The Shores Of Lake Tanganyika

HARARE to KAMPALA (43 days) Africa Explored - A One Off Expedition

Overland Adventure

Africa Explored - A One Off Expedition

Countries Visited: Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe

This One-Off Expedition will take you to many destinations that are off the regular Africa Overland route. Destinations include Mutarazi Falls National Park and Gorongosa National Park, we will explore the Northern Mozambique coastline before venturing to Lake Nyasa and Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania, then continue to Murchison Falls in Uganda.

Route Map

HARARE to KAMPALA (43 days) Africa Explored - A One Off Expedition
Click map to enlarge

Highlights

  • View the spectacular falls in Mutarazi Falls National Park
  • Take a safari by foot, canoe or 4x4 through Gorongosa National Park
  • Explore Northern Mozambique coastline islands and beaches
  • Enjoy a sunset Dhow trip on Lake Tanganyika
  • Search for Chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park.
  • Take a boat trip to see the amazing Murchinson Falls
  • Camp on the shores of Lake Malawi
  • Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to victims of the genocide
  • Trek to see the largest living primate, the Mountain Gorilla

Includes

  • Accommodation - 100% camping
  • Mutarazi National Park entry fee
  • Gorongosa National Park entry fee
  • Lake Tanganiyka Sunset Dhow boat cruise
  • Lake Bunyoni boat trip
  • Boat trip and entry into Murchison Falls National Park
  • Meals - approx. 60%
  • All transport on Oasis Expedition Truck
  • Camping and Cooking equipment
  • Services of Oasis Crew

Excludes

  • Visas
  • Gorilla Trekking Permit (bookable as an Add on)
  • Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
  • Flights
  • Airport Taxes & Transfers
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals - approx. 40%
  • Drinks
  • Tips

Trip Itinerary

From Harare, this is a One Off Expedition and many of the areas we plan to visit have not been explored very often if at all by overland companies.Therefore the itinerary in these areas is flexible and will be decided once we are travelling and on the road. After the success of our previous One off Expedition "Rumble through the Jungle", having a flexible itinerary was the making of a great trip for visiting many new destinations. 

Leaving Harare we make our way to the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, where we visit Mutarazi Falls National Park, at 762 meters it is the highest water fall in Zimbabwe, and second highest in Africa. A place we had never heard of, but with many activities looks like a great place to spend a couple of nights.

Making our way to Mozambique we will stop at Gorongosa National Park a preserved area in the Great Rift Valley of central Mozambique. It’s forests and savannahs are home to lions, hippos and elephants. You will have the opportunity to take a safari by foot, canoe or 4x4 in search of wildlife and explore the picturesque landscape. 

Mozambique’s coastline and Northern Mozambique have been described as "undiscovered gem, well off the beaten tourist track and perfect for the adventurous traveller looking for more than just another beach hotel experience. Endless white beaches, some of the world’s best dive sites, fascinating places of historical interest, the best seafood on the planet, an unspoiled remote natural wilderness; in Northern Mozambique, this is the everyday reality”. We will spend the next week and a half exploring this region whilst making our way to Tanzania.

Crossing the Ruvuma River we enter Tanzania and will make our way west towards Lake Nyasaalso called Lake Malawi, and the southernmost lake in the East African rift valley. Making our way further north to the Shores of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest lake, we follow the lake road leading us to the village of Kapili, we spend a couple of days at a lakeside lodge and enjoy the remoteness and beauty of this part of Africa.

Continuing north we pass through the peaceful Katavi National Parkhoping to spot hippo’s in the various hippo pools along the way. Heading further north we will stop in Kigoma (close to the border with Burundi) and on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Kigoma sits on the lakeshore surrounded by rugged hills and forest valleys, with views of DRC mountains in the distance. Gombe Stream National Park can only be reached by boat from Kigoma. It was set up by Jane Goodall in 1960 as a chimpanzee research station and in 1968 was declared a national park. Chimpanzees are well habituated in the national park and it is possible to arrange a visit and trek these alarmingly human like creatures during your time in Kigoma.

