NAIROBI to CAIRO (62 days) Nile Trans
Overview
Nile Trans
Countries Visited: Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somaliland, Sudan
Available in both directionsAn expedition through the heart of Africa from days of old. From crossing deserts, rivers and mountains and overcoming a multitude of challenges this continent can throw at you, inter-twined with stunning National Parks, adventure activity play grounds and UNESCO World Heritage sites, this is a trip that will linger in the memory long after you finish.
Note: This is a our new itinerary operating on this route starting from 2025, now including Somaliland and Djibouti. We will finalise closer to the time whether we can travel through parts of northern Ethiopia or through Sudan. Subject to the final security situation in these areas we may overfly from Djibouti or Addis Ababa to Cairo to finish the Egyptian section of the trip (flight at your cost). If much of Northern Ethiopia and Sudan remains out of bounds, we may finish in Cairo around a week to 10 days early, in which case a portion of the Local Payment price would be refunded.
Route Map
Click map to enlarge
Highlights
- Listening out for the groans of the hippo whilst camping on Lake Naivasha
- Navigating Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa
- Visit the magnificent monasteries and rock-hewn churches located around Ethiopia
- Beaches and seafood in Somaliland
- Salt lakes and rock formations at Lac Assal & Lac Abbe in Djibouti
- Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano
- Hiking in the Simien Mountains
- Camping 'under the stars' in the vast Nubian Desert in Sudan
- Enjoy sunset at the Pyramids at Meroe surrounded by golden sand dunes
- Set sail down the Nile, one of the world's most iconic rivers on a traditional felucca sailboat
- Explore the many temples, tombs, monuments, and pyramids throughout Ancient Egypt
Includes
- Accommodation - approx. 90% camping & 10% simple hostels/hotels
- Entry into Meroe Pyramids
- Lake Nasser Ferry
- Overnight felucca sailboat trip
- Pyramids & Sphinx day tour & guide
- Meals - approx. 60%
- All transport on Oasis Expedition Truck
- Camping and Cooking equipment
- Services of Oasis Crew
Excludes
- Visas
- Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
- Flights
- Airport Taxes & Transfers
- Travel Insurance
- Meals - approx. 40%
- Drinks
- Tips
Trip Itinerary
Days 1 - 8 Nairobi to Jinka
Departing Nairobi with any new travellers joining us here, we head to nearby Lake Naivasha. We camp near the lake shore where Hippos sometimes feed at night! Here you can walk to Elsamere, the house of Joy Adamson - of Elsa the Lion and Born Free fame, and enjoy a film of her life - and cream teas! You can also hire mountain bikes and cycle or walk through Hells Gate National Park - the only game reserve in Kenya in which you are permitted to do so. Or for a less active but equally enjoyable game viewing experience - visit the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary. Both offer excellent scenery and opportunities to spot hyrax, abundant bird and plant life along with several types of gazelle, impala and eland.
Travelling further, we travel around the foothills of Mount Kenya to Samburu National Park which offers some of the best sightings of leopards in Kenya and is home to 5 particularly special other animals, the reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk and Beisa oryx.
Note: If we restricted with our route options in northern Ethiopia and Sudan, we may stay longer here, providing the opportunity to do a 4-day hike up Mount Kenya
Further north we access the remoteness of northern Kenya. Nomadic tribes people like the Rendille in Marsabit & the Samburu (cousins of the Maasai) still wear very distinctive and often elaborate dress.
As we cross into Ethiopia - the roads we travel on are often in mountainous areas, so travel is slow. Ethiopia has a lot more visual & indigenous history than any other sub - Saharan country.
We continue our journey north heading into the Omo Valley. This region is home to some of the most colourful ethnic groups in Ethiopia. The friendly Hamar people are noted for their ornate, interesting hairstyles and the Mursi people are famous for the clay lip plates and earlobe decorations. An optional day tour will take you into the Omo National Park.
Note: Our routing for the next few weeks is flexible and will be finalised closer to departure or even during the trip, subject to the current security situation in northern Ethiopia and Sudan.
Days 9 - 16 Jinka to Harar
We will stop at Arba Minch and the brown Langano Lake on our way to Addis Ababa where we have the chance to indulge in some authentic Ethiopian coffee or explore 'El Mercato' - one of East Africa's largest open air markets. We also spend the next few days organising visas before visiting Awash National Park. Here safaris are available where you should see various different antelope species and other wildlife.
Harar is a fascinating, colourful and vibrant city, awarded the ‘City of Peace’ price by UNESCO, and has its over 100 mosques and 102 shrines. It is often considered the fourth-holiest city in Islam and known as the ‘City of Saints’ in Arabic. It has been the centre of trade between the Arabian Peninsular and Africa for centuries and this is reflected in the busy markets, and the wide mix of different people religions and languages found there. The city is also famous for the wild hyenas that roam outside the city walls, which locals feed with sticks of meat.
