Oasis blog

Below is a selection of our top blogs. Keep up to date with all the latest news from Oasis. 

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New! Central Asia Small Group Adventures for 2023

We have four brand new trips for you to join this year, exploring Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

With Turkmenistan’s land borders remaining closed to tourists, our trucks are not yet able to reach the ‘Stans. Whilst we are hopeful that next year our truck trips will be able to restart, we can’t wait that long to start travelling in Central Asia again! So, we have created some new itineraries in the Central ‘Stans that use a variety of local transport from Uzbekistan’s bullet trains and sleeper trains to private minivans and 4 wheel drive vehicles.

Yurt Camps in Kyrgyzstan

Accommodation will range from yurt camps to family guesthouses and small local hotels. We’ve kept the itineraries as close to our truck trips as possible with some brilliant new places and experiences added in! These include the Silk Road city of Khiva, the Khorezm Fortresses in Uzbekistan’s desert, Charyn Canyon and Altyn-Emel National Park in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan’s spectacular Fann Mountains and traditional eagle hunting and horse games displays in Kyrgyzstan.

Bibi Khanum Mosque, Samarkand

Many of you will know our Tour Leader Alexis who will be leading these trips and ensuring everyone has an incredible trip. We hope you can join us!

Kyrgyzstan Uncovered

Starting this June, our Kyrgyzstan Uncovered tour will take you through both Kyrgyzstan’s and Kazakhstan’s stunning, wild landscapes. Explore the singing dune of Altyn-Emel National Park in Kazakhstan and the little visited southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan’s huge alpine lake. Experience traditional eagle hunting and horse games and stay in a yurt camp at Lake Song Kol.

Starts 15th June, ends 30th June 2023, £1295 plus US$500 Local Payment.

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18-Day Silk Road Explorer

Journey through Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan on our 18 day Silk Road Explorer, to experience incredible mountain scenery and vast open landscapes as well as ancient silk road settlements and cities. From the beautiful lakes of Issyk-Kul and Son Kol, we journey to Central Asia’s oldest bazaar in Osh to the centre of silk production in the Fergana Valley and on to the stunning peaks and lakes of the Fann Mountains.

Starts 8th July, ends 25th July 2023, £1495 plus US$550 Local Payment.

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23-Day Silk Road Adventure

For Silk Road cities, ancient fortresses and modern cities as well as vast, wild landscapes and beautiful natural scenery, have a look at our 23 day Silk Road Adventure. Travel from Dushanbe in Tajikistan into Uzbekistan and the famous Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara. Take the fast bullet train from Bukhara to Tashkent, before crossing into Kazakhstan for modern city life in Shymkent and Almaty. The last leg of the journey travels through incredible scenery around Lake Issyk-Kul, finishing in Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek.

Starts 25th July, ends 16th August 2023, £2095 plus US$500 Local Payment.

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40-Day Silk Road Circuit

The 40 day Silk Road Circuit combines the 18 day and 23 day trips.

Follow one of the world's most well renowned highways; the Silk Road - discover the ancient trading routes through the 'Stans' and visit some of the oldest cities in the world. Take a journey across the expanse of Kyrgyzstan and up in to the Western Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan, before exploring Uzbekistan the heart of the Silk Road and returning through the wilds of Kazakhstan back to Bishkek.

Starts 8th July, ends 16th August 2023, £3595 plus US$500 Local Payment.

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6 Countries to visit in Central Asia

Central Asia remains a place where adventure is unavoidable - from its fabled Silk Road nations that divide Europe and Asia have been central to world history for years.

Trust us when we say you’d wish you'd gone sooner – here you’ll find thousand-year-old mosques, 7000-meter-high mountains, humming cities, and achingly vast stretches of desert. Each country is distinct and worthy of exploration.

Here is a list of what countries we recommend you visit and why - in no particular order of course.

Pakistan

It’s hard to imagine why travellers tend to overlook Pakistan when it's home to beautiful landscapes, rugged peaks, hidden villages, and wind-swept plains.

Urban Centres

Pakistan's urban centres pack enough city delights to satisfy any traveller - in Lahore, arguably the country's cultural, intellectual, and artistic hub, travellers can find spiritual sustenance in qawwali (Islamic devotional singing) performances before striking up a conversation about the latest developments in the world of cricket.

Food, fashion, art museums – it can all be found in the metropolitan areas.

