Hotel Information
Pre-Departure Meeting
We hold a pre-departure meeting in London, approximately two weeks before the start of your expedition, where you will have a chance to meet your Tour Leader and Driver and chat to other travellers that are going on your expedition over a few drinks. Information regarding tropical medicine and malaria prevention will be offered by medically trained staff from Nomad Travel Clinic. A brief informative talk will also run through the main aspects of the trip - including the route, what equipment you should take, how much cash and what currencies to bring etc.
We will be sending you supplementary pre departure information 2 months before departure - including information on the location, time and date of the meeting, along with details of what exactly to bring with you.
It is important that you attend this meeting - please let the UK office know if you are unable to.
Please bring the following items to the meeting
£200 CASH - (this is part of your Local Payment which goes towards food we buy here in the UK before we depart on the trip)
Vaccination Certificates (plus a photocopy of your yellow fever certificate)
Photocopy of your Travel Insurance Policy
Passport AND two photocopies of the photo / details page
Departure
From the UK Oasis will fly you as a group direct to Gibraltar or Malaga where on arrival you will be met by your Oasis Crew and join the expedition vehicle. The flight from UK is usually from Luton Airport and is included in the cost of your trip, so you will not have to pay any extra for this. Checked in baggage is limited to a total of 20 kg per person plus one piece of carry on luggage of approx 10kg. The flight tickets and departure information will be given to you at the pre-departure meeting. The reason we fly across Europe rather than drive is that camping in a European winter is not very enjoyable and most campsites are closed. This also saves us a 4 day drive across Europe and we can then spend the extra time in Africa!
Post-trip Accommodation & Airport Transfers
This can be arranged with your tour leader during the trip or directly with the hotel / camp on arrival. The return airport transfer are not included and is at your own expense. These services cannot be arranged by Oasis via the UK before departure.
Flight Information
Buying your tickets to fly back to UK or onward to India, SE Asia or Australia and New Zealand.
It is best to do this when you arrive in either Cape Town / Nairobi / Cairo as airlines usually won't issue a ticket 5 or 6 months in advance. Daily flights to Australasia usually depart from Jo'Burg, with many flights to the UK departing direct from Cape Town. It is also possible to fly quite cheaply from Nairobi and Cairo to either the UK or Australasia.
Purchasing return tickets to the UK or onward to India, SE Asia or Australia and New Zealand. Airlines usually don't issue return tickets 5 or 6 months in advance - it is therefore recommended to purchase these when you arrive in either Cape Town / Nairobi / Cairo. Due to the nature of this expedition, unforeseen delays can be experienced anywhere along the route and we cannot guarantee our arrival dates at the various locations. Daily flights to Australasia usually depart from Jo'Burg, with many flights to the UK departing direct from Cape Town or Jo'Burg. It is also possible to fly quite cheaply from Nairobi and Cairo to either the UK or Australasia.
One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips - we recommend that you contact us at the time of paying your balance. We will supply you with a letter confirming that you are travelling overland on the specified trip that you have booked, in case immigration or the airline queries the fact that you do not have a return flight ticket. It is also recommended that you have a copy of your payment confirmation / receipt ( that you will be sent at time of balance payment) and itinerary as further proof of booking.
It is easy to find prices for flights online, through various search engines (www.opodo.co.uk or www.ebookers.co.uk are but two) and direct with airline websites. But it is worth bearing in mind that you may well be able to find a cheaper fare through a travel agent who's experience may help with complicated itineraries and many of whom offer airline insolvency cover in the cost.
Money & Budgets
Local Payment (LP)
LP is part of your overall trip payment and is the most cost effective and practical way to get hard currency to Africa to pay for a variety of your day-to-day local costs (i.e. all meals prepared by the group - 3 per day whilst travelling and 2 whilst in towns, campsite fees, wood, gas, and certain activities listed in the brochure) which cannot be pre-paid from the UK.
We will collect part of the Local Payment at the pre-departure meeting (details of which you will be informed of prior to), with the remaining balance payable to your Tour Leader on departure in either Gibraltar or Spain.
Please note: CASH ONLY is accepted and needs to be in - £ Pounds Sterling, $US Dollars or Euro's - In general the Local Payment break down is as below, a precise break down will be given in more detail at the pre-departure meeting. Scottish Pounds are not accepted.
UK to Accra -
70% = £ Pounds Sterling
30% = $US Dollars or Euro's
UK to Cape Town -
25% = £ Pounds Sterling
40% = $US Dollars
35% = Euro's
UK to Nairobi -
35% = £ Pounds Sterling
45% = $US Dollars
20% = Euro's
UK to Cairo -
30% = £ Pounds Sterling
55% = $US Dollars
15% = Euro's
Spending Money
For personal spending money budget on approximately £300 per month (from Morocco to Angola) and £100 to £140 per week (from Namibia to Egypt) to cover you for visa's, some meals out, drinks, communications, souvenirs and other general spending.
