FLIGHTS

If you would like any help or information regarding flights from Australia then just give our office a call.

As all the cities we start & finish in are interesting and exciting to visit we recommend staying in each for a couple of days before and after your trip departs or arrives.  If you give us your flight details we will try and match you with someone who is flying out at the same time so that you can share a taxi from the airport to the hotel.

JOINING & STARTING POINT DETAILS

We will send you out joining instructions approximately 8 weeks before departure dates for Tunis, Cairo, Bishkek & Beijing. This will include information regarding hotels & hostels to use before and after your trip as well as when and where the trips will start from etc.

LOCAL PAYMENT

Local Payment is part of your overall expedition investment and is the easiest and most economical way for Overland’s to get hard currency to the crew to help run your trip.  It goes toward a variety of day-to-day local costs which cannot be pre-paid for. This is payable to your tour leader on departure in US Dollars cash only post year 2000.

Please Note: We will only accept $100 notes that are issued on or after 2000 as older notes are more difficult to change.

The Local payment is a guaranteed amount, set before your tour departs. We will not ask you to contribute more once the tour is underway, as can happen with ‘group kitty’ systems.

PASSPORT & VISA REQUIRMENTS

Visas - Visas are needed by most nationalities for most of the countries we travel through and you will need to obtain some of these before the trip departs and the rest en-route. We will send you more information regarding what visas to obtain approximately 8 weeks before the departure date.

Please bring 3 photocopies of your passport details page and twenty (20) passport photos to give to your tour leader. You'll need at least twelve (12) blank pages in your passport, which must be valid for at least nine months. If you have dual nationality you can only use one passport. Passports with an Israeli stamp or any indication of travel to Israel must be replaced.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is compulsory requirement before joining any Overland tour that you are insured against personal accident, medical and repatriation expenses. We can organise travel insurance for you if you wish. Please consult us or our website for details.

Payment - Please include the full payment of the insurance policy you require along with your deposit. You can do this by submitting your card details on the payments section of our website at the same time as you’re booking details. We can only issue travel insurance upon receiving full payment for the policy.

Whichever policy you decide to take out – please read the small print. Please ensure that when calculating the amount of time you need insurance cover for – that you include your outward and return flight in the overall period of travel – or else your policy may be invalid.

Repatriation – check your policy make sure you are repatriated in case of an accident to your county of choice, – E.g. If you are an Australian resident and take out cover with us for travel to Africa or Asia and either you or a close relative at home become seriously ill whilst you’re travelling, you will only be repatriated to the Australia and NOT to the UK.  You would have to arrange your own onward travel from the UK. 

NB. It is advisable to take out travel insurance at the time of booking as most policies cover you for cancellation and curtailment from the date the policy is issued. This means that should you have to cancel your trip for a number of reasons (read the policy wording to see what is covered) you may be able to claim some or all of your money back. Please contact us if you have any queries.

Your Tour Leader will ask to see a copy of your Insurance details at the beginning of your trip – especially details of the Insurers 24hr Emergency phone number and your policy number. Please also be aware that it is your responsibility to ensure you are fully covered for the correct regions that you are travelling through.

IMPORTANT:  It is advisable to take out travel insurance at the time of booking as most policies cover you for personal cancellation and curtailment from the date the policy is issued. This means that should you have to cancel your trip for a number of reasons (read the policy wording to see what is covered) you may be able to claim some or all of your money back.

NOTE: If you are interested in extra insurance cover for your photographic equipment – please contact us and we will send you out a brochure.

CREW & ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Adventure travel is not an exact science. It is this very unpredictability which makes it such a rewarding experience. Occasionally we must amend our itineraries to take into account changing local circumstances. In such situations we’ll always try to minimise any disruption, but you need to bear in mind that from time to time events occur outside our control. While our crew are experienced and knowledgeable in running overland trips, they are not guides as such. The diversity and extent of the history and cultures in this region are second to none. At the most important historical sites we visit, we have the benefit of locally trained guides who have spent many years and have vast experience of such sites.

We usually have two crew, whose duties are extensive and quite demanding. Their challenges include driving and maintaining the expedition vehicle to a very high standard, organising visas and border crossings, accommodation, finding the best deals, pre-booking some excursions and guides, helping with shopping and cooking, keeping up with the party animals and making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Please Note: Because this expedition is the first running in this area, we regard this as an exploratory trip and as such ANYONE booking this trip should do so as well. This means that you should expect that some prices quoted for visas and excursions will be incorrect (prices go up as well as down), there will be hassles and time spent getting through borders and dealing with officialdom along the way, there will be time spent waiting to obtain visas en-route, the forecast itinerary we have set may well change (although we will endeavour to keep to the route we have set out and the timescales prescribed as closely as we can) and you definitely won’t be getting a hot shower each and every night – but this should all be regarded as part and parcel of such a ground breaking and exploratory route – this will also be true to a certain extent for the trip that returns from Beijing.

