and river-based wildlife activities we have encountered so far. It offers the opportunity for families to hop onboard a catamaran cruise to spot dolphins, flamingos and even whales from Walvis Bay further down the coast, or kayak with playful and inquisitive seals at Pelican Point. Older kids will love the sand boarding, fat biking or the 4x4 or quad biking expeditions in the nearby dunes, allowing them to take to the wheel and explore. If adrenaline and sports are not your cup of tea the town offers plenty to see and do as well as numerous cafes, art galleries and museums to discover. You'll have the whole day free here to participate in optional activities of your choice.
Meals: Breakfast at the accommodation. Lunch, dinner & activities at your own expense.
Overnight: Amanpuri Lodge - rooms
We drive south through the stark, remote landscape to our campsite for the night in a stunning desert location. We will venture into the Namib Desert with an expert guide who will give us fascinating insight into the wildlife that lives here. It’s not all about the Big 5, there are the Little 5 too! We’ll meet some of the smaller creatures of this unique place and learn how they are adapted to the desert environment. Maybe we’ll see the beetle that does a headstand every morning to allow the fog to condense on its back and run down to its mouth!
Meals: Breakfast at accommodation. Lunch & dinner at the truck.
Overnight: Bushman's Camp - camping
Heading deeper into the desert, we enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park which contains the world’s highest sand dunes and is home to great salt pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. These white salt pans surrounded by dunes and dotted with black, lifeless trees, hundreds of years old are stunning locations and provide amazing photo opportunities. We include a jeep safari here today, before camping inside the Park tonight where we can appreciate the dark skies and spot shooting stars in the glittering night sky.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck today.
Overnight: NWR Sessriem campsite - camping
This morning, we have the opportunity to climb the massive dunes at Sossusvlei which are one of Namibia’s main attractions. Children can race their parents to the top where you will be met with stunning views of a ‘world of sand’ which stretches as far as the Atlantic, 50 miles away. The kids have the chance to whoosh back down, sliding down the sand which is always a popular choice as breakfast awaits at the bottom.
After breakfast we make the final journey of our family overland trip, leaving the deserts and mountains behind to reach Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. We'll then have a final evening celebrating our two week adventure with a group meal out.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch at the truck. Group dinner included today.
Overnight: Windhoek hotel/lodge - tbc
Your trip finishes after breakfast. An airport transfer to Windhoek International Airport is included. Extra nights can be added here if you wish.
Meals: Breakfast at the accommodation.
Download pre-departure information
Family Adventure
Victoria Falls
Windhoek
Africa
A deposit of just £250 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure
Trip Joining Point: Victoria Falls Municipal Rest Camp - Victoria Falls
Start Time Day 1: Anytime on Day 1, ideally arrive at Rest Camp by 4pm so we can arrange an early evening pre-trip briefing
Address: 411 Parkway Drive, Victoria Falls
Telephone: + 263 (0)13 40509
Website: www.vicfallsrestcamp.com
Email: reservations@restcamp.co.zw
PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATION:
Victoria Falls Municipal Camp is in the centre of town & close to cafes , restaurants and internet. The camp has a great restaurant, pool and laundry service. If you will be arriving early, you may book additional nights with the camp, either directly or through us, Prices are given below and on a room only basis and are are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Note - we will be providing en-suite lodges for the two nights we are there at the start of the trip.
|
Room Type |
Price |
Description |
|
Dorm |
£20.00 |
Per Person |
|
Two person Chalet - shared facilities |
£40.00 |
Per Room |
|
Three person Chalet - shared facilities |
£50.00 |
Per Room |
|
Four person Chalet - shared facilities |
£60.00 |
Per Room |
| Two person Lodge - en-suite facilities | £80.00 | Per Room |
| Three person Lodge - en-suite facilities | £110.00 | Per Room |
| Four person Lodge - en-suite facilities | £125.00 | Per Room |
| Additional Beds (max 2) | £16.00 | Per bed |
AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
Airport Transfer Costs: Included
Your Transfer Rep. will be awaiting you as you exit Immigration at Victoria Falls airport. They will be holding a sign with your name on it.
Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) is approx. 20kms from the centre of Victoria Falls Township. English is widely spoken and used for signs / directions. $US and South African rand are now the official currencies in Zimbabwe.
Our Agent in Victoria Falls is Backpackers Bazaar -
If you are arriving day or two early and would like any assistance with activities or anything else while you are in Victoria Falls, then please contact Joy at Backpackers Bazaar. They are situated opposite the Municipal Campsite in the centre of town near Shearwater Cafe. Their telephone number is (013) 45828 or 44611 or (011) 404 960. Email - joy@backpackers.co.zw .
After Day 1 as the arrival day, we have one whole day on Day 2 at Victoria Falls. We will visit the Falls together in the morning (your entrance ticket is included), and then the afternoon will be free. If you wish to partake in any optional excursions that will take more than an afternoon, you should arrive a day or more early. Backpackers Bazaar can assist you with arranging any activities you may be interested in.
As this trip includes airport transfers and the first night of accommodation in Victoria Falls, you can arrive at any time on Day 1. However, ideally we would like everyone to arrive at the Rest Camp by 4pm that day. Our tour leader will then arrange a welcome meeting early in the evening on Day 1, and our local representative in Victoria Falls, Joy, will also come and give a briefing about Victoria Falls and what options you have for tomorrow's free time. There will be a notice in reception and on the truck advising you of the time of the welcome meeting which we will finalise after knowing everyone's flight times. Your Tour Leader will collect 2 photocopies of your passport information page, insurance policy details with policy number and confirmation that the duration will cover you for the entire trip and a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number.
You should aim to arrive in Victoria Falls ideally before 3pm on Day 1 so that you can transfer to the Rest Camp, check in and meet the rest of the group before we do a pre-departure meeting early that evening, before having dinner.
Return flights can be booked for anytime on Day 15, and we will provide airport transfers to Windhoek at any time this day. We may use a private service or the truck to arrange this transfer for you, depending on the time you are departing and the number of people on different flights.
There are many online flight search engines such as www.skyscanner.net or www.ebookers.co.uk, flights can also be booked direct with airline websites or through travel agencies. We are not able to book flights for you from the UK ourselves. Please inform us of your flight details at least a few weeks before departure so we can arrange and potentially batch airport transfers together for people arriving/departing on the same flights.
One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that you have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your trip finishes. This is a general requirement for all of the countries we travel to on our trips.
If you have dual nationality you can only use one passport for the entire trip. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require.
Please bring 2 photocopies of your passport details to give to your tour leader.
Number of blank pages required for the trip, please use this as an approximate guide:
The information below is to be used only as a guide and may change without prior notice. It is advisable to contact the relevant embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require.
Visas obtained at borders must be paid for in USD cash ONLY.
|
Country |
British |
Irish |
Aust |
NZ |
S.Africa |
USA |
Canadian |
|
Kenya |
US$30 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
|
Tanzania |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
Free |
US$100 |
US$50 |
|
Zimbabwe |
US$55 |
US$55 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
Free |
US$30 |
US$75 |
|
Botswana |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
|
Namibia |
US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 |
Important Notes:
Your Kenyan eTA must be obtained in advance from the Kenyan government website. Please allow a couple of weeks for this to come through.
Most travellers obtain their Tanzania visa at the border with the rest of the group - most nationalities do not need to obtain this in advance. You do not need an additional visa for Zanzibar.