We recommend the following to be used as a guide - including a few days layover in Cape Town / Nairobi:
UK to Cape Town - approx £1500
UK to Nairobi - approx £2800
UK to Cairo - approx £4000
The recommendation above is worked out on the assumption that you will be fairly budget-conscious. Remember, however, telephone and internet access is expensive in Africa, usually £5 to £15 for a three minute call, and around £1 to £3 per half hour at a slow internet cafe. There are also other costs to bear in mind such as post trip hotel and food costs, optional side trips, your time on Zanzibar Island etc. This is an estimated figure as personal spending habits and budgets differ greatly from person to person. Budget on optional activities separately (please see list) and allow extra for your Local Payment contribution.
IMPORTANT: Please be sure to read the notice regarding flight prices from Cameroon to Namibia or Kenya - which may be necessary if we cannot pass overland through DRC / Angola - More details provided at the end of Before you go.
Changing money
Your crew will advise you where & when you can change money & with what means. It is also a good idea to have a small CASH emergency fund, to allow for the unexpected.
How to bring your currency?
As a general rule it is best to bring your money as 1/3 US$ cash, 1/3 Euros in cash, and 1/3 in US$ / £GBP or Euro Travellers' Cheques (TC's). 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/ATM's are closed (only if you are travelling to these countries). US dollars dated pre-1999 are not accepted in Africa so please ensure your notes are dated 2000 onward & Scottish pounds are also not accepted. The rate of exchange for T/Cs & small denomination $US bills are usually slightly less than larger bills, but it is still advisable to bring an assortment of both as some activities and operators will not have the facility to give large amounts of change.
Travellers Cheques (TC's) as well as debit / credit cards can attract 2 to 8 % commission. The use of TC's overseas can be frustrating but at the same time worthwhile as they can be replaced in an incidence of loss or theft. A large number of activities can be paid for using TC's (see optional excursions page).
Credit & Debit Cards - a combination of several types are suggested as not all types are accepted in all places. Visa & Maestro are best, MasterCard has limited access through parts of Africa. Over the counter cash advances can be expensive, time consuming and should not be relied upon - you will be given local currency and NOT US$ 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.
ATM's - In some destinations we probably won't even see a bank or ATM for days on end. www.visa.com or www.mastercard.com can give a general idea of locations of ATM's around the world - but please do not rely on this means alone to obtain local cash, please only use as a guide - things change, and ATM's don't always work!
Besides memorising your PIN, it is also important to be aware of your daily withdrawal limit and bank withdrawal costs.
Tipping is often expected and relied upon, as wages are extremely low - It is often a reward for services well done and 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 charge an extra Government tax. Your crew will usually be able to help you with any queries regarding this. Please budget a tip of $10 per person (if you have a good trip) for the Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater safari as this is hugely appreciated by the local guides, driver and cook who will be looking after you.
In the past we have been asked by travellers about tipping your Oasis Crew. 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 with a thank you for hard work and good service - even if it is just verbally. Although a tip is not expected by either Oasis or our Crew if you have had a great trip and feel you would like to show your appreciation by leaving your crew a tip - an amount of $1 a day has been recommended to us by some past customer feedback.
Please be aware that tipping and the amount you tip is entirely up to you individually and always your choice.
Stuff to Buy
From carpets and kilims in Morocco, Tuareg swords and daggers in Mali, masks and voodoo relics in West Africa to intricate Makonde carvings and stone chess boards in Tanzania, Malawi chairs and wood / ebony carvings in Malawi and stone carvings and batiks in Zimbabwe. South Africa has a multitude of crafts from stone statues through to wooden carvings and basket ware. These are just some of the things you can purchase. Some people spend no more than £20 or £30 on African crafts while others may decide to take home hundreds of pounds worth. It is also worth taking any shoes or clothes you no longer use as these can be bartered in exchange for most goods. It is possible to post things home from South Africa, Vic Falls, Harare and Malawi.
