Your consultant will be able to assist you with airport transfers if it has been booked in conjunction with one of our affiliated hotels as pre or post-accommodation.

Yes, we do offer customized travel packages to suit your specific interests and requirements. Whether you want to focus on wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, or adventure travel, we can tailor your trip to suit your needs. Please chat with one of our travel experts to discuss your options.

It is a booking condition that all travellers have adequate and comprehensive travel insurance. Your guide will check for these details on day one of the tour and we may request them ahead of time so they are on the passenger list.

Your insurance must cover you for any medical emergency, this must include being airlifted in case of a serious illness or injury as our tours often travel a long way from good hospital facilities. If credit card insurance is taken out, this often does not provide sufficient cover therefore a separate travel insurance policy is recommended.

Please always check that your policy includes cancellation insurance. A lot of our tours are booked months in advance so if anything happens on your side or on the ground in Africa you would be protected. Some clients do choose to use their credit card Insurance, it is strongly recommended that you check the fine print of this option and make sure you have sufficient cover in all respects.

Choosing the right Africa overland tour can be challenging, but there are a few key factors to consider. First, think about your budget and the length of time you have available for travel. You should also consider your interests and the types of activities you enjoy. Finally, chat to one of our travel experts for advice on what tour is most suitable.

Certainly. Most city hotels will have either internet connection in the bedroom or a business center where you can spend time online. Most safari lodges and camps offer this facility in the main area if not in the rooms. In some remote areas, however, there might not be any internet.Certainly. Most city hotels will have either internet connection in the bedroom or a business center where you can spend time online. Most safari lodges and camps offer this facility in the main area if not in the rooms. In some remote areas, however, there might not be any internet.

There are a variety of overland tours available, ranging from budget camping to comfortable accommodated tours. Size of groups can vary, depending on the size of the vehicle, style of tour and the route chosen.

Camping tours are suitable for those looking for a more participative trip. It’s an opportunity for those looking for a more hands-on experience. From erecting your tent, to helping prepare meals to general camp activities. The tents provided are usually 2 man dome tents, built for the rugged African terrain and large enough to comfortably handle two campers. Mattresses are provided and sleeping bags are necessary. An ideal option for the young at heart.

Accommodated tours are suitable for those looking for all the benefits of an overland tour, only more comfortable. Accommodation is mostly in ensuite rooms – and can vary from hotels, lodges, guesthouses and chalets – depending on the location. Participation on tour is limited and there is generally a dedicated cook. These tours appeal to all age groups.

There are many benefits to taking an Africa overland tour.

Overland tours cover multiple countries and regions, allowing you to experience a variety of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife. From the vast savannas of Kenya to the deserts of Namibia, you’ll see it all.

Your passport must have enough pages for all visas, at least 2 pages free for every country that you’ll be visiting. Please ensure that you take your passport out from your hotel / backpackers safe the night before departure. We recommend that you also leave a copy at home or with some friends. Another good idea would be to take a photo of your passport, and the contents, and email it to yourself. Please note that South Africa insists having 2 clear pages available when you enter the country. Keep this in mind if you are going to fly home from South Africa after completing a tour to multiple African countries.

Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your date of departure from Africa.

You are personally responsible for ensuring that passports, visas, vaccination certificates, and other travel documents are in order and for all costs relating thereto. Please note that it is not advisable to use more than one passport (to avoid visa payments) when travelling. When entering (for example) Namibia, the immigration official needs to see the exit stamp for South Africa and it must be in the same passport in order to allow entry.

When traveling to Africa, it is important to know the vaccination requirements to protect your health and prevent the spread of diseases. The recommended vaccinations vary depending on the country or region you plan to visit, as well as your medical history and current health status.

Some of the most common vaccinations recommended for travel to Africa include:

• Yellow fever: This vaccination is required for entry into some African countries, and is recommended for all travelers to areas where yellow fever is present.
• Malaria: Most areas in East Africa have a high risk of malaria and Southern Areas are known to have low risk of malaria. It is very important to ask your GP / travel clinic for advice on what prophylactics to take.
• Covid19: Some countries require travellers to either be vaccinated against Covid or to show a negative PCR test to enter. Please check the latest requirements directly with the embassy.
• Hepatitis A & B: These vaccinations are recommended for all travelers to Africa, as hepatitis A and B can be contracted through contaminated food or water.
• Typhoid fever: This vaccination is recommended for all travelers to Africa, as typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated food or water.
• Rabies: This vaccination is recommended for travelers who plan to spend extended periods of time in rural areas or who may come into contact with animals, such as through outdoor activities or animal research.