The Mighty Karakoram

Stretching north from the Northwest Frontier to Kashgar in China, the Karakoram is one of the world's most vast highways boasting an astonishing feat of engineering forced against the odds through the tortured bedrock of the Karakoram mountains.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is known for its beauty, welcoming locals, accessibility, and - crucially - still relatively untouched. Few westerners have made the trip out to Central Asia and its crown jewel, which means there’s more for the rest of the adventurous travellers.

Mecca for the outdoors

From rock climbing, white-water rafting to mountain biking, wildlife safaris, and so much more!

If you like to get dirty and love a good adrenaline rush, then Kyrgyzstan should be nipping at your heels.

Kyrgyzstan also hosts numerous trails, well-maintained, and extremely rewarding. If needed, there are plenty of experienced adventure guides to be found to show you some of the best routes.

Friendly people

In many nomadic cultures, there are unwritten rules about hospitality: guests are treated like royalty and no expense is overlooked, and in Kyrgyzstan, this is no exception - the people are true to their nomadic roots.

Horse riding

If you haven’t ridden a horse before, this would be a great place to have your first experience - the power, the speed, the connection; horses are among the most spectacular of Earth’s creatures.

Horses are very important to Kyrgyzstan. They are means of transport, a source of subsistence, and a friend on lonely rides. They can be found almost everywhere in the country, from the countryside to backyards to even on the side of the highway.

If you want something a bit more adventurous, consider organizing a horse trek. This means that for several days, you’ll ride a horse through Kyrgyz grandeur and pack everything that you need to survive including food and tents. It’s unique and one of the most exciting ways to experience the country.

Tajikistan

Tajikistan is a country that combines a unique historical atmosphere, untouched nature and progressive development.

The Republic of Tajikistan is famous for its centuries-old Tajikistan history. Here, you find that the culture and traditions of the whole of Central Asia with Persian roots are mixed.

The oldest city in Central Asia

In Tajikistan, there is the oldest city in Central Asia's entire territory called Khujand. Khujand is a city located on the Great Silk Road and has always been known to be home to artisans, warriors, and merchants.

The city of Khujand is located right on the Syr Darya Riverbank, which happens to be the city that fought off the army of Alexander the Great, repulsed Genghis Khan's horde, drove off the Arab invaders, withstood the attacks of tsarist Russia, and withstood hundreds of wars.

Fann Mountains

One of the most popular attractions of Tajikistan is by far the Fann Mountains. The easiest and fastest way to get here is through Samarkand, but the long journey is worth every minute.

The Fann Mountains are part of the Pamir-Alai system and are distinguished by a unique system of stormy rivers, mountains, crystal clear lakes, and glaciers.

Throughout the mountain hub, there are numerous hotels, restaurants, as well as rental points of all kinds of sports equipment.

Tibet

Tibet remains an almost mythical destination to travel to - it's home to some of the world's friendliest people, breathtaking landscapes that are dominated by the sky-soaring Himalayas and fascinating Tibetan Buddhist heritage.

The scenery

The unrivalled nature of Tibet varies from valleys surrounded by snow-peaked mountains to scenic lakes to lush forests to deep canyons.

Taking photos of Mount Everest, the snow-capped roof of the world that separates Tibet from Nepal, is reason enough to visit Tibet. You can also visit Mount Kailash, a sacred mountain among the Buddhists and Hindus.

Monasteries and Temples

When touring Tibet, you will be impressed by the distinctive monasteries and temples. These monasteries are not only sacred worship sites for pilgrims but also popular attractions for tourists.

The Jokhang Temple is a spiritual centre for the Tibetan people - it's an architectural masterpiece of Lhasa. It features Chinese, Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan details - the temple displays exquisite murals and Buddha statues in various postures throughout chapels, rooms and hallways.

Potala Palace is the UNESCO site dominating the skyline of Lhasa - featuring Red and White palaces accessible via monumental stairways, Potala combines elements of a place of worship and a stronghold.

The locals

Wherever you travel around the world, you meet people that are pleasant, friendly, warm, and this is exactly what you will experience the minute you step foot in Tibet.

The people here are remarkably hospitable and friendly toward travellers, honest and sincere! Tibetans will go the extra mile to treat their guests with a feast and give them a present before parting ways.

Tasty food

When travelling the world, the local food is one of the essential parts of the entire journey. In Tibet, there is various delicious food with a distinct flavour that is unique to the plateau.

