NAIROBI to HARARE (44 days) Apes & Lakes
Overview
Apes & Lakes
Countries Visited: Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda
From the majestic Mountain Gorillas, wildlife experiences in some of the best gameparks in East Africa to the blue waters of Zanzibar and Lake Malawi. A sure-fire recipe to make this an unforgettable journey.
Option to finish in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Route Map
Click map to enlarge
Highlights
- A safari through Lake Nakuru National Park hosting a healthy population of both black and white Rhinos
- Listening out for the groans of the hippo whilst camping on Lake Naivasha
- Raft or kayak part of the longest river in the world - The Nile
- Enjoy forest walks at Kakamega rainforest and Sipi falls
- Experience the chaos of Kampala traffic, with the movement of minibuses, cars, motorcycles and people
- Trek to see the some of Africa's amazing primates; the Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzees and Golden Monkeys
- Watch out for hippos and crocodiles on a boat cruise
- Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park on a game drive on our truck
- Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to victims of the genocide
- Search for the Big 5 whilst on safari in the Maasai Mara
- Take a 4x4 safari and search for wildlife including cheetah, leopard, lion, wildebeest and elephant in the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
- Visit the waterfalls, hot springs, Chaga caves, coffee and banana plantations at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Explore Zanzibar Island beaches and Stone Town's buzzing bazaar and aromatic spice market
- Visit a local school, learn local crafts and indulge in local delicacies in the villages on Lake Malawi
Includes
- Accommodation - approx. 90% camping & 10% simple hostels/hotels
- Lake Naivasha
- Morning and afternoon game drives in the Maasai Mara
- Forest walk at Kakamega rainforest
- Kazinga channel boat cruise in QE National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park entry fee and game drive in truck
- Lake Nakuru National Park and game drive
- Return ferry to Zanzibar
- 4 nights accommodation on Zanzibar
- Lake Malawi village walk
- Meals - approx. 60%
- All transport on Oasis Expedition Truck
- Camping and Cooking equipment
- Services of Oasis Crew
Excludes
- Visas
- Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Golden Monkey Trekking Permits (bookable as an Add ons)
- Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater safari add-on
- Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
- Flights
- Airport Taxes & Transfers
- Sleeping bag & camping mat
- Travel Insurance
- Meals - approx. 40%
- Drinks
- Tips
Trip Itinerary
Days 1 - 3 Nairobi to Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara
After loading the truck with all our gear, we depart Nairobi this morning and head north into one of Africa’s greatest natural features, the East African Rift Valley. Stretching from the Dead Sea in Jordan down to Mozambique in Southern Africa, our first view is from the top of a steep escarpment. Overland trips through East Africa will allow you to experience some of the most dramatic scenery in the world, and the Rift Valley is a definite highlight. The valley floor seems to sweep on forever and is dotted with volcanic peaks, shimmering lakes and countless springs. Our journey takes us into the heart of the Rift Valley to 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.
Next we head to one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves, the Masai Mara. Famous for its dense concentration of animals and birds, and for its important place in the annual wildebeest migration (July to October), you will have a great chance to see lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs and also rhino if you are lucky. We include a morning and afternoon safari, while an additional evening safari may be available to arrange locally on our arrival day if we have made good time.
Days 4 - 7 Kakamega Rainforest and Jinja
After leaving the Masai Mara, we drive west to the Kakamega Rainforest, a remnant of the ancient rainforest that stretched across Central Africa. This is a real contrast to other wild areas we’ll visit, and the forest is home to various mammals including colobus and Debrazzar monkeys, pottos, bush pigs and giant forest hedgehogs, as well as a great selection of colourful birdlife. A guided walk in the forest is included here.
Next, we make our first border crossing as we cross from Kenya into Uganda and continue on to camp near Jinja - Uganda's adventure playground. Here, on the edge of Lake Victoria, the Nile begins its 6700km journey to the sea. We spend the next few days a little downstream from the source of the Nile. This is a spectacular area and a superb place to go whitewater rafting or kayaking. You can also organise quad biking, horse riding or a visit to a local education project.
