TRAVELBUCKET

TRAVELBUCKET

Tag Archive: Planning an African overland trip

HOW CAN I HELP?

HOW CAN I HELP YOU? Any fellow traveller or travel blogger that needs some assistance on the planning side for an upcoming trip and you do not know where to start? My specialty (and I love doing it) is the pre-planning of a trip, which includes: work out do-able travel distances for a day, fuel needs, find nice camping spots (on the tourist strip as well as off the grid), what to see and do, do some food planning for easy camp meals packing lists Not only have we travelled alone in desolate and remote places in Africa but I can say that I know my own country and parts of Africa pretty well. Do you have questions like: what do I need to pack for your trip?, what are the distances? is there fuel available? where can I get a packing list Please do not feel that you will… Read more >

CROSSING THE BORDER (PART IV) – FOOD

This is always a tricky topic as it is mostly country-specific.   Botswana with its in-country vet fences is a classic example which affect the movement of raw meat and pork. We never take all our food from home as this just adds weight to your vehicle which increases fuel consumption and with Shoprite branches in the major cities in Africa you will find most of the food stuff needs – some at a price, but you will find it.   Weigh up the pro’s and cons and decide where you find your balance! Be realistic when planning your food. Everything is not always as fresh as back home  or as readily available especially when planning some or other exotic dish for dinner.  Remember that you are doing this trip to experience Africa.  Sometimes you have to think out of the box to create a wholesome dish in the bush. Before you… Read more >

CROSSING THE BORDER (PART III) – ARRIVING AT THE BORDER

You have made it to the border post!  Now you need to keep calm and work through the process.  Remember each country has its own rules. Which border post? In all our years of travel we found that it is much easier to enter/exit at smaller border posts.  At the bigger border posts, the officials are sometimes tired and irritated and will take their time to work through the processes.  Our experience is at the smaller posts they are friendlier and welcome a chat while doing their work. When? Try to avoid peak times, if possible, like month end, late Friday afternoon or popular public holidays like Easter.  Everybody is in a hurry and the queues are longer, the tempers flare quicker and willingness is shorter. Be positive! No matter how frustrated you get, try to smile and be friendly.  They are only doing their job.  A positive attitude goes… Read more >

CROSSING THE BORDER (PART I) – PLANNING

African border posts have a notorious reputation, but it is not as bad as everyone thinks as long as you go prepared and have no illusions.  Most border trouble comes down to inexperience or impatience – not only in Africa, but throughout the world.  The key is to prepare well beforehand and remember, every successful border crossing pans out differently in each country. Regulations change all the time and is rapidly outdated.  There are general tips that you can follow to ease your encounter at the border post, so consider some of the following tips: SO, THIS SAID, WHERE DO I START?  Right at the beginning.   Planning, planning, planning and some more planning!  Start doing your homework well in advance, because it might take some time to get your ducks in a row and quacking. The number one place to start will be at your documents.  Without a passport, the… Read more >

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