WINDHOEK to VICTORIA FALLS (15 days) Deserts & Delta Easter Family Overland

Africa Family Overland Adventure

Countries Visited: Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe

On this 15-day family adventure through Namibia, Botswana and finishing in Zimbabwe, you'll get to explore some of the most varied and exciting landscapes in Africa. Starting in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, we start by heading to the Skeleton Coast, before heading east all the way to Victoria Falls on the border of Zimbabwe.

Your starting point on the Namibia leg of this trip is the capital city of Windhoek and from here we'll head to Sessrium National Park and to Sossusvlei to where we'll climb up the famous Dune 45. Our next highlight is 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. After passing shipwrecks sitting on the desert sands of the Skeleton Coast we'll visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony and Ozohere Himba Village before heading inland, to one of the best places in the world to see wildlife, Etosha National Park. After meeting local tribes, exploring Namibia's capital, Windhoek, and getting to see wild elephants, zebras, and hippos, our final stop before the Okavango will be Rundu, perched on the Angolan border.

The Okavango is teaming with plant, bird and animal life and is the largest inland delta on the entire planet. Its unique positioning makes it ideal for supporting hundreds of species of wild birds and impressive land mammals such as lions, cheetahs, and giraffes. The Delta splits into thousands of smaller waterways, forming swamps, lagoons and small islands that we give you a chance to explore on and off the water. There are several optional safaris from our camp into the Delta both in traditional mokoro dugout canoes, and with open 4x4 safari vehicles.

Coming to the end of our trip, we cross the border into Botswana and take you to Chobe National Park, famous for its thriving elephant population, before finishing at the stunning Victoria Falls.

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 a specialist expedition vehicle 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).

Route Map

Click map to enlarge

Highlights

Explore Namib-Naukluft Park and jeep trip to Sossusvle and Deadvlei
Climb up Dune 45
Enjoy many of the activities available in Namibia's adventure capital, Swakopmund
Visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony
Visit a Himba Village
Game drives in Etosha National Park
Visit Rundu on the Angolan Flood Plain where you'll visit the Rundu Living Museum
A cruise on Chobe river - rich in wildlife
Visit the 'pan handle' of the Okavango Delta, the Caprivi Strip
View the spectacular Victoria Falls on foot, from the air, from a boat or upside down from a bungee rope

Includes

All transport on our Oasis Overland Expedition Truck
Arrival (Windhoek) & Departure (Victoria Falls) airport transfers
Camping and Cooking equipment
Services of Oasis Crew
Approximately 80% of meals
Accommodation/Campsites (approx. 50% hotels/lodges/permanent camps, 50% basic camping)
Namib-Naukluft National Park and Dune 45
Bushman's Camp guided desert walk
Sossusvlei jeep trip
Cape Cross Seal Colony
Etosha National Park game drives (in our vehicle)
Rundu boat trip on the Okavango river
Chobe National Park boat cruise
Entry ticket to Victoria Falls ($50/$25)

Excludes

International Flights (available on request)
Visa fees if required
Optional activities (see itinerary)
Travel Insurance (compulsory, available on request)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Tips for guides & drivers
Entrance fees and activities not mentioned above
Any other items not mentioned above

Trip Itinerary

When you arrive, our staff will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel to kick off your trip. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax and get settled in. Later, at 6 PM, we’ll hold a pre-trip meeting where you’ll meet our crew and get acquainted with the overland expedition vehicle that will be your home for the next two weeks.

Meals: No meals included today
Overnight: Sweet Thorn Lodge or similar - rooms

After breakfast, we’ll head south to Namib-Naukluft National Park. The drive will take us through breathtaking desert and mountain scenery, making it hard to focus on the road! That evening, we’ll camp in a beautiful spot near the Sossusvlei dunes, inside the park, which is home to the world’s tallest sand dunes and one of the planet’s largest salt pans.

Meals: Breakfast at the accommodation. Lunch and dinner eaten at the truck.
Overnight: NWR Sessriem campsite - camping

This morning, we’ll have the chance to climb the towering sand dunes at Sossusvlei, one of Namibia’s top attractions and a highlight on many tourist posters. Kids can compete with their parents to reach the summit of Dune 45, where breath-taking views of an endless ‘world of sand’ await, extending all the way to the Atlantic, 50 miles away. The kids can then enjoy a thrilling slide back down, a favourite activity, especially since breakfast awaits them at the bottom.