ACCOMMODATION & LIFE ON THE ROAD

Accommodation - We spend around 50% - 60% of nights camping and the rest of the time in simple hotels/guesthouses. The variety is great and often a totally unique experience, including tents, hotels, yurts, simple village pensions and even riverboats.

Some are well equipped and managed and some very basic. You will need to bring along a sleeping bag, sleep sheet and a roll-mat. When we camp we use two-person tents, which are specially made for us to meet the tough conditions of an expedition of this nature. All our tents have a sewn in floor and mosquito netting in the doors.

Life on the Road – A typical day on the road starts around 8.30am and finishes around 5.30pm with stops along the way for photos, activities, lunch, buying food, and toilet stops etc. There are times however when we will have some long drives, so be prepared to cover big distances. Most evenings we will stop and find a bush camp and you and your tent partner will put up your tent, and then give a hand with the duty you will be rostered for, getting out the tables and stools or maybe the cook tent and water containers. Some may help collect firewood or take the stored firewood from the truck. The fire grates or gas stove need to be taken out and lit, and someone can fill the kettle and put it on for some hot drinks while the cooks prepare the evening meal. We usually cook in groups of 2 to 4 in a rota system and you can expect to cook about once every 7 - 10 days, depending on group size. At breakfast everyone helps themselves, usually cereal, toast and coffee (occasionally we may have a fried breakfast). If we stay in a hotel breakfast is sometimes provided. Lunch is cold and the cooking crew will put out bread, tinned food and maybe make a salad. In the evening the cooks come into their own and this is your chance to impress or flop! Don't worry, your tour leader and other members of the group will always help and advise. We also have some quite long breaks (2 to 4 days at a time) where we are in one place, with no driving. At these places most people prefer to eat out, so we often don't cook all meals - this enables you to get out and try the local cuisine! 

When we bush camp you will need to take one of the truck shovels with you to make your own toilet. Make sure you dig a suitable hole behind a bush and cover it and your toilet paper up properly afterwards otherwise burn the paper.

Our vehicles are designed to create more space for you compared to other overland vehicles. After all, the truck is your home for the duration of the trip! The size and horsepower of our vehicles also enables us to carry far more spares, fuel, water, and allows far more storage space for your luggage than the cramped conditions that prevail on many other vehicles. We limit the number of passengers on each truck to 24 passengers. A large percentage of the roads we will travel on are sealed, but there will also be times we will be travelling off road on gravel and sand. Although some roads are badly potholed or gravel we are capable of cruising at 80 to 90kmh on most other roads. Our vehicles are equipped with sand mats, stereo, cool boxes, overhead lockers (for day bags and cameras etc) on board safes, fully lockable sliding windows and entry door (for those times we are away from the vehicle), and comfortable coach seats. Our vehicles are fully insulated and internally heated as well for extra comfort.

OVERLAND VEHICLES & SECURITY ON BOARD

Vehicle Equipment - All our vehicles are equipped for your comfort with the following:

• Comfortable coach seats with headrests & removable seat bases with 3 foot deep compartments – which means easy access to your baggage – even whilst driving!!!
• Large internal floor area which is more communal and allows easy movement - rather than the standard bus style outlay
• 12 volt cigarette socket for recharging camera / video batteries
• Internal & external lighting system
• CD stereo with adaptors for MP3, MD or CD walkmans
• Onboard Library
• Inter cab buzzer for communication with the crew
• Cooler boxes for food and drinks
• Extra storage space for excess baggage and souvenirs
• Easy to reach overhead racking for day bags & cameras
• Lockable safe for storage of money and valuables
• Professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit
• Roomy 2 person tents with sewn–in mosquito netting
• Large water carrying capacity
• Internal under floor storage for dried and tinned food
• External lockers for cooking equipment, tents etc
• Camping stools &  cook awning for all weather conditions
• Extensive range of spare parts

Security - There is a lockable safe bolted onto the floor of the truck beneath a false floor. This is for your money belts, passports and smaller valuables. The company does not take responsibility for client’s personal items. In certain areas a roster will be drawn up to guard the vehicle. A money belt that can be concealed is better than a bum bag or wallet that hangs from the neck. We advise you do not take items of value that are not essential to your journey.

