Africa Tours

Explore Africa on a Group Tour

Africa tours

There are those who will tell you that Africa gets under your skin, that there’s a bug here and once it bites you, you’ll never be the same. There are those who return time and time again. At the very least we’re confident you’ll go home from your tour with a totally different perspective.

African tours are ideal for the more adventurous traveller, for people looking to embark on a adventure tour or safari experience with a difference and one that doesn't cost a small fortune. There are lots of different tours available and it really depends on where you would like to visit and what your interests are to which company you book with.

Destinations

Why Book a Tour of Africa?

Africa is a huge continent, with over fifty countries of vastly differing ecology, history and cultures. The very thought of travelling in Africa can be exciting and daunting at the same time. Book a tour to Africa and discover the highlights of this continent for yourself.

African tours are ideal for the more adventurous traveller, for people looking to embark on a adventure tour or safari experience with a difference and one that doesn't cost a small fortune.

There are lots of different tours available and it really depends on where you would like to visit and what your interests are to which company you book with. Prices depend on where you would like to go, what you want to do, which operator you travel with and how long you want to be away for.

Best African Travel Operators

Are you wondering what are the best European tour companies to book with are? On One World 365 you can search and compare trips from top rated European tour operators including G Adventures, Oasis Overland and Topdeck Travel. Thousands of people travel with these companies every year and they offer highly rated guided tours with positive feedback and reviews.

Highlights

Going bungee jumping or experience the magical Victoria Falls up close in Zimbabwe or Zambia
Sightseeing and witnessing in person the spectacular Valley of the Kings in Egypt
Seeing wildlife in the vast Kruger National Park in South Africa
Climbing trip to see Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
Joining a trekking trip to see the endangered mountain gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
Visiting the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania / Maasai Mara National Reserve in Tanzania and Kenya
Exploring the ancient capital of Egypt, Cairo seeing the world famous and mystical Pyramids
Riding the Garden Route in South Africa and stop off along the way
Exploring the ancient Roman ruins in Leptis Magna, Libya
Island hopping, there are so many stunning islands to visit which include Zanzibar, Sal, Djerba, Reunion and Lamu island

Adventure Tours

There are road trips and adventures through the whole of Africa where you can travel from Egypt to South Africa or you could focus on a smaller area and visit a certain region like Kenya and Tanzania in Eastern Africa.

This continent has one of the widest selection of tours on the planet and you have a lot of choice, from a normal sightseeing trip to something more specific like wildlife, nature or safaris.

You will most likely be traveling in a purpose built van or bus in a group no larger than 20 people - there will be plenty of optional extras to like camping out, sightseeing and excursions.

Budget Tours

If you are short on funds there are lots of cheap and affordable trips available.

You might be involved with helping to cook, constructing tents, helping to clean and doing group tasks in teams. This is not the case with all tours though. If you are travelling on a budget or planning to take a gap year in Africa there are lots of cheap and basic tours you can join, even thought they are less value you will still have an amazing time.

They will be the same itinerarys but usually include less valued accommodation like dorms and hostels instead of hotels or extras are not included like day tours. These types of tours are great if you are travelling abroad for the first time and you want to meet new friends and explore, don't let the cheap price put you off.

Overland Tours

Most tours involve travelling overland and specifically cater for the 18-40's age group. These trips are a really popular option due to meeting other people, getting day-to-day activities, hotel check-ins, selected meals, accommodation and also transport/guides included in the price. Don't worry if you are slightly older, most tours accept all ages. Also a lot of operators also offer combo experiences for example you could travel and also join volunteering opportunities in Africa.

Some trips start in Egypt and travel down the east coast before exploring southern Africa.

If you want to go off the beaten track you could book a trip to discover Western Africa. These are epic tours last around 10 weeks and countries you can visit include Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Togo, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Ghana.

You will discover history, nature, culture, tradition and see all the highlights of the region. These tours take you off the tourist trail and there will be lots of excursions. You will get to see remote communities, get close to exotic wildlife, experience life in the African bush and see the stunning coastline.