Passing over the mountain ranges we cross the border into Rwanda and visit the capital Kigali. There will also be an opportunity to visit the genocide memorial in Kigali, which is a moving and humbling experience. From Kigale we will make our way over the mountain range towards Musanze where we will overnight and continue our journey into Uganda the following day.  

Climbing up and down the carefully terraced mountain passes with homesteads scattered all over the hills, makes a very scenic drive to the edge of Lake Bunyonyi. We will stop on the lake shore and what better way than to explore the lake, than a boat cruise navigating the small islands to camp.

Camping a couple of nights along the lakeshore you have the opportunity to relax and enjoy several activities available or Gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home to several families of Highland Mountain Gorillas. If you wish to trek to see the Gorillas in Uganda (bookable as an Add on).

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda, and next on our agenda. Wildlife includes elephants and hippos, along with chimpanzees in the Kaniyo Pabidi mahogany forest, not to mention the spectacular falls. Making our way towards the capital city Kampala we will pass by Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see the Rhinos in their natural environment.

We arrive into the dynamic and engaging capital city, Kampala. We have a free day to spend in local cafes and nightspots - where you can get to know the local people.


Trip Joining Point: Small World Backpackers - Harare

Start Time Day 1: 08:00

Telephone: +263738643820

Website: www.smallworldlodge.com

 

All prices listed are approximate and subject to limited availability.

Room Type

Price

Description

Dorm

US$14.00

Per Person

Double/Twin - shared facilities

US$36.00

Per Room

Double en-suite

US$54.00

Per Room

 

The trip starts from Small World Backpackers at approximately 8am on the morning of Day 1 of your trip.

The Backpackers is close to the city centre, cafes, bars, shops and Harare Gardens. It has self catering facilities and the friendly reception have a fridge stocked with sodas and beers. They offer wifi, transport arrangements, airport transfers, laundry service and have a lounge with satellite television.

PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATION:

Please book this direct with Small World Backpackers. Accommodation costs are payable direct to Small World on arrival in $US or credit card.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS:

Airport Transfer Costs: Approximately $35 USD.

If you would like to arrange an airport transfer, please contact Small World Backpackers directly. Your Transfer Rep. will be waiting for you as you exit Immigration holding an Oasis sign. If you have not arranged an airport transfer through the backpackers there are many taxi's available outside the airport. A taxi is approximately $30USD.

Harare International Airport is approx. 15kms from Small World Backpackers and the city centre. English is widely spoken and used for signs / directions throughout Zimbabwe.

There will be a pre-departure meeting in the starting hotel the night before the start of the trip, usually around 6:00pm.  There will be a notice in reception advising the exact time and here your crew will explain how the day to day running of the trip works. Your Tour Leader will collect your Local Payment money as well as 2 photocopies of your passport information pageinsurance policy details with policy number and confirmation that the duration will cover you for the entire trip and a 24-hour emergency assistance 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 do so.

Post-trip accommodation can be arranged with your tour leader during the trip or directly with the hotel on arrival. The return airport transfer can be arranged through your hotel / hostel and is not included, it is at your own expense. We regret these services cannot be arranged via the Oasis office before departure.

You need to arrive at your departure city at least the day before your trip begins.

For return flights, as this is an Exploratory trip we recommend you do not purchase these in advance. 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.

There are many online flight search engines such as www.skyscanner.net or www.ebookers.co.ukflights can also be booked direct with airline websites or through travel agencies. Please inform us of your flight details through your online account, as airport transfers can be arranged for various trips.

One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that you  have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry.

Departure Taxes: Please check with your Travel Agent or Airline if your flight ticket already includes a departure tax payment out of the country. If it does not - please budget for approx US$30 to $70 USD - to be paid in US$ only.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your trip finishes. This is a general requirement for all of the countries we travel to on our trips.
 
