Pre-trip - Accommodation & Airport Transfers
We provide a free booking service when reserving pre-trip accommodation and airport transfers on your behalf.  Just log in to your account on our website & select the accommodation / transfer required, or you can contact us direct.   We will require your flight number, arrival time, and arrival date so please ensure this information is forwarded to us as soon as you have booked your flight. In Cairo - it is essential we secure hotel reservations at least 3 months in advance for departures at this time of year. For Nairobi and Cape Town reservations - we require a minimum of 6 weeks prior to departure.

All prices listed for pre / post trip accommodation & airport transfers are approximate and subject to availability.  If you are arriving early in the morning and you would like to check in immediately, you may have to reserve your room for the previous night to ensure direct check in, otherwise you may have to wait until normal check in times.

Pre-trip Accommodation
All accommodation will be reserved in either dorm facilities or on a shared twin basis (between 2 people of the same sex from your trip) unless you are a couple or you have requested a specific type of room. If dorm or sharing options are not available we will reserve a single room at the relevant rate. We will always try to provide the most economical option for you. If you are arriving early in the morning and you would like to check in immediately, you may have to reserve your room for the previous night to ensure direct check in, otherwise you may have to wait until normal check in times.

Post-trip Accommodation & Airport Transfers
Post trip accommodation & airport transfers can be arranged with your tour leader during the trip or directly with the hotel / hostel. The return airport transfer is not included and is at your own expense. We regret these services cannot be arranged via the UK Oasis before departure.

Pre-Departure Meeting

Your tour leader will meet you at the pre-departure meeting the morning your trip starts at the Departure Hotel. There will be a notice in reception advising the time and here your crew will explain how the day to day running of the trip works etc. Your tour leader will also require a copy of your passport, insurance policy, number and confirmation that the duration will cover you for the entire trip and a 24-hour emergency medical telephone number. It is essential that you attend this meeting - please let the UK office or your tour leader know if you are unable to make it.

Cairo to Nairobi / Cape Town - For most nationalities - it will be necessary to arrange some preliminary paperwork in Cairo - which will assist you with the application for Sudanese and Ethiopian visas. Therefore it will be necessary for you to fly into Cairo approx 1 week prior to departure.

We recommend the following:

2009 departure - fly into Cairo on the 11th October 2009.
2010 departure - fly into Cairo on the 10th October 2010.

Supplementary pre-departure and visa information will be issued after booking.

Cape Town to Nairobi / Cairo - For most nationalities - it is possible to obtain your Ethiopian visa from Nairobi / Kenya  and your Sudanese visa from Addis Ababa / Ethiopia. As this will be arranged en route and as a group - you will not need to pre arrange anything before departure.We will be sending you supplementary pre-departure information before departure - including information on recommendations of flight arrival dates, visa information etc.

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.

Passports
Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your departure date and you will also require the following number of blank pages for different sections of the expedition. Please use this as an approximate guide and consider having a page or two for good luck.

Cairo to Nairobi (or v.v) - 10 blank pages
Cairo to Cape Town (or v.v) - 20 blank pages
Nairobi to Cape Town (or v.v) - 10 blank pages

If you have dual nationality you can only use one passport for the entire trip. Please also bring 2 photocopies of your passport photo page to give to your Tour Leader. If there are any stamps in your passport linking you with an entry or visit to Israel (this could include border / immigration stamps from other countries bordering Israel), you will need to replace your passport.

Visas
All visas are to be paid in US$ only! Starting in Cairo, visas for Sudan and Ethiopia will need to be arranged prior to departure. On booking the trip you will be given further information regarding the process involved. From previous experience it is difficult, time consuming and expensive for American passport holders to obtain Sudanese visa's (up to US$350) and even if a visa is obtained there is no guarantee of entry at the border.

The information below is to be used only as a guide & may change without prior notice. Most of the nationalities below can currently obtain visas en route, so there is no need to get them before the trip, but we do recommended that you check your personal current visa requirements with the relevant embassies well inadvance before you travel.  Visas are needed by most nationalities for most of the countries we travel through.