Days 17 - 25 Harar to Djibouti City
We will leave Ethiopia now and cross into Somaliland, visiting the capital Hargeisa, where we’ll mingle with the friendly locals and visit the livestock and central markets. On the way towards the coast, we will stop at Laas Geel to see the ancient cave formations which contain numerous important examples of some of the earliest known rock art paintings in the region, colourfully depicting cows, human figures and wild animals.
Next, we arrive at the coast, and the beautiful beaches around the port town of Berbera on the Gulf of Aden. Swimming and snorkelling in the sea here is a fantastic feeling after our many weeks of travel inland. The fresh seafood restaurants are also a very welcome change.
After some time relaxing, we leave Somaliland and cross into Djibouti, heading to the capital, Djibouti City. This is a busy port city and we have a few days to explore, including the option to take a day trip by boat to the Maskali and Moucha islands to enjoy snorkelling, swimming and exploring the mangrove forest.
Note: If we cannot travel through northern Ethiopia or Sudan we may visit Lac Assal & Lac Abbe and then fly to Cairo from here.
Days 26 - 41 Djibouti City to Gondar
Not far from Djibouti City is our next stop, Lac Assal. More than 150m below sea level, this is the lowest point in Africa and a dramatic place with white salt beds, dormant volcanoes, black lava rocks and extremely salty emerald waters. Another fascinating landscape comes next as we visit Lac Abbe, another salt lake but not nearly so inviting-looking, with thousands of huge limestone chimneys dotting the area, many with vents steaming hot sulphuric gases. Two truly incredible natural phenomena that hardly any tourists will ever visit.
We leave Djibouti now and cross into Ethiopia again, driving to the town of Lalibela which is known for its eleven 12th & 13th century rock cut churches which are pilgrimage sites for Coptic Christians and are sometimes considered the eighth wonder of the world. Our route continues north to Mekele which is the gateway to the Danakil Depression. Here, in one the world’s most inhospitable places, of the lowest places on the African continent, locally arranged tours can take you to see the large Giulietti salt lake, and the salt flats with men cutting sat blocks and walking their camels between the mines and the nearest market. You’ll also see the Dallol, a huge geothermal field with yellow sulphur lakes, bubbling springs and geysers, and the active Erta Ale Volcano with its bubbling lava explosions. This is not a trip for the fainthearted so if you go, make sure to take lots of water, sun protection and protect yourself against the fumes from the volcano.
Our preferred route then takes us east through Aksum, once a major empire of the ancient world and home of the Queen of Sheba. There are many monuments, tombs, obelisks and ruined palaces to see here. We then climb into the Simien Mountains National Park, where the landscape hugely contrasts our previous weeks with spectacular jagged mountain peaks, waterfalls and forested hills. The scenery here is considered to rival the Grand Canyon in the USA and this is a wonderful place to do some hiking.
We descend from the mountains to Gondar, a former capital of Ethiopia with the remains of castles and palaces built by a series of emperors. The island monasteries dating back up to 900 years on Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls are well worth a visit on a day trip from here.
Days 42 - 51 Gondar to Aswan
If we can travel through Sudan, then the border crossing is not far north from Gondar and the first towns we reach after crossing the border are Gedaref & Wadi Medani.
Note: If we can’t go through Sudan then we will return to Addis Ababa where we will leave the truck and fly to Cairo (flight at your cost) before taking a train south to Aswan.
The hospitality in Sudan can be surprising - but very genuine. For such a poor country with so many recent problems - Sudanese people are often too willing to invite you for a meal or a cup of 'Sudanese whisky' - better known as tea! Khartoum is our next stop and it has a fantastic setting on the confluence of the Blue and White Niles. For such a large city, before the recent conflict, Khartoum felt quite laid back and we would visit the Hamed al Nil Tomb or take a trip to the daily camel market.
The ancient Pyramids at Meroe lie to the north of the capital Khartoum. Our drive across the Nubian Desert will see us either hugging the banks of Nile as it snakes its way north or possibly experiencing the vast open desert plains which is dissected by the main train line from Khartoum - making this our only real point of reference. Whether passing through sleepy Nubian villages, resting in tea rooms, pottering around the local souqs or experiencing total isolation in the middle of the desert - a unique experience awaits you along this not so travelled route to Wadi Halfa.
