Oasis Overland Adventure Travel

Oasis Overland

About Us

About Oasis Overland
Oasis Overland was formed by Chris Wrede and Steve Crowhurst 12 years ago when we realised that with 18 years of overlanding experience between us the time was right to begin our own venture. Our extensive knowledge of Africa, Middle East and South America had been gained by leading trips for larger more established companies, as well as our own independent travelling adventures.

By 1997 Steve had driven several Trans Africa expeditions and had designed and built a number of overland expedition vehicles. Chris had cycled across Africa and South America followed by work in the travel industry which involved sales, operations and tour leading.

We personally manage & run Oasis Overland from our base in rural Somerset and are one of the few UK based overland companies to maintain our own UK workshop. Our vehicles are built and adapted for overland use with our crew (both experienced and new) receiving hands on training.  Our office on the same site, is staffed by our friendly team who have been with us as past travellers and crew and who are committed to providing our groups with a high level of service, and our road crews with efficient operational and logistical backup. From humble beginnings, with two trucks we now have twelve in various guises operating on our trips in various continents and climates around the world.

Oasis Crew
Our crew have gained considerable knowledge and experience of travelling even before they join us. They have a passion and an enthusiasm for their work and for the countries and places we visit.

Except in exceptional circumstances, on our Overland Adventures & Ultimate Expedition trips, all vehicles have a crew of two (Driver and Tour Leader). Our Regional Explorer trips are run with one Tour Leader.

Their experience and knowledge will enable you to get the most out of your trip and to have an unforgettable experience. Their roles are many and varied and include amongst other things, maintaining the truck throughout the trip, organising group activities and bookings, managing trip funds, overseeing group rosters, organising border crossings and permits, organising the day to day running of the trip and passing on general information to the group. However, Oasis crew are not guides as such, so do not expect them to hold your hand every step of the way - get out and experience things for yourself, read the guide books, get lost in markets, meet the local people and talk to them - it’s all part of the experience!

Peace of mind & security
When you book directly with Oasis Overland you will have the security and peace of mind in knowing that we own and operate all of our own expedition vehicles, employ and train our own crew and will be the actual company running the trip.  We have 24hr office backup & support as well as having full liability insurance and are bonded for your financial protection.

As part of our good management practice, and as a duty to our travellers and our team, Oasis Overland have put into place Crisis Management plans and procedures. In the unlikely event of a major incident involving one of our trips, from earthquakes, to road accidents and terrorism, we can respond effectively  with the reactive logistical support of our contracted Crisis Management specialists.

 
Oasis Overland is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s  leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service.  Oasis Overland abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct & adheres to AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on www.aito.co.uk 

 


In accordance with E.U. Regulations on Travel and Tourism, Oasis Overland are fully bonded through the AITO Trust. (Membership no - 1149)

 

 


 We hold Air Travel Organisers License (ATOL) number 9339, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).


 

Value for Money
By remaining small and compact we keep our UK overheads to a minimum. We do not waste money on high street offices or have a large team of administrative, marketing and advertising staff. We also take most of our bookings direct thus reducing commissions to travel agents. All this contributes to considerable cost savings which are passed on to you, but in no way do they detract from the quality of your travelling experience with Oasis.

At Oasis Overland we concentrate our financial resources where we believe it matters most; building quality overland vehicles and maintaining these and the equipment carried to a high standard, as well as employing and training our enthusiastic and dedicated team of expedition crew. By doing this we can ensure that we run excellent value for money trips for budget-conscious travellers, whilst still using quality vehicles, equipment and crew.


Why book with us?

  • 55% of our bookings come from returning travellers, their friends or family.
  • We are small enough to offer a personalised service to those who travel with us - before & after you have booked.
  • Calling us during office hours wont get you into a call filtering system or hitting an answer phone - you will speak to someone straight away.
  • We have an excellent and enviable vehicle back-up and safety record.
  • Have confidence in knowing that when u book with us we ARE the company that will be running and operating your trip - we will not be farming you off to another company to run the trip on our behalf.
  • All our Overland Adventure trips & Ultimate Expeditions are led by a team of 2 crew - a Driver & Tour Leader.
  • Nearly all our crew joined Oasis after having travelled with us - our UK based office team have all either worked on the road or travelled on trips with us.
  • Look at the small print & see what we include - chances are its more than most other co's or similar trips.
  • With excellent vehicles, great crew, outstanding back-up there is a far greater chance of having a better time with us!
  • We are fully AITO and ATOL bonded for your financial protection and have crisis management plans and back up in place in case of a major incident on one of our trips.
  • Check out our unique truck design / layout: Our vehicles
  • Under seat luggage compartments - accessible even whilst driving (this is more secure than having outside lockers which can be left open accidentally or easily accessed by opportunistic thieves).