To enter Namibia with children, you must bring an original or certified copy of each child's birth certificate showing both parent's names. This needs to be the full copy, not a shortened/abridged version.
In addition, to enter Namibia and Botswana, if you will be you will be travelling as a solo parent with one or more children, then there is a very important additional requirement you need to be ready for. At both the Botswana and Namibia borders you will be asked to show an Affidavit signed by the child/children's other parent confirming that they give you authority to travel with the children without them being present.
This affidavit should have the children's names, dates of birth and passport details on, the second parent's name, address, contact number and signature, AND should be signed and stamped by a local police station or lawyer. Please ensure you bring a copy of this with you, and also send us a scanned copy before the trip departs, or you may not be allowed to enter the country.
For more information on other nationalities & visas checkout www.projectvisa.com
Botswana
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, South Africa and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter Botswana.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
Namibia
Most nationalities require a visa costing 1600 Namibian Dollars. This is a new requirement and we expect to be able to obtain the visa at the border.
You can check your nationality at https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/
Zimbabwe
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will require a visa to enter Zimbabwe. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip at the border on arrival, a visa can also be obtained at the airport on arrival into Harare and Victoria Falls. Approximate cost for Australian, USA and New Zealand Passport Holders is $30 USD, British and Irish passport holders $55 USD and Canadian $75 USD for a Single entry visa. South African passport holders are Free of charge.
If you are planning on going over to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe you will need to obtain a double entry visa for Zimbabwe so that you can return back to Zimbabwe after your day trip. Approximate cost for Australian, USA and New Zealand Passport Holders is $45 USD, and British passport holders $70 USD.
Canadians & Irish passport holders are unable to obtain a double entry Zimbabwe visa.
The visa into Zambia is called a Day Tripper visa and is available at the border and only valid for stays of less than 24 hours. The approximate cost is $20 USD.
For those joining in Victoria Falls a UNI-Visa is available at the airport on arrival, which is a multiple entry visa between Zimbabwe and Zambia and costs approximately $50 USD.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
It is possible that you may require some vaccinations for your trip, depending on the areas that you are visiting. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to give detailed advice on vaccination requirements, so please use the information below as a guide only. We have worked closely with Nomad Travel Clinics for many years and they offer Oasis travellers a 10% discount on vaccinations, anti- malarial drugs, first aid items, clothing and equipment, just enter discount code OASIS1000 at Nomad Travel. Alternatively you can check out the Fit for travel website for more travel health information or consult a reputable travel clinic or your GP for information and advice. We suggest that you allow at least 8 weeks to get all your vaccinations.
Yellow Fever - Being vaccinated against Yellow Fever and having a valid certificate and a photocopy is deemed compulsory in nearly all the countries we visit in Africa, especially at certain borders and are needed if you are entering from an infected country. You can view a list of countries requiring a certificate through the World Health organisation.
Rabies - Vaccinations are regularly advised for all countries that we travel through in Africa - especially if time and money are not a deterrent.
Malaria - In some of the areas we visit there is a risk of contracting Malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria prophylactics you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your own physical efforts against being bitten - which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them. Your crew will advise on where the worst affected areas are on the trip. There are a number of prophylactic malaria treatments on the market & requirements change. It is also wise to take a sample of whichever prophylactic you choose, a few weeks before you leave. This way you may determine early on if you have any adverse reactions so you can change the regimen if necessary. Please consult a reputable travel clinic or GP for advice. For more information visit Nomad Travel or Fit for the Travel website.
Dengue - Unlike the malaria mosquito, which bites at night, the dengue carrying mosquito bites during the day. Some areas we travel to do have occasional outbreaks & it is therefore advised that you take care not to be bitten during the day as well as at night. There is no vaccine available.
Health - To join our trips you should be in good general health. Your medical insurance company must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition / allergy or if you are on any regular medication, otherwise you may not be covered under your policies for these. Our crew will need to know of any medication or conditions you may have. For general health advice log onto here.
It is a compulsory requirement that you have adequate travel insurance before you join any Oasis Trip & at the very least are insured for all necessary medical & repatriation costs incurred.
You will be asked to provide the following details if you have not already done so: travel insurance name, insurance policy number & insurance emergency telephone number. You will also be required to give a copy of your policy with this information to your Tour Leader on arrival with confirmation that the policy duration is sufficient to cover you for the entire duration of your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safe keeping.
We believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. It is a mistake to think that "it will never happen to me". It is also very important that you are covered for all the activities that you may wish to undertake while on our trip. It is extremely important that you check the full extent of your cover related to 24 hour Medical Emergency Assistance. In the event of you needing medical treatment you want to know that you have the best cover available to you. Your policy should include adequate Medical Emergency and Repatriation cover as well as Cancellation, Baggage and Personal Liability cover. You need to be aware of EXACTLY what activities your policy covers you for. Please note that skiing is not usually covered in most insurance policies.
We offer tailor made Overland Adventure Travel Insurance that covers most of the adventure and sporting activities on our trips.
For further information on the insurance we offer, the activities covered and costs, check out the Travel Insurance section of our website.
There is no Local Payment on this trip. The whole trip price is paid before you travel. You will however need some spending money during the trip...
How to bring your currency?
Past Oasis travellers have fed back that, as a general rule it is best to bring some of your money in US$ dollars cash, although you could also bring a combination of US$ & £GB if British pounds are your home currency. It will depend on the exchange rate at the time of your trip as to which currency is better, but we suggest that US$ are the preferred option for East Africa, whilst £GB can also be easily exchanged in Kenya, Tanzania and Southern Africa. PLEASE NOTE YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY BRING AT LEAST 50% of your money in cash. You will need to pay for your Zimbabwe visas and many of the optional excursions using cash and there will be times when you need cash to change into local currency. Some travellers worry about carrying so much cash with them, however all Oasis Overland trucks are equipped with an onboard safe for the security of your money and passport.
We also advise to bring £50 worth of SA Rand in Cash, as this may be needed if we arrive into Namibia on a weekend & the banks/ATMs are closed.
Make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused by the banks and shops. Please ensure your notes are dated post 2006 and do not have a serial number starting with CB. Scottish pounds are also not accepted.
Please remember that Visas need to be paid for in US$ CASH ONLY!
Spending Money
From past trips and traveller feedback £100 to £145 per week should cover costs such as some meals out (on average 2 per day are supplied), soft drinks and beers, email & communications, souvenirs and other general spending. Personal spending habits & budgets differ greatly from person to person.Budget on visa costs (see visa section above) and optional activities separately (see optional excursions page) & allow extra for your Local Payment contribution.
Changing money
Change your money only at banks, hotels, airports or forex bureaus. It is illegal to change money on the street, as these people will normally be opportunistic thieves or undercover police. Your crew will advise you where & when you can change money & with what means. It is also a good idea to have a small CASH emergency fund, to allow for the unexpected.
Credit & Debit Cards
If you are intending using your credit or debit card, we suggest taking more than one card with you as you may find that your card is not accepted in the first ATM you try. Visa and Maestro cards are best. MasterCard based cards may have limited access in some parts of Africa.Please note that usually you will be given local currency and NOT US$ or £GB. We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked. Please see the optional excursions page for activities that can be paid for using a Credit or Debit Card.Commission rates vary between 2-8%. It can therefore be helpful to obtain an online account from one of the new 'starter banks' such as Revolut, Monzo, Starling etc. as they often offer much more competitive rates for spending abroad. Revolut does not work in Zimbabwe.