Armenia

Armenia is a tiny country, often overlooked and forgotten by travellers due to it being tucked away behind Turkey and its neighbour, Georgia. It’s an ancient and mystical land, and a country still unspoiled by the crowds of mass tourism.

Its history

Despite its tumultuous history, the Armenian people are fiercely proud of their country’s history, and for good reason. The Armenian civilization used to span from Persia into Eastern Europe and was home to many significant historical firsts such as being the first country to make wine, and the first country to adopt Christianity.

Friendly people

In some countries, pride in one’s nation stands in the way of friendliness towards foreigners. In Armenia, the exact opposite is true: because people are so proud of their heritage, they’re extremely happy when people visit.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is said to be an intriguingly cosmopolitan place. This vast country, which stretches from the Caspian Sea to China, is one of Asia’s most diverse - ethnic Kazakhs and Russians rub shoulders with Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Tatars, Germans and many more in an enviably harmonious mix.

Skiing in the city

Just a short 30 minute drive away from Almaty city centre you'll find the popular Shymbulak Ski Resort, also known to be the most advanced ski resort in Central Asia so you can expect mod-cons like Wi-Fi and cafes.

At any time of year, it’s well worth escaping the city smog to ride the 4km series of ski lifts, with their fetching leopard-print cabins.

The silk roads

There’s no better introduction to Kazakhstan’s multifaceted ethnic patchwork than the bustling Green Bazaar market hall. Here you'll find that fresh produce is abundant: the foothills around Almaty lay strong claim to be the ancestral home of the apple (the city’s name means “father of the apple”) and the fruit here can grow to giant proportions.

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Experience the Victoria Falls Carnival on your next adventure

For those who are new to the carnival scene, the Vic Falls Carnival is hosted in Zimbabwe and is one of Africa’s biggest parties of the year, bringing you the best entertainment and an experience of a lifetime. Not only are you promised an amazing time but the carnival is also three days long. From award-winning DJs to brand new acts, this event is dipped in culture and is the perfect place to meet new people, enjoy great music and just let loose.

The Victoria Falls Carnival was previously held over the New Year’s period but was changed last year to its own standalone date. This year, it will be running from 28-30 April 2023 at the Elephant Hills Resort, right next to the mighty Zambezi River. Due to the diverse culture, food and entertainment the event brings, the organizers felt it deserves to be celebrated on its own.

For more information on the Victoria Falls Carnival, visit their website or follow their social media pages.

Overland trips which include a Vic Falls Carnival Ticket

Several of our trips that run between Kenya and South Africa have been timed specially so that your time in Victoria Falls fits in with the Carnival, with a standard 3-day ticket included in our trip prices. There are also some VIP ticket options which include a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, private events and pool parties.

We have also extended our Deserts and Gameparks trips by 3 days so that you can start your trip partying at the Carnival before departing from Victoria Falls.

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Why you should visit the Middle East in 2022

For those are daring enough to get outside their comfort zone when it comes to travelling – the ones who are keen to rough it out a bit then you’ve come to the right place! Overlanding is the way to go. It’s traveling by road to remote locations and being as self-sufficient as possible in terms of cooking, eating, and sleeping – think outdoor adventure but on steroids!

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Northern Morocco: Chefchaouen & Tangier

For many people, Morocco conjures up images of bustling medinas, exotic markets and stunning architecture but there is so much more to this amazing country than that. Morocco is a land of great natural beauty, with towering mountains, secluded beaches and rolling desert landscapes. It is also a land of great history and culture, with Roman ruins, medieval castles and ancient mosques. And of course, Morocco is renowned for its food, with a cuisine that is both exotic and delicious.

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, from hiking and mountain biking to camel trekking and sandboarding, as well as a number of luxurious spa resorts. You can also take a leisurely trek through the Atlas Mountains, stopping off at traditional Berber villages along the way. No matter what kind of holiday you are looking for, Morocco has something to offer. So why not start planning your trip today?

The Blue City of Chefchaouen

The Blue City of Chefchaouen

The city of Chefchaouen is famed for its striking blue-washed buildings which are set against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains. This picturesque city is a popular tourist destination for adventure travellers  and is accessible via a number of small airports. The city is relatively small, with a population of just over 30,000 people.