If you have dual nationality you can only use one passport for the entire trip. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require.
 
Please bring 2 photocopies of your passport details to give to your tour leader.
 
Number of blank pages required for the trip, please use this as an approximate guide:
 
  • Cape Town to Alexandria - 19 blank pages
  • Harare to Alexandria - 15 blank pages
  • Harare to Kampala OR Addis Ababa to Cairo - 8 blank pages

The information below is to be used only as a guide and may change without prior notice. It is advisable to contact the relevant embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require.

Visas must be paid for in USD cash ONLY.

Country

UK

Irish

Aust

NZ

S.Africa

USA

 Canadian 

Egypt

US$35

US$45

US$35

US$35

Free

US$35

US$35

Sudan 

 US$170 

US$170

US$170

US$170

US$170

US$270

US$170

Ethiopia

US$60

US$60

US$60

US$60

US$60

US$70

US$60

 East Africa Visa 

US$100

 US$100 

 US$100 

 US$100 

US$100

 US$100 

US$100

Kenya 

US$50

US$50

US$50

US$50

US$50

US$50

US$50

Uganda

US$50

US$50

US$50

US$50

US$30

US$50

US$50

Rwanda

US$50

US$50

US$50

US$50

Free

US$50

US$50

Tanzania

US$50

US$50

US$50

US$50

Free

US$100

US$50

Malawi

US$75

US$75

US$75

US$75

Free

US$75

US$75

Mozambique

US$100

US$100

US$100

US$100

Free

US$100

US$100

Zimbabwe

US$55

US$55

US$30

US$30

Free

US$30

US$75

Botswana

Free

Free

Free

Free

Free

Free

Free

Namibia

Free

Free

Free

Free

Free

Free

Free

S. Africa

Free

Free

Free

e-visa

Free

Free

Free


For more information on other nationalities & visas checkout www.projectvisa.com

Mozambique

Currently there is conflicting information available about the Mozambique visa however, passport holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries should expect to require a visa. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip - please bring 3 recent colour passport photos along with you and have digital copies of your passport and a passport photo in case they are required for your application.

South African passport holders are free of charge.

Passport holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

Rwanda

Passport Holders who have already obtained an East Africa, will not need to purchase another visa to enter Rwanda.

If you are NOT travelling on an East Africa Visa; passport holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will require a visa to enter Rwanda, this can be obtained on the trip at the border on arrival. Approximate cost is $50 USD.

Passport Holders from other countries who have NOT obtained their East Africa visa, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

Tanzania

Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and most EU countries will require a visa to enter Tanzania. The current cost is $50 USD with the visa available on arrival at the border. Passport holders from the USA also need a visa and can obtain it on arrival, but the cost is $100 USD. Alternatively visas are available in advance via the Tanzanian government's e-visa website. South African passport holders are Free of charge.

Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

For those travelling on the Grand Adventurer, Apes & Lakes and Gorillas, Gameparks & Zanzibar trip, the Tanzanian visa is a Single entry visa and also covers you for Zanzibar. 

Uganda

Passport Holders who have already obtained an East Africa, will not need to purchase another visa to enter Uganda.

If you are NOT travelling on an East Africa Visa; passport holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will require a visa to enter Uganda, this can be obtained on the trip at the border on arrival. Approximate cost is $50 USD.

Passport Holders from other countries who have NOT obtained their East Africa visa, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

Zimbabwe

Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will require a visa to enter Zimbabwe. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip at the border on arrival, a visa can also be obtained at the airport on arrival into Harare and Victoria Falls. Approximate cost for Australian, USA and New Zealand Passport Holders is $30 USD, British and Irish passport holders $55 USD and Canadian $75 USD for a Single entry visa. South African passport holders are Free of charge. 