Video Cameras – You should bring at least one spare battery with you, as purchasing spares on route may be expensive and difficult and there will be times on the tour when you will not be able to charge from the mains supplies for several days at a time. It is worthwhile considering purchasing a spare battery even if you bring an in-car charger with you, so as you will always have a battery charged and ready to go. Our vehicles are equipped with 12 volt cigarette lighter charger sockets, so it is worth while thinking about purchasing an in-car charger – however these can be expensive. If you decide not to purchase an in-car charger bring your normal 230V mains charger as well as a travel adaptor plug as you'll come across virtually every type of socket ever invented plus a few others and some of the hotels, hostels, restaurants and campsites we use, you can charge from their mains supply.

Please Note: that in some cities and towns in China normal wall sockets are 110V not 230V so check with the hotel staff first before plugging any appliances or chargers in.

Photography - As a matter of courtesy, ask people’s permission first, especially women, and in smaller poorer areas. Mornings and late afternoons are best for photos as the midday sunlight can be too bright and cause a washed out look. A polarizing filter or lens hood will cut out some of the glare.  It is advisable to have a good all-round carry case to protect your camera from knocks and dust. Most types of film are available en route but only in cities, so bring enough with you. An easy-to-use instamatic will get you good shots. If you want something really memorable, then it may be worthwhile investing in an SLR camera.  A flash is useful at some of the monuments and an 80 - 210 zoom and tripod will get you some good people shots.  If you have a digital camera, bring enough memory chips as they are not usually available en route. 

In all the countries we visit it is forbidden to take photos of anything military.  Bridges, border posts, and airports are also sensitive, so be careful or be prepared to have your film or possibly camera confiscated.

Time - All countries are between 2 - 8 hours ahead of UK time. Time is something that people from Tunisia onwards seem to have plenty of. Things that should take 5 minutes can take over an hour. Try not to speed things up as this just leads to greater frustration.

Language – Because of the large area and number of countries we will be travelling through there is a vast array of different languages we will have to cope with and try and get our tongues around! These are: French, Arabic, Turkish, and Russian & Chinese to name but a few. English is not widely spoken except perhaps by a few people in the larger towns and cities.  Learning some basic phrases will be rewarded when meeting local people and most guide books such as rough Guides and Lonely Planet have sections in them dedicated to commonly used phrases and words.

Email – By far the best way to receive news from friends and family is by email. You can pick up emails from anywhere in the world just by ‘logging on’ at any Internet café or anywhere that has access to the worldwide web. Some of the best companies to register with are Hotmail or Yahoo. It is a free service and takes just a couple of minutes to register. Your tour leader will advise you of the best places to pick up your emails en route, usually you will be able to check your emails every few days to once a week.

FEMALE TRAVELLERS & WHAT TO WEAR

People in the regions we pass through are generally conservative, especially about matters concerning sex and women.  Muslim countries simply are not the place to make a feminist statement. If you are not prepared to fit in with the social code of the area the chances are you will be harassed. 

What to wear - Dress conservatively. Keeping your arms, shoulders and legs covered will go a long way to prevent causing offence and hassle to you. This is true for men as well as women. Avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing.

PERSONAL HEALTH – VACCINATIONS – MEDICAL KITS

Health and Hygiene on the trip - Your crew will talk to you about cooking, washing cutlery, cleaning etc. We purify our drinking water where necessary.  To join the expedition you should be in good general health.  We must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition or are on any regular medication.

Vaccinations – You need to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever & Typhoid and have an International Vaccination Certificate to prove this. It is also advisable to be immunized against; Tetanus, Polio, Meningitis and Hepatitis A and possibly Rabies. Consult your doctor or a medical clinic.

Medical Kits - We carry professionally compiled medical kits with emergency First aid material and antibiotics. However, the crew is not entitled to recommend or prescribe any medicine and we advise a health check with your GP and Dentist before you start your journey.

Personal Medicines - We advise you bring along your own small medical kit to include; antiseptic ointment; antihistamine cream; nurofen or equivalent pain-killer; eye drops/bath; anti diarrhoea treatment; sun block; after sun/moisturiser; rehydration sachets; plasters; suitable antibiotics as recommended by your doctor for infected cuts and to treat severe dysentery.