Become part of the "Souvenir Alert "Campaign - and think before you buy. Tempted to buy exotic wildlife souvenirs on holiday? - check that you may not be breaking the law and endangering wildlife. Your souvenirs may be confiscated by customs on your return.
www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/CITES/
Climate
Rain is a regular occurrence in Morocco with chilly night time temperatures - especially in the desert. Most days are nice and sunny - and it only gets warmer as we head south. From Mali to Nigeria it is quite humid during the day and we may hit 'short' rains in Central Africa (Cameroon to Angola). In Southern Africa - November to March the weather is hotter and there is summer rainfall, although this is very intermittent when it may not rain for months, or it can rain for a day at a time. In East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) the 'short' rains are around November. The 'rains' usually last for one or two hours each day followed by hot sunny weather. Nights can be surprisingly cold at higher altitude in western Uganda and Ngorongoro Crater. Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt can be very hot (35C+).
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
Sleeping Bag - 3 to 4 season bag, depending on season, & sleep sheet
Foam sleeping mat or thermarest & repair kit
Small day-pack or small bag to carry daily items
Soft rucksack or holdall (NOT rigid suitcase) Soap, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, antibacterial
hand wash, lip balm & moisturiser
Sun block 35 + after sun, hat & sun glasses
Tampons (can buy in most places)
Contraception
Clothes Personal Effects
One pair of trainers or boots
Sandals / flip flops / jandals / thongs
Underwear / socks
T shirts / shirts
Shorts / swimwear
Jeans / trousers / jog pants / leggings
Skirt or dress
Sweat shirt / jumper
Jacket / fleece & waterproof jacket Camera with protective case, spare batteries,
film / memory card
Torch & spare batteries (head torch is best)
Alarm clock
Travel adaptor plug / charger (for cameras & mobile phone batteries)
Money belt
Personal stereo - there is a stereo on the truck
with CD / iPod / MP3 adaptors
Towel & / or sarong
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.
Recommended Medical Kit List
Antiseptic ointment / Antihistamine cream & tablets
Nurofen or equivalent pain-killer
Eye-drops / bath
Anti-diarrhoea treatment
A couple of bandages (elasticated & triangular)
Medication for personal allergies / asthma etc Insect repellent containing Deet
Re-hydration sachets / vitamin tablets
Assorted plasters
1 - 2 Sterile syringes
1 Course of malaria treatment
Some suitable antibiotics as recommended by
your doctor for infected cuts or to treat severe dysentery
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
Cameras (incl. Digital & Video Cameras)
An easy to use 'point and press' 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.
We recommend you bring:
Strong bag / carry case to protect the camera - zip lock / plastic bags are useful for dusty / sandy conditions
Spare / extra batteries
Polarizing Filter / Lens Hood for SLR's - this will help to minimise the washed out effect from very brought sunlight
Film - this is getting harder to find and may well be out of date or expensive
Memory / Storage media (2 x memory cards in case one gets corrupted) - again this could be hard to find
USB cable - to connect in internet cafes or for downloading
We can recommend Clock Tower Cameras for second hand cameras and lenses. Contact Paul or Eddy on 01273 706010 or visit their website: www.clocktowercameras.co.uk
Photography no no's!!
It is forbidden in all the countries we visit to take photos of anything military. Bridges, border posts and airports are also sensitive, so be careful or be prepared to have your film / camera confiscated by irate officials. Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people (especially in areas of poverty) - if in doubt it is always better to ask first before you snap away!
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.kropla.com for information regarding the different electrical plugs and voltage used in each country.
Life On The Road
Expedition Travel
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.
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 either a purpose built truck's (generally Nov departures) or 6x4 Scania truck (March departures). Both of 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 of the equipment we may need enroute, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water & fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts as well as a Satellite Phone and GPS system - and the kitchen sink, (well almost!) So all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat and your own personal gear!
Truck stats:
For the technically minded, one of our expedition trucks is an ex-army Renault 4x4, 18 tonne rigid truck, with a 300hp engine, an 8 speed gearbox, plus crawler gear with diff locks. The other is a 6x4 Scania 93 series truck with a 280hp engine with cross locks double drive diffs, 8 speed gearbox and crawler gear. Both of these vehicles come into their own on some of the tough terrains encountered en route, meaning much less digging / sandmatting than is encountered with normal 4x2 vehicles which can struggle in certain conditions. But in saying this, they are still able to cruise at 80-90km/hr on better sealed roads.
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 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 countries history, flaura 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!
Accommodation
Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of this expedition and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. It would also be a good idea to bring your own freestanding mosquito net so as to give you the freedom of sleeping under the stars at night. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities, so digging your own toilet pit with the shovels supplied is essential! From Morocco to Angola - when out of large towns and cities - the majority of our nights are spent bush camping. From Namibia to Uganda most nights are spent in campgrounds, some of which are well equipped and managed and some very basic. In both Cape Town and Nairobi the truck will have a layover for 3 or 4 days and in this time accommodation in either hotels or backpackers lodges is to be paid for by individuals and not Local Payment. This layover period gives you, the truck and crew a chance to do your own thing and recharge batteries! The route north from Uganda to Cairo allows us to re accustom ourselves to bush and desert camping where possible. At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your home comforts.