If you are planning on going over to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe you will need to obtain a double entry visa for Zimbabwe so that you can return back to Zimbabwe after your day trip. Approximate cost for Australian, USA and New Zealand Passport Holders is $45 USD, and British passport holders $70 USD. 

Canadians & Irish passport holders are unable to obtain a double entry Zimbabwe visa. 

The visa into Zambia is called a Day Tripper visa and is available at the border and only valid for stays of less than 24 hours. The approximate cost is $20 USD. 

For those joining in Victoria Falls a UNI-Visa is available at the airport on arrival, which is a multiple entry visa between Zimbabwe and Zambia and costs approximately $50 USD.

Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

It is possible that you may require some vaccinations for your trip, depending on the areas that you are visiting. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to give detailed advice on vaccination requirements, so please use the information below as a guide only.  We have worked closely with Nomad Travel Clinics for many years and they offer Oasis travellers a 10% discount on vaccinations, anti- malarial drugs, first aid items, clothing and equipment, just enter discount code OASIS1000 at Nomad Travel. Alternatively you can check out the fit for travel website for more travel health information or consult a reputable travel clinic or your GP for information and advice. We suggest that you allow at least 8 weeks to get all your vaccinations.

Yellow Fever - Being vaccinated against Yellow Fever and having a valid certificate and a photocopy is deemed compulsory in nearly all the countries we visit in Africa, especially at certain borders and are needed if you are entering from an infected country. You can view a list of countries requiring a certificate through the World Health organisation

Rabies - Vaccinations are regularly advised for all countries that we travel through in Africa - especially if time and money are not a deterrent.

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 worst 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. Please consult a reputable travel clinic or GP for advice. For more information visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk or www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Dengue - Unlike the malaria mosquito, which bites at night, the dengue carrying mosquito bites during the day. Some areas we travel to do have occasional outbreaks & it is therefore advised that you take care not to be bitten during the day as well as at night.  There is no vaccine available.

Health - To join our trips you should be in good general health. Your medical insurance company 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 will need to know of any medication or conditions you may have. For general health advice log onto www.nathnac.org/travel/.

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.

You will be asked to provide the following details in My Oasis Account if you have not already done so: travel insurance name, insurance policy number & insurance emergency telephone number. You will also be required to give a copy of your policy with this information to your Tour Leader on arrival with 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. It is extremely important that you check the full extent of your cover related to 24 hour Medical Emergency Assistance. In the event of you needing medical treatment you want to know that you have the best cover available to you. Your policy should include adequate Medical Emergency and Repatriation cover as well as Cancellation, Baggage and Personal Liability cover. You need to be aware of EXACTLY what activities your policy covers you for. Please note that skiing is not usually covered in most insurance policies. 

We offer tailor made Overland Adventure Travel Insurance that covers most of the adventure and sporting activities on our trips.

For further information on the insurance we offer, the activities covered and costs, check out the Travel Insurance section of our website. You can purchase our insurance by logging into My Oasis Account and click 'Buy Insurance' or through the following link.

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/hostel fees, gas, and certain activities listed on the trip page) which cannot be pre-paid from the UK. It is a guaranteed amount, set before your trip departs, and unlike 'group kitty' systems we will not ask you to contribute more once the trip is underway.

Please note: Your LP is payable to your Tour Leader on the morning of departure in US$ Dollars CASH ONLY. Make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused by the banks and we will therefore be unable to accept them either. Please do not bring all of your Local Payment in US$100 notes and also make sure that they are post 2013 and do not have a serial number starting with CB.

How to bring your currency?

Past Oasis travellers have fed back that, as a general rule it is best to bring your money in US$ dollars cash, although you could also bring a combination of US$ & £GB if British pounds are your home currency. It will depend on the exchange rate at the time of your trip as to which currency is better, but we suggest that US$ are the preferred option for East Africa, whilst £GB can also be easily exchanged in Kenya, Tanzania and Southern Africa. PLEASE NOTE YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY BRING AT LEAST 50% of your money in cash. You will need to pay for your visas and many of the optional excursions using cash and there will be times when you need cash to change into local currency. Some travellers worry about carrying so much cash with them, however all Oasis Overland trucks are equipped with an onboard safe for the security of your money and passport.