All visa prices listed above are for Southbound Departures unless specified with *
* = Northbound Departures

# = Need to obtain this visa's before starting the trip in Cairo.

Egypt - For Northbound departures South Africans can obtain their Egyptian visa in Addis Ababa whilst on the trip.

Sudan - If beginning your trip in Cairo - Visas for Sudan are arranged in Egypt. All nationalities require a Letter of Introduction from their individual embassies (£10 - £40 pp dep. on nationality - more information will be sent to you prior to departure). If you are beginning your trip in Cape Town or Nairobi and heading north - visas are obtained in Addis Ababa / Ethiopia, where it is not a requirement to obtain a Letter of Introduction. A registration fee  (on top of the visa charge) of US$50 pp is payable to Immigration on entry to Sudan. Entry cannot be guaranteed for American passport holders even if a visa is issued. # = Need to obtain visa's before starting the trip

Zambia / Zimbabwe - If you are planning on going over to the Zambian side of Vic Falls from Zimbabwe - you will be able to get a Day Tripper visa into Zambia costing US $20. This is available at the border and only valid for stays of less than 24hrs.

Rwanda - If you are visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda - a visa is required for the nationalities listed. On exiting Rwanda a re entry visa into Uganda / Kenya will be necessary for everybody. Unlike other visas we obtain en route - your crew will need to make prior arrangements in order to have the necessary visas awaiting your arrival at the border. Please ensure that the passport details you send to Oasis are of the passport that you plan to use whilst on trip.

Departure Taxes - If you are planning to fly out of any of the following countries (Kenya - Malawi - Zimbabwe - Zambia) please check with your Travel Agent or Airline if your flight ticket already includes a departure tax payment out of the country. If it doesn't - please budget for approx US $30 for all the countries listed - to be paid in $US only.

Embassy Website addresses for further information

• www.southafricahouse.com

• www.namibia.embassyhomepage.com

• www.botswana.embassyhomepage.com

• www.zimbabwe.embassyhomepage.com

• www.mozambiquehc.org.uk

• www.tanzania-online.gov.uk/web

• www.kenyahighcommission.co.uk

• www.ugandahighcommission.co.uk

• www.ambarwanda.org.uk

• www.ethioembassy.org.uk

• www.sudan-embassy.co.uk/en

• www.egyptianconsulate.co.uk

Vaccinations & Health
Vaccinations
As we are not medically trained - we are unable to give detailed or professional advice on vaccination requirements, so please use this information and chart only as a guide.  Please consult a reputable travel clinic or GP for advice on any medical issues. We suggest allowing 8 weeks to get all your vaccinations. For more information visit: www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or  www.nomadtravel.co.uk Oasis travellers receive a 10% discount on vaccinations, medical kits, clothing and camping equipment from the Nomad Travel Clinics - you will receive your discount code on your booking receipt.

Key:
Y = Recommended - Consult a GP or Travel Clinic
Y* = Compulsory if coming from and infected area
* = Low risk except if visiting Kruger, which is considered a high risk area

There are other vaccines not listed here which are sometimes recommended - please see a registered GP or Travel Health clinic for further advice. (Cholera, Diphtheria (all countries advise), Meningitis, Hep B etc.

Yellow Fever - Being vaccinated against Yellow Fever and having a valid certificate and a photocopy is deemed compulsory in some countries we visit, especially at certain borders or when entering from an area / country with risk of transmission.

Rabies - Vaccinations are regularly advised for all countries that we travel through in Africa.

Malaria - In some of the areas we visit there is a risk of contracting Malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria prophylactics you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your own physical efforts against being bitten - which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them.   Your crew will advise on where the affected areas are on the trip. There are a number of prophylactic malaria treatments on the market & requirements change.  It is also wise to take a sample of whichever prophylactic you choose, a few weeks before you leave.  This way you may determine early on if you have any adverse reactions so you can change the regimen if necessary. www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Health
Our crew is trained in basic first aid - but as they do not have formal medical training - they are unable to prescribe or administer medication on a general basis. You should be in good general health to join one of our trips. Your medical insurance co' must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition / allergy or if you are on any regular medication, otherwise you may not be covered under your policies for these. Our crew and the Oasis office will need to know of any medication or conditions you may have. For general health advice log onto www.nathnac.org/travel/index.htm

It is a compulsory requirement that you have adequate travel insurance before you join any Oasis Trip & at the very least are insured for all necessary medical & repatriation costs incurred overseas with a minimum sum insured of £500,000.