Upon reaching Lake Nasser and Wadi Halfa in Northern Sudan, we enter Egypt and board the ferry to Abu Simbel, one of the highlights of the whole trip. Here you will notice one of the many cultural changes on this trip - the darker Nubian people lead a more relaxed and less hectic pace of life than their Egyptian countrymen. You have the opportunity to visit Abu Simbel temple - the massive stone monuments carved into the rock by the greatest of all pharaohs, Ramses ll. These temples were meticulously dismantled and rebuilt higher up the hillside after Lake Nasser was flooded. After spending the night we will travel to the city of Aswan. Here, visits to the Philae temple, Nubian museum, an evening boat cruise to a Nubian village and walking through the colourful souk, are great ways to spend your days here.
Days 52 - 62 Aswan to Cairo
We leave Aswan and take an overnight felucca boat cruise to Kom Ombo before arriving into Luxor. Spending days and nights on a felucca sailboat with their friendly Nubian crews is a wonderfully relaxing way to spend time on the River Nile.
You will be kept busy exploring in Luxor, considered the largest outdoor museum in the world. Here we visit the Valley of Kings and Queens. Here, the remarkably well preserved tombs of the ancient rulers, including Ramses ll and Tutankhamun, have coloured paintings and hieroglyphics that still seem fresh even after 3000 years. Karnak and Luxor Temples are both in easy walking distance from our camp - as is the local souq where you can pick up some more souvenirs. The following day we drive out towards the Red Sea Coast at Hurghada. You will have time relax on the beach or try your hand at various watersports such as snorkelling, windsurfing or scuba diving in the cool clear blue waters.
Our final destination, Cairo is only a days drive away. Visiting the great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza with our Egyptologist guide and also the world famous Egyptian Museum in the afternoon is definitely a fitting way to end this amazing expedition.
Note: As noted in the itinerary, we may not be able to travel through parts of northern Ethiopia or through Sudan. The itinerary above should therefore be considered as a guide only and the schedule for the final few weeks of the trip may be adjusted, potentially flying to Egypt from Addis Ababa or Djibouti City (flight at your cost). If the trip is cut short due to the time missed in these areas then a partial refund of the Local Payment portion of the trip price will be made.
Essential Information
Essential Information About Your Trip
Arrival & Accommodation
Trip Joining Point: Wildebeest Eco Camp - Nairobi
Start Time Day 1: 08:00
Address: 151 Mokoyeti Road West, Langata, Nairobi
Telephone: +254 (0)202 103505
Website: www.wildebeestecocamp.com
Email: info@wildebeestecocamp.com
All prices listed are approximate and subject to limited availability.
| Room Type | Price | Description |
| Dorm | US$27.00 | Per Person, shared facilities |
| Single Garden Tent | US$43.00 | Per Room, shared facilities |
| Single Cottage Room, en-suite | US$65.00 | Per Room |
| Double Garden Tent | US$65.00 | Per Room, shared facilities |
| Double Cottage Room, en-suite | US$90.00 | Per Room |
The Trip starts from Wildebeest Eco Camp at approximately 8am on the morning of Day 1 of your trip.
Conveniently located in beautiful Langata it is possible to enjoy the best of both worlds - being close to major tourist attractions, Nairobi National Park and Galleria Shopping centre with good transport links to the city. The camp has large grounds, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, t.v. room, communal fire pit, WiFi and curio shop.
PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATION:
You can pre-book accommodation and airport transfers through us. We will require your flight number, arrival time, and arrival date so please ensure this information is forwarded to us as soon as you have booked your flight. Please book this service as soon as you have booked your flight and no later than 6 weeks prior to departure, after which a late booking fee may apply. If you have booked through a travel agent, please contact them to request pre-trip accommodation and airport transfers.
Double, twin, and triple rooms will be provided subject to availability, where requested. However when not available we may need to book other rooming arrangements, and will fit these as closely as possible to your request. Those travelling solo will be put in shared rooms to reduce the costs to them, which may be dorm rooms or twin/triple shares with other Oasis Overland travellers. Single rooms may be available in some cities for solo travellers, and we will arrange this for you on request, subject to availability.
If you are arriving early in the morning and you would like to check in immediately, you may have to reserve your room for the previous night to ensure direct check in, otherwise you may have to wait until normal check in times (usually 12pm to 2pm).
AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
Airport Transfer Costs: Approximately $30 USD. Transfer costs are payable direct to Wildebeest Eco Camp on arrival in £GB, Euro or $US. Transfer costs are $30 USD per car, with a maximum of 3 travellers in the car.
Once you have processed your visa and collected your luggage, you should follow the crowds to the terminal exit to meet up with your Transfer Representative (Smiley or Amos). Your driver will be waiting along with all the other transfer drivers and will be holding an Oasis sign.