We'll then take a jeep safari to the clay pan at Deadvlei. Here, 900 year old dead black trees are preserved by the dry climate and heat and make for spectacular photographs against the bleached-white pans, rusty-red sand dunes and the blue sky.

Later, we head north through the rugged, isolated landscape to our campsite for the night in a wide open desert setting.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner eaten at the truck.
Overnight: Bushman's Camp - camping

This morning, accompanied by an expert guide, we’ll explore the Namib Desert and gain fascinating insights into its wildlife. It’s not just about the Big 5; there are also the Little 5 to discover! We’ll encounter some of the smaller inhabitants of this unique ecosystem and learn how they’ve adapted to thrive in the desert. Who knows, we might even spot the beetle that performs a headstand each morning to collect fog on its back, which then trickles down to its mouth!

Later we drive north-west to the Atlantic coast and the town of Swakopmund where we will settle into our accommodation and then enjoy a group meal out in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch at the truck, group dinner
Overnight: Amanpuri Lodge - rooms

Swakopmund is Namibia's favourite holiday destination and its adventure capital. With a wide range of family-friendly and adrenaline-pumping activities, along with beautiful beaches, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. This coastal resort offers a refreshing change from the land-based wildlife experiences you’ll have in Namibia. Families can enjoy a catamaran cruise to spot dolphins, flamingos, and even whales near Walvis Bay, or kayak alongside playful seals at Pelican Point. Older kids will love sandboarding, fat biking, or embarking on 4x4 and quad biking adventures in the nearby dunes. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, the town is filled with cafes, art galleries, and museums to explore. You’ll have plenty of free time to choose from a variety of optional activities.

Breakfast at the accommodation. Lunch, dinner and activities at your expense
Overnight: Amanpuri Lodge - rooms

You 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

As we leave Swakopmund, our adventure takes us north along the Skeleton Coast to Cape Cross, a nature reserve famous for hosting one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world. This site also marks the spot where the first European explorer set foot in Namibia in 1486. Kids can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, observing the fascinating interactions of the seals from a wide walkway, safely separated from them by a low wall. As they stroll through the colony, they’ll have the chance to discover intriguing facts about seal life at various information points, and even look up at a modern replica of Diego Cao’s historical cross.

Continuing inland, we’ll head to our overnight camp, a small family-run site in the heart of the Namibian desert. This camp supports the local Himba community and helps provide schooling for their children. While we’re there, there is an optional tour to meet some local tribe members and learn more about their culture, traditions, and way of life in the bush.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck.
Overnight: Ozohere campsite - camping

If you’ve loved the desert scenery and wildlife so far, it’s time for a classic safari as we head north to the southern entrance of Etosha National Park, renowned for its exceptional game-watching opportunities in Africa. We’ll arrive in Etosha by the afternoon, and that evening, we’ll embark on our first game drive. Later, we’ll have the chance to observe wildlife visiting a nearby floodlit waterhole.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck today.
Overnight: NWR Halali campsite - camping

Many safari enthusiasts regard Etosha as one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves. Covering 8,600 square miles, it features a vast salt pan that is four times the size of Los Angeles and is even visible from the moon! The park is home to four of the ‘Big Five’ (elephants, rhinos, lions, and leopards). As Namibia’s top wildlife attraction, there’s no better way to experience it than from the comfort of a truck, stopping as needed at various watering holes. Kids will love playing the role of David Attenborough, spotting giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and elephants wandering nearby, or even lions lounging by the roadside. With 114 different animal species and over 300 bird species, there will be plenty to keep the kids engaged as animal spotters. We’ll turn off the engine when needed to soak in the sight of herds of zebras, impalas, and more gathered around the watering holes. During the dry season (May to October), these areas host an incredible number of animals, making August the ideal time for a family safari adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck today.
Overnight: NWR Namutoni campsite - camping

After spending a couple of days in Etosha, we’ll set off north again after breakfast, heading toward the remote northwest of Namibia to the southern banks of the Okavango River, which borders Angola. Rundu, the administrative capital, is a vibrant town that offers a fascinating glimpse into a thriving African community, where we can stock up on supplies. Once we’ve settled into our overnight camp, we’ll embark on a cruise along the Kavango floodplain, where we can enjoy a stunning sunset while observing the local birdlife and wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast, and lunch at the truck. Group dinner included today.
Overnight: Tambuti lodge - rooms