Pre-Paid Travel Currency Cards
These cards are similar to normal Credit and Debit cards but they can be pre loaded with cash before you travel with a set amount allowing you to withdraw this cash using the card at normal ATMs. It is a more secure way to access cash on your trip, but again do not rely on these as your sole means of funds on a trip - (please refer to the ATM section). Several banks and companies now offer these cards, but be sure to look into the rates for withdrawing cash when making your decision. When using these cards abroad you will use them to withdraw the local currency from an ATM and not the currency that you loaded onto the card.
ATMs
These are available in most major cities along our route and allow you to withdraw local currency only. We discourage you from relying on your ATM card as a primary source of funds in case it is lost/stolen/swallowed, or the machine isn't working. In some destinations we probably won't even see a bank or ATM for days on end so having hard currency to exchange is essential. Besides memorising your PIN, it is also important to be aware of your daily withdrawal limit and bank withdrawal costs.
Tipping
Is often expected and relied upon. It is often more than a reward for services well done, but, as wages are extremely low, it is an accepted means of supplementing an income. If you would like to leave a tip for any activity/individual, you could organize this as a group and give a tip at the end. A recommended amount for restaurants is usually 10% of your total bill and similar for activities. Some countries also add an extra Government tax on restaurant bills.
Because it can be difficult to know what to tip, and because it has such importance in some areas both economically and culturally, there may be times and activities for which your crew will make it clear what level of tipping is 'customary/expected'. They may also be quite enthusiastic or assertive in encouraging you to take account of these suggestions. This is motivated by the knowledge of how important tipping can be, and the offence or confusion that can be caused when local people are tipped poorly. In the end, tipping remains at the discretion of the individual, but our crew will continue to advise on normal or average rates, and we would ask you to carefully consider the economic or personal impact of being seen as 'under tipping'. We know that many who travel with us are on a tight budget, but ask you to consider that those we work with locally may also face financial hardship, and also work very hard to try to give you unrivalled service/ experiences.
In the past we have been asked by travellers about tipping your Oasis Crew. If you choose to do this, it would be budgeted separately from the above. Our guys work very hard at making your trip a great travel experience. Working overseas can often be challenging and they are pretty much on call for you 24 hours a day, so it's appreciated as a thank you for hard work and good service, but it is not mandatory. Our suggestion is to budget around US$2-5 a day for each crew member.
In Southern Africa (Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa) the 'dry' season is April to October when the nights can be quite cold, particularly in June and July when it can get very cold at night. Day temperatures are very pleasant at this time, usually mid 20s (°C). From November to March the weather is hotter and there is summer rainfall, although this is very intermittent when it may not rain for months, or it can rain for a day at a time. View African Climate Chart
The less you take the less you have to pack, wash & lug home & you can always pick up extras along the way. Most people make the mistake of bringing too much. Clothes washing or laundry facilities will be available at least once a week. You will be travelling in the heat & camping in the cold, so bring clothes for all climates; rough stuff is best. Pack according to season: summer is very hot in places & winter can be very cold with occasional frost overnight in the south. (May to Aug can be very cold in Southern Africa). Make sure that you bring your gear in a 70-90L rucksack or holdall - suitcases are not suitable.
| Equipment | Toiletries - Most available to buy on trip |
|
|
| Clothes | Personal Effects |
|
|
| Recommended Medical Kit List | |
|
|
Even though our trucks are equipped with a comprehensive medical kit, we advise you to bring a small personal medical kit as our truck kit is not for general everyday use. It will also be your responsibility to carry your kit on included excursions and optional activities as some local operators may not have medical kits to hand.
Cameras (incl. Digital & Video Cameras) - An easy to use 'point and shoot' and nearly all smart phones will get you some good photos. For memorable shots, it may be worthwhile investing in an SLR camera, but be sure to get some practice in before the trip! Most towns and cities have internet cafes where you can download onto CD/internet sites - but don't rely on it. Internet speeds can be slow for uploading photos to social media or the Cloud.
Photography - Be aware of your surroundings when taking photographs and filming. Some locations will be sensitive or have local laws banning photography. For example it is usually forbidden to use cameras at borders or around government buildings, military installations, bridges and airports or to take photos of local officials. If you do take photos or film where it is not permitted you may find yourself being questioned by irate officials who may decide to confiscate your camera or instruct you to delete all the images/footage on your device. If in doubt ask for permission, or if there is no-one to ask use some common sense.
Drones - As the use of drones becomes more common, countries throughout the world are gradually updating their laws and restrictions on usage. The specific regulations will vary from one country to another, so do check the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice for the latest information. Use of drones is not allowed in most National Parks or protected areas. To keep things simple, we ask that people do not bring drones with them on our trucks.
Electrical charging & power supply - It may be difficult to find a power source for charging at times, so a spare battery is a must.
Consider bringing a 12V in-car charger or USB adapter (our vehicles are equipped with a couple of 12 volt cigarette lighter type charger sockets) or bring along your 230V mains charger and travel adaptor plug for use at some of the hotels, hostels and campsites we stay at.
NOTE: 12V - 230V inverters cannot be used on our vehicles because of the power drain they cause.
Log ontowww.whatplug.netfor information regarding the different electrical plugs and voltage used in each country.
The internet and WiFi are available in many towns / cities you will visit. Do bear in mind that the connections can be unreliable and will not always be as fast as you are used to at home. If a lot of people try to use the internet at the same time the speed will be slower still, especially if trying to make Skype calls or upload photos / videos. During periods of the trip where we are wild camping, internet will be less common.
Some travellers choose to take an unlocked mobile phone with them and buy local SIM cards in each country, allowing them to use mobile data. If you particularly want or need regular internet access this may be a good option. Telephone calls can be expensive usually £1 to £5 for a three minute call.
Online Diaries - A great variety of free "travel blogs" are now available online, they are a good way of keeping relatives and friend up to date with what you are doing and a good place to upload photos, collecting messages as well as keeping a record for yourself.
Before you go
While you're travelling
From experience gained in running trips, we have developed our own practical and manageable environmental policy which all of our crew practice on the trips we operate, and they will share this information with you at the start of your trip. We welcome your input on this, plus any new ideas you may have, to improve our existing procedures. As a guide here's a few tips to bear in mind.
Community Projects - Oasis are active in raising awareness and providing support to a number of projects and local schools where we believe we can make a positive difference. More information on the projects we support.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) offer country-specific advice, regarding not only security but also entry regulations, local laws and customs and health. We strongly recommend all travellers visit the FCDO website, or the equivalent in their home country, to familiarise themselves with local conditions and issues in the countries they plan to visit before committing to a trip with us. You can view their website here.
If you have any questions at all about the safety or security of your trip, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to discuss your trip in more detail.
In cities - All major cities have their share of petty crime (just like our cities) and sensible precautions need to be taken. Wearing expensive looking jewellery or watches and carrying cameras will draw unnecessary attention to you. Leave valuables such as passports and excess money in your hotel safe or truck safe (we recommend carrying a copy of your passport details page at all times). You may find a simple money belt is more discreet than a bag. Always be aware of your surroundings and when approached by people you do not know, use your common sense. At night in cities it's best to use a taxi, rather than walking around the streets, single women in particular need to be careful and we would suggest that it is safer to be in a group.