The blue-washed buildings of Chefchaouen are its most defining feature. According to the locals, the buildings are traditionally painted blue in order to ward off evil spirits. This unusual colour scheme, coupled with the city's scenic setting, makes Chefchaouen a very popular tourist destination. Tours of the city typically last for a few hours and include a visit to the major sights of the city. The tours are a great way to learn more about the history and culture of Chefchaouen.

Souks (Marketplace)

Although it might be less varied and grand than in larger cities like Casablanca or Marrakech, Chefchaouen boasts a stunning traditional souk. Consider buying souvenirs from the past after you've explored these maze-like, blue streets. The relaxed atmosphere is something you'll enjoy, and it is difficult to find in larger cities. You can also walk at your own pace, enjoying the local leather products Chefchaouen has bestowed upon you.

Kasbah Museum

The Kasbah Museum is a small, private museum located in the Moroccan city of Essaouira. The museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the region, and features a large collection of Moroccan art and artifacts. The museum also offers a variety of small group and private tours of the city, and is a popular destination for adventure travellers.

Cascades d’Akchour

There is a wealth of stunning natural scenery surrounding the city beyond the blue streets. A beautiful tourist trail leads to breathtaking waterfalls, which is approximately 30 minutes away from the city centre. You can enjoy the blue waters and take a swim in the rock pools. Or, you could just admire the magnificent view. Be sure to visit the Bridge of God rock arch that spans the river while you're there.

Tangier

Tangier

Tangier is a gateway city, with its position on the Strait of Gibraltar making it the closest point in Africa to Europe. For this reason, it has been fought over and occupied by a number of empires and countries over the centuries, and as a result, its architecture, food and culture are a combination of Arab, Berber, Moorish, French and Spanish influences. The city has a fascinating and turbulent history and was once known as the “Playground of the Rich and Famous” due to its decadent reputation – a reputation that was no doubt helped by the fact that Tangier was a city where anything went. This was most famously captured in the novel “The Naked and the Dead” by Norman Mailer which is set in the city during World War II.

These days, Tangier is much more sedate but no less interesting. The old medina is a maze of streets and alleyways lined with small shops and stalls selling everything from spices to souvenirs. The souks are a great place to bargain for goods and haggle for prices. There are a number of must-see sights in Tangier including the Grand Mosque, the Museum of Moroccan Arts, the American Legation Museum and the Caves of Hercules. The city is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area.

The beaches of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic are within easy reach and there are a number of day trips that can be taken to places like Asilah, Chefchaouen and Meknes. Tangier is a city with a rich history and culture that is waiting to be explored. It is a place where East meets West, and a place that has something to offer everyone.

Tangier also has gorgeous cafes with breath-taking sea views. Here is a few you would not want to miss out on:

Cafe Hafa

A visit to Cafe Hafa in Tangier City is a must for any traveler looking to experience the rich culture and history of North Morocco. The cafe is located in the heart of the city, and offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Some tours offer a more intimate look at the cafe and its history. The cafe also has a restaurant that serves up traditional Moroccan cuisine, which is sure to please any traveler looking for a taste of the local flavor.

Cafe Baba

Café Baba is one of the most popular cafés in Tangier and is known for its eclectic décor and lively atmosphere, taking you back to the 1940’s. Inside you’ll find a big wall of all the celebrities that had visited the café over the years such as The Rolling Stones, King of Sweden, King of Spain and many more. The café is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike and offers a wide range of activities and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and have a cup of coffee or you’re looking for a place to enjoy a night out on the town, Café Baba is the perfect destination for you.

Cafe La Gelateria

Located near Malabata Beach, La Gelateria Cafe is a popular tourist destination located in Tangier City, North Morocco. Even with stunning beach views and views of the city, this cafe is well known for its gelato, which is a type of Italian ice cream and Nutella-filled crepes. Adventure travellers often visit the cafe to experience the gelato and the cafe's other sweet offerings. Nothing ends off the perfect beach day with delicious sweet treats that melt in your mouth.

 

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Oasis Overland tour bookings now open!

As the COVID-19 situation around the world develops, and vaccination programs progress, international travel is starting to re-open.

We know that many Oasis customers, (let alone our drivers!) are keen to get back on the road.

We do have to be cautious though and try and make sure that the trips we make available, will actually be able to run. So, there won't be a normal, full Oasis program in 2022. Instead, we have reduced the number of departures and are focussing on some of the most popular routes, and also some of the more adventurous trips.