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/ATMs are closed (only if you are travelling to these countries).

Make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused by the banks and shops. Please ensure your notes are dated post 2013 and do not have a serial number starting with CB. Scottish pounds are also not accepted. 

Please remember that Visas need to be paid for in US$ CASH ONLY!

Spending Money

From past trips and traveller feedback £100 to £145 per week should cover costs such as 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 visa costs (see visa section above) and 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 bureaus. 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.

Credit & Debit Cards 

If you are intending using your credit or debit card, we suggest taking more than one card with you as you may find that your card is not accepted in the first ATM you try. Visa and Maestro cards are best. We do not recommend using MasterCard based cards in Africa as they have very limited access through large parts of Africa. Please note that usually 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. Commission rates vary between 2-8%.

Pre-Paid Travel Currency Cards

These cards are similar to normal Credit and Debit cards but they can be pre loaded with cash before you travel with a set amount allowing you to withdraw this cash using the card at normal ATMs. It is a more secure way to access cash on your trip, but again do not rely on these as your sole means of funds on a trip - (please refer to the ATM section). Several banks and companies now offer these cards, but be sure to look into the rates for withdrawing cash when making your decision. When using these cards abroad you will use them to withdraw the local currency from an ATM and not the currency that you loaded onto the card.

ATMs 

These are available in most major cities along our route and allow you to withdraw local currency only. We discourage you from relying on your ATM card as a primary source of funds in case it is lost/stolen/swallowed, or the machine isn't working. In some destinations we probably won't even see a bank or ATM for days on end so having hard currency to exchange is essential. Besides memorising your PIN, it is also important to be aware of your daily withdrawal limit and bank withdrawal costs. Please note that although Zimbabwe’s currency is US Dollars it is not currently possible to obtain USD cash from ATMs or banks due to the country’s cash shortage.

Tipping 

Is often expected and relied upon. It is often more than a reward for services well done, but, as wages are extremely low, it is 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 add an extra Government tax on restaurant bills.

Because it can be difficult to know what to tip, and because it has such importance in some areas both economically and culturally, there may be times and activities for which your crew will make it clear what level of tipping is 'customary/expected'. They may also be quite enthusiastic or assertive in encouraging you to take account of these suggestions. This is motivated by the knowledge of how important tipping can be, and the offence or confusion that can be caused when local people are tipped poorly. In the end, tipping remains at the discretion of the individual, but our crew will continue to advise on normal or average rates, and we would ask you to carefully consider the economic or personal impact of being seen as 'under tipping'. We know that many who travel with us are on a tight budget, but ask you to consider that those we work with locally may also face financial hardship, and also work very hard to try to give you unrivalled service/ experiences.

As a very rough guide, we would suggest that you budget for an amount equal to 10% of the local payment for your trip, plus 10% of the cost of any of the listed optional excursions that you wish to do. The amounts you end up tipping may vary from a rigid 10%, but hopefully this will help you budget in general.

In the past we have been asked by travellers about tipping your Oasis Crew. If you choose to do this, it would be budgeted separately from the above. 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 as a thank you for hard work and good service, but of course not mandatory. Our suggestion is to budget around US$1 a day.

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 western Uganda, Ngorongoro Crater & the Rift Valley.

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. View African 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. 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: summer is very hot in places & winter can be very cold with occasional frost overnight in the south. (May to Aug can be very cold in Southern Africa). Make sure that you bring your gear in a 70-90L rucksack or holdall - suitcases are not suitable.