Your Tour Leader will ask to see a copy of your insurance policy at the pre-departure meeting and you will be asked to provide the following details: 24-hour emergency medical telephone number, your policy number, confirmation that the policy duration is sufficient to cover you for the entire duration of your trip.  It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safe keeping.

We believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. It is a mistake to think that "it will never happen to me". It is also very important that you are covered for all the activities that you may wish to undertake while on our trip.

For further information on the insurance we offer, the activities covered, costs and how to book - click here or check out the Insurance section of our website.

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, campsite fees,  wood, gas, and certain activities listed in the brochure) which cannot be pre-paid from the UK.

Please note: Your LP is payable to your Tour Leader on the morning of departure. CASH ONLY is accepted and needs to be paid as 50% US$ CASH and 50%  Pound Sterling or Euro CASH (exchange rate on the day will be used). We use www.xe.com for current up to date rates.

Spending Money
From past trips and traveller feedback £100 to £145 per week should cover costs such as visas, some meals out (on average 2 per day are supplied), soft drinks and beers, email & communications, souvenirs and other general spending. Personal spending habits & budgets differ greatly from person to person. Budget on optional activities separately (see optional excursions page) & allow extra for your Local Payment contribution.

Changing money - Change your money only at banks, hotels, airports or forex bureau's.  It is illegal to change money on the street, as these people will normally be opportunistic thieves or undercover police. 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 2/3 US$ cash and 1/3 in US$, £GB or Euro Travellers Cheques (TC's). US$ TC's are accepted more from Kenya to Zimbabwe and £GB from Botswana to South Africa. 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 , papyrus, perfume, jewellery, clothing, woven bags, silk, backgammon boards and leather goods in Egypt & Ethiopia 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/

Daytime temperatures in Egypt and Sudan can exceed 35C, with nights dropping to 3 or 4C (especially in the desert areas. Daytime temperatures in Ethiopia are cooler due to the altitude - especially  in the highlands (Gondar, Lalibela) where it can get chilly especially at night.

In East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) the year is loosely divided into the 'short' rains (November) and the 'long' rains (March to May). 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 West Uganda and Ngorongoro Crater.

In Southern Africa (Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa) the 'dry' season is April to October when the nights can be quite cold (May to August usually being the coldest months) . From 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.

Click here to view climate chart.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As an Oasis Overland traveller you will receive a 25% discount off Lonely Planet & Footprints guides, which give concise info on all countries to help make sure you don't miss out on stuff you want see!

Michelin supply good maps of East & Southern Africa if you want to map your route.

Ref number - Michelin
746 Centre -  Cameroon down to South Africa and up to Kenya
741 North - Morocco down to Cameroon
745  North East  - includes Egypt , Sudan , Ethiopia

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.

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.

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.

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

Community Projects
Oasis are active in raising awareness and providing support to a number of projects and local schools where we believe we can make a positive difference. You can also help support these projects or possibly visit them on your trip. To gain further information check out the websites below:

Jinga, Uganda - Providing education and stability to local children - www.softpowereducation.com
Harare, Zimbabwe - Hupenyu Hutsua Children's Home - assisting with donations of food & materials - contact Oasis.
Nairobi, Kenya - Sponsoring Kamboyo, one of the orphaned elephants - www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
Luxor, Egypt - You have the opportunity to visit the Sunshine International Children's Orphanage. Oasis is a sponsor of this independently run Children's Orphanage - caring fro underprivileged youths and orphans - www.sunshine-international.org.uk
Cairo, Egypt - Oasis support the Sudanese Community Development Program -
www.scdp-egypt.com

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Permits
On our trips to Rwanda & Uganda, the opportunity of being up close and personal with a family of highland Mountain Gorillas, has to be classed as one of the most amazing wildlife encounters in Africa. You may see a variety of monkeys, chimpanzees and buffalo on the hike as well.  Accompanied by park rangers, you will track these rare, gentle giants who live on the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains. Full payment is required upon confirmation of availability. We will contact you upon booking request.