We are already getting the feeling from contact with customers, that after being cooped up for so long, people are really after some adventure and exciting experiences when they do get away. As a result, some of our very longest trips have already started attracting bookings for 2022 and 2023.

Overland camping

So, the very first Ultimate Expedition departure we plan to run is the iconic Trans Africa, 42 week, UK to Cairo trip, starting in Gibraltar on the 27th March 2022. This has several other legs available within it and travels down the West Coast of Africa to Cape Town, before returning up the Eastern side of the continent all the way up to Cairo.

The next departure will be the 25-week long Trans Asia trip, starting in Istanbul on the 13th April 2022, heading through Central Asia to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. From there, you can continue on, through China and south all the way to Singapore, though this section is using local transport, not with the truck, which will do a return trip back from Bishkek to Istanbul. As with all our Trans expeditions, you can join for various different sections.

For the even more adventurous out there, on 1 May 2022, we will be running a new one-off exploratory 21-week trip from Cape Town to Alexandria following a different route to our normal Cape to Cairo. This will be a true coast to coast adventure, perfect for returning Oasis travellers and anyone looking for a new experience.

Our African Grand Adventurer trips between Cape Town and Nairobi will start in January 2022 with slightly reduced frequency than normal.

Getting out of a tight spot

South America then kicks in, but not until August 2022 when the main Trans South America truck will begin in Cartagena.

For logistical and truck positioning reasons, our new Middle Eastern Oasis Caravan trips are unfortunately going to have to wait until later in 2022, with the first 35-day Amman to Muscat expedition starting on the 10th October. We're really excited about these trips as they are new routes and the scenery through Jordan, Saudi and Oman is spectacular. Do check them out.

With so many people longing to get travelling again, we're expecting some of these first departures to prove popular. So, we do encourage you to book early and secure your places.

Prices are going to be held at the same Oasis rates offered since 2019 for all bookings made until the end of September 2021, after which there may need to be some minor increases to take account of the new logistics and costs following the COVID outbreak.

Oasis trips have always been well known for their great value for money, and this will always remain the case. You can also book with confidence knowing that our flexible booking conditions will allow you to change your date and adjust your plans if necessary

If you do want a shorter holiday before our Overland adventures kick in, then do check out our Small Group Adventures in Morocco and South America which will have departures in 2021. A separate newsletter and blog post will follow on these trips later this month.

Do get in touch with our team if you have any questions or would like to book any of these trips. Remember that if you do want to book, to make sure to get in before the end of September and before some of the very first departures fill up.

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Lebanon: Wine and Coffee

Lebanon is a beautiful country with plenty to offer tourists. The scenery is varied and breathtaking, from the snow-capped mountains to the azure Mediterranean Sea. There are plenty of historical and cultural sites to explore, as well as fun activities for the whole family. Whether you're looking for an adventure-filled holiday or a more relaxed trip, Lebanon has something to suit everyone. There are plenty of small group tours and private tours available, so you can tailor your trip to your own needs and interests. Lebanon is a safe and welcoming country, and its people are known for their hospitality.

Lebanon is also renowned for its wine and coffee. The country's vineyards produce a wide variety of red and white wines, while its coffeehouses serve some of the finest Arabic coffee in the world.

Bekaa Valley

Lebanon: Wine

The Bekaa Valley is home to a modern and vibrant wine industry that has recently seen rapid growth in both style and size. Nearly 90 percent of Lebanon’s wine comes from this region, along with a significant portion of the country's arak. Arak is an anise-flavored spirit and is still the favorited alcoholic beverage of the nation. The Valley is home to many of Lebanon's top wineries, including Chateau Ksara, Chateau Musar, and Domaine des Tourelles. There are also a number of smaller, family-run operations.

Cinsaut was used to plant the original Bekaa Valley vineyards. It was later joined by French varieties. These varieties are still present in Lebanon's current vinicultural composition: Syrah and Syrah red Carignan and Grenache; Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot and Merlot white Ugni Blanc and Clairette.

Chateau Ksara is the oldest winery in this area. It was founded by Taanayel, a Jesuit Christian settlement located just below Ksara. It was first planted with grapes brought in from France through the colonies in Algeria in 1857.

At that time Lebanon was ruled by the Ottoman Empire, whose Sharia law condemned the production or consumption of wine except for religious purposes. Thus the initial winery was very subdued, and it was not until the French took control of the country after WW1 (under the League of Nations' French Mandate for Syria and Lebanon) that Bekaa Valley wine production began to expand.

