Overland Tours
All of these methods have benefits and disadvantages in cost
and what you will experience. Although travelling on an overland truck or bus
is the cheapest it is very much targeted toward the younger independent
traveller. They are sometimes known as "spew and screw" tours (read
into that what you will!)
Car Hire
Possibly the best compromise, if you are a couple or small
party of friends is to hire a 4x4 vehicle and tour in that. Many agents will
assist you in planning a route and booking you places at various lodges or
camp sites along your way.
The main disadvantage of this is that distances in Africa
can be vast and you will need to be prepared to spend many hours in the
isolation of your vehicle. You'll need to get on well and be tolerant; you'll
need confidence in driving in what can be quite difficult conditions with
unreliable maps; you'll need to be mechanically aware - chances are that
you'll suffer at least a puncture.
You will also need an International Driving Permit to hire a
car in most countries. These can easily be obtained from the RAC, AA and Green
Flag. The RAC
have a downloadable form on their web site. (Yes, I forgot and couldn't bluff
my way through).
Self-sufficiency on the road is also important. If you are
planning to go off the beaten track you will need to take plenty of water and
fuel. In some areas, particularly the deserts such as the Namib and Kalahari
vehicles are not allowed to travel on their own so you will have to team up
with others. Perhaps a group of four travelling in two vehicles would be the
best solution.
Security is another issue. Your travel agent will be able to
advise you on whether areas are dangerous or not. A good source of information
is the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office travel advice service. People in Africa are often very
poor so don't tempt fate by flaunting your cash and inflaming envy.
Luxury Tour
The luxury tour is precisely what it says. Your travel agent
will organise different lodges for your stay and arrange transport between
them using a mixture of scheduled flights, charter flights and short road
transfers.
You will superbly looked after at most lodges but you need
to be aware that no single lodge, in my experience, can provide sufficient
variety for a stay of more than two or three days. For a two week holiday,
think in terms of visiting at least three locations allowing for transfer time
and lazing around.
