Overlanding through Africa
September 8th 2007 03:18
So now you have made your way across from Australia to London, had a peruse through Europe and need to get back home again? Flying is the boring option when you consider you can make your way down through deepest, darkest Africa and have another adventure before returning to reality.
You have a few options for doing this and browsing through most adventure travel websites will give you a good idea of what you can expect. It all depends what you want from it, so this is just a few of the options available to you. (See the bottom of this post for some Adventure Travel companies).
When overlanding you are going to be on the road with the same group of people for long periods of time. Everyone is expected to pitch in and help with the cooking, shopping and general duties around the campsite. It will be like a small community so make sure that this type of travel suits you before you start booking. I would highly recommend, to get the full African experience, to use this type of travel. There is no point in going to see the stunning landscapes, watch the wildlife and breathe in that energizing African air if you are going to flit from hotel to hotel and stay on the tourist track. You will miss out on so much!
The first thing I would recommend looking at is to be at the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater for the wildebeest migration, which occurs around Dec-Mar depending on the rains. If you think you have seen something spectacular before, stand back for this one! Having seen wildebeest move across the savannah before (not even close to the scale of this migration though), I can say it is an utterly spectacular sight. safari.go2africa.com probably describes it best...
Any trip to Africa would not be complete without going to see the Gorilla's. Sadly they have been murdered throughout the years by local poachers which saw their numbers dwindling rapidly. As a result visits are now restricted to around 45 minutes and only 6-8 people per expedition per day. Most people will be familiar with the story of DIan Fossey who lived in Rwanda studying these great animals and fighting to save them. Her murder in 1985 still remains a mystery to this day. She was a fascinating woman, born in America and travelling to Africa where she fell in love with the place, as so many do. The final entry in her diary reads...
We are all aware of the cloud of mystery that surrounds the ancient land of Egypt. You would need a lifetime to explore this place, and with so much to see and do from Pyramids to vibrant markets to sailing down the Nile you would have a difficult time deciding. One adventure which should not be missed is described by WorldExpeditions as such,
This post will follow on with more information on other African Adventures, moving to the Southern Countries next.
Some advice for travelling in Africa -
* make sure that whatever shots they tell you to get before you leave YOU GET! The healthy systems in some African countries are not the best so you want to make sure that you are as healthy as possible.
* keep a watchful eye out on your belongings, especially when you are in crowded areas. Most places you visit will be poverty stricken and everything and anything will be seen as a luxury.
* perhaps take some items such as pens and pencils along with you to give to street children if you can. They will be very appreciative of this and it is just a nice gesture to give a little once in a while.
* do not be afraid to barter. Try and get a rough idea of the cost of things before you get to a place. It may seem cheap, but trust me nine times out of ten you are being ripped off.
* be aware that you should exercise a higher level of awareness for your personal safety in most places. Although this should not put you off going to Africa just be a little more focused on what is going on around you and try not to wander off into unknown territory. As with any countries there are areas that should be avoided - make sure you get to know which places you should keep away from.
Websites consulted, Adventure Travel Websites and photos courtesy of:
www.safari.go2africa.com
www.kumuka.com
www.gorillafund.org/index.php
www.gifttrap.com
You have a few options for doing this and browsing through most adventure travel websites will give you a good idea of what you can expect. It all depends what you want from it, so this is just a few of the options available to you. (See the bottom of this post for some Adventure Travel companies).
When overlanding you are going to be on the road with the same group of people for long periods of time. Everyone is expected to pitch in and help with the cooking, shopping and general duties around the campsite. It will be like a small community so make sure that this type of travel suits you before you start booking. I would highly recommend, to get the full African experience, to use this type of travel. There is no point in going to see the stunning landscapes, watch the wildlife and breathe in that energizing African air if you are going to flit from hotel to hotel and stay on the tourist track. You will miss out on so much!
The Wildebeest Migration is a dramatic story. It takes place within Kenya and Tanzania and is the greatest wildlife show on earth. Between the open plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, thousands of wildebeest and zebras migrate to greener pastures as the seasons change and the circle of life and death continues.
"When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate on the preservation of the future."
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, which is still in operation today, was set up by this remarkable woman in 1978 and can be viewed here. Make sure you keep an eye out for that Silverback!
The mountain wilderness of the Sinai have inspired since the time of Moses. This short trek explores the granite peaks and rugged wadi`s in the company of our Bedouin guides. A dawn ascent of the steps of repentance to the summit of Mount Sinai is a fitting conclusion to this trek in Biblical land.
Now if that does not make you want to go and pack your bags right now then I don`t know what will! Because of the harsh climate of the desert the nomadic Bedouin are extremely hospitable people. They have a huge respect for the land, only using what is needed and moving on to allow it to grow again. Territory is very highly regarded amongst different groups - and any lack of respect in this area is not easily forgotten. This post will follow on with more information on other African Adventures, moving to the Southern Countries next.
Some advice for travelling in Africa -
* make sure that whatever shots they tell you to get before you leave YOU GET! The healthy systems in some African countries are not the best so you want to make sure that you are as healthy as possible.