An optional visit is available this morning to the Mbunza Living Museum. As a community initiative for the local people of the Kavango, this sustainable project allows them to preserve their traditional culture while generating additional income. A key component of the interactive program at the Living Museum is the demonstration and preservation of the fishing and agricultural practices of the Mbunza people. The traditional presentations cover various aspects of daily life, including cooking, fire-making, basket and mat weaving, as well as bushwalks and fishing. They also delve into specialized skills such as blacksmithing, pottery, and drum-making. Like all Living Museums in Namibia, the Mbunza Living Museum aims to provide visitors with an authentic and in-depth look at traditional, pre-colonial culture, which particularly appeals to younger travelers.

From there, we’ll head to the Caprivi Strip, often referred to as Namibia’s answer to the Okavango Delta. This region offers an incredible water-based safari experience. Nestled between Angola, Zambia, and Botswana, near the tip of Zimbabwe, it is surrounded by five perennial rivers—Chobe, Kwando, Linvanti, Okavango, and Zambezi—making it a sanctuary for elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and buffalo. Birdwatching here is exceptional, with an impressive 660 different species recorded. Families can enjoy a wide range of activities, including game viewing by boat, sunset cruises, and canoeing adventures, all of which provide a wonderful way to relax and reconnect. The Caprivi Strip serves as a gateway to our next adventures in Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the truck today
Overnight: Ngepi lodge - camping

You have a free day today on the Okavango River, with a wide variety of optional activities to choose from.

One option is a Mokoro cruise, where local poler guides will navigate the extensive waterways in traditional dugout canoes. This offers a unique experience and a fantastic perspective of the surroundings from a hippo's eye view.

Additionally, there are various other optional safaris, including game walks and game drives with expert guides, providing the opportunity to see elephants, crocodiles, and hippos up close.

The Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland waterways in the world, and its tranquil beauty will leave you feeling incredibly relaxed.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner at the truck
Overnight: Ngepi Camp - camping

As we leave Namibia, our journey takes us across the border into Botswana, heading to the Kasane region along the Chobe River. Chobe is renowned for its large populations of elephants and buffalo, which often gather in astonishing numbers. With an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 elephants, these gentle giants are constantly nearby. We’ll be there during the dry season, when thousands of them line the riverbanks and cross the water towards our campsite, offering the kids an unforgettable chance to see them up close and create lifelong memories. Our evening river cruise provides excellent photo opportunities and is sure to keep everyone captivated, making it a delightful way to watch the sun set over the horizon.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch at the truck today. Dinner at own expense
Overnight: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar - camping

This morning, you have the option for a final game drive into Chobe National Park (not included). Today’s journey will take us across the border into Zimbabwe, leading us to our final destination: Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and statistically the largest waterfall on the planet. Known as “The Smoke that Thunders” in the local Tonga language, Victoria Falls boasts the largest single curtain of falling water in the world, with 70% of its breathtaking views visible from the Zimbabwe rainforest. The impressive roar of the falls can sometimes be heard from 40 kilometers (25 miles) away. At its peak, about 150 million gallons of water cascade over the falls every minute—an unfathomable amount. To put this into perspective, a standard bathtub holds 40 gallons, so 1 million gallons would equal 25,000 bathtubs. This means that the staggering 150 million gallons equates to 3.75 million bathtubs worth of water thundering over the falls each minute. That’s an incredible volume!

The rainforest surrounding the falls experiences constant rain from the endless spray, creating a unique ecosystem that is a botanist’s dream and a birdwatcher’s paradise. Some species found here are not found anywhere else, and families are encouraged to venture a little beyond the 2-kilometer path and various viewpoints to spot them. One of the remarkable aspects of the falls is that the area remains largely uncommercialized. In fact, when standing by the falls, your view would be quite similar to what David Livingstone saw when he first encountered them in 1855. After our visit to the falls, our journey comes to an end (for now, at least!)—a truly unforgettable experience to cap off the trip.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch at the truck. Group dinner included today.
Overnight: Victoria Falls Rest Camp or similar - rooms

You have the entire day to explore this natural wonder at your own pace before your departure flight. A variety of optional adventure activities are available, including white-water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swinging, and evening horseback riding. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, you can visit the local craft markets and coffee shops. An airport transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport is included, and you can also add extra nights here if you wish.