Days 8 - 10 Kalinzu Forest Reserve & Queen Elizabeth National Park
A long day’s drive now takes us west through swamps, patches of forest and fertile green countryside. As we travel through Uganda, we'll pass through a number of small towns and villages; Mpigi, where you will see roadside stalls manufacturing and selling traditional musical instruments; Kyazanga, where we can buy fresh rotisserie and roasted meat and vegetables, as well as roasted plantain bananas. We will also be able to make a photo stop where our route crosses the Equator.
Our destination is Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Here we have a great opportunity to take an optional hike into the forest to see some habituated chimpanzee families. Permits need to be booked several months in advance, so please get in touch if you would like to add this experience. Only 12 permits are issued each day to minimize disruption to the animals, and a local guide will take you through the forest to find the group. You then have an hour watching and following them before returning to camp. You should see many other monkeys, birds and other wildlife during the trip too.
If you don’t book the chimp trek, then various other walks are available in the forest to see waterfalls, birds, primates, and other wildlife. The forest has four main paths for nature walks, including the valley trail, the waterfall path, the river trail, and the Palm trail. These can all be arranged when you get there.
After our day in the forest, we take a short drive to Katunguru on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. We have a free morning here to take a wide range of optional village walks, learning about the culture of the Basongara, Bakonjo and Banyabindi who live in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Then in the afternoon, we include a guided boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you can look out for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalos, waterbucks and a huge range of bird species.
Next, we spend the morning on a game drive on our truck, as we drive south through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to our next stop, Lake Bunyonyi.
Days 11 - 12 Gorilla Trekking, to Kigali
We have a whole day set aside today to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which are home to several families of Highland Mountain Gorillas. Getting up close to these amazing creatures is truly a once in a lifetime experience and one of the highlights of the trip. You have the opportunity to trek to see the Gorillas in Uganda (bookable as an Add on). It is estimated that only around 700 of these gentle giants remain. This mountainous area on the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and Zaire (now renamed Democratic Republic of Congo) is their only natural habitat and they are periodically threatened by poachers and political instability in the area. One permit allows you to spend about 50 to 60 minutes with one of the gorilla families. Trekking to find them in groups of 8 people can take anywhere from half an hour to 5 hours. The organisations and well-trained guides that continually monitor and protect the families are conscientious and responsible. We will base ourselves near the village of Kabale which will give you the opportunity to trek the Mountain Gorillas and visit the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, where you will have the opportunity to visit a pygmy village.
If permits are limited, we may adjust the itinerary slightly to spend an extra day here to give everyone in the group the opportunity to see the gorillas.
After our latest forest adventure, we pass through mountain ranges and cross the border into Rwanda and continue to the capital, Kigali. Here we can visit the genocide memorial, which is a moving and humbling experience.
Days 13 - 14 Kigali to Musanze
Leaving Kigali we head up into the hills and the small, friendly town of Musanze which is home to Musanze caves and several hiking trails. You can take a village tour through the area and see first-hand production of local Banana beer. As Musanze is the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, there is also the opportunity to take a guided trek to see the famous Golden Monkeys. Permits for this trek should be booked in advance as an add-on to guarantee availability.
Days 15 - 17 Lake Mburo, Kampala & Sipi Falls
We are back on the road today as we leave Rwanda and drive back through Uganda towards Lake Mburo. This park provides a unique safari experience, distinct from other national parks in Uganda. Its compact size means it's easy to explore, and its varied landscapes support a wide range of wildlife species. It is also one of the Ugandan parks to offer adventurous night game drives, which you will have the option to take. Starting at around 6.30-7pm and taking 2-3 hours, you can explore the savannah plains with an experienced ranger guide, using spotlight torches to view nocturnal animals, such as leopards, white tailed mongoos, bush baby, bush pigs, genet cats, hippos feeding as well as other animals like impalas, waterbucks, zebras, elands, giraffes and topi among others. A morning safari into the park is also available the next day.