* keep a watchful eye out on your belongings, especially when you are in crowded areas. Most places you visit will be poverty stricken and everything and anything will be seen as a luxury.
* perhaps take some items such as pens and pencils along with you to give to street children if you can. They will be very appreciative of this and it is just a nice gesture to give a little once in a while.
* do not be afraid to barter. Try and get a rough idea of the cost of things before you get to a place. It may seem cheap, but trust me nine times out of ten you are being ripped off.
* be aware that you should exercise a higher level of awareness for your personal safety in most places. Although this should not put you off going to Africa just be a little more focused on what is going on around you and try not to wander off into unknown territory. As with any countries there are areas that should be avoided - make sure you get to know which places you should keep away from.
Websites consulted, Adventure Travel Websites and photos courtesy of:
www.safari.go2africa.com
www.kumuka.com
www.gorillafund.org/index.php
www.gifttrap.com
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Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
Health Focus
Poetry Lighthouse
MS Paint Art
These are great ideas, I guess it can get pretty spooky in Africa, much like it is for us having kangaroos hopping down George St, Sydney.
Be it ever so humble there's no place like home.
Nice post.
katyzzz
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
My brother is going to South Africa for work. Lucky guy. I'll tell him to bring some pens
always
always eighteen
Comment by Aziza Ibrahim
Celebrity Best
Nicole Richie - A VERY Simple Life Indeed
Azangelina
Do you have Cold Feet?????
Bulldogs Vs Storm - Where's the Ref?
I have been all over Africa in the last 2 years and the experience is beyond words. Photos dont do the trip justice.
Comment by Aimzster
Health and Beauty
Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop
PS. I love the pic on your homesite. What's that of?
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Hi Katyzzz
Yes when will you reveal yourself to us? I bet you are more colourful than your Blog Tag???
There is no place like home - sometimes I would like to click my heels ... but then I remember that that isn`t home anymore.... sadly!
Ash
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
ooooh Morocco is definately on my places to visit list. I have always wanted to go there. I recall watching an early movie of Kate Winslet`s where she lived there... I can`t recall what it was or even if it was any good - but I just fell in love with the place
I was supposed to go to Egypt last year but never quite made it - if you are short on time it is quite a trek from Aus!
hhhmmmm I will postpone my post on Southern countries and do a route planner from Morocco. I hope I can give you some ideas on how to get to Egypt from there. You def. wouldn`t want to skip Egypt on your trip. It seems to be a little bit of a dilemma on getting from Egypt to mid-Africa actually.... I shall do some research and see what I can find. All I really know about that part of the world is that when you fly over there they have some AWFUL turbulents.
Ash
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
oooh I`m sure your brother will have a good time in S. Africa - where about is he going?
Africa is one of the best places on Earth to travel to. I can say that with FULL authority because I lived there for 22 years!!!! You will be blown away and believe you me when Itell you it will be a life changing experience.
I hope you get there one day. I have a feeling that with your sensitivity you would love it!
I hope you are well Dean.
Ash
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Great to meet you. If you know people in Africa.... or anywhere for that matter it certainly makes for more interesting travel.
www.couchsurfing.com is a great way to get to meet locals (and you don`t pay for accommodation!!!!!)
You have to have a certain level of trust though - I`m not sure that I would arrive at a strangers doorstep and feel comfortable enough to stay there.
Living in Africa has certainly given me some of the most pleasurable experiences in my life.... as well as the most frightening. It is a land of contrast and change and beauty like none other you will see. I`d say it is money WELL WELL WELL worth spent!
Ash
PS you are right photos don`t do it justice
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Great to meet you. If you know people in Africa.... or anywhere for that matter it certainly makes for more interesting travel.
www.couchsurfing.com is a great way to get to meet locals (and you don`t pay for accommodation!!!!!)
You have to have a certain level of trust though - I`m not sure that I would arrive at a strangers doorstep and feel comfortable enough to stay there.
Living in Africa has certainly given me some of the most pleasurable experiences in my life.... as well as the most frightening. It is a land of contrast and change and beauty like none other you will see. I`d say it is money WELL WELL WELL worth spent!
Ash
PS you are right photos don`t do it justice
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Yes I am actually surprised as to how many people skip over Africa when it comes to their trips. It`s such a beautiful place! I hope to go back there some time... then I can get some photos and make everyone want to go there!!!!!
I`m not sure which photo you mean?
Ash
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
The film was called Hideous Kinky, and I don't remember it standing out much either, but you're right about how enticing Morocco came off in it! (I was a major Kate Winslet fan in high school so I rented almost all of her movies.) We have a Moroccan restraunt in here which is gorgeously (and authentically) decorated, so I'm really looking forward to going one day...
I'd love to know more about overlanding from Egypt or Morocco!
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I have been looking for ways to overland from Morcooa to Egypt and it seems impossible There are no routes by sea and apparenlty the border between Morocca and Algeria has been closed for over ten years now.
I shall endeavour to look some more and get back to you if I find anything!
Ash
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Hope u had a good weekend, chica.
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Good news!!!!! Get there girl you will love it, love it, love it!
Weekend was too short wasn`t it? Hope your was good too!
Ash