Imagine spending a day rolling on the African roads, experiencing the dust, long drives, the greenery ,at times the mud not forgetting the sights and sounds off the wild while navigating through the trails . This offers great satisfaction and appreciation of the beauty of east Africa to the overlander travelers, think about driving through the Serengeti and encountering a caravan of the worlds largest land mammals the elephants. Pitching that tent ,setting up a campfire as you play your favorite music, grabbing a cup of African coffee or beer as you have your conversation
Overlanding is not just a safari but an exploration beyond horizons. You get to explore East Africa to the fullest with surprise encounters and fulfillment of the expectations and dreams. Rest assured to have a great connection not only to the wildlife but also the communities and homesteads that are close to the wildlife habitats. Travelers who choose this type of safari go an extra mile of exploration through getting different kinds of experiences at a time e.g. at times they get visited by the wildlife next to their pitched tents or parked trucks in the wilderness , they experience various animal sounds for example the lions roaring at night as they are asleep in their tents of which is a magical and unforgettable encounter
WHAT IS AN OVERLANDER SAFARI
This is a kind of safari that is often done with teams, peers or family often using trucks or a 4×4 cars equipped with a camping tent. As it has always been said “we live once” and therefore this kind of safari offers a great opportunity to create memories with not only wildlife but also experiencing people’s way of life and their culture these memories last forever An over lander safari is a non-luxury safari it’s a hands on safari that gives one flexibility to get involved in the success of their journey for example pitching your own tent, walking to a local market and buying locally grown foodstuffs , preparing your own or stepping into a community and testing a local food cuisine
THE BEST AND PREFERABLE OVERLANDER ROUTES AND DESTINATIONS IN EAST AFRICA
The best destinations for your overlander safari in East AFRICA include Uganda ,Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania
Routes
KENYA AND TANZANIA
These countries are close to the Indian Ocean which eases navigation and allows quick entry by the overlanders especially those who ship their trucks to the coast
They are popular due to their richness in wildlife and culture i.e. the seasonal Great wildebeest migration in Masai Mara in Kenya along the Mara River and Serengeti in Tanzania. These countries are also known for their great game drives and walking safaris these activities offer travellers with a great encounter of the Africa’s big five i.e. elephants lions leopards buffaloes and rhinoceroses.
CULTURE AND WILDIFE
Are you interested in experiencing the African culture? as an overlander this is your great opportunity .Step into the manyatta village in Amboseli Kenya where you might pitch your tent in Manyatta villages or camp at a near by campsite as you get ready to immerse yourself in the Masai peoples’ way of life , their settlement inside Amboseli National Park and how they live harmoniously with the wildlife . Travelers get practically involved in the community activities witness how the strong Masai mamas are responsible for the housing in Masai communities , the Masai being pastoralists they often construct mud houses that are grass-thatched , smeared with cow dung, get to learn how they use herbal medicine to treat and cure their diseases .
UGANDA AND RWANDA
Uganda is known as the pearl of Africa and Rwanda the land of a thousand hills. These countries are close to each other crossing one border to the other through rolling hills, offers a great serenity for the overlanders on a safari.
From the open savannahs of kidepo valley national park in Uganda and the unique Karamojong culture in north eastern part of the country to Murchison falls where you find the world’s most powerful falls , the mystical challenge which is the snow-caped Rwenzori Mountains, to Bwindi’s endangered mountain gorillas where about half of the world’s mountain gorillas stay in southwestern Uganda
And then to Rwanda where you will learn about Rwanda’s history and the genocide, this country also offers a great experience of wildlife for example in Akagera National Park and the crater lakes
Along this journey you get to create great memories that will connect you with east Africa forever through interaction with the people old and young , the local food cuisines as you cross the borders of these countries
COASTAL EXPERIENCES
This kind of journey gives travelers with an opportunity to experience life at the East African coast especially in Kenya and Tanzania. from the wildlife encounter to a great relaxation at the beach as you interact with the locals of these countries
AFFORDABILITY
Overlander safaris are more budget friendly as these provide travelers with various options that make them fit in the group for example the most expensive activities like gorilla trekking might be optional within the group. Travelers share the costs of transportation. Park entrances help to support conservation and campsites became temporarily homes to some people when not in use thus making it less expensive
EXPECTATIONS
On an over lander safari expect to make friendships, respect the local culture, see the greenery and savannah landscapes during a dry season expect great sunsets and sunrises that are great for game drives and transfers to other destinations. On a rainy season expect muddy and bumpy roads and that’s why a four-wheel car or truck is recommended
WHAT TO PACK
Pack light and nature-blending colors most preferably green and gray or clothes, headlamp insect repellent warm sleeping bags these can help in highland areas.
In a nutshell overlander safaris are not about five-star facilities but about five-star memories being on the road connecting and interacting with different people and cultures, being closer to the wilderness, encounters with the local guides. Most of the fees paid directly supports the local people thus gaining more from this kind of safari