From Lake Mburo we drive on to Uganda’s capital, Kampala. Kampala has had a turbulent past, but these days it is a friendly and safe city. We have a free evening to spend in local cafes and nightspots where you can get to know the local people.
Then we head north to see the spectacular Sipi Falls. There are three waterfalls here on the Sipi River as it cascades into the Kyoga Basin from the slopes of Mount Elgon. The highest is just under 100m and there is an exciting abseiling option available here.
Days 18 - 20 Lake Nakuru, to Nairobi
After leaving Uganda and crossing back into Kenya, we travel to Lake Nakuru National Park - home to a wide variety of wildlife including Black Rhino, Hippo, Lion, Leopard, Hyena and Giraffe. However, Nakuru is a soda lake and most famous for its pink inhabitants, a flock of almost a million Pink Flamingos which feed noisily along the shoreline. We include a half day game safari here, and you have the option to add more activities as well.
Finally, we head back to Nairobi, arriving late afternoon. If your trip finishes here, you can fly out this evening, if you have a late evening flight.
Days 21 Nairobi
Welcome to Nairobi! Today you. are introduced to the truck and all our camping & kitchen equipment etc., to get ready for the journey ahead. We will also get up close to Africa's tallest mammal when we visit the Langata Giraffe Centre in Nairobi. There is also free time available to visit Nairobi National Park, and the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where we sponsor one of the orphaned elephants. You could also visit the Karen Blixen museum, which sits within the Danish Author's former 6,000 acre coffee farm.
Days 22 - 25 Nairobi to Arusha and the Serengeti
We depart Nairobi early in the morning and immediately find ourselves in hot savannah grasslands with acacia trees providing the only shade. Various game, usually zebra and giraffe can be seen as we head south and cross the border into Tanzania. We spend the night at Meserani Snake Park, on the route from Arusha to the Serengeti.
Over the next 3 days you can take our optional Add-on to enjoy a safari into the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. These areas are one of the world's great wildlife hotspots, and you are sure to see a huge variety of different game species including Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, White Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo, Antelope, Crocodile and Pink Flamingos as well as vast herds of wildebeest roaming the plains.
For those who don't want to add this safari experience onto the trip, there are options to visit the Snake Park, visit a local Masai Village to learn about their culture and way of life. You can also arrange day trips into the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater (bear in mind these will involve a lot of travel time to and from the park, and therefore much more limited time actually on safari).
Days 26 - 29 Arusha to Marangu and Bagamoyo Beach
After leaving Arusha we pass a number of small towns and villages along the way and, if the weather is clear, we may see the towering peak of Kilimanjaro. We will stop off for a couple of nights at the village of Marangu where you have the opportunity to climb to Kilimanjaro base camp, or take a walk through the lush surroundings passing through coffee plantations, rivers, waterfalls, caves and visiting a local blacksmith.
Leaving Marangu, a day's drive brings us to the coast and some welcome time on a beautiful Indian Ocean Beach at Bagamoyo before we continue to Dar Es Salaam. The truck will be based here for 4 nights while the group heads to Zanzibar.
Days 30 - 33 Zanzibar Island
We leave the truck and tents behind this morning and take the ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar for our included four night stay on the island. During our time there we'll visit the bustling streets of Stone Town and its famous spice markets, old slave forts and dungeons. We'll also spend 3 nights relaxing on Zanzibar's famous white beaches, where there are many options available locally to arrange scuba diving, snorkelling, and dolphin boat trips.
Days 34 - 39 Dar es Salaam to Lake Malawi
After meeting the Zanzibar ferry we begin the journey through the interesting and mountainous hinterland of Tanzania. In the afternoon, after negotiating some appalling roads, we pass through the peaceful Mikumi National Park. African safari travel is synonymous with wildlife, and in this national park we usually see Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra and Antelope from the roadside. Passing through lush mountainous landscape and plantations - we enter Malawi which is dominated by its huge freshwater lake.