Trekking the Gorillas
The trek to find the Gorillas can take several hours and you will need to be in reasonable physical shape.  For much of the trek you will be in high grass or thick vegetation & it could well rain, so wear protective clothing (to prevent being scratched) & waterproofs as well as good walking boots or shoes.  Once your guide has located the Gorilla family you will be permitted to view them for strictly 1 hour.  A maximum of one group of eight people per day are able to visit each Gorilla family. Your group will be accompanied by a tracker/guide & an armed park ranger.

Time passes quickly when you are with your Gorilla family so remember to put away your camera and enjoy the experience for what it is rather than through your viewfinder. If we view the Gorillas from Uganda there is the opportunity to paddle out onto Lake Bunyoni in canoes and visit some of the nearby islands , or hire mountain bikes to visit nearby villages & schools. From Rwanda there will also be an opportunity to visit the genocide memorial in the capital Kigali, which is a moving and humbling experience.Please bear in mind that Mountain Gorillas are wild animals and as such there is no guarantee that you will see them. That said however, we have never had this happen on previous trips.  For the protection of the Gorillas, if you are ill on the day of the trek you will not be permitted to trek (this decision is made by the rangers and wildlife authority staff alone). If there are permits and time allows with our itinerary, it may be possible to trek the following day at very little or no extra cost - this will be dependant on receiving permission from the local authorities and regulations at the time. There are no refunds or transfers under ANY circumstance for cancellation, no show or non allowance to trek.

How to request a Gorilla trekking permit
In order for us to confirm your Gorilla Permit, it is essential that you notify us of your interest in trekking at the same time as making your booking.  This can be done by just adding the Gorilla Permit to your trip at the time of booking. We make reservations many months in advance (sometimes as early as 6 months for some dates).

Please be aware the cost of securing a Gorilla Trekking Permit in advance through our local sources is payable in full to Oasis overland at the time of booking. This cost incorporates the permit cost (paid to the relevant wildlife authorities locally) and service/bank fees/transport/communication costs incurred by our local agent in order to secure your permit in advance. At the time of accepting full payment for your permit, we inform our local supplier who secures a permit with guarantee of payment at a later stage. The balance is then paid at a later date when it is requested by the relevant Wildlife Authorities.

Due to the popularity of Trekking to the Mountain Gorillas and the limited availability of obtaining Trekking Permits, the Wildlife

Authority responsible for organizing the Permits require the following details before confirmation is granted;

1.  Your full passport details
2.  Guarantee of Full payment

Please note:

• Please be aware that before your departure, the cost of the trekking permit may change. This may be due to currency fluctuations & / or price increases by the local wildlife authority.
• Transport from our base in either Uganda or Rwanda to the starting point of your trek is not included in the above permit cost - which will account to an average of $15 - $20 US pp (dependant on the number of people trekking)
• Visit to Rwanda will incur additional visa costs for some nationalities (please see visa section in the main trip page).

Just add this on to your trip when booking!

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.

Detailed Itinerary

Please note that our itineraries are not set in stone and can be subject to change.

Days 1 to 7

The first part of our day is spent in Cairo visiting the great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza with our Egyptologist guide, and also the Egyptian Natural History Museum. In the afternoon - we drive out of Cairo and head for the Western Desert leaving both modern and ancient civilizations behind us for a few days. Described as the 'Desert of Deserts' this vast world of desolation and beauty covers 2.8 million square kms. We visit 3 isolated oases, Bahariyya, Farafra and Dhakla - where u can roll down sand dunes, hire a desert guide or  some camels to explore this immense sand sea. Take up the opportunity to step back in time by walking through the winding lanes of mud houses at the Citadel of Mut. We end our first week at the city of Luxor where the Valley of Kings and Queens and Karnak and Luxor Temples will keep us busy exploring for a few days more. Here , the remarkably well preserved tombs of the ancient rulers -namely Ramses ll and Tutankhamun -have coloured paintings and hieroglyphics that still seem fresh even after 3000 years.

