Why book the Africa Family Overland tour?
The Africa Family Overland is a 29-day expedition from Nairobi to Windhoek designed specifically for families. Over four weeks you'll cross six countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia), spend three nights on safari in the Serengeti, descend into Ngorongoro Crater, visit Zanzibar, stand at Victoria Falls, cruise the Chobe River among the world's largest elephant herds, take a mokoro canoe through the Okavango Delta, walk in Etosha National Park, and traverse the Namib Desert to Sossusvlei. It's one of Africa's great overland journeys, structured to be genuinely accessible to children as young as 6.
What does the Africa Family Overland itinerary actually cover?
The tour travels Nairobi to Windhoek by Oasis Overland expedition truck (with specialist safari vehicles in the Serengeti and a minibus in Zanzibar). Highlights include the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, Serengeti National Park (3-night safari, lion/cheetah/elephant/giraffe/hippo), Olduvai Gorge UNESCO site, Ngorongoro Crater (Big 5, highest game concentration in Africa), Kilimanjaro foothills village walk, Bagamoyo beach, Zanzibar (Stone Town, Spice Tour, snorkelling), Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe side, David Livingstone's "Smoke that Thunders"), Chobe National Park (40,000-60,000 elephants, evening river cruise), Caprivi Strip/Okavango River (mokoro canoe), Etosha National Park (8,600 sq miles, Big 5, floodlit waterhole), Cape Cross Seal Colony, Swakopmund (catamaran to dolphins, kayak with seals at Pelican Point, sandboarding), Sossusvlei and Deadvlei (Dune 45, ancient black trees, white salt pans), and Windhoek for the final group dinner.
Is this tour actually designed for families with children?
Yes. Child discounts apply for ages 6 to 15 and the itinerary is structured with families in mind. The pace allows for downtime, the camping experience is central to the adventure, and the wildlife focus appeals to children of all ages. The minimum age is 6. The overland truck format means children travel together with a consistent group of families throughout.
What's the best time of year for the Africa Family Overland?
The tour visits multiple countries with varying climates, so there is no single perfect season. The Serengeti migration is year-round, with different stages visible depending on the month. Zambia and Zimbabwe are best in the dry season (May to October) for Victoria Falls access and wildlife. Namibia is superb year-round. Check the Dates and Prices page for scheduled departures and seasonal notes.
What ages are appropriate for this tour?
The minimum age is 6. There is no stated maximum age. Children aged 6 to 15 qualify for a child discount. Teenagers typically love the overland truck format. The mixed camping and lodge format suits active families across a wide age range.
Why does Africa Family Overland cost what it does?
Twenty-nine days across six African countries, covering some of the continent's most logistically challenging destinations. Included in the price: Oasis Overland expedition truck transport throughout, specialist safari vehicles in the Serengeti (a significant upgrade from the standard truck for big game viewing), a minibus for Zanzibar, 28 breakfasts, 23 lunches, and 22 dinners (roughly 70% of all meals), all national park entrance fees, safari game drives, the Zanzibar Spice and Stone Town tour, mokoro canoe excursion in the Okavango Delta, and dedicated expedition leader throughout. Child discounts reduce the cost for families. Compare what you'd spend doing this independently and the value becomes clear.
What's included in the price?
Included: Oasis Overland expedition truck transport throughout, specialist safari vehicles for Serengeti game drives, minibus in Zanzibar, camping and lodge accommodation, 28 breakfasts/23 lunches/22 dinners, all national park entrance fees, guided Serengeti safari (3 nights), Ngorongoro Crater descent, Zanzibar Spice and Stone Town tour, mokoro canoe excursion in the Okavango Delta, Etosha game drives, cape Cross visit, and services of a dedicated expedition leader.
What's NOT included and what extra costs should I budget for?
Not included: the internal flight from Dar es Salaam to Lusaka (Air Tanzania, bookable separately, required to rejoin the truck for the Victoria Falls section), international flights to Nairobi and from Windhoek, sleeping bags and sleeping mats (bring your own or hire locally), travel insurance, tips for your guide and expedition leader, optional activities (optional Kilimanjaro base camp trek, optional Mbunza Living Museum, optional sandboarding in Swakopmund), meals beyond those included, and personal expenses.
Is there a flight I need to book separately during the tour?