Camping in Malawi sums up the spirit of an Africa overland trip with Oasis. We spend several days at friendly laid back campsites where most people choose to relax on the sandy beaches or try their hand at scuba diving, snorkelling or windsurfing as we follow the lakeshore south. If you are more inclined to just relax - then there is no better place than on the shores of Lake Malawi. This really is a warm friendly country - making it easy to wander off and meet up with your local hosts in one of the many villages or schools nearby. You can also view first hand the talent of the local artisans and purchase some exquisite pieces of furniture and carvings made out of ebony and mahogany.
Days 40 - 44 Through Mozambique to Harare
From Lake Malawi, we continue on to the capital Lilongwe in the south of the country where you can check out the local markets.
Our African Overland trip then leaves Lilongwe to cross into Mozambique and head for Zimbabwe. We follow the infamous Tete Corridor which was well known in the days of Mozambique's long running civil war as the Gun Run. Thankfully these days things are a lot different and we spend a few days passing through the country. We then enter Zimbabwe and travel via the capital, Harare. Arriving into Zimbabwe's cosmopolitan city, you can enjoy many of the sights in and around the city centre. There are many markets throughout the city from craft markets to the hectic local Mbare market, and you can also stroll through the botanical gardens, or enjoy the nightlife in one of the many bars throughout the city.
Essential Information
Essential Information About Your Trip
Arrival & Accommodation
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.
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 subject to limited availability and to changes made by the camp. A basic breakfast is included. Additional room and tent types are available via the camp website.
| Room Type | Price | Description |
| Dorm bed | GBP 35 | Per Person, shared facilities |
| Single Garden Tent | GBP 50 | Per Tent (for 1 person), shared facilities |
| Double Garden Tent | GBP 75 | Per Tent (for 2 people), shared facilities |
| Single Cottage Room, en-suite | GBP 75 | Per Room (for 1 person) |
| Double Cottage Room, en-suite | GBP 100 | Per Room (for 2 people) |
PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATION:
We strongly recommend that you arrive at the camp at least one night before the trip starts. You can pre-book this accommodation through us if you wish, or directly with the camp. Our prices are given above, though these are subject to availability at the time of booking. 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 no later than 6 weeks prior to departure in case of low availability. Any room cancellations are unfortunately non-refundable.
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).
If you plan to stay elsewhere in Nairobi before the trip starts, you will miss the initial briefing and meet up with the crew the evening before departure. Please tell us where you will be staying and ensure that you are at Wildebeest Camp by 07.30am at the latest on Day 1.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
Airport Transfers are not included in the cost of your adventure, but we can pre-book and arrange these so that you get a friendly welcome and a smooth transfer straight to the camp when you arrive. Our famous local representative Smiley (by name and by nature!) handles these and is well known to all our crew and hundreds of our travellers over the years.
| Transfer Type | Price (p/p) | Description |
| 1 person | GBP 25 | 1 car. Airport transfer for a solo traveller |
| 2 people | GBP 15 | 1 car. Per person for 2 people arriving together |
| 3+ people | GBP 10 | Per person for 3 or more people arriving together |
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
Your tour leader will meet you and your fellow travellers for a meet and greet at the joining hotel/camp the evening before departure; usually around 6pm, where 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. On the morning of departure, usually around 8:00am, you will be briefed on the day to day running of the trip. There will be a notice in reception advising you of the time of the meeting, and any further information. Your Tour Leader It is essential that you attend these meetings - 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.