On board the truck - Each vehicle is fitted with a hidden, lockable safe to be used for money, passports and important documents. Group members will be responsible for the safe and Oasis Overland cannot accept any liability for clients' personal or monetary contents kept in the safe or on board the truck. We advise you to not take items of value that are not essential for the journey. In certain areas a roster may be drawn up for the group to share the task of guarding and keeping the vehicle secure.
It is a compulsory requirement that you have adequate travel insurance before you join any Oasis Trip, and at the very least are insured for all necessary medical & repatriation costs incurred if you need them.
You will be asked to provide the following details on the Traveller Information Form that you send in to us after making your booking. If you have not already done so: travel insurance name, insurance policy number & insurance emergency telephone number. You will also be required to give a copy of your policy with this information to your Tour Leader on arrival with confirmation that the policy duration is sufficient to cover you for the entire duration of your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safe keeping.
We believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. It is a mistake to think that "it will never happen to me". It is also very important that you are covered for all the activities that you may wish to undertake while on our trip. It is extremely important that you check the full extent of your cover related to 24 hour Medical Emergency Assistance. In the event of you needing medical treatment you want to know that you have the best cover available to you. Your policy should include adequate Medical Emergency and Repatriation cover as well as Cancellation, Baggage and Personal Liability cover. You need to be aware of EXACTLY what activities your policy covers you for. Please note that skiing is not usually covered in most insurance policies.
We offer tailor made Overland Adventure Travel Insurance that covers most of the adventure and sporting activities on our trips.
For further information on the insurance we offer, the activities covered and costs, check out the Travel Insurance section of our website. UK residents can purchase the insurance we recommend directly through Campbell Irvine.
Before you go
While you're travelling
From experience gained in running trips, we have developed our own practical and manageable environmental policy which all of our crew practice on the trips we operate, and they will share this information with you at the start of your trip. We welcome your input on this, plus any new ideas you may have, to improve our existing procedures. As a guide here's a few tips to bear in mind.
Post-trip accommodation can be arranged with your tour leader during the trip or directly with the hotel on arrival. The return airport transfer can be arranged through your hotel / hostel and is not included, it is at your own expense. We regret these services cannot be arranged via the Oasis office before departure.
You need to arrive at your departure city at least the day before your trip begins. Return flights must be booked for at least the day AFTER the trip is due to end. You may wish to allow some extra time to explore your arrival and departure cities (if you are joining in Victoria Falls - we suggest arriving at least 2 days before if you wish to partake in the many adrenaline activities on offer).
There are many online flight search engines such as www.skyscanner.net or www.ebookers.co.uk, flights can also be booked direct with airline websites or through travel agencies. Please inform us of your flight details through your online account, as airport transfers can be arranged for various trips.
One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that yaou have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry.
Departure Taxes: Please check with your Travel Agent or Airline if your flight ticket already includes a departure tax payment out of the country. If it does not - please budget for approx US$30 to $70 USD - to be paid in US$ only.
Addis Ababa / Djibouti to Cairo flights (or v/v): If we are not able to travel through Northern Ethiopia and/or Sudan then we may need to leave the truck in Addis Ababa or Djibouti and fly from there to Cairo (or vice versa). We will advise before or during the trip if this is the case, and which date and time to book the flight. This flight will be an additional cost for you to book and pay directly.
Local Payment (LP)
LP is part of your overall trip payment and is the most cost effective and practical way to get hard currency to Africa to pay for a variety of your day to day local costs (i.e. all meals prepared by the group - 3 per day whilst travelling and 2 whilst in towns, campsite fees, wood, gas, and certain activities listed in the brochure) which cannot be pre-paid from the UK.
Please note: CASH ONLY is accepted and needs to be in $US Dollars. Please make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused by the banks and we will therefore be unable to accept them either. Larger denomination notes are preferable for your Local payment. Please make sure that $US Dollars are dated 2013 or later and do not have a serial number starting with CB. Scottish Pounds are not accepted.
How to bring your currency
Past Oasis travellers have fed back that they have felt, as a general rule it is best to bring your money as US$ cash. If you are coming from the Eurozone, Euros cash are also accepted in some countries and can be the preferred currency in many West African nations. It will depend on the exchange rate at the time of your trip as to which currency is better, but US$ Dollars are widely accepted from Angola all the way to Cairo. Great British pounds are also accepted in Southern Africa, and some East African countries, as well as Egypt.
Credit / Debit and Pre-paid travel currency cards are also an option if you are concerned about bringing all your money in cash - BUT DEFINITELY BRING AT LEAST 60% of your money in cash. Some travellers worry about carrying so much cash with them, however all Oasis Overland trucks are equipped with an on board safe for the security of your money and passport.
We also advise to bring £50 worth of SA Rand in Cash, as this may be needed if we arrive into Namibia or South Africa on a weekend & the banks/ATMs are closed (only if you are travelling to these countries).
US dollars dated pre-2013 are not widely accepted in Africa so please ensure your notes are dated 2013 onward & Scottish pounds are also not accepted. The rate of exchange for small denomination $US bills are usually slightly less than larger bills, but it is still advisable to bring an assortment of both as some activities and operators will not have the facility to give large amounts of change. Your Local Payment should be paid using high denomination bills please $50s or 100s.
Spending Money
For personal spending money budget on approximately £400 per month (from Ghana to Angola) and £120 to £175 per week (from Namibia to Egypt) to cover you for some meals out, drinks, communications, souvenirs and other general spending.
We recommend the following to be used as a guide - including a few days layover in Cape Town:
The recommendation above is worked out on the assumption that you will be fairly budget-conscious. Remember, however, there are also other costs to bear in mind such as drinks and snacks, post trip hotel and food costs, optional side trips, your time in Cape Town, email & communications, souvenirs and other general spending. This is an estimated figure as personal spending habits and budgets differ greatly from person to person. Budget on optional activities and visa costs separately (see visa section above & optional excursions page) and allow extra for your Local Payment contribution.
IMPORTANT: Contingency Fund - It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all your costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis.
Changing money
Your crew will advise you where & when you can change money & with what means. It is also a good idea to have a small CASH emergency fund, to allow for the unexpected.
Credit & Debit Cards
If you are intending using your credit or debit card, we suggest taking more than one card with you as you may find that your card is not accepted in the first ATM you try. Visa and Maestro cards are best. We do not recommend using MasterCard based cards in Africa as they have very limited access through large parts of Africa. Please note that usually you will be given local currency and NOT US$ or £GB. We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked. Please see the optional excursions page for activities that can be paid for using a Credit or Debit Card. Commission rates vary between 2-8%.
Pre-Paid Travel Currency Cards
These cards are similar to normal Credit and Debit cards but they can be pre loaded with cash before you travel with a set amount allowing you to withdraw this cash using the card at normal ATMs. It is a more secure way to access cash on your trip, but again do not rely on these as your sole means of funds on a trip - (please refer to the ATM section). Several banks and companies now offer these cards, but be sure to look into the rates for withdrawing cash when making your decision. When using these cards abroad you will use them to withdraw the local currency from an ATM and not the currency that you loaded onto the card.
ATMs
These are available in most major cities along our route and allow you to withdraw local currency only. We discourage you from relying on your ATM card as a primary source of funds in case it is lost/stolen/swallowed, or the machine isn't working. In some destinations we probably won't even see a bank or ATM for days on end. Even where do find them, they cannot always be relied upon - things change, and ATMs don't always work! Besides memorising your PIN, it is also important to be aware of your daily withdrawal limit and bank withdrawal costs.