Malaria - The areas through which we travel are considered to be mostly malaria free but consult your doctor regarding the risks of malaria.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

We believe travel should be a rewarding experience for you as well as the people we encounter, and that preserving the natural state and beauty of the areas we pass through is essential. For this reason our supplier Oasis supports Tourism Concern – a voluntary and charity based organization. Their aim is to educate travellers on positive and negative effects that tourism has on local communities. Part of your trip payment is donated to Tourism Concern who use such donations for organizing and facilitating new or current projects in the UK and abroad. Many projects that have been highlighted include the establishing of Porters rights in such tourist hubs as The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The organization is also assisting the local Maasai with continuing a traditional way of life after being displaced from their homes in order to make way for the Serengeti National Park. For more information regarding the role of Tourism Concern and its involvement with other projects around the world please log on to their website www.tourismconcern.org.uk  We feel our support is part of an important initiative also supported by other organizations such as Earth Watch, Raleigh International and STA Travel.

As a young company, our supplier, Oasis Overland appreciate that we are fortunate to have the opportunity to operate trips in many developing countries of the world. We also hope that through travelling with us you will benefit from a raised awareness of the many environmental and social issues that concern the areas through which we travel. From running trips and supporting worthy organizations, we have developed our own practical and manageable environmental policy in which all our crew are versed and practise to a high level.

In Luxor, Egypt, Jinja, Uganda and Harare, Zimbabwe our supplier is a sponsor of several independently run Children’s Orphanages – caring for underprivileged youths and orphans and on this exploratory trip we will be looking to establish a similar sponsorship with one or two orphanages along the way in a couple of the countries we will be travelling through.

FOOD & DRINK

When camping we supply on average two to three meals per day. You will prepare meals in teams on a rota system and can expect to cook every seven days or so on the trip, depending on the group size. When we stay in hotels/hostels/pensions etc breakfast is usually provided by the hostel, but because the vehicle is usually unable to park with us at these places it is obviously nearly impossible to provide meals off the truck.

We have not accounted for the Local Payment cost to include meals whilst we stay in hotels & hostels etc.

You will need to budget for these meals separately and on average this is around $10 / day when we stay in hotels & hostels which for most people is enough to cover lunch & dinner. Most hotels & hostels we use will include breakfast.

Through the various ‘stans’, China & Egypt we will be using basic hostels & hotels about 80% of the time, other countries it will be approx. 60 / 40 camping versus hostels, so budget accordingly.

Most market and roadside stalls serve cheap healthy food and in China especially where just about anything that lives, walks (or crawls) can and is eaten in various guises.  Very sweet desserts, pastries and strong coffee and tea are easily found along the way as well. Where necessary we purify our drinking water. Tap water is generally, but not always, safe to drink but bottled water is widely available for between 30p – £1 per 1.5l. Whenever we cook there is a plentiful supply of coffee and tea and the kettle is well boiled on our gas cooker. Boiled water is always safe to drink. In most of the countries we travel through cheap local beer, wine and spirits are available.

CURRENCY REQUIREMENTS & PERSONAL SPENDING MONEY

Tipping and Bargaining - Tipping is usually expected. 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. Keep small change on you so as not to incur a large demand when it is seen you can afford more.  Most prices are negotiable, especially in bazaars & markets.  Many travellers find it a hassle having to bargain for everything you wish to buy, but prices are usually inflated so accept the tea or coffee offered, sit down, and if you are not happy, move on to another place.  You are under no obligation to buy and don't be intimidated.

Things to buy - One of the highlights of a trip of this length and variety is the covered bazaars and markets found along the way. There are numerous handicrafts and souvenirs including kilims (rugs), carpets, silver, gold, clothing, woven bags, silk, jewellery boxes, jade and stone carvings, tea, porcelain and pottery goods, backgammon boards, leather goods, incense, plus much more………..

Currency - It is best to take two thirds of your money in US Dollars Cash and a third in Euro, Sterling or US Dollars Travellers Cheques.  Make sure that all your dollar notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused and all notes MUST be printed on or after year 2000. Do not bring $100 notes unless they are in excellent condition.

Scottish Pounds are also not accepted anywhere.

It is easy to get local currency from ATM machines in most of the countries we travel through, but usually only in the larger towns and cities. There is a secure safe for money on board the truck. A credit card is useful for emergency spending and is accepted in most shops in the larger cities and it is also possible to withdraw US $ cash from over the counter at some banks, although this can be time consuming. However, cards are virtually useless outside of large cities.

Bring about US $500 in cash to pay for visas and border crossings.

Please Note!! If you do not bring enough cash you may struggle to change traveller’s cheques in many places we visit.

Spending money - For personal spending, budget on £100 - £140 per week to cover you for some meals out, drinks, local crafts and souvenirs. Of course this varies person-to-person depending on how much you eat out, drink, and how many souvenirs you buy. Budget on optional side trips separately