Breakfast at the truck today

Download pre-departure information

15 days from €3,504

Travel Style
Family Adventure
Start Location
Windhoek
End Location
Victoria Falls
Region
Africa

A deposit of just £250 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure

Essential Information About Your Trip

As this trip includes airport transfers and the first night of accommodation in Windhoek, you can arrive at any time on day 1. Your tour leader will arrange a welcome meeting early in the evening on Day 1, and a more extensive pre-trip briefing in the morning of Day 2. There will be a notice in reception 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 Windhoek ideally before 5pm on Day 1 so that you can transfer to the hotel, check in and meet the rest of the group before settling down for the night. We will be departing Windhoek early on Day 2.

Return flights can be booked for anytime on Day 14, though you may wish to allow some extra time to explore Victoria Falls as there are many activities on offer and we will only have had a short time to view the Falls on Day 13.

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 from the UK ourselves. 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 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:

Zimbabwe - 2 blank pages
Botswana - 1/2 blank page
Namibia - 1/2 blank page

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 and paperwork you require.

Visas obtained at borders must be paid for in USD cash ONLY.

Country	British	Irish	Aust	NZ	S.Africa	USA	Canadian
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:

Namibia e-visas should be obtained in advance (new requirement starting 2025)

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.

Zimbabwe visas are normally obtained at the border when we get there - you don't need to arrange them in advance.

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

All trips:

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 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. 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%. 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.

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. Please note that although Zimbabwe’s currency is US Dollars it is not currently possible to obtain USD cash from ATMs or banks due to the country’s cash shortage.

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$2-5 a day.

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
Sleeping Bag - 3 to 4 season bag, depending on season, & sleep sheet Foam sleeping mat or thermarest & repair kit Small day-pack or small bag to carry daily items Soft rucksack or holdall (NOT rigid suitcase) Water bottle - for personal use - we recommend Water-to-Go (see below Responsible Travel)	Soap, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, antibacterial hand wash, lip balm & moisturiser Sun block 35 + after sun, hat & sun glasses Tampons (can buy in most places) Contraception
Clothes	Personal Effects
One pair of trainers or boots Sandals/flip flops/jandals/thongs Underwear/socks T shirts/shirts Shorts/swimwear Jeans/trousers/jog pants/leggings Skirt or dress Sweat shirt/jumper Jacket/fleece & waterproof jacket	Camera with protective case, spare batteries, film/memory card Torch & spare batteries (head torch is best) Travel adaptor plug/charger (for cameras & mobile phone batteries) Money belt Personal stereo - there is a stereo on the truck with iPod/MP3 adaptors Towel &/or sarong
Recommended Medical Kit List
Antiseptic ointment/Antihistamine cream & tablets Nurofen or equivalent pain-killer Eye-drops/bath Anti-diarrhoea treatment A couple of bandages (elasticated & triangular) Medication for personal allergies/asthma etc Insect repellent containing Deet	Some suitable antibiotics as recommended by your doctor for infected cuts or to treat severe dysentery Rehydration sachets/vitamin tablets Assorted plasters 1 Course of malaria treatment Malaria Tablets - see Vaccinations & Health section

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' 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 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

Remove unnecessary packaging before you go - waste disposal facilities are often stretched or non existent in the places we visit. To avoid unnecessary pollution of local water supplies take environmentally friendly toiletries with you.
Why not invest in a wind-up or solar-powered torch or media player before you travel or at least rechargeable batteries.
Learn some of the local language and read up on the local history/culture before you go. You'll get so much more out of your trip.
Why not pack some pens/pencils exercise books in your rucksack and they can be donated to a local school or project while you're away. You can also purchase these items cheaply, locally which will help local businesses.
Take a sturdy water bottle with you from home that you can re-use throughout your trip. We carry large quantities of purified water with us on our Expedition vehicles and it is much better for the environment if you drink this, rather than purchase bottled water along the way. (It also saves you money).
Water-to-Go: Oasis Overland have partnered with Water-to-Go to help reduce the number of plastic water bottles consumed during a trip. Water-to-Go is a filtration system that eliminates over 99.9% of all microbiological contaminants including viruses, bacteria, chemicals and heavy metals from any non-salt water source. Click here and enter the code OASIS15 to purchase your Water-to-Go products at 15% discount. Water-to-Go will then donate a further 15% to Oasis Overland Charity projects.