Equipment Toiletries - Most available to buy on trip
  • Sleeping Bag - 3 to 4 season bag, depending on season, & sleep sheet
  • Foam sleeping mat or thermarest & repair kit
  • Small day-pack or small bag to carry daily items
  • Soft rucksack or holdall (NOT rigid suitcase)
  • Water bottle - for personal use - we recommend Water-to-Go (see below Responsible Travel)

  • Soap, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, antibacterial hand wash, lip balm & moisturiser
  • Sun block 35 + after sun, hat & sun glasses
  • Tampons (can buy in most places)
  • Contraception
Clothes Personal Effects
  • One pair of trainers or boots
  • Sandals/flip flops/jandals/thongs
  • Underwear/socks
  • T shirts/shirts
  • Shorts/swimwear
  • Jeans/trousers/jog pants/leggings
  • Skirt or dress
  • Sweat shirt/jumper
  • Jacket/fleece & waterproof jacket
  • Camera with protective case, spare batteries, film/memory card
  • Torch & spare batteries (head torch is best)
  • Travel adaptor plug/charger (for cameras & mobile phone batteries)
  • Money belt
  • Personal stereo - there is a stereo on the truck with iPod/MP3 adaptors
  • Towel &/or sarong

Recommended Medical Kit List
  • Antiseptic ointment/Antihistamine cream & tablets
  • Nurofen or equivalent pain-killer
  • Eye-drops/bath
  • Anti-diarrhoea treatment
  • A couple of bandages (elasticated & triangular)
  • Medication for personal allergies/asthma etc
  • Insect repellent containing Deet
  • Some suitable antibiotics as recommended by your doctor for infected cuts or to treat severe dysentery
  • Rehydration sachets/vitamin tablets
  • Assorted plasters
  • 1 Course of malaria treatment
  • Malaria Tablets - see Vaccinations & Health section


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 shoot' 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.  Internet speeds can be slow for uploading photos to social media or the Cloud.

Photography - Be aware of your surroundings when taking photographs and filming. Some locations will be sensitive or have local laws banning photography. For example it is usually forbidden to use cameras at borders or around government buildings, military installations, bridges and airports or to take photos of local officials. If you do take photos or film where it is not permitted you may find yourself being questioned by irate officials who may decide to confiscate your camera or instruct you to delete all the images/footage on your device. If in doubt ask for permission, or if there is no-one to ask use some common sense.

Drones - As the use of drones becomes more common, countries throughout the world are gradually updating their laws and restrictions on usage. The specific regulations will vary from one country to another, so do check the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice for the latest information. As with cameras, use your common sense if you do use a drone and avoid operation in sensitive areas. If you plan to bring a drone on your trip with us please contact us first to ensure there will be a suitable place to store it while on your trip.

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.whatplug.net for information regarding the different electrical plugs and voltage used in each country.

The internet and WiFi are available in many towns / cities you will visit. Do bear in mind that the connections can be unreliable and will not always be as fast as you are used to at home.  If a lot of people try to use the internet at the same time the speed will be slower still, especially if trying to make Skype calls or upload photos / videos.  During periods of the trip where we are wild camping, internet will be less common.

Some travellers choose to take an unlocked mobile phone with them and buy local SIM cards in each country, allowing them to use mobile data.  If you particularly want or need regular internet access this may be a good option. Telephone calls can be expensive usually £1 to £5 for a three minute call.

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.

Before you go

  • Remove unnecessary packaging before you go - waste disposal facilities are often stretched or non existent 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. You can also purchase these items cheaply, locally which will help local businesses.
  • Take a sturdy water bottle with you from home that you can re-use throughout your trip. We carry large quantities of purified water with us on our Expedition vehicles and it is much better for the environment if you drink this, rather than purchase bottled water along the way. (It also saves you money).
  • Water-to-Go: Oasis Overland have partnered with Water-to-Go to help reduce the number of plastic water bottles consumed during a trip. Water-to-Go is a filtration system that eliminates over 99.9% of all microbiological contaminants including viruses, bacteria, chemicals and heavy metals from any non-salt water source. Click here and enter the code OASIS15 to purchase your Water-to-Go products at 15% discount. Water-to-Go will then donate a further 15% to Oasis Overland Charity projects.
 