Yes. There is an internal flight from Dar es Salaam to Lusaka (Zambia) that is not included in the tour price. This is operated by Air Tanzania and must be booked independently. The tour group rejoins the overland truck in Lusaka after the Zanzibar section. Your tour leader will brief the details. Do not book international flights without confirming the exact routing with us first.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Pay a deposit to secure your booking and the balance is due 8 weeks before departure.
How physically demanding is Africa Family Overland for children and adults?
This is a moderate trip with some active days. Long driving days on the overland truck are part of the experience. Game drives, mokoro canoe excursions, and walking in national parks are all manageable for children and adults of average fitness. Optional activities like the Kilimanjaro base camp trek are significantly more demanding and entirely voluntary. Sandboarding at Swakopmund suits all ages. Climbing Dune 45 in Sossusvlei is a highlight but physically demanding in desert heat.
What's the camping situation and how basic is it?
Approximately 60% of nights are camping (tent camping at established campsites), with around 40% in hotels, lodges, or permanent camps. The Serengeti uses Seronera campsite; Etosha uses NWR camps (Namutomi and Halali); Sossusvlei uses NWR Sessriem campsite. Some campsites in the Caprivi Strip offer optional treehouse and bush hut upgrades. Sleeping bags and sleeping mats are not included and must be brought from home or hired locally.
Is the overland truck comfortable for 29 days?
Oasis Overland trucks are purpose-built expedition vehicles with seating designed for long journeys. They are robust rather than luxurious. African roads, particularly in Tanzania, Zambia, and Botswana, include stretches that are rough and slow. This is part of the overland experience. Families who've done overland trips before understand the tradeoff: you access places that ordinary transport can't reach.
Is Africa safe to visit with children?
The countries on this itinerary are all established tourist destinations. The Serengeti, Zanzibar, Victoria Falls, Chobe, and Namibia receive hundreds of thousands of international visitors each year. Travelling with an experienced expedition leader on a structured tour significantly reduces the risks associated with independent family travel in Africa. Check your government's current travel advice for each country before booking.
What are the safety rules around wildlife?
All game viewing is conducted from vehicles or with a qualified guide. Serengeti game drives use specialist safari vehicles. Mokoro canoe excursions are guided. Walking in Etosha and the Namibia sections is done with an experienced guide and appropriate briefings. Wildlife safety protocols are maintained throughout. Children must follow guide instructions at all times.
What happens if someone in my family gets sick on tour?
Major cities and tourist areas on this route have clinics and hospitals. Remote areas like the Caprivi Strip are further from medical facilities. Travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency repatriation is compulsory for all tour participants, including children. We require everyone's insurance details before departure.
What vaccinations are recommended for this trip?
This tour crosses six countries with different health requirements. Consult a travel health clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Yellow Fever vaccination requirements vary by country and can depend on your travel history. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for most of the route. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and other routine vaccinations should be up to date. Requirements for children may differ from adults. Your travel health clinic will advise based on your family's specific circumstances.
What types of accommodation are used?
The mix is roughly 40% hotels, lodges, and permanent camps, and 60% tent camping. Hotel and lodge nights include properties at Victoria Falls (Victoria Falls Rest Camp, en-suite lodges), Chobe (Chobe Safari Lodge), Swakopmund (Amanpuri Lodge), and Windhoek. The Ozohere Himba Village camp supports the local Himba community and children's schooling. The Caprivi Strip's Ngepi Camp has optional treehouse and bush hut upgrades, including a floating swimming pool in the Okavango River.
Are sleeping bags and camping equipment provided?
No. You must bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat, or arrange to hire them locally. A three-season sleeping bag is suitable for most of the route, but Namibia nights can be cold. Your tour leader will advise on specifics.
Will there be Wi-Fi on the tour?
Some lodges and hotels on the route have Wi-Fi. Campsites typically do not. Mobile data connectivity varies significantly by country and region. Eastern and remote sections of the route have minimal connectivity. Plan for several days without internet access during the camping-heavy sections.
What kind of food will we eat?
The tour includes 28 breakfasts, 23 lunches, and 22 dinners, with most camp meals prepared collectively by the group and driver/guide team. This is part of the overland experience: everyone contributes to camp cooking and clean-up, which children often love. Restaurant meals in towns and lodges vary by country. East African cuisine features stews, rice, ugali (maize porridge), and grilled meats. Zanzibar has excellent seafood. Namibia's German colonial heritage means schnitzel, bratwurst, and excellent local beef appear on menus.
Can you cater for vegetarian or vegan diets?