If you have not arranged an airport transfer with Oasis, you can arrange a taxi from the Info desk in the airport for approx. $25 USD. The fare should be agreed before accepting the ride - usually payable in Kenyan Shillings only. It is not advisable to take the bus from the airport as this has been known to attract pickpockets.
For any last minute requests please contact the UK office at africa@oasisoverland.co.uk and we will confirm the costs.
Flying into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is quite straight forward - English is widely spoken and used for signs / directions. It is approx. 15km from the airport to the centre of Nairobi. You should change some money on arrival - we recommend at least $20 USD pp per day (excl. accomm.) before the trip begins. The rates are similar to those in town but better than at hotels, ATM machines are available in the airport. Please note if you are arriving on a Sunday then make sure you change enough money at the airport to last you for the first week of your trip as the local bureau de changes in Nairobi will be closed on a Sunday.
Pre-departure Meeting
There will be a pre-departure meeting in the starting hotel the night before the start of the trip, usually around 6:00pm. There will be a notice in reception advising the exact time and here your crew will explain how the day to day running of the trip works. Your Tour Leader will collect your Local Payment money as well as 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. It is essential that you attend this meeting - please let the UK office or your tour leader know if you are unable to do so.
Post Trip Accommodation and Airport Transfers
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.
Flight Information
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 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.
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.
Passports
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:
- Cairo to Nairobi (or v.v) - 10 blank pages
- Cairo to Cape Town (or v.v) - 20 blank pages
- Nairobi to Cape Town (or v.v) - 10 blank pages
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.
You shall also need passport photos for this trip, please use the below as a guide;
- Cairo to Nairobi (or v.v) - 4 passport photos
- Cairo to Cape Town (or v.v) - 8 passport photos
- Nairobi to Cape Town (or v.v) - 4 passport photos
Visas
The information below is to be used only as a guide and may change without prior notice. It is advisable to contact the relevant embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require.
Visas obtained at borders and embassies during the trip must be paid for in either USD or local currency CASH ONLY, as stipulated by the relevant immigration officials. Evisas will require payment online by credit or debit card.
|
Country |
UK |
EU |
Aust |
NZ |
S.Africa |
USA |
Canadian |
||
|
Egypt |
US$25 |
US$25 |
US$25Irish |
US$25 |
Free |
US$25 |
US$25 |
||
|
Sudan |
US$210 |
US$210 |
US$210 |
US$210 |
US$210 |
US$264 |
US$210 |
||
|
Ethiopia |
US$82 |
US$82 |
US$82 |
US$82 |
US$82 |
US$82 |
US$82 |
||
|
Djibouti |
US$35 | US$35 | US$35 | US$35 | US$35 | US$35 | US$35 | ||
|
Somaliland |
US$75 | US$75 | US$75 | US$75 | US$75 | US$75 | US$75 | ||
|
Kenya |
US$30 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
||
|
East Africa Visa (covers Uganda & Rwanda) |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
||
|
Uganda |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$30 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
||
|
Rwanda |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
Free |
US$50 |
US$50 |
||
|
Burundi |
|||||||||
|
Tanzania |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
Free |
US$100 |
US$50 |
||
|
Malawi |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
||
|
Zambia |
Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | ||
|
Namibia |
See below |
See below |
Free |
Free |
Free |
See below |
See below |
||
|
Botswana |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
||
|
Zimbabwe |
US$55 |
US$55 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
Free |
US$30 |
US$75 |
||
|
Mozambique |
US$150 |
US$150 |
US$150 |
US$150 |
Free |
US$150 |
US$150 |
||
|
South Africa |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
||
|
Eswatini |
Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | ||
|
Lesotho |
Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | ||
For more information on other nationalities & visas check out Project Visa.
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.
Egypt
Passports should be valid for at least six months after your departure from the country. Please do not bring an almost full or almost expired passport. Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.
We recommend that you contact your closest Egyptian consulate or embassy for current information for your nationality.
In general official advice is that all nationalities obtain their Egypt visas in advance, as we cannot guarantee that you can get them in the airport or land border. An online e-visa is available through visa2egypt and we recommend obtaining your visa via this method whether arriving in to Egypt by air or land if you are able. Please do not use any other website as there are many scam sites offering Egypt e-visas.
In practice however, many nationalities (including British and European, Australian, New Zealand, USA) can and do obtain their visas on arrival in Cairo airport or most land borders. The process is much quicker and simpler, the cost is currently US$25 p/p and must be paid in hard currency (i.e. GBP, USD or EUR) - you'll be given change in local currency if necessary. There are no forms to fill in and you don't need to bring passport photos. Visas are issued at one of the bank desks in the immigration hall, before you get to passport control. On our small group tours, our representative will have met you by this stage and will assist with the process at Cairo Airport.
