For warm nights, or small hotels, a mosquito net is invaluable.Most drives don’t seem so long, because the scenery is stunning and the hours fly by. But sometimes the flat plain of the Sahel or the low bush lining Zambia’s main highway seems to go on for ever, and then time slows down.Lunch may be a stop at a small town market, or in the middle of the savannah. All overland companies supply tents and camp stools, but you’ll need to take your own sleeping bag, and sometimes a camping mat. A quick breakfast, then drop your tent, and load your bag on to the truck. Driving days begin early, either because there’s a long way to go, or because you’re heading out to look for wildlife.
Safari Drive (01488 71140; www.safaridrive ) has a fleet of fully equipped Land Rovers based around Africa, available for hire for two weeks – or as long as you want.TRAVELLER’S GUIDE: CONTACTSAbsolute Africa: 020-8742 0226; www.absoluteafrica Acacia Africa: 020-7706 4700; www.acacia-africa Africa in Focus: 01803 770956; www.africa-in-focus Bukima: 0870 757 2230; www.bukima Dragoman Overland: 01728 861133; www.dragoman Economic Expeditions: 020-7262 0177; www.economicexpeditions Exodus: 020-8673 0859; www.exodus.co.uk Guerba: 01373 858956; www.guerba Kumuka: 020-7937 8855; www.kumuka Oasis Overland: 01963 363400; www.oasisoverland.co.uk Overland Club: 0845 658 0336; www.overlandclub Phoenix Expeditions: 01509 881818; www.phoenixexpeditions.co.ukKEEP ON TRUCKIN’: A DAY IN THE LIFEAlthough no two days on an overland truck are the same, there is something of a pattern. The best sources of information are Africa Overland by Sian Pritchard-Jones, and Sahara Overland by Chris Scott.And finally, for those short on time, there’s rental. Or follow the motorbikers and hardy cyclists covering the continent on two wheels. Although the Cape to Cairo railway, the dream of Cecil Rhodes, was never realised, you can ride the rails through South Africa, Zimbabwe or Botswana, parts of Zambia, Tanzania, Sudan and Egypt, taking buses or Great Lakes ferries on the sections in between. Guidebooks such as Lonely Planet’s classic Africa on a Shoestring, or Bradt’s East & Southern Africa, will show you the way.Then there’s self-drive. You could join the folks who give up work, sell the house, buy a Land Rover and drive across the Sahara bound for the Cape of Good Hope. You can do what millions of Africans do – go by public transport.
Taking the longest of long-distance bus rides you could go from Nairobi to Cape Town with just three changes (Dar, Lusaka and Jo’burg), but smaller stages and frequent breaks would make for a more enjoyable experience – and be easier on the spine.A train is another option. Tempted? Clear your diary for the best part of nine months.WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO BE STUCK ON A TRUCK?If trans-African travel appeals, but overland trucks don’t, there are several other options. For a real pan-continental experience, Dragoman Overland and Phoenix Expeditions (among others) offer travel through Europe, then through Turkey and the Levant via Istanbul, and Damascus, before continuing from Cairo to the Cape. A good source of independent feedback on the various companies and Africa overlanding in general is the Thorn Tree, the Lonely Planet travellers’ forum ( www.lonelyplanet ).DO THESE TRUCKS GO ANYWHERE ELSE?Many overland companies also cover South America, Asia and the Middle East. Many companies’ websites publish comments from satisfied customers, but understandably they tend to focus on the most positive responses Some list past clients happy to offer unbiased advice. Some companies employ African driver-guides (mainly from Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe) who are often able to give more cultural insights than drivers from, say, Britain or Australia.HOW DO I MAKE MY FINAL CHOICE?Try to get some personal recommendations.