Yes, we are delighted to cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements wherever possible! Simply let us know your dietary preferences or allergies at the time of booking so our team can notify our tour leaders, hotels, and restaurants in advance. While meal options in more remote areas may be simpler, we always do our utmost to ensure you enjoy plentiful, delicious, and authentic local food throughout your adventure with us.
Is it safe to drink the water?
Tap water safety varies by country. Use bottled water or purified water throughout the tour. Your expedition leader will advise at each location. Campsites have safe water supplies for the group.
Is Africa Family Overland suitable for solo adult travellers?
The tour is designed for families but welcomes solo adults who enjoy the family-friendly format. Groups range from 8 to 18 participants. Solo travellers are welcome and a single supplement applies for a private tent or room.
What's the group size?
Minimum 8, maximum 18. The Oasis Overland truck is sized accordingly.
Do we have to share accommodation?
The tour price is based on sharing. Solo travellers or single-parent families who want private accommodation pay a single supplement. Contact us for current rates.
Is this a good tour for teenagers?
Very. The overland truck format, camping in national parks, camping beside game waterholes in Etosha, mokoro canoes in the Okavango Delta, sandboarding in Swakopmund, and optional activities like kayaking with seals at Pelican Point are exactly the kind of experiences that stay with teenagers for life. The social dynamic on overland trucks with other families tends to be excellent.
Do my children need visas for any of the countries we visit?
The tour crosses Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. Visa requirements vary by nationality and are subject to change. Some of these countries issue visas on arrival; others require advance applications. The Kaza Univisa covers Zimbabwe and Zambia for many nationalities. Check current requirements for every adult and child passport in your group before booking. Your tour leader will have practical local knowledge.
What should we pack for a 29-day overland trip?
Clothing for warm days and cool nights (Namibia nights are cold), a lightweight rain jacket, good walking shoes or boots, sandals, a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, a good headtorch for camping, and your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat. Luggage is limited on the truck, so pack light. Soft bags or duffel bags are preferable to hard suitcases.
Is malaria a risk on this tour?
Yes, for most of the route. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Consult a travel health clinic well before departure. Use insect repellent (DEET-based) and cover up at dawn and dusk. Requirements and drug interactions vary for children and adults: your doctor will advise on the most appropriate prophylaxis for each family member.
What currencies will we need?
The tour crosses six countries, each with its own currency (Kenyan Shilling, Tanzanian Shilling, Zambian Kwacha, Zimbabwean Dollar or US Dollar, Botswana Pula, Namibian Dollar). US dollars are widely accepted for tips and tourist activities in East and Southern Africa. ATMs are available in cities but not always reliable in remote areas. Carry sufficient local currency for each section. Your expedition leader will give advance briefings on what to carry.
What about tipping?
Tips for your expedition leader and driver are not included in the tour price and are at your discretion. Your leader will brief the group on tipping norms at the start of the tour.
What optional activities are available on tour?
Optional activities include: the Kilimanjaro base camp trek (from Marangu Hotel), the Mbunza Living Museum in the Caprivi Strip, sandboarding in Swakopmund, fat biking in Swakopmund, catamaran to Walvis Bay (dolphins, flamingos, whales), kayaking with seals at Pelican Point, and white-water rafting/bungee jumping/helicopter flights at Victoria Falls. Treehouse and bush hut upgrades are available at Ngepi Camp in the Caprivi Strip. An Okavango Delta scenic flight can also be arranged.
Are there shorter family tours if 29 days is too long?
Yes. We also offer the Tanzania Family Overland (15 days), Deserts and Delta Easter Family Overland (15 days), and Deserts and Delta Family Overland (15 days) as shorter alternatives focusing on different sections of this route.
How far ahead should I book?
Africa Family Overland is popular with families during UK school holidays. For departures coinciding with summer, Easter, and Christmas holidays, book 6 to 12 months in advance. Other departure dates have more flexibility.
How does booking work?
Book online or contact us directly. Pay a deposit to confirm your places and the balance is due 8 weeks before departure.
Do we all need travel insurance including the children?
Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for all participants, including children. The policy must cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation. Many standard family travel policies do cover children. We require insurance details for every member of your group before departure.
What's your cancellation policy?
A sliding scale applies based on how close to departure you cancel. Full terms are in our booking conditions. We partner with Trust My Travel for financial protection of your booking.
What if the tour doesn't meet minimum numbers?
We require a minimum of 8 participants. If a departure does not reach minimum numbers, we'll notify you as early as possible and offer an alternative departure or a full refund.