The Bekaa Valley is a great place to explore Lebanese wine. There are a number of small group and private tour operators that offer wine tours of the Valley. The Bekaa Valley is a beautiful place. The scenery is stunning and the wines are excellent. If you are an adventurous traveler who is interested in exploring new wines, then a wine tour of the Bekaa Valley is a must-do.

Coffee in Lebanon

Lebanon: Coffee

Nothing screams Lebanon more than a delicious cup of strong, black coffee. It can also be known as kahweh. This coffee comes from the Arabica beans, also known as Brazilian beans. This coffee is served in a variety of places for your enjoyment, at work, at home, in public cafes and many restuarants. Shortly after arriving at one’s home, guests are immediately encouraged and persuaded to stay for a cup of coffee as a sign of welcome.

Fun fact: Coffee is so integral to the Lebanese culture, it's often joked that anyone who doesn't like coffee can lose his nationality.

Looking for a recipe? We’ve got you covered.

This is what you’ll need:

1 cup of water (the size of an espresso cup)
1 tsp. ground coffee
1/2 tsp. powdered sugar
A pinch of cardamom (optional)

Now that you’ve got the ingredients, lets get started on the method:

Pour cold water into a coffee pot. You should use one cup of cold water for each cup you are making. Add a teaspoonful of the ground coffee per cup in the water while the water is cold and then stir it. The amount of coffee may be varied to taste, but do not forget - Don’t fill the pot too much. If you need to add sugar this is the time to do it.

Heat the pot as slowly as you can. The slower the heat the better it is. Make sure you watch it to prevent overflowing when the coffee boils.

When the coffee begins to rise up remove it from the heat. When foaming reduces, return it to the heat and bring it back to a boil. Repeat this procedure three times. The goal is to get maximum coffee flavour without over boiling. There should be a thick sediment on the bottom and a brown froth on the top.

NB: The amount of coffee and sugar may be decreased or increased according to taste. Since there is no filtering of coffee at any time during this process, you should wait for a few minutes before drinking your delicious Lebanese coffee while the coffee grounds settle at the bottom of the cup.

Because coffee is such an integral part of the culture, it is also served in its own unique way. A long-handled coffee pot, also known as rakweh, is used to pour the coffee in front of guests. It's then served in cups about the same size as espresso cups on a tray. As enjoyable as the coffee is, it is also very important to know when to stop drinking it as you could end up with a mouthful of tefl, coffee residue, that was left in the bottom of the cup.

So in order to have the best coffee experience, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Place your coffee cup holder on top of your coffee cup
  2. Swirl your cup in a circular motion three times horizontally
  3. With a quick movement, turn the coffee cup with the cup holder upside down
  4. The coffee will gradually be brought down along the bottom of the coffee cup to the holder
  5. Let the cup sit for approximately 2 minutes and then give it to your cup reader

A coffee cup reader is usually your coffee host, whether at home or at a shop. They interpret the shapes of your coffee cups and give you tips and advice about your life.

So why not come and explore all that this fascinating country has to offer? You won't be disappointed by these unforgettable experiences!

 

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Encounters Travel relaunches Oasis Overland

Hello Oasis Overlanders! 

We’re happy to announce that UK adventure travel company, Encounters Travel is relaunching the Oasis Overland brand. 

After going into administration on 17 February 2021, Oasis Overland Ltd. became one of many travel companies around the globe to have been critically affected by the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the global travel industry. 

However, we’re very pleased that Encounters Travel is bringing Oasis Overland back online and back on the road! 

‘Oasis is in safe hands’ 

Chris Wrede, Founder of Oasis Overland is looking forward to seeing Oasis Overland vehicles on the road again. 

“I've known the guys at Encounters for nearly 20 years and feel confident that Oasis is in safe hands. Jackie and I will continue to be involved with the overland side of things, and to help with continuity. I'm sure that the high level of personal customer service we always focussed on will continue, and I'm excited to be able to look forward with some positivity now to getting our trucks back on the road again, as soon as Covid will allow anyway!” 

“We did our best to handle the closure of Oasis Overland as professionally as possible, ensuring that our ground suppliers were paid, and our customers refunded. For anyone that this was not straightforward for, I am genuinely sorry. I'm doubly sorry that we weren't able to retain our great team in the UK office or contact our customers personally after the administration was announced.” 

