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Katie Carson, a former Oasis Overland crew member, is hitting the road again on our 14-day Nairobi to Dar es Salaam Gameparks and Zanzibar adventure. We’ll be following her journey to give you an inside look at what this overland trips is like. Her first blog kicks things off with how she’s getting prepared.
Preparing for a 14 day Oasis Overland Africa trip
In just a few days time I shall be setting off for Nairobi to join the Nairobi to Dar es Salaam (14 days) Gameparks and Zanzibar adventure.
Here’s just a few of the things that I do to prepare for an Africa overland trip.
Read the pre departure information
This is sent out with your confirmation email and also can be found on the trip page. This page tells you what you need and have to bring, where the trip starts from, budgeting, visas and so much more.
Flights
It is always worth looking around for good deals, I usually use Skyscanner. In this instance it was cheaper to fly out of Heathrow and back in to Gatwick, a saving of nearly a £1000, so definitely worth trying different combinations!
Photocopies of my passport and insurance policy
(the page with the 24hr number and your policy number and provider)
Visas
For this trip as a British National I need to get the e-visa in advance for Kenya (the Tanzanian one I can get out on the road with the group on trip). The link to the Kenya e-visa can be found in the pre departure information. DON’T apply for this too early as it is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, so you don’t want it running out before you have used it! Once you have it issued, print it and keep with your passport.
Zanzibar travel insurance
Zanzibar now requires you to get their travel insurance to be able to gain entry - even when you have your own travel insurance. It’s quick and easy to do, the link can be found in the pre departure information and it costs $44 per adult.
Pre departure & post trip accommodation
I am flying out a few days early and so have booked the same accommodation where the trip starts from. For this trip finishing in Dar es Salaam, you have a few options - you can get the ferry back from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam and then catch onward flights from there, or as I am doing I am getting a short flight from Zanzibar to Nairobi and then flying back to the UK, and so am staying on the island for an extra couple of nights post trip, which I have sorted independently.
Packing
This of course varies with individuals, but for these trips you must bring a sleeping bag and roll mat (I use a thermarest as it gives a bit more support and rolls up small to fit in your bag and truck locker), you will also need a head torch and a mini first aid kit. A car charger so that you can charge your phone on the truck, flip flops, trainers for when I go exploring, a towel, some long sleeved tops to try and prevent the pesky mozzies getting you, wet wipes for the occasion where you can’t have a shower…I can go on but we all know how to pack, and plus there is a handy list in the pre departure information! Remember you will need a backpack or soft holdall - you can’t bring a suitcase on the truck!
US Dollars
You will need to bring your local payment and give this to your tour leader at the start of the trip. You will also want US dollars for your visas out on the road and they can be used for any optional activities you decide to do whilst on trip.
Vaccinations
I always go to my local GP surgery to find out what vaccinations I need (and they can check what I have had already!). I got my yellow fever vaccination a long time ago and always keep the certificate for this in my passport.
Watch this space for lots of pictures and videos on the Oasis social pages!
If you are thinking of booking a trip, do it, I can’t recommend it enough and all the team can help answer any questions you may have.
The next Nairobi to Dar es Salaam* overland trip leaves on 17th August 2025: BOOK TODAY
*includes Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari and Zanzibar