Passports
- Kenya - 2 blank pages
- Uganda - 1/2 blank page
- Rwanda - 1/2 blank page
- Tanzania - 1 1/2 blank pages
- Malawi - 1 blank page
- Mozambique - 1 1/2 blank pages
- Zimbabwe - 2 blank pages
- Botswana - 1/2 blank page
- Namibia - 1/2 blank page
- South Africa - 1 blank page
- Lesotho - 1 blank page
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 must be paid for in USD cash ONLY.
|
Country |
British |
Irish |
Aust |
NZ |
S.Africa |
USA |
Canadian |
|
East Africa Visa |
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 |
|
Uganda |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
US$100 |
|
Rwanda |
Free |
US$50 |
Free |
Free |
US$50 |
US$50 |
Free |
|
Tanzania |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
Free |
US$100 |
US$50 |
|
Malawi |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
|
Mozambique |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
US$50 |
Free |
US$50 |
US$50 |
|
Zimbabwe |
US$55 |
US$55 |
US$30 |
US$30 |
Free |
US$30 |
US$75 |
|
Botswana |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
|
Namibia |
See below |
See below |
Free |
Free |
Free |
See below |
See below |
|
South Africa |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
|
Lesotho |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
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.
Malawi
Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries do not 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.
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 should apply for an East Africa visa which will cover you for 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')
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 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')
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 us with 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 are happy to refer our UK based travellers to the travel insurance specialists Campbell Irvine who have a policy suitable for overlanding and which covers most of the adventure and sporting activities on our trips.
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$100 notes and also make sure that they are post 2013 and do not have a serial number starting with CB.
How to bring your currency?
Past Oasis travellers have fed back that, as a general rule it is best to bring your money in US$ 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 post 2013 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
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, 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 is 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
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. 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 |
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| Recommended Medical Kit List | |
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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.
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
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.
Additional Information
- Your full passport details (we will need a copy of your passport before we can issue the permits)
- Guarantee of Full payment
What to Expect
What To Expect
Life On The Road
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
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.
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 / 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.
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 |
|---|---|
| Elsamere Visit | US$12 |
| Boat trip, Lake Naivasha | US$25 |
| Crater Lake walk, includes entry, lunch & guide (min 4 people) - Naivasha | US$80 |
| Hells Gate National Park (entry and bike hire - min 3 people) | US$57 |
| Return Transport to Elephant Orphanage - Per Car (Max 4 people) | US$25 |
| Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage - Required Donation | US$20 |
| Nairobi National Park entry fee (required if you are visiting the elephant orphanage) | US$100 |
Uganda
| Title | From Price |
|---|---|
| Horseriding - 2 to 3 Hours, from | US$50 |
| Jinja Sunset Cruise | US$45 |
| Mountain Bike Hire - 1 to 4 Hours, from | US$35 |
| Pygmy Island Day Trip on Lake Bunyoni | US$25 |
| Soft Power Education - Volunteer Day | US$25 |
| Tandem Kayaking | US$160 |
| VCD / DVD of the Rafting / Kayaking | US$45 |
| Whitewater Rafting - White Nile | US$140 |
| Quadbiking - 1 to 4 Hours, from | US$50 |
| Queen Elizabeth National Park - daytime game drive | US$30 |