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.

Don't waste water. It is a scarce resource in many of the places our trips visit. On all our Ultimate and Overland Expeditions we carry large quantities of purified water with us. We encourage you to refill your own water bottles from this supply, rather than purchase bottled water along the way-much more environmentally friendly and saves you money.
Never buy endangered species or endangered habitat products. Apart from the fact of it being illegal it also encourages the trade to continue.
Look after and preserve the areas we visit. Be careful about stepping on coral reefs or trekking on undesignated tracks.
Buy locally made crafts and products helping to support the local economy.
Don't feel when bargaining that you have to get the cheapest price possible just for the sake of it. Pay what the item is worth to you & don't worry about what someone else has paid.
Try the local food and drinks - this will help to support local farmers and food sellers. Sitting in a local cafe is also a great way to meet local people.
Dispose of litter appropriately on your trip. This includes cigarette butts. Not only does litter look unsightly it can be lethal to wildlife.
Where any toilet facilities exist, however unsavoury they might seem to you, they should be used. Where they do not, always bury your waste and make sure it is never near (at least 30m) a water source.
When game viewing do not encourage your guides to get too close to the wildlife so that their natural behaviour is impeded.
Respect local customs, traditions and beliefs of the people in the different regions that you travel through.
Do not take photos of people, ritual events or special places unless you have asked first. Dress appropriately according to local codes and show respect around religious festivals.
Recycling is almost non-existent in many of the areas and countries we visit - we do the best we can with limited resources & space on our vehicles.
For books dedicated to travelling more responsibly & ethically see: www.tourismconcern.org.uk

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 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 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

Remove unnecessary packaging before you go - waste disposal facilities are often stretched or non existent in the places we visit. To avoid unnecessary pollution of local water supplies take environmentally friendly toiletries with you.
Why not invest in a wind-up or solar-powered torch or media player before you travel or at least rechargeable batteries.
Learn some of the local language and read up on the local history/culture before you go. You'll get so much more out of your trip.
Why not pack some pens/pencils exercise books in your rucksack and they can be donated to a local school or project while you're away. You can also purchase these items cheaply, locally which will help local businesses.
Take a sturdy water bottle with you from home that you can re-use throughout your trip. We carry large quantities of purified water with us on our Expedition vehicles and it is much better for the environment if you drink this, rather than purchase bottled water along the way. (It also saves you money).
Water-to-Go: Oasis Overland have partnered with Water-to-Go to help reduce the number of plastic water bottles consumed during a trip. Water-to-Go is a filtration system that eliminates over 99.9% of all microbiological contaminants including viruses, bacteria, chemicals and heavy metals from any non-salt water source. Click here and enter the code OASIS25 to purchase your Water-to-Go products at 25% discount.

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.

Don't waste water. It is a scarce resource in many of the places our trips visit. On all our Ultimate and Overland Expeditions we carry large quantities of purified water with us. We encourage you to refill your own water bottles from this supply, rather than purchase bottled water along the way-much more environmentally friendly and saves you money!
Never buy endangered species or endangered habitat products. Apart from the fact of it being illegal it also encourages the trade to continue.
Look after and preserve the areas we visit. Be careful about stepping on coral reefs or trekking on undesignated tracks.
Buy locally made crafts and products helping to support the local economy.
Don't feel when bargaining that you have to get the cheapest price possible just for the sake of it. Pay what the item is worth to you & don't worry about what someone else has paid.
Try the local food and drinks - this will help to support local farmers and food sellers. Sitting in a local cafe is also a great way to meet local people.
Dispose of litter appropriately on your trip. This includes cigarette butts. Not only does litter look unsightly it can be lethal to wildlife.
Where any toilet facilities exist, however unsavoury they might seem to you, they should be used. Where they do not, always bury your waste and make sure it is never near, (at least 30m) a water source.
When game viewing do not encourage your guides to get too close to the wildlife so that their natural behaviour is impeded.
Respect local customs, traditions and beliefs of the people in the different regions that you travel through.
Do not take photos of people, ritual events or special places unless you have asked first. Dress appropriately according to local codes and show respect around religious festivals.
Recycling is almost non-existent in many of the areas and countries we visit - we do the best we can with limited resources & space on our vehicles.
For books dedicated to travelling more responsibly & ethically see: www.tourismconcern.org.uk

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.