“But, now to the future and I look forward to seeing our Oasis Overland vehicles and clients once again travelling to some of those far-flung places as well as the iconic sites, engaging with different people and experiences that our groups so much enjoy.” 

‘Providing the same great experiences’ 

Ralph Foulds, Managing Director at Encounters Travel says he is looking forward to relaunching one of the UK’s most respected travel brands. 

“We are delighted to be able to bring the Oasis Overland name, trips and operations back online and make their great selection of overland expeditions and adventures available again. The situation is far from ideal, and we feel for everyone at Oasis, their great crews and UK team, and their customers who had their future travel plans disrupted. It's our strong feeling that Oasis and their multi-country tours were hit especially hard by the Coronavirus pandemic and without it would still be going strong.”  

“We have known Chris and his team for many years, since we first met on the road in the early 2000s when we ran our own overland expeditions through the Middle East and Asia. Over the years we've partnered on several small-group tours in both South America and the Middle East, so the style of trips and the way they run is very familiar.” 

 “We're committed to offering as many of Oasis's previous trips as we can, using the same ground suppliers, trucks, crew, and tour leaders wherever possible, and providing the same great experiences out on the road. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 and the gradual way that international travel will recover, particularly for multi-country tours, it's going to be some time until everything will be up and running again. We'll post regular updates on the website and on the Oasis social media channels as things develop. We also hope to bring some exciting new experiences to Oasis travellers, so look out for news on those too.” 

Have any questions? 

If you’d like to know more about our relaunch, feel free to contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can! In the meantime, keep an eye on our social media channels for more information. 

Refunds and re-bookings

If you had a holiday booked with Oasis Overland Limited, we regret that all prior bookings remain cancelled, and you will need to complete the refund process as previously advised.  

However, as we hope to be able to run most, if not all of Oasis’ trips again, we will be reaching out over the coming weeks with more information about rebooking options. 

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2022 Travel Update 🚍

The whole team here at Oasis Overland are thrilled to have our iconic big yellow trucks back on the road at last! We have already completed our first East and Southern Africa overland trip and our second is currently underway.  If you would like to experience this incredible continent with us please have a look at some of our confirmed departures listed below and if you have any questions at all or would simply like to book, please get in touch.

Confirmed departures

 Our iconic big yellow trucks back on the road


Africa Overland Trips:

 

 

Small Group Adventure Trips - we have regular departures in 2022 but our most popular are:

 

 

New Patagonia tour

 

More exciting news! We have been asked by a lot of travellers for a more compact option to explore the national parks, mountains and glaciers of Patagonia. We have therefore put a new Patagonia Highlights tour together, starting in Punta Arenas in Chile, close to Torres del Paine National Park, and finishing in El Chalten in Argentina, at the foot of Glaciers National Park.

The tour will be run with one of our specially designed South American overland trucks, and include a mix of camping and hotel accommodation, with plenty of mountain hikes and other adventurous activities included along the way. The best season to visit Patagonia runs from October through to March, and we will have regular departures through this period.

Newsletter subscribers will be able to take advantage of a 10% discount on any of these, plus a 15% discount off the very first departure, starting on the 2nd October. Just mention you've seen this offer in your newsletter and we'll apply it to your booking.

Explore Patagonia

Do get in touch if we can help you with any of the trips listed above.

Stay well, and hope to see you on the road soon!

Best wishes,

The Oasis Overland team

Details

Big Trips for 2021 and 2022

Happy New Year everyone! If you’re dreaming big when it comes to your future travel plans, we’ve got some big trips lined up for you in 2021 and 2022!

Make up for a lack of adventure in 2020 with a one off overland trip from Cape Town to Alexandria this June or join our annual Trans Africa expedition from UK to Cape Town or Cairo in November.

If you long to explore South America, journey with us over 27 weeks from Colombia to the mountains of Patagonia and the mighty Amazon in Brazil on our Trans South America this August.

Last but not least is our 24 week Trans Asia trip which travels from Istanbul to Singapore each April or for something really different, join us on a one off expedition from London to Kathmandu via Russia and the Stans, returning to Istanbul via India and Pakistan. This one starts in April 2022 so plenty of time to plan and save!

If you don't quite have the full time to spare, all these journeys have sections you can join. Contact us to find out what's possible.

We hope you're inspired to do something different in 2021 or 2022 and join us on one of these incredible adventures!  

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