Wildlife Tours

Africa is famous for wildlife and there are lots of safaris and nature trips from 1 week to 3 months+ where you will explore and camp out in rustic tented camps and also in more comfortable walk-in tented camps set in stunning locations.

You could be learning a bout the intricate savannah ecosystems whilst camping in the African bush amidst the sounds of roaring lions, foraging elephants, abundant birdlife and the shrill of African insects, not to mention spectacular landscapes and stunning scenery. If tents / open camps not for you then try renting a lodge or embark on one of our classic safaris.

Photography Tours

We have specialist companies listed which run specialist photographic safaris where you will get pictures and memories to last a lifetime. Companies take care of the finer details of an African photography tour but as there are so many destinations you will need to decide where to go. Usually you will travel in the best-designed vehicle with the best possible equipment, giving you peace of mind to enjoy your tour to the fullest.

If you are interested in wildlife, landscape, culture or exploring Africa you will get the opportunity to learn about taking better photographs with knowledgeable tour leaders. While on tours there will be workshops and discussions round the campfire on various topics of photography, helping you gain a better insight into the places that you visit with us. This trips are usually more expensive than your average African tour.

FAQ

Got any questions? See below for answers to the most common questions about about our African overland tours.

Group Sizes:
Typical group sizes are around 10-18 travellers with an average of 12 but this can vary between the tour and operator.

Transport:
On most tours you will travel overland in a private small tour van. For day trips and excursions sometimes you will use public transport and sometimes use internal flights to allow you to see the highlights as quick as possible.

Accommodation:
Usually travellers of the same sex will share a twin room, but there is also the option to pay a little extra and get a private room. Accommodation can vary depending on the tour and location. Some tours also include homestays which allow for a fascinating cultural exchange whilst others offer camping.

Cost:
Prices vary on where you would like to go, what you want to do, which operator you travel with and how long you want to be away for. You will need to pay for flights, insurance and some meals/drinks during the trip. Included is usually guides, park fees and excursions.

Who will the crew be?
There is usually a crew of two (driver and tour leader) who will endeavor to make your trip a truly memorable experience. Your driver will ensure you have a safe and comfortable trip. Your tour-leader will be responsible for your general wellbeing and the day-to-day routine of the tour. Usually everyone will take turns in cooking and you will be provided you with 3 healthy meals a day.

What luggage do I need to bring and how much packing space will I have?
A pre-departure document will give you advice on what you will need in the way of clothing and various other items. Each passenger usually has the use of lockers, one is located in front of you in the passenger area of the truck for your day gear and cameras and contains its own safe for the safe keeping of travel documents, passports and money. The other locker is accessed from outside the truck and is for your main luggage. The locker dimensions of the lockers of each vehicle are indicated below – each locker is for 2 persons baggage.

Do I need visas?
Generally speaking the majority of nationalities (British, New Zealand and Australians, USA and EU) require visas for several of the countries that we pass through on our overland trips. However all these visas are obtainable en-route so there is no need for you to get them before you leave. Comprehensive trip notes are usually send upon reserving a space and this will give you more up-to-date information regarding visas and the costs of these for each nationality. The trips notes will also provide other general information. Do check online if you are unsure about the visa requirements for your particular passport.

Do I require travel insurance?
Travel insurance is usually mandatory for all passengers. Please research and arrange for this before travelling to Africa.

What about vaccinations and first aid?
Guides carry comprehensive first-aid kits on trucks, however we do suggest that each passenger brings along their own personal kit (plasters, headache tablets etc). We advise that you seek medical advice regarding vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis.

What does the local payment pay for?
There is sometimes required a Local Payment that is payable to the tour-leader at the start of the tour in US Dollars only. This contributes towards all food (3 healthy meals a day) – which is provided by our now legendary cook – tea, coffee, juice and toilet paper plus camping/accommodation fees for the duration of the tour. The local payment does not cover alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, snacks or bottled water.

Help & Advice:
If you need any help arranging a tour in Africa please get in touch.