Tipping
Is often expected and relied upon. It is often more than a reward for services well done, but, as wages are extremely low, it is an accepted means of supplementing an income. If you would like to leave a tip for any activity/individual, you could organize this as a group and give a tip at the end. A recommended amount for restaurants is usually 10% of your total bill and similar for activities. Some countries also add an extra Government tax on restaurant bills.
Because it can be difficult to know what to tip, and because it has such importance in some areas both economically and culturally, there may be times and activities for which your crew will make it clear what level of tipping is 'customary/expected'. They may also be quite enthusiastic or assertive in encouraging you to take account of these suggestions. This is motivated by the knowledge of how important tipping can be, and the offence or confusion that can be caused when local people are tipped poorly. In the end, tipping remains at the discretion of the individual, but our crew will continue to advise on normal or average rates, and we would ask you to carefully consider the economic or personal impact of being seen as 'under tipping'. We know that many who travel with us are on a tight budget, but ask you to consider that those we work with locally may also face financial hardship, and also work very hard to try to give you unrivalled service/ experiences.
As a very rough guide, we would suggest that you budget for an amount equal to 10% of the local payment for your trip, plus 10% of the cost of any of the listed optional excursions that you wish to do. The amounts you end up tipping may vary from a rigid 10%, but hopefully this will help you budget in general.
In the past we have been asked by travellers about tipping your Oasis Crew. If you choose to do this, it would be budgeted separately from the above. Our guys work very hard at making your trip a great travel experience. Working overseas can often be challenging and they are pretty much on call for you 24 hours a day, so it's appreciated as a thank you for hard work and good service, but of course not mandatory. Our suggestion is to budget around US$1 a day.
Rain is a regular occurrence in Morocco with chilly night time temperatures - especially in the desert. Most days are nice and sunny - and it only gets warmer as we head south. From Mali to Nigeria it is quite humid during the day and we may hit 'short' rains in Central Africa (Cameroon to Angola). In Southern Africa - November to March the weather is hotter and there is summer rainfall, although this is very intermittent when it may not rain for months, or it can rain for a day at a time. In East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) the 'short' rains are around November. The 'rains' usually last for one or two hours each day followed by hot sunny weather. Nights can be surprisingly cold at higher altitude in western Uganda, Ngorongoro Crater & the Rift Valley. Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt can be very hot (35C+). View Trans Africa Climate Chart
The less you take the less you have to pack, wash & lug home & you can always pick up extras along the way. Most people make the mistake of bringing too much gear. Clothes washing or laundry facilities will be available at least once a week. You will be travelling in the heat & camping in the cold, so bring clothes for all climates; rough stuff is best. Pack according to season: allowing for extremes in temperature (from the constant baking heat in the dry season to the cold and occasional frost overnight in the south). Make sure that you bring your gear in a traditional soft sided 70 - 90L rucksack or holdall - suitcases are not suitable. Remember baggage is limited to 20kg per person plus one day bag.
| Equipment | Toiletries - Most available to buy on trip |
|
|
| Clothes | Personal Effects |
|
|
| Recommended Medical Kit List | |
|
|
Even though our trucks are equipped with a comprehensive medical kit, we advise you to bring a small personal medical kit as our truck kit is not for general everyday use. It will also be your responsibility to carry your kit on included excursions and optional activities as some local operators may not have medical kits to hand.
What to wear - Keeping your arms, shoulders and legs covered will go a long way to prevent causing offence and hassle to yourself. This is true for men as well as women (especially in Morocco, Mauritania, Sudan, Egypt and predominantly Muslim countries). Avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing, but generally on beaches you can wear what you like. Attitudes range from fairly liberal in such places as the Red Sea coast, to fairly conservative in some of the small towns. Cities and large towns are also fairly relaxed, but outside these areas dress conservatively.
Cameras (incl. Digital & Video Cameras) - An easy to use 'point and shoot' will get you some good photos. For memorable shots, it may be worthwhile investing in an SLR camera, but be sure to get some practice in before the trip! Most towns and cities have internet cafes where you can download onto CD/internet sites - but don't rely on it. Internet speeds can be slow for uploading photos to social media or the Cloud.
Photography - Be aware of your surroundings when taking photographs and filming. Some locations will be sensitive or have local laws banning photography. For example it is usually forbidden to use cameras at borders or around government buildings, military installations, bridges and airports or to take photos of local officials. If you do take photos or film where it is not permitted you may find yourself being questioned by irate officials who may decide to confiscate your camera or instruct you to delete all the images/footage on your device. If in doubt ask for permission, or if there is no-one to ask use some common sense.
Drones - As the use of drones becomes more common, countries throughout the world are gradually updating their laws and restrictions on usage. The specific regulations will vary from one country to another, so do check the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice for the latest information. As with cameras, use your common sense if you do use a drone and avoid operation in sensitive areas. If you plan to bring a drone on your trip with us please contact us first to ensure there will be a suitable place to store it while on your trip.
Electrical charging & power supply - It may be difficult to find a power source for charging at times, so a spare battery is a must.
Consider a 12V in-car charger (our vehicles are equipped with a couple of 12 volt cigarette lighter charger sockets - truck trips only) or bring along your 230V mains charger and travel adaptor plug for use at some of the hotels, hostels and campsites we stay at.
NOTE: 12V - 230V inverters cannot be used on our vehicles because of the power drain they cause.
Log onto www.whatplug.net for information regarding the different electrical plugs and voltage used in each country.
The internet and WiFi are available in many towns / cities you will visit. Do bear in mind that the connections can be unreliable and will not always be as fast as you are used to at home. If a lot of people try to use the internet at the same time the speed will be slower still, especially if trying to make Skype calls or upload photos / videos. During periods of the trip where we are wild camping, internet will be less common.
Some travellers choose to take an unlocked mobile phone with them and buy local SIM cards in each country, allowing them to use mobile data. If you particularly want or need regular internet access this may be a good option. Telephone calls can be expensive usually £1 to £5 for a three minute call.
Online Diaries - A great variety of free "travel blogs" are now available online, they are a good way of keeping relatives and friend up to date with what you are doing and a good place to upload photos, collecting messages as well as keeping a record for yourself.
All major cities have their share of petty crime (just like our cities) and sensible precautions need to be taken. Wearing expensive looking jewellery or watches and carrying cameras will draw unnecessary attention to you. Leave valuables such as passports and excess money in your hotel safe or truck safe (we recommend carrying a copy of your passport details page at all times). You may find a simple money belt is more discreet than a bag. Always be aware of your surroundings and when approached by people you do not know, use your common sense. At night in cities it's best to use a taxi, rather than walking around the streets, single women in particular need to be careful and we would suggest that it is safer to be in a group.
On board the truck - Each vehicle is fitted with a hidden, lockable safe to be used for money, passports and important documents. Group member will be responsible for the safe and Oasis Overland cannot accept any liability for clients' personal or monetary contents kept in the safe or on board the truck. We advise you to not take items of value that are not essential for the journey. In certain areas a roster may be drawn up for the group to share the task of guarding and keeping
FCO Advice - The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) offer country-specific advice, regarding not only security but also entry regulations, local laws and customs and health. We strongly recommend all travellers visit the FCO website, or the equivalent in their home country, to familiarise themselves with local conditions and potential issues in the countries they plan to visit before committing to a trip with us. You can view their website here.