While you're travelling

From experience gained in running trips, we have developed our own practical and 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. On all our Ultimate and Overland Expeditions we carry large quantities of purified water with us. We encourage you to refill your own water bottles from this supply, rather than purchase bottled water along the way-much more environmentally friendly and saves you money.
  • 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 & don't worry about what someone else has paid.
  • 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 make sure it is never near (at least 30m) 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 areas 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. More information on the projects we support.

All major cities have their share of petty crime (just like our cities) and sensible precautions need to be taken. Wearing expensive looking jewellery or watches and carrying cameras will draw unnecessary attention to you.  Leave valuables such as passports and excess money 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 discreet 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 and we would 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 important documents. Group member 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

FCO Advice - The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) offer country-specific advice, regarding not only security but also entry regulations, local laws and customs and health. We strongly recommend all travellers visit the FCO website, or the equivalent in their home country, to familiarise themselves with local conditions and potential issues in the countries they plan to visit before committing to a trip with us. You can view their website here.

As an adventure tour operator, some of our trips will travel to areas that are rarely-visited and occasionally attract negative publicity. We are not in the business of taking our travellers or indeed staff to regions that we consider dangerous and the safety of all who travel with us is always our main priority, but as a discerning customer we understand you will want to be aware of any risks before travelling. We liaise with the FCO on specific regions or areas as necessary, as well as monitoring open media outlets and political risk resources, and speaking to our contacts on the ground.

In some rare cases, our trips may have to travel through areas against which the FCO either ‘advise against all but essential travel’ or ‘advise against all travel’. When our trips travel through these areas we will carry out all due diligence and notify you in advance. This advice can change without notice.  In these instances you will need to ensure you have full and comprehensive travel insurance that includes cover for these areas – some policies will exclude them. We are able to provide additional cover, if required, at additional cost.  It may also be required that you read and sign a short information sheet confirming you have been advised of the risks and agree to travel contrary to the FCO advice.

If you have any questions at all about the safety or security of your trip, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to discuss your trip in more detail.

Gorilla Trekking Permit
 
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 or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Full payment is required at the time of booking and is subject to availability. Once requested your permits cannot be refunded or exchanged.
 
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 dependent 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. Once requested your permits cannot be refunded or exchanged. We make reservations many months in advance (sometimes as early as 6 months for some dates).
 
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. Once requested your permits cannot be refunded or exchanged. 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.
 
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;
  • Your full passport details
  • 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 $30 US pp (dependent on the number of people trekking)
 
Just add this on to your trip when booking!

 
African Wildlife and the Migration
 
Wildlife - View a chart detailing what animals you may see in the various gameparks and reserves we visit between Nairobi and Johannesburg.
 
The 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.

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.

Itinerary

Because Oasis Overland do not operate normal 'package holidays' the itineraries given cannot be guaranteed to run exactly as outlined. However, it is rare that we have to make major changes and in the event that we do this will be discussed with you either before or during the trip. It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis. Should it not be possible for an Oasis trip to begin from a scheduled starting city due to border closures, civil unrest etc,  Oasis will make all reasonable efforts to begin the trip from an alternative location. However, all additional costs that you may incur in travelling to the alternative location will be paid by you or your insurance company and not Oasis.

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  purpose built truck's 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 the equipment we may need en route, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water & fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts and the kitchen sink, (well almost!) so all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat and your own personal gear!

Seatbelts

All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Our overland trucks in Africa also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.

Accommodation

Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an overland trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. Tents are shared (between two people of the same sex from your group unless you are a couple). We spend some nights bush or desert camping and the rest of the time in campsites. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed.

