AFRICAN TRAILS
About African Trails:
ABOUT US
At African Trails we have been running camping safaris/overland expeditions in Africa since 1980. Such were the success of these tours that, in the early nineties, we expanded into the Middle East.Our tours run from 10 days to our longest, the epic Trans Africa Europe to Capetown to Istanbul - 301 days (6.5 months)
We aim for the adventure traveller and our low prices are maintained by keeping our overheads at a minimum whilst not cutting costs on our service or equipment provided. You will benefit from the services of a trained crew, well maintained vehicles and equipment. We feel it is important that everyone gets the mosty out of their journey and we encourage you to get involved in all aspects of the expedition.
We currently run 14 different trips regularly; covering 15 countries with a departure for most trips every month.
ABOUT YOU
The majority of our passengers are in their 20's and 30's and although we do not operate an age restriction, you would need to be in good health, reasonably fit, and of like-minded spirit and attitude. We welcome all ages over 18.
There is no particular type of person that comes on our trips. Our passengers decided on an overland tour as an easier, safer, cheaper and more enjoyable way to see the best of Africa or the Middle East. Some travel in groups but many travel as individuals as it is a great way of meeting people. Some have travelled extensively and others are travelling for the first time. If you want fun and adventure and wish to participate in day to day activities of the tour, such as drawing water from wells, buying food in local markets, meeting friends for life then our trips are for you.
All that we require from you is that you be in general good health, keep an open mind and have a willingness to get involved.
We use specially converted and fully equipped trucks that can carry up to 30 people comfortably (most are 24 seaters). The trucks can carry enough fuel, food and water to allow us to travel for long periods off the beaten track and away from civilisation if necessary.
This style of travel has been tried and tested and it is without doubt the safest, most sociable and cost effective method of travelling around in areas where public transport, roads, personal security and finding accommodation can be difficult or even hazardous.
THE VEHICLE
Our vehicles are built, serviced and maintained in our East African workshop. Whilst on the road our drivers service the vehicles.
The overland vehicles are fitted with comfortable coach seats - inward facing which provides everyone with a window seat as well as a wide aisle giving lots of leg room and lots of space to socialise. All vehicles are fitted with stereo cassette players.
OUR CREW
Our expedition leaders are all trained in mechanics and are experienced drivers. They are there for advice and help during the trip and have a comprehensive knowledge of the areas we are travelling through.
However, they are not tour guides and so at many sights we use local guides for a more detailed and in-depth view of the places we are visiting.
In addition, all African trips of 10 weeks or less duration carry cooks which means you have more time to yourself.
INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE & LOCAL PAYMENT
The tour cost and local payment includes transport in a fully equipped expedition vehicle, road taxes and tolls, ferries, services of the driver-leader, use of camping and cooking equipment,campsite fees, entrance to gameparks as specified, and two meals a day while on the truck (generally at lunchtimes we eat at small cafes or restaurants where you can try cheap and tasty local food. If no local food is available we eat on the truck).
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE
The price does not include flights, visas, personal insurance (we have very competitive rates), side trips, lunches and meals out. There are a number of optional side trips that you can choose from and pay for on the way.
CAMPING
Accommodation on the trips is mainly camping. We use campsites most of the time; facilities can vary from the very basic with cold showers to the exceptional with warm water swimming pools.
At other times we free camp whether it be on beaches, on the plains or beside rivers and waterfalls. We provide two man tents with sewn in groundsheets, mosquito netting, door and fly sheet. You need to bring your own sleeping bag and mat; bring your own mosquito net if you like to sleep under the stars.
In the Middle East the local payment is set at a level that will cover the cost of hotels/hostels for approximately half the time.
COOKING & SHOPPING
The expedition vehicles are equipped with a full complement of basic cooking and eating utensils and gas rings for cooking on (sorry no microwaves or blenders). We normally cook on an open fire and only use the gas when firewood is not available.
We purchase a sizeable stock of food before the trips start and supplement it with fresh food from local markets along the way.
On our trips the passengers organise themselves or are organised into groups to take turns cooking. The day's cook group (normally two or three people) will be responsible for shopping and cooking lunch (if necessary) dinner and breakfast. Don't worry if you can't cook as there is always someone around who can give you tips and pointers - it all adds to the experience. Shopping and learning to haggle over prices in the local markets can be great fun and a real insight into the African and Middle Eastern cultures.
African Trails has been operating for over 27 years and has a wealth of experience to make your trip a memorable experience.
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