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 10 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:

UK to Cape Town - 32 blank pages
UK to Nairobi - 39 blank pages
UK to Cairo - 45 blank pages

You will be required to bring passport photos with you in order to obtain visas on route. We recommend 18 passport photos for UK - Ghana, 36 passport photos for UK to Cape Town/Nairobi and 40 passport photos for UK to Cairo. Passport photo's will need to be on a white background.

If there are any stamps in your passport linking you with an entry or visit to Israel (this could include border/immigration stamps from other countries bordering Israel), you will need to replace your passport.

Second / Concurrent Passport - An option for some nationalities, is to apply for a second or concurrent passport. This means a second valid passport of the same nationality in addition to your current one. Travelling with two valid passports for your 40 week expedition can benefit you and help to obtain visas more speedily, for instance in having one passport to send home to obtain a visa whilst travelling on the second one. Your government in your home country that issues your passports will ask for a letter detailing ‘why’ you need an extra passport. Please email africa@oasisoverland.co.uk if you wish to apply for a second passport.

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:

Accra to Cape Town - approx £1400
Accra to Nairobi - approx £3400
Accra to Cairo - approx £4400

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
Sleeping Bag - 3 to 4 season bag, depending on season, & sleep sheet Foam sleeping mat or thermarest & repair kit Small day-pack or small bag to carry daily items Soft rucksack or holdall (NOT rigid suitcase) Water bottle - for personal use - we recommend Water-to-Go (see below Responsible Travel)	Soap, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, antibacterial hand wash, lip balm & moisturiser Sun block 35 + after sun, hat & sun glasses Tampons (can buy in most places) Contraception
Clothes	Personal Effects
One pair of trainers or boots Sandals/flip flops/jandals/thongs Underwear/socks T shirts/shirts Shorts/swimwear Jeans/trousers/jog pants/leggings Skirt or dress Sweat shirt/jumper Jacket/fleece & waterproof jacket	Camera with protective case, spare batteries, film/memory card Torch & spare batteries (head torch is best) Travel adaptor plug/charger (for cameras & mobile phone batteries) Money belt Personal stereo - there is a stereo on the truck with iPod/MP3 adaptors Towel &/or sarong
Recommended Medical Kit List
Antiseptic ointment/Antihistamine cream & tablets Nurofen or equivalent pain-killer Eye-drops/bath Anti-diarrhoea treatment A couple of bandages (elasticated & triangular) Medication for personal allergies/asthma etc Insect repellent containing Deet	Some suitable antibiotics as recommended by your doctor for infected cuts or to treat severe dysentery Rehydration sachets/vitamin tablets Assorted plasters 1 Course of malaria treatment Malaria Tablets - see Vaccinations & Health section

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.

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.

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.

Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Golden Monkey Trekking Permits

On our trips to Rwanda & Uganda, the opportunity of being up close and personal with a family of Chimpanzees or highland Mountain Gorillas, or Golden Monkeys has to be classed as one of the most amazing wildlife encounters in Africa. You may see a variety of monkeys, birds and buffalo on the hike as well.

Gorilla Trek - The trek to find the Gorillas can take several hours and you will need to be in reasonable physical shape. For much of the trek you will be in high grass or thick vegetation & it could well rain, so wear protective clothing (to prevent being scratched) & waterproofs as well as good walking boots or shoes. Once your guide has located the Gorilla family you will be permitted to view them for strictly 1 hour. A maximum of one group of eight people per day are able to visit each Gorilla family. Your group will be accompanied by a tracker/guide & an armed park ranger. Time passes quickly when you are with your Gorilla family so remember to put away your camera and enjoy the experience for what it is rather than through your viewfinder. Please bear in mind that Mountain Gorillas are wild animals and as such there is no guarantee that you will see them. That said however, we have never had this happen on previous trips. For the protection of the Gorillas, if you are ill on the day of the trek you will not be permitted to trek (this decision is made by the rangers and wildlife authority staff alone). If there are permits and time allows with our itinerary, it may be possible to trek the following day at very little or no extra cost - this will be dependent on receiving permission from the local authorities and regulations at the time. There are no refunds or transfers for cancellation, no show or non allowance to trek.