Days 8 to 14

You will be kept busy exploring in Luxor - where we visit the Valley of Kings and Queens. Here, the remarkably well preserved tombs of the ancient rulers -namely Ramses ll and Tutankhamun -have coloured paintings and hieroglyphics that still seem fresh even after 3000 years. Karnak and Luxor Temples are both in easy walking distance from our camp - as is the local souq where you can pick up the last of your souvenirs.

A half day drive further south brings us to Aswan. Here you will notice the first of many cultural changes on this trip. The darker Nubian people in Aswan lead a more relaxed and less hectic pace of life than their Egyptian countrymen. We base ourselves here for the next 4 or 5 days to finalise our Sudanese visas and in which time you can join a 2 or 3 day felucca boat cruise to Edfu and Kom Ombo. The opportunity to visit Abu Simbel - the massive stone monuments built by the greatest of all pharaohs, Ramses ll, is always a highlight. 

Days 15 to 21

From Aswan we take the ferry across Lake Nasser to the port of Wadi Halfa in Northern Sudan. The ferry takes about a day and a night and is a supremely relaxing way to travel, and a great opportunity to mix and chat to local Egyptian and Sudanese people alike.
The hospitality in Sudan can be surprising - but very genuine. For such a poor country with so many recent problems - Sudanese people are often too willing to invite you for a meal or a cup of 'Sudanese whisky' - better known as tea ! From Wadi Halfa we rejoin our expedition vehicle for our drive across the Nubian Desert. Our route will see us either hugging the banks of Nile as it snakes its way south or possibly experiencing the vast open desert plains which is dissected by the main train line from Khartoum - making this our only real point of reference. Whether passing through sleepy Nubian villages ,resting in tea rooms , pottering around the local souqs or experiencing total isolation in the middle of the desert - a unique experience awaits you along this not so travelled route.

Days 22 to 28

The ancient Pyramids at Meroe lie to the north of the capital Khartoum - as do the temples at Naqa. Khartoum is our next stop and it has a fantastic setting on the confluence of the Blue and White Niles. Our stay here is on the banks of the Nile at the quirky but interesting Blue Nile Sailing Club. It houses one of General Kitcheners old Gunboats, a relic from the British military campaign against the Mahdi over a century ago. For such a large city, Khartoum feels quite laid back. In our few days here you can visit the Hamed al Nil Tomb where you may witness the Whirling Dervishes who perform every Friday. A trip to the daily camel market or viewing the confluence of the two Niles are also an interesting ways to pass the time.

Days 29 to 35

From Khartoum we drive south-east through the towns of Wadi Medina and Gedaref, on our way to Ethiopia. Many of the roads we travel on are very poor dirt or gravel roads and often in mountainous areas, so travel is slow. Ethiopia has a lot more visual & indigenous history than any other sub - Saharan country. In the towns of Gondar ( the capital of Ethiopia from 1632 until 1868 ) and Bahir Dar , we spend about 4 days at each - where it is possible to organise visits to some of Ethiopia's most famous sites, including the holy city of Axum and the rock-hewn churches at Lalibela. These date from the 12th Century and have been kept alive by generations of dedicated priests who guard their precious religious and artistic artifacts.

Our route to Addis Ababa takes us via Lake Tana and the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge and Falls. From Bahir Dar you can organise boat trips to some of the small islands which have Monasteries dating back up to 900 years and which are still looked after by monks who live from subsistence farming. A couple of days drive brings us to the capital Addis - where we have the chance to indulge in some authentic Ethiopian coffee or explore 'El Mercato' - one of East Africa's largest open air markets.The next couple of days sees us journeying south towards Kenya.