| Queen Elizabeth National Park - night-time game drive | US$40 |
| Kalinzu Forest Reserve guided forest nature or birdwatching walk (includes entry fee) | US$60 |
| Lake Mburo park entry fee | US$40 |
| Lake Mburo game drive / guided walk / night safari | US$30 |
Rwanda
| Title | From Price |
|---|---|
| Genocide Memorial - Audio headset | US$15 |
| Donation to Kigali Genocide Memorial | US$10 |
| Mount Bisoke Hike, from | US$95 |
| Musanze Cave Tour | US$30 |
Tanzania
| Title | From Price |
|---|---|
| Maasai Village Walk / Camel Ride - each | US$7 |
| Meals on Zanzibar - per day, from | US$15 |
| Snorkelling - Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve | US$85 |
| Cultural Tours of Marangu area, from | US$15 |
| 1 Day walk to Mandara Hut, from | US$130 |
| Dhow Sunset Cruise, from | US$25 |
| Diving at Local Reefs, from | US$70 |
| Diving Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve (1 / 2 Dives), from | US$85 |
| Prison Island Trip | US$25 |
| Snorkelling - Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve | US$85 |
| Snorkelling at Local Reefs | US$40 |
| Spice Tour | US$25 |
| Swim with Dolphins | US$35 |
| 1 Day walk to Mandara Hut, from | US$130 |
| Cultural Tours of Marangu area, from | US$15 |
| Dhow Sunset Cruise, from | US$25 |
| Diving at Local Reefs, from | US$70 |
| Diving Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve (1 / 2 Dives), from | US$85 |
| Maasai Village Walk / Camel Ride - each | US$7 |
| Meals on Zanzibar - per day, from | US$15 |
| Prison Island Trip | US$25 |
| Snorkelling - Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve | US$85 |
| Snorkelling at Local Reefs | US$40 |
| Spice Tour | US$25 |
| Swim with Dolphins | US$35 |
Malawi
| Title | From Price |
|---|---|
| Horse Riding - 2 to 3 hours, from | US$50 |
| Scuba Diving, from | US$35 |
| Village Tour / Dinner | US$4 |
Zimbabwe
| Title | From Price |
|---|---|
| Cooking experience, half day - Harare | US$20 |
| Harare city walking tour | US$Donation |
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
If you have more time to travel then why not consider NAIROBI to VICTORIA FALLS (54 days) Apes & Lakes
2025
| Start | Finish | Special Events | Trip Price | Local Payment | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 13 Jan | Tue 25 Feb |
Dates:
Mon 13 Jan - Tue 25 Feb |
Special Events: | Adult Price: £2295 | Local Payment: US$1300 | Book |
| Mon 16 Jun | Tue 29 Jul |
Dates:
Mon 16 Jun - Tue 29 Jul |
Special Events: | Adult Price: £2295 | Local Payment: US$1300 | Book |
| Mon 28 Jul | Tue 09 Sep |
Dates:
Mon 28 Jul - Tue 09 Sep |
Special Events: | Adult Price: £2295 | Local Payment: US$1400 | Book |
| Mon 29 Sep | Tue 11 Nov |
Dates:
Mon 29 Sep - Tue 11 Nov |
Special Events: | Adult Price: £2295 | Local Payment: US$1400 | Book |
| Mon 10 Nov | Tue 23 Dec |
Dates:
Mon 10 Nov - Tue 23 Dec |
Special Events: | Adult Price: £2295 | Local Payment: US$1400 | Book |
2026
| Start | Finish | Special Events | Trip Price | Local Payment | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 05 Jan | Tue 17 Feb |
Dates:
Mon 05 Jan - Tue 17 Feb |
Special Events: | Adult Price: £2395 | Local Payment: US$1370 | Book |
| Mon 30 Mar | Tue 12 May |
Dates:
Mon 30 Mar - Tue 12 May |
Special Events: | Adult Price: £2395 | Local Payment: US$1370 | Book |
| Mon 15 Jun | Tue 28 Jul |
Dates:
Mon 15 Jun - Tue 28 Jul |
Special Events: | Adult Price: £2395 | Local Payment: US$1370 | Book |
| Mon 27 Jul | Tue 08 Sep |
Dates:
Mon 27 Jul - Tue 08 Sep |
Special Events: | Adult Price: £2395 | Local Payment: US$1470 | Book |
| Mon 28 Sep | Tue 10 Nov |
Dates:
Mon 28 Sep - Tue 10 Nov |
Special Events: | Adult Price: £2395 | Local Payment: US$1470 | Book |
| Mon 09 Nov | Tue 22 Dec |
Dates:
Mon 09 Nov - Tue 22 Dec |
Special Events: | Adult Price: £2395 | Local Payment: US$1470 | Book |
Reviews
Traveller Reviews
Read reviews from previous Oasis Overland travellers.
NAIROBI to HARARE (41 days) Apes & Lakes
Really loved this trip. The pre-trip information was great and Katie really went out of her way to help me. I though that camping for so long would start to get tiring but it really didn't plus there were plenty of opportunities to upgrade and some of the time this was very cheap. So many amazing things to see and do. Seeing the Gorillas in the wild was a highlight for me! Would highly recommend and hope to do another trip in the future.
Extend your trip with a mini adventure
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