Travelling in Africa will leave you wanting to revisit every opportunity you get - from spotting a lion cub playing with its mother to a herd of gentle giants, whatever your experience may be, you will be left feeling invigorated.
Africa is a large continent and travelling long distances is unavoidable if you want to have a satisfying experience, so if you're open to long days, dusty roads, remote places, but still want a comfortable place to rest your weary bones, then Encounters Travel overland tours are perfect for you!
When travelling on an overland tour, the roads can be long and rough so be prepared for many hours of travelling in all sorts of weather conditions - If you can prepare yourself for hours of bumpy rides, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. There will be plenty of breaks between the longer driving days, and even when driving you're good and high up so get a great view of places, scenery and villages many tourists don't get to see.
One thing's for sure when you travel to Africa, especially for first-timers, is that you need to travel with an open mind - whether it' trying local cuisine or climbing Lion's Head in Cape Town to see one of the world's finest sunsets!
How comfortable is it?
Depending on the route and how remote you are getting, a lot of the accommodations we stay at will offer hot showers, flushable toilets, tasty food in lodges, bungalows, chalets, tented safari camps, traditional African huts or dormitories, and so on, it's good to keep in mind that these facilities will not be 5-star.
How bumpy is the road
Many of the routes we will travel on are not tarred so you should expect gravel roads, potholes, rough terrain, detours through remote areas and plenty of rattling and shaking. Don't book an overland tour if you're going to expect smooth sailing.
However, the overland vehicles are custom-built for this kind of travel, with soft cushions and good suspension, you will not experience too much discomfort.
As far as other 'bumps' go, there an elephant or two in the road, floods or pushing a stuck truck out of a hole! Take it in your stride - it's all about the journey and not the destination when it comes to overland adventure travel.
Activities you can expect on an overland tour
Whale spotting: This activity is very popular and not only with locals but travellers alike. One cannot believe how huge these mammals are and seeing how agile they are in the water is amazing.
Mountain climbing/biking: It might be hard, sweaty work on the way up, but once you see the stunning panoramic vistas and the unusual flora, it is well worth it!
Scuba diving/snorkelling: You can expect clear blue waters with high visibility for exploring - you'll see loads of colourful marine life.
Cycle around Africa: Sure, you can hire a car and see Africa through the window, or you can hop on a bicycle and let the fresh air whipping through your face and get dust on your clothes- weather permitting of coarse.
Fishing: Fishing is a very popular sport in Africa. It might not sound like a great adventure, but when you reel in your first catch of the day, the adrenalin rush is exhilarating.
Horse riding: The most popular routes are riding along the beach and exploring the coastlines of Africa. If you are not an experienced rider then a guide will hold the reigns while you slowly trot along the water's edge.
Kayaking: This is for the serious wild adventure seekers! Pack up your troubles and head out onto the great white river rapids that will have you swirling with fun in no time.
Safari tour: This is one of the most adventurous activities that anybody can enjoy. Simply sit back in a tailor-made safari vehicle and be blown away by the animals, scents and sights of Africa.
One of the greatest things about a safari is that you never know what you are going to see or experience.
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