As an adventure tour operator, some of our trips will travel to areas that are rarely-visited and occasionally attract negative publicity. We are not in the business of taking our travellers or indeed staff to regions that we consider dangerous and the safety of all who travel with us is always our main priority, but as a discerning customer we understand you will want to be aware of any risks before travelling. We liaise with the FCO on specific regions or areas as necessary, as well as monitoring open media outlets and political risk resources, and speaking to our contacts on the ground.
In some rare cases, our trips may have to travel through areas against which the FCO either ‘advise against all but essential travel’ or ‘advise against all travel’. When our trips travel through these areas we will carry out all due diligence and notify you in advance. This advice can change without notice. In these instances you will need to ensure you have full and comprehensive travel insurance that includes cover for these areas – some policies will exclude them. We are able to provide additional cover, if required, at additional cost. It may also be required that you read and sign a short information sheet confirming you have been advised of the risks and agree to travel contrary to the FCO advice.
If you have any questions at all about the safety or security of your trip, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to discuss your trip in more detail.
The information below is to be used only as a guide and may change without prior notice. It is advisable to contact the relevant embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require. We will however provide information before the trip starts about which visas you will need to obtain in advance and which can be obtained on the way.
Visas obtained at borders and embassies during the trip must be paid for in either USD, Euros or local currency CASH ONLY, as stipulated by the relevant immigration officials. Evisas will require payment online by credit or debit card.
|
Country |
British |
Irish |
Aust |
NZ |
S. Africa |
USA |
Canadian |
|
Ghana |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
|
Togo |
US$45 |
US$45 |
US$45 |
US$45 |
US$45 |
US$45 |
US$45 |
|
Benin |
€36 |
€36 |
€36 |
€36 |
€36 |
€36 |
€36 |
|
Nigeria |
US$144 |
US$170 |
US$130 |
US$33 |
US$78 |
US$160 |
US$116 |
|
Cameroon |
€153 |
€153 |
€153 |
€153 |
€153 |
€153 |
€153 |
|
Gabon |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
€120 |
|
Rep. Congo |
US$165 |
US$165 |
US$165 |
US$165 |
US$165 |
US$165 |
US$165 |
|
Dem. Rep. Congo |
US$250 |
US$250 |
US$250 |
US$250 |
US$250 |
US$250 |
US$250 |
|
Angola |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Namibia |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
N/A |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
|
South Africa |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Important Note: We will obtain most of these visas en-route, after you have already started your trip with us. Prices above are for the visa fee itself and are subject to change. When visas are obtained at embassies along the way, often you may also need to pay an additional fast processing charge, or local admin fee, or other fees charged by the embassy or local fixers we may use to get the visa over the line promptly. These extra costs can be necessary to avoid us having to wait for up to a week or more for a visa to be processed, and can apply especially to Nigeria and DRC visas, but also some others. Please budget an additional USD 200-300 to cover these extra costs.
For more information on other nationalities & visas checkout www.projectvisa.com
Please Note: Your Tour Leader will collect a USD 30 visa kitty per person at the beginning of the trip - which goes towards paying for taxis, photocopies, faxes, communication etc - when applying for a majority of visas as a group. Your Tour Leader will keep a separate account of expenses incurred and will inform the group of any surplus funds remaining at the end of the trip - or any extra that is required.
Angola
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, South Africa and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter Angola.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
Benin
All nationalities require an e-visa for Benin. We will apply for this online during the trip.
Cameroon
Those starting their trip in Morocco - all nationalities require a visa and we will apply for this in advance during the trip.
Those starting their trip in Accra - all nationalities must obtain a Cameroon visa in advance, before joining the Oasis trip. Most nationalities will need to make an online application to obtain an online visa issuance authorisation and then go in person to their nearest Cameroon Embassy or Consulate to obtain the actual visa sticker in their passport. You may need to make an appointment for this. Most visas are valid for entry for 90 days from the date of issue so you cannot apply for this visa before the November prior to your trip departure. Details for the visa application process and documents required will be emailed to you a few months before your trip departs. Cost will depend on the embassy in your home country.
All nationalities must obtain a Cameroon visa in advance, before joining the Oasis trip. Most nationalities will need to make an online application to obtain an online visa issuance authorisation and then go in person to their nearest Cameroon Embassy or Consulate to obtain the actual visa sticker in their passport. You may need to make an appointment for this. Most visas are valid for entry for 90 days from the date of issue so you cannot apply for this visa until approximately 6 weeks prior to your trip departure. Details for the visa application process and documents required will be emailed to you a few months before your trip departs. Cost will depend on the embassy in your home country.
Congo
All nationalities require a visa for Congo. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip.
Democratic Republic of Congo
All nationalities require a visa for Democratic Republic of Congo. We will apply for this visa whilst on the trip.
Gabon
All nationalities require a visa for Gabon. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip.
Ghana
All nationalities must currently obtain a Ghanaian visa in advance, before joining the Oasis trip. You will need to apply for this visa in your country of residence, so please allow time for your visa process before you leave home. A new e-visa system is being implemented in 2026 but we have not tested this yet for overland entries.
Depending on your nationality and the trip you have booked, you may be able to apply for a 3 month, 6 month or 1 year visa. Details for the visa process and application will be emailed to you a few months before your trip departs.
Namibia
Most nationalities require a visa costing 1600 Namibian Dollars. This is a new requirement and we expect to be able to obtain the visa at the border having started the process online first.
You can check your nationality at https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/
Nigeria
Those starting their trip in Morocco - all nationalities require a visa and we will apply for this in advance during the trip.
Those starting their trip in Accra - all nationalities must obtain a Nigeria visa in advance, before joining the Oasis trip. Most nationalities will need to make an online application and then go in person to their nearest Nigerian visa agency to submit their passport and hardcopies of their supporting documentation. You will need to make an appointment for this which must be within 45 days of entering Nigeria. Details for the visa application process and documents required will be emailed to you a few months before your trip departs. Cost will depend on the embassy in your home country.
Note - a new e-visa system is being implemented - we will advise you before your trip starts if this should be usable for your trip.
All nationalities must obtain a Nigeria visa in advance, before joining the Oasis trip. Most nationalities will need to make an online application and then go in person to their nearest Nigerian visa agency to submit their passport and hardcopies of their supporting documentation. You will need to make an appointment for this which must be within 45 days of entering Nigeria. Details for the visa application process and documents required will be emailed to you a few months before your trip departs. Cost will depend on the embassy in your home country.
South Africa
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter South Africa.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance. Those who do need a visa and are travelling on a trip that includes Lesotho or Eswatini, will need to make sure that they obtain a multiple entry visa for South Africa as you will be entering and exiting these countries from South Africa.
Togo
All nationalities require an e-visa for Togo. We will apply for this online during the trip.
The information below is to be used only as a guide and may change without prior notice. It is advisable to contact the relevant embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require. We will however provide information before the trip starts about which visas you will need to obtain in advance and which can be obtained on the way.