Important Note: Due to recent changes in the visa regime for Canadians, a visa on arrival or e-visa will no longer be possible for Canadian Citizens entering Egypt after October 1st 2023. Until further notice Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa prior to arrival, from the nearest Egyptian Consulate.
All African & Indian nationals, and some others, will need to obtain their visas in advance.
For further information on your visa requirements, please either contact us or your local Egyptian embassy/consulate.
Djibouti
All Nationalities require a visa for Djibouti. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip. Approximate cost $35 USD.
You will need to bring 3 recent colour passport photos with a white background along with you to apply for the visa.
Ethiopia
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will require a visa to enter Ethiopia.
Joining in Addis Ababa - All nationalities must apply for their Ethiopia visa online in advance at www.evisa.gov.et. You will receive your application approval by email and you will need to show this at the airport when you arrive in Ethiopia.
All other joining points - All nationalities must apply for their Ethiopia visa online and you can do this during your trip. You will receive your application approval by email and you will need to show this at the land border when you enter Ethiopia.
A 30 day single entry visa costs $82 USD.
Sudan
All nationalities require a visa in advance. As part of the application process, most nationalities will require a Letter of Invitation and a letter from the Sudanese Ministry of Interior which we can provide through our agent in Sudan.
In addition to the visa costs below, all nationalities will need to pay $60 USD for an immigration registration fee and a $10 USD departure tax whilst in Sudan. You will need to bring 2 recent colour passport photos on a white background along with you to apply for the registration.
Starting in Cairo - all nationalities should apply for their visa at their nearest embassy in advance of joining the trip. Approximate cost of $210 USD includes Letter of Invitation, Ministry of Interior letter and visa fee for most nationalities and $264 USD for US passport holders.
Starting in the UK or Accra for the Trans Africa and Cape Town or Nairobi for the Nile Trans Trip - we will obtain this visa whilst on the trip. Approximate cost of $210 USD includes Letter of Invitation, Ministry of Interior letter and visa fee for most nationalities and $264 USD for US passport holders.
Everyone will need to bring 4 recent colour passport photos on a white background along with you to apply for the visa.
Somaliland
All Nationalities require a visa for Somaliland. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip. Approximate cost $75 USD.
Vaccinations and Health
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 www.nomadtravel.co.uk or www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
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 www.nathnac.org/travel/.
Travel Insurance
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 and repatriation costs incurred.
You will be asked to provide the following details if you have not already done so: travel insurance company 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. Please note also that many of the areas we visit are not as developed as the UK and we have no control over the availability or standard of medical and repatriation services and facilities in the areas we visit and these do not form any part of our contract with you.
You should also note that passenger liability insurance covering vehicles, particularly in Third World countries, may be unavailable or inadequate; it is therefore important that your insurance cover makes sufficient provision for you and your dependents in the event of an accident.
We are happy to refer our UK based travellers to the travel insurance specialists Campbell Irvine who have a policy suitable for overlanding which covers most of the adventure and sporting activities on our trips.
Please be aware that most travel insurance policies will not cover you if you are visiting areas against government travel advice. If your trip will go through areas like this (for example, some of our Trans Africa routes through West Africa) then you may need to look at an alternative policy for these sections, for example Battleface or SafetyWing.
For further information, check out the Travel Insurance section of our website.
IMPORTANT INSURANCE INFORMATION FOR THOSE VISITING ZANZIBAR:
The Zanzibar Government have announced the introduction of a travel insurance policy which will be obligatory for all foreign visitors to the islands, regardless of whether travellers have their own travel insurance in place.
1. The insurance policy is sold by Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.
2. The cost is US$44 per person.
3. The insurance requirement comes into force on 1st October 2024.
4. The policy must be purchased online at visitzanzibar.go.tz and purchases can be made from 1st September 2024.
5. Payment can be made online by debit or credit card.
6. On completion of the purchase, visitors will receive a QR code. The policy documents will be sent to your registered email address.
7. The policy document and QR code must be presented on in Zanzibar. Entry will be refused without this documentation.
To ensure you have a smooth entry, please ensure the above policy is purchased in advance of your arrival.
Money, Budgets and LP
Local Payment (LP)
LP is part of your overall trip payment and is the most cost effective and practical way to get hard currency to Africa to pay for a variety of your day to day local costs (i.e. all meals prepared by the group, campsite/hostel fees, gas, and certain activities listed on the trip page) which cannot be pre-paid from the UK. It is a guaranteed amount, set before your trip departs, and unlike 'group kitty' systems we will not ask you to contribute more once the trip is underway.