During the day

As a guide, driving days normally start at about 8am and finish at about 5pm, with stops for lunch and buying food, seeing local sights etc. We won't be driving every day, although there are times when we will drive for two, but 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 maybe 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.

Vegetarians / Vegans / Coeliacs / Gluten & Lactose intolerance - Our Tour Leaders will always do their best to cater for any dietary requirement or intolerance whenever possible. However we do not cater for fussy eaters. It must be remembered that the variety of dishes available may not be the same as available to meat eaters. If there is anything in particular you require in your diet or because of an allergy or would miss from home, it would be best to bring these with you, as these cannot be purchased with normal Local Payment funds due to the high cost of these specialised and often imported foods.

Remember that when eating out in local restaurants & hotels that vegetarianism or food allergies / intolerance's, are still not widely known about or understood by many local people. i.e Vegetarians or Vegans will often be offered fish or chicken in error.  Most large towns and cities, or areas used to tourists, will often have more choice but please be aware that it will probably not be as varied as you are used to when eating out at home.

In the evenings 

When at a bushcamp or campsite where 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!

Oasis 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 usually 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 country's history, flora 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!


Itinerary Changes

Due to the unpredictable nature of this expedition - it is not always possible to follow the exact itinerary as set out below. We will always endeavour to visit all the places listed, and often more that are not. All the information regarding the itinerary is given in good faith and is subject to change, dependent on local political or country instabilities, weather, security & road conditions etc. Any major itinerary changes will be decided by the crew & company directors and will be discussed with the group beforehand whenever possible. It is also possible that the expedition may arrive later than specified into Cape Town/Nairobi or Cairo.

It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all your costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis.

If we do have to fly over a particular area or country we will endeavour to take in other places of interest if time permits. While Oasis Overland will cover all ground and transport costs, we have not taken the cost of flights into our pricing structure. Therefore any flights will have to be paid for by each individual.


Optional Excursions are paid for on the day and organised during your trip, so you can decide whilst travelling which activity you may want to do. Prices listed are only a guide and may be dependant on fluctuating exchange rates and minimum numbers. Please see below for more details.

 

Zimbabwe

Title From Price
River Bugging US$35
Mutarazi Forest Walking Trails, from US$20
Mutarazi Falls Zipline US$55
Mutarazi Falls Skywalk US$35

Uganda

Title From Price
Ziwa Rhino Trek US$45
Transport to Gorilla Trek US$30
Pygmy Island Day Trip on Lake Bunyoni US$25
Guided Game Drive Murchison Falls US$30
Chimpanzee Island Day Trip - Includes Transport, from US$125

Tanzania

Title From Price
Snorkelling - Lake Tanganyika, from US$50
Quad Biking, from US$90
Gombe National Park Chimpanzee trek US$220
Canoe Hire - Lake Nyasa, from US$10

Rwanda

Title From Price
Donation to Kigali Genocide Memorial US$10

We feel that having optional excursions gives a greater degree of flexibility and independence to our group members; independence to decide how much your spending budget can afford; flexibility to decide when and what time of day or with whom to visit a particular site, rather than for example, with the whole group at a pre-ordained time. If you decide not to join a popular excursion, you will have free time to relax or wander off to a market, village or beach, depending on where we are.

You pay for the optional excursions to the local operator, ensuring the money stays with that operator in the local community and this ensures as well, that you are paying the true price for any optional excursions you want to do. This also applies to accommodation costs before and after the trip. Please note that the prices of optional excursions quoted are approximate as local prices can and do change. Please see the relevant trip page for the Optional excursions you can do on that trip and a list of prices.


If you have more time to travel then why not consider HARARE to ALEXANDRIA (17 weeks) Africa Explored - A One Off Expedition

43 days from 0
Add to wishlist Added to wishlist
  • Travel Style
    Overland Adventure
  • Start Location
    Harare
  • End Location
    Kampala
  • Region
    Africa

Add Ons and Volunteer Projects

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Permit - July 2020 Trips onwards

£655

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