To ensure that you receive the most up-to-date and accurate information on vaccination requirements for your trip to Africa, it is recommended that you consult with a travel health specialist or your healthcare provider at least four to six weeks before your departure. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual health needs and travel plans.

Visa requirements vary depending on the country you are visiting and your country of origin. It is important to check the visa requirements for the country you are planning to visit well in advance of your trip. You are responsible for your own visas, so please check the itinerary of your tour carefully, and if you need a multiple-entry visa be sure to get one.

It’s also important to re-check visa requirements at least four weeks prior to departing for your tour as countries sometimes change regulations. Some countries offer visas on arrival, while others require that you obtain a visa before you arrive.

Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months after your departure date from Africa and you must have at least 3-4 blank pages available. Some countries will not allow you to enter without 2 blank pages in your passport.

Detour Africa Tours & Safaris will not be held responsible for clients being denied entry should they not be in the possession of the relevant visas.

All travellers must be in possession of a valid onward/return air ticket or proof of other means of transport enabling the traveller to leave the country in which your adventure tour terminates. Alternatively, you must have proof of sufficient funds (e.g. credit card) enabling you to purchase an air ticket to leave the country. Should the adventure tour you are joining be re-entering a country, be sure to have a multiple entry visa that enables you to re-enter the country.

Arranging visas is not our specialty and due to this we do not always have the most updated information as these regulations change regularly.

Most major world currencies are available throughout Southern and East Africa. Any of the following currencies are accepted: US Dollar, Euro and Pounds. In general US Dollar is the main currency used in Africa. There are ATM machines as well as money exchange companies in most of the major cities in the regions we operate in.

Africa is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world, but it can also be challenging for travellers. It is important to take some health and safety precautions before and during your trip. This may include getting vaccinated, taking antimalarial medication, using mosquito repellent, and avoiding tap water. We recommend that you visit your nearest travel clinic for the most up-to-date information and professional medical advice.

Overlanding is the most exciting way to travel through Africa. An overland tour offers the opportunity to explore the more remote parts of Africa. Specially adapted vehicles enable one to visit places which are generally inaccessible to normal vehicles.

An overland tour is for the more adventurous traveller, and is very different to your average holiday package. Routes are chosen to give the traveller a fantastic variety of African encounters, from wildlife, culture to spectacular scenery.

In the event of cancellation the following cancellation fees will be payable by the client:

For tours only in South Africa

• Notification is received 30 days or more before departure, loss of 25% deposit
• 30 days or less  prior to departure, loss of 100% of tour cost

For multiple cross country overland tours

• Notification received 56 days or more prior to departure, loss of deposit
• 31 to 45 days prior to departure, loss of 50% of tour cost
• 30 days or less  prior to departure, loss of 100% of tour cost

Cancellation of any booking must be received in writing and acknowledged by Detour Africa.

If the client fails to join a tour, join it after it’s a departure, or leave it prior to its completion for any reason, no reimbursement whatsoever will be made.

Detour Africa reserves the right to change or cancel any tour although every effort will be made to operate itineraries as advertised.

In the event of a tour being cancelled by Detour Africa, the client may choose a full refund or alternatively any other tour that Detour Africa is in a position to offer. If the price of the alternative tour is less than the original tour booked, the difference will be refunded to the client. If the alternative tour is more expensive, then the client will be liable for the additional cost.

Changes made by the client: If the client wishes to change his/her reservation Detour Africa will make every effort to assist the client. The reservation date may be changed, subject to availability and agreement with Detour Africa. Any changes will incur a minimum fee of US$ 50 and any subsequent cancellation fee will be based on the date of the original travelling date. Should Detour Africa not be able to help the client with alternative dates, the normal cancellation fees will apply.

Please see the full terms and conditions via this link: https://www.detourafrica.com/terms-conditions/

The cost of a travel package varies depending on the specific destination, length of stay, and activities included. Our travel advisors will work with you to create a package that fits your budget.

When embarking on one of our overland tours that uses an overland truck, it is important to note that your baggage is restricted to a single backpack and day pack, weighing no more than 20-23kg in total.

Bringing an excess of luggage can hinder your experience, in general you have packed excessively if you are unable to lift your own luggage. Those who require additional baggage allowance may make a request but it is important to bear in mind that we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to accommodate large or excess baggage.

Most overland trucks have been specifically designed with storage lockers. For this reason, we do NOT allow Samsonite-style suitcases, as they are not suitable and don’t fit in the lockers provided. Wheelie or trolley bags have a solid frame that cannot be stored in the same manner as soft backpacks or duffel bags.