Visas obtained at borders and embassies during the trip must be paid for in either USD, Euros or local currency CASH ONLY, as stipulated by the relevant immigration officials. Evisas will require payment online by credit or debit card.
|
Country |
British |
Irish |
Aust |
NZ |
S. Africa |
USA |
Canadian |
|
South Africa |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
|
Lesotho |
Free |
Fee |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
|
Eswatini |
Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
|
Mozambique |
US$150 |
US$150 |
US$150 |
US$150 |
Free |
US$150 |
US$150 |
|
Zimbabwe |
US$55 |
US$55 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
Free |
US$30 |
US$75 |
|
Botswana |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
|
Namibia |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
Free |
N$1600 |
N$1600 |
|
Zambia |
Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
|
Malawi |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
Free |
US$50 |
US$50 |
|
Tanzania |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
Free |
US$100 |
US$50 |
|
East Africa Visa |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
|
Burundi |
US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 | US$90 |
|
Rwanda |
Free | US$50 | Free | Free | US$50 | US$50 | Free |
|
Uganda |
US$100 | US$100 | US$100 | US$100 | US$100 | US$100 | US$100 |
|
Kenya |
US$30 |
US$30 | US$30 | US$30 | US$30 | US$30 | US$30 |
For more information on other nationalities & visas checkout www.projectvisa.com
Please Note: Your Tour Leader will collect a USD 30 visa kitty per person at the beginning of the trip - which goes towards paying for taxis, photocopies, faxes, communication etc - when applying for a majority of visas as a group. Your Tour Leader will keep a separate account of expenses incurred and will inform the group of any surplus funds remaining at the end of the trip - or any extra that is required.
Kenya
Most nationalities require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter Kenya which must be obtained in advance of travel.
Travellers need to apply via https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en. This will take at least 3 days to process but you can apply up to 3 months in advance, so allow yourself plenty of time in case of delays. You will need to either print a copy of your eTA or download it to your mobile to present on departure at the airport and at immigration at your point of entry into Kenya. You may be denied boarding of your flight to Kenya or denied entry to Kenya if you do not have your copy of your eTA with you.
We know that the Kenyan visa websites often have issues taking payments. If your payment doesn't go through, the process will not have completed. We suggest that you:
If your trip travels from Kenya to Uganda and Rwanda and then returns to Kenya, your eTA will still be valid for entry when you return.
If you are travelling on the Trans Africa or Nile Trans expeditions you will apply for your eTA whilst on the trip.
Note - You can enter Kenya if you have an East Africa Visa issued from Uganda or Rwanda. However, you can no longer obtain an East Africa visa if you are entering Kenya as your first country of the three.
Botswana
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, South Africa and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter Botswana.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
Lesotho
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter Lesotho.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
Malawi
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries now require a visa to enter Malawi.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
Mozambique
Currently there is conflicting information available about the Mozambique visa however, passport holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries should expect to require a visa. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip - please bring 3 recent colour passport photos along with you and have digital copies of your passport and a passport photo in case they are required for your application.
South African passport holders are free of charge.
Passport holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
Namibia
Most nationalities require a visa costing 1600 Namibian Dollars. This is a relatively new requirement and we expect to be able to obtain the visa at the border having started the process online first.
You can check your nationality at https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/
Rwanda
Most nationalities require a visa for Rwanda. However, Commonwealth citizens can obtain a free visa on arrival into Rwanda.
We recommend that all travellers who are travelling to both Uganda and Rwanda, who need a Rwanda visa, or who are returning from Rwanda back into Uganda, should apply for an East Africa visa which will cover you for multiple stays in both countries. You must apply for this through the first country you will be entering. So if you will enter Uganda first, apply through this website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. If you will enter Rwanda first, apply through this website. https://irembo.gov.rw/user/citizen/service/dgie/request_a_visa (scroll down to 'Immigration and Emigration' and select 'Visa application')
South Africa
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter South Africa.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance. Those who do need a visa and are travelling on a trip that includes Lesotho or Eswatini, will need to make sure that they obtain a multiple entry visa for South Africa as you will be entering and exiting these countries from South Africa.
Tanzania
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and most EU countries will require a visa to enter Tanzania. The current cost is $50 USD with the visa available on arrival at the border. Passport holders from the USA also need a visa and can obtain it on arrival, but the cost is $100 USD. Alternatively visas are available in advance via the Tanzanian government's e-visa website. South African passport holders are Free of charge.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
For those travelling on the Grand Adventurer, Apes & Lakes and Gorillas, Gameparks & Zanzibar trip, the Tanzanian visa is a Single entry visa and also covers you for Zanzibar.
Uganda
Most nationalities require a visa for Uganda.
Those who are travelling to both Uganda and Rwanda should apply for an East Africa visa which will cover you for multiple entries into both countries. You must apply for this through the first country you will be entering. So if you will enter Uganda first, apply through this website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. If you will enter Rwanda first, apply through this website https://irembo.gov.rw/user/citizen/service/dgie/request_a_visa (scroll down to 'Immigration and Emigration' and select 'Visa application')
Zimbabwe
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will require a visa to enter Zimbabwe. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip at the border on arrival, a visa can also be obtained at the airport on arrival into Harare and Victoria Falls. Approximate cost for Australian, USA and New Zealand Passport Holders is $30 USD, British and Irish passport holders $55 USD and Canadian $75 USD for a Single entry visa. South African passport holders are Free of charge. An e-visa is also now available from https://www.evisa.gov.zw/
If you are planning on going over to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe you will need to obtain a double entry visa for Zimbabwe so that you can return back to Zimbabwe after your day trip. Approximate cost for Australian, USA and New Zealand Passport Holders is $45 USD, and British passport holders $70 USD.
Canadians & Irish passport holders are unable to obtain a double entry Zimbabwe visa.
The visa into Zambia is called a Day Tripper visa and is available at the border and only valid for stays of less than 24 hours. The approximate cost is $20 USD.
For those joining in Victoria Falls a UNI-Visa is available at the airport on arrival, which is a multiple entry visa between Zimbabwe and Zambia and costs approximately $50 USD.
Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.
Burundi
Most nationalities require a visa for Burundi. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip.
It is possible that you may require some vaccinations for your trip, depending on the areas that you are visiting. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to give detailed advice on vaccination requirements, so please use the information below as a guide only. We have worked closely with Nomad Travel Clinics for many years and they offer Oasis travelers a 10% discount on vaccinations, anti-malarial drugs, first aid items, clothing, and equipment, just enter discount code OASIS1000 at Nomad Travel. Alternatively, you can check out the Fit for travel website for more travel health information or consult a reputable travel clinic or your GP for information and advice. We suggest that you allow at least 8 weeks to get all your vaccinations.
Yellow Fever - Being vaccinated against Yellow Fever and having a valid certificate and a photocopy is deemed compulsory in nearly all the countries we visit in Africa, especially at certain borders and are needed if you are entering from an infected country. You can view a list of countries requiring a certificate through the World Health Organisation.
Rabies - Vaccinations are regularly advised for all countries that we travel through in Africa - especially if time and money are not a deterrent.
Malaria - In some of the areas we visit there is a risk of contracting Malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria prophylactics you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your own physical efforts against being bitten - which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them. Your crew will advise on where the worst affected areas are on the trip. There are a number of prophylactic malaria treatments on the market & requirements change. It is also wise to take a sample of whichever prophylactic you choose, a few weeks before you leave. This way you may determine early on if you have any adverse reactions so you can change the regimen if necessary. Please consult a reputable travel clinic or GP for advice. For more information visit Nomad Travel or the Fit for Travel websites.
Dengue - Unlike the malaria mosquito, which bites at night, the dengue-carrying mosquito bites during the day. Some areas we travel to do have occasional outbreaks & it is therefore advised that you take care not to be bitten during the day or at night. There is no vaccine available.