Chimpanzee Trek - This trek is normally done in Kalinzu Forest Reserve and tends to be a little less strenuous than the Gorilla trek. However, it will still take 3-4 hours, possibly an hour or two longer, depending on the location of the chimpanzees. You are accompanied by a tracker/guide and an armed park ranger. Again you get a maximum of 1 hour in close proximity with the animals. There are several habituated chimpanzee families, and a maximum of 18 permits issued each day, in groups of 6. This means that not everyone in our group will be able to do the trek, and so these permits are on a first come first served basis, as well as subject to local availability. There are no refunds or transfers for cancellation, no show or non allowance to trek.

Golden Monkey Treks - This option is available while you are in Musanze in Rwanda, and is the easiest of the three options as the Golden Monkeys keep to a lower altitude than the gorillas. After a briefing at the park offices, you'll take a short hike, and as normal have about an hour around the animals (the whole trek can last from one to around 4 hours in total depending on the monkeys' location). You will normally see a large number of individuals and be able to watch them play, eat, and swing in the trees and bamboo. There are two habituated troops of around 80 monkeys, and 16 permits available per troop. Permits are on a first come first served basis, as well as subject to local availability. There are no refunds or transfers for cancellation, no show or non allowance to trek.

How to request a Permit - In order for us to arrange your Permit for any of these treks, it is important that you notify us of your interest in trekking at the same time as making your booking. This can be done by just adding the Permit(s) to your trip at the time of making your reservation or contacting your travel consultant. To secure availability, we make reservations many months in advance (sometimes as early as 6 months for some dates).

The cost of securing a the permits in advance through our local partners is payable in full at the time of booking. The price incorporates the permit cost (paid to the relevant wildlife authorities locally), guides & guards, any transport required and admin/bank & card fees/insurance and communication costs incurred.

Due to the popularity of these treks and the limited availability of obtaining trekking permits, the Wildlife Authority responsible for organizing the permits require the following details before confirmation is granted;

Your full passport details (we will need a copy of your passport before we can issue the permits)
Guarantee of Full payment

Please note: Please be aware that before your departure, the cost of the trekking permit may change. This may be due to currency fluctuations & / or price increases by the local wildlife authority.

Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater 3 day / 2 night Safari

On your Oasis Overland trip through Tanzania, you have the opportunity to go on a guided safari in the world-renowned Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. This add-on needs to be booked and paid for in advance, so that we can have all the appropriate arrangements ready and in place for you. Once requested and paid for, this option cannot be refunded or exchanged.

For this safari you shall be collected in 7 seat safari vehicles, early in the morning from Meserani Snake Park, where you will be staying on your Oasis trip. You will then be driven into the Serengeti and enjoy an afternoon game drive en-route to the Seronera area in the heart of the park where you will camp and stay overnight at Seronera campsite.

The following morning you will have an early wake up & breakfast, before heading out to do an early morning game drive. After lunch, another game drive follows as you head towards the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater and overnight at the Simba campsite.

The following morning we start early again and have a full morning exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world. We will descend the forested crater rim into the central plains which teem with possibly the highest concentration of wildlife in all of Africa. Excellent sightings of a huge range of species are guaranteed. After a picnic lunch, we will then leave the park and drive back to re-join the truck.

If you choose not to take this option, you can remain behind at the Snake Park. From here various activities are available in the local area, including visits into the Snake Park itself, visits to Masai villages, or day trips into the Serengeti (you won't see nearly as much on these day trips though as you will spend a significant portion of the day just driving there and back).

Please note: The above safari is fully inclusive of all meals while on safari, transport in purpose built safari vehicles with maximum 7 people plus a driver/guide, park entrance and conservation fees to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, as well as camp fees. You will take your Oasis tent and your camping gear with you. A minimum of 4 travellers is required for this safari to operate. Please be aware that up to 2 months before your departure the cost of this Add On could change. This would only be due to currency fluctuations or price increases by the Tanzania Parks Authority. The order of the arrangements and campsites used is also subject to change.

Just add this on to your trip when booking!

African Wildlife and the Migration

Wildlife - View a chart detailing what animals you may see in the various gameparks and reserves we visit between Nairobi and Johannesburg.

The Migration - The 'Great Wildebeest Migration' has to be one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles in the animal kingdom. For those lucky enough, this once in a lifetime experience can be viewed in the surrounds of The Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area of Tanzania and the Maasai Mara of Kenya and can be done before our after your trips with us.

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

Southbound & Northbound trips:

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

Southbound & Northbound trips:

All nationalities require an e-visa for Benin. We will apply for this online during the trip.