Days 36 to 42

Departing Addis - we travel through one of Africa's greatest natural features - the East African Rift Valley. Overland trips through East Africa will allow you to experience absolutely spectacular scenery first hand, and the Rift Valley is a definite highlight. Stretching from the Dead Sea in Jordan down to Mozambique in Southern Africa - the valley floor seems to sweep on forever and is dotted with volcanic peaks, shimmering lakes and countless springs. The north of Kenya is very remote and we will encounter some of the worst roads on the entire trip. Nomadic tribes people like the Rendille in Marsabit and the Samburu (cousins of the Maasai) still wear very distinctive and often elaborate dress. We pass the foothills of Mount Kenya before tackling some mountainous driving through the Nandi Hills - taking us via Eldoret before continuing into Uganda.

Days 43 to 49

Kampala has had a turbulent past, but these days it is a friendly and safe city. We have a free day to spend in local cafes and nightspots - where you can get to know the local people. There is also the opportunity to spend the day visiting a local Chimpanzee Sanctuary and rehabilitation centre on one of the islands on Lake Victoria. The following day we have a long drive as we head west through swamps, patches of forest and fertile green countryside. As we travel through Uganda, we'll pass through a number of small towns and villages; Mpigi, where you will see roadside stalls manufacturing and selling traditional musical instruments; Kyazanga, where we can buy fresh rotisserie and roasted meat and vegetables, as well as roasted plantain bananas. We will also be able to make a photo stop where our route crosses the Equator.

The Virunga range of volcanic mountains and the rainforests on these mountain slopes are home to several families of Highland Mountain Gorillas. Getting up close to these amazing creatures is a truly a once in a lifetime experience and one of the highlights of the trip. We will visit the gorillas in either Uganda or Rwanda. It is estimated that only around 500 to 600 of these gentle giants remain. This mountainous area on the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and Zaire (now renamed Democratic Republic of Congo) is their only natural habitat and they are periodically threatened by poachers and political instability in the area. One permit allows you to spend about 50 to 60 minutes with one of the gorilla families. Trekking to find them in groups of 8 people can take anywhere from half an hour to 5 hours.  The organisations and well-trained guides that continually monitor and protect the families are conscientious and responsible. If we view them from Uganda there is the opportunity to paddle out onto Lake Bunyoni in canoes and visit some of the nearby islands - or hire mountain bikes to visit nearby villages & schools. From Rwanda there will also be an opportunity to visit the genocide memorial in Kigali, which is a moving and humbling experience.

Days 50 to 56

We then return towards Kampala and camp near Jinja - Uganda's adventure playground. Here, on the edge of Lake Victoria, the Nile begins its 6700km journey to the sea. We spend the next few days at Bujagali Falls, just downstream from the source of the Nile. This is a spectacular area, and with one kilometre of raging water below Bujagali Falls, a superb place to go whitewater rafting or kayaking. You can also organise quad biking , horse riding or a visit to a local school.

Re-entering Kenya, we travel through the heart of the Rift Valley - with views from atop a steep escarpment opening up some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Hills covered in tea plantations and rural scenery lead us to Lake Nakuru National Park -  home to a wide variety of wildlife including Black Rhino, Hippo, Lion, Leopard, Hyena and Giraffe. However, Nakuru is a soda lake and most famous for its pink inhabitants, a flock of almost a million Pink Flamingos which feed noisily along the shoreline. A further half-day drive brings us to Lake Naivasha. We camp near the lakeshore where Hippos sometimes feed at night! Here you can walk to Elsamere, the house of Joy Adamson - of Elsa the Lion and Born Free fame, and enjoy a film of her life - and cream teas! You can also hire mountain bikes and cycle or walk through Hells Gate National Park - the only game reserve in Kenya in which you are permitted  to do so. Or for a less active but equally enjoyable game viewing experience - visit the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary. Both offer excellent scenery & opportunities to spot hyrax, abundant bird & plant life along with several types of gazelle, impala and eland.

A few hours drive brings us to the capital Nairobi, marking an end to this stage of our journey.