Health - To join our trips you should be in good general health. Your medical insurance company must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition/allergy or are on any regular medication, otherwise you may not be covered under your policies for these. Our crew will need to know of any medication or conditions you may have, for general health advice log onto here.
Download pre-departure information
Family Adventure
Victoria Falls
Windhoek
Africa
A deposit of just £250 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure
The Oasis truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable, secure base with which to experience your trip. As part of the 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.
Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Our overland trucks in Africa also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
This tour has been designed to stay in a wide range of different accommodations to provide you with a good experience of exploring Africa in different ways.
Camping - Oasis uses roomy three-person tents that on our adult group trips we use for just two people to share. 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. You will be able to split your family between one, two or more tents depending on the size and make-up of your family. If we are full though, it will not be possible to have a tent to yourself. All our camping nights are spent in organised campsites, or camping grounds at lodges. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed. This will be subject to availability when you arrive. Some
Lodges / Hostels - At some locations we will stay in lodges and hostels that are small, locally run establishments. The accommodation will vary depending on the rooming available, from dormitory style rooms, to twins/doubles or triple rooms. Upgrades may be available on arrival, but cannot be reliably pre-booked. Please refer to the individual trip inclusions for the percentage break up of your accommodation.
Upgrades - While we are staying at Ngepi Camp, we will be using our Oasis tents and camping. However, there are upgrade options available to book in advance there if you would like some more comfort and to stay in one of their riverside Treehouses or Bush Huts (away from the river). Please contact us to check availability and for booking.
During the day
As a guide, driving days normally start at about 8am and finish at about 5pm, with stops for lunch and buying food, seeing local sights etc. We won't be driving every day, although there are times when we will drive for two, but we will then stop for a few days and you will have free time to explore, meet local people, do some optional activities or just relax and do your own thing. Expect to sometimes get dusty & dishevelled during the day and although you will be able to shower most nights (except at bush camps), not all camps will have hot showers. There will be some earlier starts on long driving days.
Meals & cook groups
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 three or four people probably only once or twice on the trip, 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. Several group meals at local restaurants are also included on this trip.
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 the set budget due to the high cost of these specialised and often imported foods.
Remember that when eating out in local restaurants & hotels that vegetarianism or food allergies / intolerances, 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.
In the evenings
When at a bushcamp or campsite where you and your tent buddy will put up the tent, and then lend a hand with getting out the tables, stools, firewood and water containers. The fire grates need to be taken out, the fire lit and someone can fill the kettle and make hot drinks while the cook group prepares the evening meal. Then just sit back & chill and enjoy the rest of your evening!
Oasis Crew
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!
Itinerary
Because Oasis Overland do not operate normal 'package holidays' the itineraries given cannot be guaranteed to run exactly as outlined. However, it is rare that we have to make major changes and in the event that we do this will be discussed with you either before or during the trip. It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis. Should it not be possible for an Oasis trip to begin from a scheduled starting city due to border closures, civil unrest etc, Oasis will make all reasonable efforts to begin the trip from an alternative location. However, all additional costs that you may incur in travelling to the alternative location will be paid by you or your insurance company and not Oasis.
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. 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! 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.
Itinerary
Because Oasis Overland do not operate normal 'package holidays' the itineraries given cannot be guaranteed to run exactly as outlined. However, it is rare that we have to make major changes and in the event that we do this will be discussed with you either before or during the trip. It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis. Should it not be possible for an Oasis trip to begin from a scheduled starting city due to border closures, civil unrest etc, Oasis will make all reasonable efforts to begin the trip from an alternative location. However, all additional costs that you may incur in travelling to the alternative location will be paid by you or your insurance company and not Oasis.
Expedition Vehicle
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!
Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Our overland trucks in Africa also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
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). We spend some nights bush or desert camping and the rest of the time in campsites. 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.
During the day
As a guide, driving days normally start at about 8am and finish at about 5pm, with stops for lunch and buying food, seeing local sights etc. We won't be driving every day, although there are times when we will drive for two, but we will then stop for a few days and you will have free time to explore, meet local people, do some optional activities or just relax and do your own thing. Expect to sometimes get dusty & dishevelled during the day and although you will be able to shower most nights (except at bush camps), not all camps will have hot showers.
Meals & cook groups
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.
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.
In the evenings
When at a bushcamp or campsite where you and your tent buddy will put up the tent, and then lend a hand with getting out the tables, stools, firewood and water containers. The fire grates need to be taken out, the fire lit and someone can fill the kettle and make hot drinks while the cook group prepares the evening meal. Then just sit back & chill and enjoy the rest of your evening!
Oasis Crew
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!
Itinerary Changes
Due to the unpredictable nature of this expedition - it is not always possible to follow the exact itinerary as set out below. We will always endeavour to visit all the places listed, and often more that are not. All the information regarding the itinerary is given in good faith and is subject to change, dependent on local political or country instabilities, weather, security & road conditions etc. Any major itinerary changes will be decided by the crew & company directors and will be discussed with the group beforehand whenever possible. It is also possible that the expedition may arrive later than specified into Cape Town/Nairobi or Cairo.
It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all your costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis.
If we do have to fly over a particular area or country we will endeavour to take in other places of interest if time permits. While Oasis Overland will cover all ground and transport costs, we have not taken the cost of flights into our pricing structure. Therefore any flights will have to be paid for by each individual.
Download pre-departure information
Family Adventure
Victoria Falls
Windhoek
Africa
A deposit of just £250 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure
Optional Excursions are paid for on the day and organised during your trip, so you can decide whilst travelling which activity you may want to do. Prices listed are only a guide and may be dependant on fluctuating exchange rates and minimum numbers. Please see below for more details.
| Title | From Price |
|---|---|
| Chobe afternoon game drive | US$55 |
| Title | From Price |
|---|---|
| Quadbiking – 2hrs | US$55 |
| Mokoro trip – 2.5hrs | US$17 |
| Mokoro trip – half day | US$36 |
| Boat cruise drive | US$16 |
| Guided walk drive | US$16 |
| Sandboarding – Lying Down / Standing Up, from | US$45 |
| Dolphin Cruise | US$65 |
| Game Fishing – 1 Day | US$120 |
| Paragliding | US$115 |
| Tandem Skydive | US$220 |
| Mahango game drive | US$34 |
| Full day Delta experience (morning Moroko, lunch, afternoon game drive) | US$67 |
| Horse Riding | US$60 |
We feel that having optional excursions gives a greater degree of flexibility and independence to our group members; independence to decide how much your spending budget can afford; flexibility to decide when and what time of day or with whom to visit a particular site, rather than for example, with the whole group at a pre- ordained time. If you decide not to join a popular excursion, you will have free time to relax or wander off to a market, village or beach, depending on where we are.
You pay for the optional excursions to the local operator, ensuring the money stays with that operator in the local community and this ensures as well, that you are paying the true price for any optional excursions you want to do. This also applies to accommodation costs before and after the trip. Please note that the prices of optional excursions quoted are approximate as local prices can and do change. Please see the relevant trip page for the Optional excursions you can do on that trip and a list of prices.
Download pre-departure information
Family Adventure
Victoria Falls
Windhoek
Africa
A deposit of just £250 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure
| Start | Finish | Special Events | Trip Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 07 Aug | Sat 21 Aug | C$6,274 | |||
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Prices are from prices and may vary depending on the number of participants or date of travel.
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