Please note: Your LP is payable to your Tour Leader on the morning of departure in US$ Dollars CASH ONLY. 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. Please do not bring all of your Local Payment in US$100 notes and also make sure that they are dated 2013 onwards and do not have a serial number starting with CB.
How to bring your currency?
Past Oasis travellers have fed back that, as a general rule it is best to bring your money in US$ 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 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 or South Africa on a weekend & the banks/ATMs are closed (only if you are travelling to these countries).
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 2013 onwards 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%.
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$1 a day.
Climate
Daytime temperatures in Egypt and Sudan can exceed 35C, with nights dropping to 3 or 4C (especially in the desert areas. Daytime temperatures in Ethiopia are cooler due to the altitude - especially in the highlands (Gondar, Lalibela) where it can get chilly especially at night.
In East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) the year is loosely divided into the 'short' rains (November) and the 'long' rains (March to May). 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.
In Southern Africa (Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa) the 'dry' season is April to October when the nights can be quite cold (May to August usually being the coldest months). 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
What To Take
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 |
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Even though our trucks are equipped with a comprehensive medical kit, we advise you to bring a small personal medical kit as our truck kit is not for general everyday use. It will also be your responsibility to carry your kit on included excursions and optional activities as some local operators may not have medical kits to hand.
What to wear - Keeping your arms, shoulders and legs covered will go a long way to prevent causing offence and hassle to yourself. This is true for men as well as women (especially in Morocco, Mauritania, Sudan, Egypt and predominantly Muslim countries). Avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing, but generally on beaches you can wear what you like. Attitudes range from fairly liberal in such places as the Red Sea coast, to fairly conservative in some of the small towns. Cities and large towns are also fairly relaxed, but outside these areas dress conservatively.
Photography and Electrical Equipment
Cameras (incl. Digital & Video Cameras) - An easy to use 'point and shoot' will get you some good photos. For memorable shots, it may be worthwhile investing in an SLR camera, but be sure to get some practice in before the trip! Most towns and cities have internet cafes where you can download onto CD/internet sites - but don't rely on it. Internet speeds can be slow for uploading photos to social media or the Cloud.
Photography - Be aware of your surroundings when taking photographs and filming. Some locations will be sensitive or have local laws banning photography. For example it is usually forbidden to use cameras at borders or around government buildings, military installations, bridges and airports or to take photos of local officials. If you do take photos or film where it is not permitted you may find yourself being questioned by irate officials who may decide to confiscate your camera or instruct you to delete all the images/footage on your device. If in doubt ask for permission, or if there is no-one to ask use some common sense.
Drones - As the use of drones becomes more common, countries throughout the world are gradually updating their laws and restrictions on usage. The specific regulations will vary from one country to another, so do check the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice for the latest information. As with cameras, use your common sense if you do use a drone and avoid operation in sensitive areas. If you plan to bring a drone on your trip with us please contact us first to ensure there will be a suitable place to store it while on your trip.
Electrical charging & power supply - It may be difficult to find a power source for charging at times, so a spare battery is a must.
Consider a 12V in-car charger (our vehicles are equipped with a couple of 12 volt cigarette lighter charger sockets - truck trips only) or bring along your 230V mains charger and travel adaptor plug for use at some of the hotels, hostels and campsites we stay at.
NOTE: 12V - 230V inverters cannot be used on our vehicles because of the power drain they cause.
Log onto www.whatplug.net for information regarding the different electrical plugs and voltage used in each country.
Contacting Home
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.
Responsible Travel
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.
- 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
Security
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.
Additional Information
- Your full passport details
- Guarantee of Full payment
What to Expect
What To Expect
Life On The Road
Firstly expect the unexpected! If you are looking for a set itinerary where everything runs smoothly, then this is not the kind of trip for you. Our itineraries can change due to local circumstances, and in such situations we'll always try to minimise any disruption, but bear in mind that from time to time events happen outside our control. It is this very unpredictability which makes each expedition different, exciting and one of the most adventurous things that you will possibly ever do! As part of this adventure you will be expected to have an active involvement in the day to day running of the trip, be part of the group and get stuck in and help with various tasks, whether it's cooking meals over open fires, pitching your tent or keeping the truck clean and tidy.
Itinerary
Because Oasis Overland do not operate normal 'package holidays' the itineraries given cannot be guaranteed to run exactly as outlined. However, it is rare that we have to make major changes and in the event that we do this will be discussed with you either before or during the trip. It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis. Should it not be possible for an Oasis trip to begin from a scheduled starting city due to border closures, civil unrest etc, Oasis will make all reasonable efforts to begin the trip from an alternative location. However, all additional costs that you may incur in travelling to the alternative location will be paid by you or your insurance company and not Oasis.