During the day
As a guide - driving days may start at about 8am and finish at about 5pm ( dependant on road conditions , border crossings , delays etc ) - with stops for lunch and buying food, seeing local sights etc. We won't be driving every day, although there will be times when we will drive for more than one day, and very occasionally some long drive days of about 4 to 8 days - for instance , across the sahara. 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 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. Meals whilst staying in Hotels / Hostels (Swakopmund, Cape Town, Zanzibar etc) and whilst on your layover time in Cape Town and Nairobi (Trans Africa) or Nairobi (Nile Trans) are not included in the local payment price.
In the evenings
When at a bushcamp or campsite - 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!
Vegetarians / Vegans
Our Tour Leaders will always do their best to cater for Vegetarians, Vegans or any other dietary requirement whenever possible, but it must be remembered that the variety or quantity of dishes available may not be the same as available to meat eaters. If there is anything in particular you require or would miss from home, it would be best to bring it with you.
Remember that when eating out in local restaurants & hotels - that the vegetarian concept, while often not completely new, is still alien & often incomprehensible to many local people. Fish or chicken has regularly been offered in error as a vegetarian option!! Most large towns and cities, or areas used to tourists, will often have more choice for vegetarians.
Contact Home
The most reliable way to receive messages from friends and family is via email. This is quite common place in many areas that we visit, but the efficiency or speed of connection is never a guarantee! You will usually be able to email every couple of days, depending on which countries you visit. Telephone calls can be expensive usually £1 to £5 for a three minute call, and internet access around £1 to £3 per half hour. There is also the opportunity to use Skype in some areas.
Postage - For longer trips Poste Restante mailing service is still operated by the main post offices in major towns, and they will normally hold mail for up to 4 weeks. For information on how it all works www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poste_restante
We will give you a list of Poste Restante addresses at the pre departure meeting. Alternatively, you can use the mail holding service operated by American Express & their agents if you are a client or have purchased Amex TC's. Ask for a book of holding addresses in Africa.
Language - A basic understanding of French will greatly increase your enjoyment of West & Central Africa where it is spoken in quite a few of the countries we pass through. Arabic is the main language in Morocco, Sudan and Egypt, where a few simple words and greetings will go down well with the local people. English is spoken fairly widely in all the countries we visit. Most African countries have so many languages, they have in many cases, adopted those of their former colonial rulers as the common national language. Radio and newspapers are usually in English or French.
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, (a great one is www.bugbitten.com). Most towns and cities have internet facilities, so you can update them regularly.
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 / watches and carrying cameras, will draw unnecessary attention to you. Leave valuables such as passports, excess money etc 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 discrete 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 & we 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 documents. Passengers 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.
Responsible Travel
Before you go
Remove unnecessary packaging before you go - waste disposal facilities are often stretched 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.
Take a sturdy water bottle with you from home that you can re-use throughout your trip.
While you're travelling
From experience gained in running trips, we have developed our own practical and a manageable environmental policy which all of our crew practice on the trips we operate, and they will share this information with you at the start of your trip. We welcome your input on this, plus any new ideas you may have, to improve our existing procedures. As a guide here's a few tips to bear in mind.
Don't waste water. It is a scarce resource in many of the places our trips visit.
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.
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 amke sure it is never near, (at least 30m) from 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 ares 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
Other Information
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, dependant 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.
If the section of the route through DRC / Angola appears to be an unviable option (due to security or problems procuring visas) we would ship our expedition vehicle from Cameroon to either, Namibia, South Africa or Kenya. This will necessitate a flight from Cameroon to either Nairobi (where you will be met by another one of our vehicles) or to Namibia or South Africa to rejoin the Trans Africa vehicle. Flights cost from €350 to €550. However, every safe and reasonable effort will be made by Oasis to drive all the way and keep the continuity of the trip overland. If we do have to fly and ship we will miss Gabon, DRC, Congo & Angola, but we will endeavour to take in other places of interest if time permits. While Oasis 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.
Additional Information
Wildlife
Click here to view a chart detailing what animals you may see in the various gameparks and reserves we visit between Nairobi and Jo'burg.
Migration
The 'Great Wildebeest Migration' has to be one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles in the animal kingdom. For those lucky enough, this once in a lifetime experience can be viewed in the surrounds of The Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Conservation Area of Tanzania and the Maasai Mara of Kenya and can be done before our after your trips with us. Click here for more info on the migration.
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