Cameroon

Southbound:

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.

Northbound:

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

Southbound & Northbound trips:

All nationalities require a visa for Congo. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Southbound and Northbound trips:

All nationalities require a visa for Democratic Republic of Congo. We will apply for this visa whilst on the trip.

Gabon

Southbound & Northbound trips:

All nationalities require a visa for Gabon. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip.

Ghana

Southbound & Northbound trips:

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

All trips:

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

Southbound trips:

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.

Northbound trips:

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

All trips:

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

Southbound & Northbound trips:

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.

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

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:

try a different website browser
check your bank has not blocked the payment
clear your cookies (if you know how) and try again
wait a few hours or until the next day, and try again

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

All trips:

Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter 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.

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

15 days from €3,504

Travel Style
Family Adventure
Start Location
Windhoek
End Location
Victoria Falls
Region
Africa

A deposit of just £250 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure

What To Expect

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 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.

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.

Hotels / Permanent Camps - This tour also stays in a few higher standard lodges or permanent camps. These are very comfortable with good facilities, en-suite bedrooms and sometimes beautiful settings.

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 three or four people approximately two or three times 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

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

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

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

Oasis Crew

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

15 days from €3,504

Travel Style
Family Adventure
Start Location
Windhoek
End Location
Victoria Falls
Region
Africa

A deposit of just £250 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

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.

Botswana

Title	From Price
Chobe morning game drive	US$55

Namibia

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
Horse Riding	US$60
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

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

15 days from €3,504

Travel Style
Family Adventure
Start Location
Windhoek
End Location
Victoria Falls
Region
Africa

A deposit of just £250 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure

Dates & Prices

If you have more time to travel then why not consider VICTORIA FALLS to JOHANNESBURG (40 days) Deserts & Gameparks

2027

Start	Finish	Special Events	Trip Price
Sun 28 Mar	Sat 10 Apr		€3,504
Book this tour in less than 3 minutes! Step 1: Number of people traveling? Step 2: How much would you like to pay? Reservation only, pay later Deposit now: €200, balance later: €3,304 Full payment now: €3,504

Dates:

Sun 28 Mar - Sat 10 Apr

Special Events:

Adult Price:

€3,504

Book this tour in less than 3 minutes!

Step 1: Number of people traveling?

Step 2: How much would you like to pay?

Reservation only, pay later

Deposit now: €200
Balance later: €3,304

Full payment now: €3,504

Download pre-departure information

15 days from €3,504

Travel Style
Family Adventure
Start Location
Windhoek
End Location
Victoria Falls
Region
Africa

A deposit of just £250 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure

Africa Family Overland Adventure

Available in both directions

Countries Visited: Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe

View Full Itinerary

Coming to the end of our trip, we cross the border into Botswana and take you to Chobe National Park, famous for its thriving elephant population, before finishing at the stunning Victoria Falls.

Route Map

Click map to enlarge

Highlights

Explore Namib-Naukluft Park and jeep trip to Sossusvle and Deadvlei
Climb up Dune 45
Enjoy many of the activities available in Namibia's adventure capital, Swakopmund
Visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony
Visit a Himba Village
Game drives in Etosha National Park
Visit Rundu on the Angolan Flood Plain where you'll visit the Rundu Living Museum
A cruise on Chobe river - rich in wildlife
Visit the 'pan handle' of the Okavango Delta, the Caprivi Strip
View the spectacular Victoria Falls on foot, from the air, from a boat or upside down from a bungee rope

Includes

All transport on our Oasis Overland Expedition Truck
Arrival (Windhoek) & Departure (Victoria Falls) airport transfers
Camping and Cooking equipment
Services of Oasis Crew
Approximately 80% of meals
Accommodation/Campsites (approx. 50% hotels/lodges/permanent camps, 50% basic camping)
Namib-Naukluft National Park and Dune 45
Bushman's Camp guided desert walk
Sossusvlei jeep trip
Cape Cross Seal Colony
Etosha National Park game drives (in our vehicle)
Rundu boat trip on the Okavango river
Chobe National Park boat cruise
Entry ticket to Victoria Falls ($50/$25)

Excludes

International Flights (available on request)
Visa fees if required
Optional activities (see itinerary)
Travel Insurance (compulsory, available on request)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Tips for guides & drivers
Entrance fees and activities not mentioned above
Any other items not mentioned above