Expedition Vehicle
For most of your trip the Oasis expedition truck will be your new home - giving you a comfortable & secure base with which to experience your trip. We use purpose built truck's which have been converted especially for this expedition, which pass through all types of terrains from soft sand, mud, rock and potholed roads to tarseal. It is reassuring to know that these vehicles can handle the tough conditions that they are put through. The truck is equipped with all the equipment we may need en route, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water & fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts and the kitchen sink, (well almost!) so all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat and your own personal gear!
Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Our overland trucks in Africa also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an overland trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. Tents are shared (between two people of the same sex from your group unless you are a couple). We spend some nights bush or desert camping and the rest of the time in campsites. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed.
During the day
As a guide, driving days normally start at about 8am and finish at about 5pm, with stops for lunch and buying food, seeing local sights etc. We won't be driving every day, although there are times when we will drive for two, but we will then stop for a few days and you will have free time to explore, meet local people, do some optional activities or just relax and do your own thing. Expect to sometimes get dusty & dishevelled during the day and although you will be able to shower most nights (except at bush camps), not all camps will have hot showers.
Meals & cook groups
When 'on the road' or camping, we usually cook using gas or over open fires in a rota system and you can expect to cook in a group of two or three people approximately once every ten days depending on the number of people on trip and whereabouts you are. Your cook group will have to decide on what to cook, utilise stocks from the truck stores and locally obtain ingredients from markets, shops etc. and rustle up a meal. But don't worry if you're not a Gordon Ramsay as the rest of the group and the Tour leader usually lend a helping hand. Here is an idea of what to expect at meal times:
Breakfasts: Usually simple - we help ourselves to cereal, toast, hot drinks and on occasion we will splurge with a cooked breakfast.
Lunch: Cold and usually quick. The cook group will put out bread, tinned supplies and maybe make a salad.
Dinner: Cooks come into their own in the evening, and will always attempt to cook up some delights. When the truck is parked up for a few days in a town or city most people usually like the option to eat out at local restaurants - so we often don't cook all meals when at these locations.
Vegetarians / Vegans / Coeliacs / Gluten & Lactose intolerance - Our Tour Leaders will always do their best to cater for any dietary requirement or intolerance whenever possible. However we do not cater for fussy eaters. It must be remembered that the variety of dishes available may not be the same as available to meat eaters. If there is anything in particular you require in your diet or because of an allergy or would miss from home, it would be best to bring these with you, as these cannot be purchased with normal Local Payment funds due to the high cost of these specialised and often imported foods.
Remember that when eating out in local restaurants & hotels that vegetarianism or food allergies / intolerance's, are still not widely known about or understood by many local people. i.e Vegetarians or Vegans will often be offered fish or chicken in error. Most large towns and cities, or areas used to tourists, will often have more choice but please be aware that it will probably not be as varied as you are used to when eating out at home.
In the evenings
When at a bushcamp or campsite where you and your tent buddy will put up the tent, and then lend a hand with getting out the tables, stools, firewood and water containers. The fire grates need to be taken out, the fire lit and someone can fill the kettle and make hot drinks while the cook group prepares the evening meal. Then just sit back & chill and enjoy the rest of your evening!
Oasis Crew
We usually have two crew whose duties are extensive and quite demanding, with challenges ranging from driving and maintaining the expedition vehicle to a high standard, to organising visas and border crossings, arranging accommodation, pre-booking some excursions and guides, helping with shopping and cooking as well as finding the best deals, socializing and making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. While our crew are usually experienced and knowledgeable they are not tour guides as such. Our trips pass through many countries and our tour leaders cannot be expected to have detailed knowledge of each country's history, flora and fauna and archaeological sites. Even so - they will be more than willing to pass on any interesting and useful information that they have acquired whilst on the road. A rewarding way to gain a better insight into the wildlife, cultural and historical diversity of the countries we travel through is by reading guide books as well as talking to the local people and using local guides.
Adventure travel can be unpredictable and occasionally our crew may have to amend the itinerary to take into account changing local circumstances or because of a delay at a border or because of circumstances outside our control. This can all lead to additional work and commitment for our crew who will do all they can to minimize any disruption to the trip. While our crew are essentially on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week, it has to be remembered that no one is actually expected to work these hours, so at Oasis we are realistic that within a trip there will be times when our crew need 'down time' and a chance to relax and 'let their hair down' as well. They are only human!