Some small group tours that use trailers instead of lockers may have more flexible luggage restrictions.

We recommend checking the “Luggage Requirements” section under “Important Information” for your tour for detailed guidelines. You can also ask your consultant for advice.

GENERAL PACKING LIST

The first step in packing for your Africa overland tour is to research your tour. Understand the type of tour you’re taking and the activities involved. Consider the duration of the tour and the weather conditions in the areas you’ll visit. For instance, if you’re going on a safari tour in the dry season, you’ll need to pack differently from a tour that involves hiking in the rainy season.

CLOTHING

When it comes to clothing, the rule of thumb for an Africa overland tour is to pack light comfortable clothes. Here are some clothing items to consider:

• Light and Breathable Clothes: Most parts of Africa are hot and humid, so it’s essential to pack light clothes that will keep you cool and comfortable. Pack t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and skirts made from breathable materials such as cotton, linen, and bamboo.
• Warm Clothes: While most parts of Africa are hot during the day, the temperatures can drop significantly at night. Therefore, it’s essential to pack warm clothes such as a fleece jacket or a hoodie to keep you warm at night.
• Rain Gear: If you’re traveling during the rainy season, pack a rain jacket, a poncho, or an umbrella to keep you dry.
• Swimwear: If your tour involves swimming, pack swimwear such as bikinis or swim trunks.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Pack comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers. Most of our tours don’t require fancy hiking boots, comfortable walking shoes should suffice. Avoid packing new shoes that haven’t been broken in.

If you are planning an Africa overland trip, you may wonder how much and when to tip. Tipping is a common practice in Africa, and it is an essential way of showing appreciation for excellent service. However, tipping culture can differ from country to country and the amount you tip will depend on the length of the trip and the service provided therefore it can be confusing to know the right amount to tip. We will provide you with tips on how much to tip and when to tip during your Africa overland trip.

Tipping on an Africa overland trip is different from tipping in a restaurant or a hotel. You will be tipping a variety of people, from drivers to guides to porters. The amount you tip will depend on the service provided and the country you are visiting.

Your crew/guide can be tipped if you feel that they have done a good job and/or gone above and beyond the call of duty. The best way to arrange tips is to elect one person in the group to collect the money.

We recommend USD 2 – 3 per day per person, per guide as a fair tip. So if you have 2-crew on a tour, we would recommend that 2 envelopes are used and each crew member’s name written on one. Place what you feel is fair into each envelope and the elected person can give these to the crew at the end of the tour. If you do not feel that the crew deserves a tip, please, do not tip them. Please remember that tipping is only for exceptional service and is not at all compulsory or expected

When tipping in Africa, it is best to tip in the local currency. This is because many people may not have access to foreign currency, and exchanging it can be expensive. It is also a sign of respect to tip in the local currency.

As an African travel agency and operator, we offer a wide range of travel packages to suit different interests and budgets. These include wildlife safaris, beach holidays, cultural tours, adventure travel, and luxury packages.

Africa is a vast continent with a wide range of climates and weather patterns. The best time to visit Africa depends on what you want to see and do. Africa experiences two main seasons being the dry season and the wet season. See below for a brief outline of when to visit both East Africa and Southern Africa.

EAST AFRICA

Dry Season (June-October) The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit East Africa, as the weather is mild and there is little rainfall. This makes it the perfect time for wildlife viewing and safari tours. The dry season is also an excellent time for hiking and climbing, as the trails are dry and visibility is good.

Wet Season (November-May) The wet season can be a challenging time to visit East Africa, as heavy rainfall can make travel difficult and wildlife sightings can be more limited. However, the wet season also brings lush vegetation and beautiful flowers, making it a great time for bird-watching and photography. The wet season can also be a good time to visit if you are interested in cultural events and festivals.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

Dry Season (May-October) The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit Southern Africa, as the weather is mild and there is little rainfall. This makes it the perfect time for wildlife viewing and safari tours, as animals gather around watering holes and the grass is shorter, making it easier to spot them. The dry season is also an excellent time for hiking and outdoor activities, as the trails are dry and visibility is good.

Wet Season (November-April) The wet season can be a challenging time to visit Southern Africa, as heavy rainfall can make travel difficult and wildlife sightings can be more limited. However, the wet season offers green, lush vegetation, making it a great time for bird watching and photography.

The Western Cape, has a Mediterranean climate with its rainy season running from May to September so keep this in mind if you plan on visiting the Garden Route or Cape Town area.