Itinerary Changes
Due to the unpredictable nature of this expedition - it is not always possible to follow the exact itinerary as set out below. We will always endeavour to visit all the places listed, and often more that are not. All the information regarding the itinerary is given in good faith and is subject to change, dependent on local political or country instabilities, weather, security & road conditions etc. Any major itinerary changes will be decided by the crew & company directors and will be discussed with the group beforehand whenever possible. It is also possible that the expedition may arrive later than specified into Cape Town/Nairobi or Cairo.
It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all your costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis.
If we do have to fly over a particular area or country we will endeavour to take in other places of interest if time permits. While Oasis Overland will cover all ground and transport costs, we have not taken the cost of flights into our pricing structure. Therefore any flights will have to be paid for by each individual.
Optional Excursions
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.
Kenya
| Title | From Price |
|---|---|
| Giraffe Centre - Nairobi | US$10 |
| Return Transport to Elephant Orphanage - Per Car (Max 4 people) | US$25 |
| Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage - Entrance | US$6 |
| Boat trip, Lake Naivasha | US$25 |
| Crater Lake walk, includes entry, lunch & guide (min 4 people) - Naivasha | US$80 |
| Elsamere Visit | US$12 |
| Hells Gate National Park (entry and bike hire - min 3 people) | US$57 |
Ethiopia
| Title | From Price |
|---|---|
| Addis Ababa entry into museums, from | US$8 |
| Omo Valley - tribal village visits | US$100 |
| Danakil Depression 3 day tour, from | US$300 |
| Simean Mountain Trek, includes transport, guide, food & entrances, per day - from | US$70 |
| Lalibela Rock Churches Permit plus guide | US$55 |
| Fasilidas Castles and Compound - Gondar | US$10 |
| Boat Trip on Lake Tana inlcuding entrance to monasteries & guide, from | US$20 |
| Blue Nile Falls - entry, from | US$15 |
| Axum Churches & Archaelogical Sites Permit including guide | US$35 |
| Axum - Transport to and from, guide and entrance fees | US$200 |
| Axum - Accommodation - per night, from | US$10 |
Djibouti
| Title | From Price |
|---|---|
| Maskali & Moucha Islands swimming & snorkelling tour, from | US$80 |
| Lac Abbe day trip, from | US$80 |
Egypt
| Title | From Price |
|---|---|
| Valley of the Kings & Workers Tour - Entry & Guide | US$34 |
| Tombs of the Nobles - Aswan | US$7 |
| Tomb of King Tutankhamen (when open) | US$17 |
| Nubian Village Dinner | US$12 |
| Kitchener Island / Elephantine Island | US$7 |
| Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show | US$15 |
| Guided tour & Entrance to Abu Simbel | US$20 |
| Entrance to Mummy Room in Egyptian Museum | US$16 |
| Entrance to Luxor Temple | US$14 |
| Entrance to Luxor Museum | US$17 |
| Entrance to Karnak Temple | US$10 |
| Entrance to Edfu Temple | US$15 |
| Cairo Tower | US$13 |
| Balloon Flight over the Nile & Luxor | US$90 |
| Aswan High Dam/Philae Temple includes entrance,guide & transport | US$40 |
| Accomm in Cairo - Twin / Double room (before / after trip) p/p, from | US$30 |
Sudan
| Title | From Price |
|---|---|
| Boat trip on the Nile | US$15 |
| Archaeological Permits - per site | US$10 |
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.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
2025
| Start | Finish | Special Events | Trip Price | Local Payment | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 23 Jul | Mon 22 Sep |
Dates:
Wed 23 Jul - Mon 22 Sep |
Special Events: | Adult Price: £2995 | Local Payment: US$1200 | Book |
2026
| Start | Finish | Special Events | Trip Price | Local Payment | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 22 Jul | Mon 21 Sep |
Dates:
Wed 22 Jul - Mon 21 Sep |
Special Events: | Adult Price: £3095 | Local Payment: US$1300 | Book |
2027
| Start | Finish | Special Events | Trip Price | Local Payment | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 22 Jul | Tue 21 Sep |
Dates:
Thu 22 Jul - Tue 21 Sep |
Special Events: | Adult Price: £3195 | Local Payment: US$1400 | Book |
Please Note: This departure forms part of the Trans Africa expedition, which starts in Morocco and therefore both the start date and finish dates are subject to change due to the nature of this trip. As noted in the itinerary, we may not be able to travel through parts of northern Ethiopia or through Sudan. The itinerary should therefore be considered as a guide only and the schedule for the final few weeks of the trip may be adjusted, potentially flying to Egypt from Addis Ababa or Djibouti City (flight at your cost). If the trip is cut short due to the time missed in these areas then a partial refund of the Local Payment portion of the trip price will be ma
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