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Posts Tagged ‘africa budget travel’

10% OFF the Eastern Trans Africa Expedition!

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

meroeYou know, at this time of year as we count our way down towards overland high season, no one is giving discounts on overland trips. Why should they? The trucks are filling up all by themselves!

HOWEVER! In the interests of travelling at the best time of year to avoid the worst rain, cold (well, except Namibian desert nights maybe), and heat Africa can throw at you, we thought we would let you in on an overlanding ‘best kept secret’ – the Eastern Trans Africa Expedition.

Drying the dishesREAL overland travel at its best! If you want air conditioning, hot showers every night and a cook then this expedition is not for you. Expect to get “stuck in” on this trip that covers the major sights between Cape Town and Cairo both on and off the beaten track.

A true ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME!

And even better – get 10% off the trip price while you are at it!*

NOW GBP1,935 plus US$1,165 Local Payment!

*Discount does not apply to local payment where applicable.

For more info and a list of the 11 countries you will travel through, contact the team at OverlandingAfrica.com or post your queries below!

Huge Discounts on Africa Overland Trips – Even Get One Free!

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

Buy one of the following Africa Overland trips in September, depart in either September or October, and GET ANOTHER SEAT FREE!

Buy one of these trips in September, depart in either November or December and get 20% off the tour price!

Buy one of these trips in September and depart anytime before the 1st June 2011 and get 12.5% off the tour price!

hwange.sunsetelephantcropDoesn’t get much better than that!

Kenya, Uganda and Gorilla Trek – 18 days from Nairobi

KT Adventure – 13 days from Nairobi

East Africa Southbound – 22 days from Dar Es Salaam

Southern Safari – 31 days from Nairobi

Namib Desert Safari – 11 days from Windhoek

Southern Africa Adventure – 19 days from Livingstone/Victoria Falls

Vic Falls and Kruger Highlights – 6 days from Livingstone/Victoria Falls

Nairobi to Livingstone – 24 days from Nairobi

Namib Desert Explorer – 11 days from Cape Town

sossusvlei.breakfast

Contact the team at OverlandingAfrica.com for all Africa Overland trips and advice!

** Subject to the following terms and conditions:
- Both travellers must travel on the same trip and departure date to qualify for a free seat
- Normal Local Payments apply
- Subject to OverlandingAfrica.com standard Booking Terms and Conditions

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Discover Africa With These Fantastic Budget African Safaris

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Africa Budget SafarisIf you have been considering Africa budget safaris, and have been dreaming of discovering some of the most beautiful and wild destinations across the continent, then why not consider one of these ‘off the beaten track’ destinations for an affordable safari experience that is sure to be the adventure of a lifetime.

While many visitors flock to safari in some of the more well-known regions of Africa, many miss out on the  attractions and highlights of some of the less obvious destinations that still offer a full safaris experience complete with wildlife, culture, views and more, at affordable rates to ensure that you don’t break the bank.

Some of the most rewarding destinations for budget African safaris include the following:
Madagascar
The island of Madagascar lies off the coast of Africa, and is most famous for its extremely rare and exotic wildlife and lush rain forests, not to mention its tropical beaches and fascinating culture. This is one of the best Africa budget safaris for those who love to explore uncharted islands and discover a wealth of incredible and awe-inspiring plants, birds and creatures – including a huge number of lemurs, which can be found throughout the island. Friendly locals, local delicacies including chocolate (which is one of the country’s chief exports in the form of cocoa beans) and seafood, and some of the most spectacular reserves imaginable are just some of the things to look forward to on a safari in Madagascar.

Tanzania
Situated in between Malawi and Kenya, Tanzania is a vast country that spans across rich game regions, including the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater (which is a lush crater teeming with wildlife), Serengeti National Park and other reserves, to the beautiful beaches and marine reserves, and finally, Zanzibar Island – one of the world’s most beautiful tropical islands. This is one of the ultimate budget African safaris for an all-round experience of beach and bush, making it an excellent overland option.

Uganda
Despite its troubled political history, Uganda remains one of the most beautiful destinations in Africa. Endless expanses of lush tropical vegetation and forests can be found across the mountainous regions of this country, which is where you can find one of the world’s most endangered animals – the Mountain Gorilla. At high risk from poachers, especially in war zones, these gorillas are protected in many areas, and travellers on safari in Uganda have the rare chance to view these giants up close and learn more about the species and other wildlife in Uganda’s rain forests.

Egypt
You may not instantly think of Egypt when it comes to Africa budget safaris, but this country is so much more than pyramids and desert. Safaris in Egypt offer a rich and diverse blend of culture, history, landscapes and cuisine – resulting in a safari experience that is quite out of this world. Situated in Northern Africa, Egypt has a strong Arabic influence, offering an ancient civilisation that is sure to allure even the most jaded of travellers as you explore the Pyramids, markets and other attractions of this fascinating destination.

Morocco
For a taste of Middle Eastern romance, it doesn’t get more enticing than Morocco and its famous capital city Casablanca, immortalised in the classic film of the same name. Also situated in North Africa, Morocco has a strong Arabic-French culture, with beautiful mountainous regions and savannas, stretches of desert and incredible architecture, cobbled streets and many other highlights to explore on these memorable budget African safaris in Morocco.

For further information about Africa Budget Safaris contact the team at OverlandingAfrica.com or post your comments below.

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Kenya budget travel ideas from Nairobi… Overland-style!

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

If you have been dreaming of venturing into one of the most beautiful and wild destinations in Africa, with Masai warriors and vast open plains, then Kenya budget travel gives you the chance to explore the land of rich culture, abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery. This is the country made famous by the Academy Award winning film, Out of Africa – famous for its endless stretches of savannah that is dotted with teeming herds of elephant, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra and lion.

Kenya is one of the top safari destinations in the world, and for very good reason. The country has something for everyone, from the breathtaking open spaces and prolific wildlife of the Masai Mara National Reserve, to the flamingo-filled lakes that turn pink as thousands of these birds take flight over the water, the beaches of Mombasa and tribal villages throughout the country, all the way through to the bustling markets and busy streets of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Nairobi overland offers the best way to explore the highlights of Kenya, ensuring a highly memorable trip that covers all the top attractions within this fascinating country.

Some of the top tours that you could consider that start in Nairobi include the following Kenya budget travel experiences:
Masai Mara National Reserve
If wildlife spotting and bird watching is what you are after, then a tour covering the incredible Masai Mara National Reserve is not to be missed. Bordering the neighboring Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, this reserve is the site of one of the most spectacular sights on the planet – the annual wildebeest migration, where millions of wildebeest cross over from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara in a thundering cloud of dust. The reserve also boasts huge numbers of game, from big predators such as lion and leopard, to giraffe, elephant and many others. No Nairobi overland experience beats the Masai Mara Reserve when it comes to wildlife sighting!

Nairobi to Dar Es Salaam
Another huge benefit to Kenya budget travel is its proximity to neighboring countries such as Tanzania – another excellent overland destination. Many Nairobi tours allow you to experience the best of both worlds, with travel between Kenya and Tanzania to visit some of the country’s hot spots such as Dar Es Salaam – one of the most exotic and fascinating cities in Africa. From the sights and attractions of Kenya’s capital, you can then enjoy all the highlights of Tanzania’s capital. Famous for its Arabic influence, spice markets and rich culture, this city is not to be missed.

Serengeti National Park
Also in Tanzania, the Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most renowned game reserves. The reserve is also where the annual wildebeest migration takes place, ensuring an unforgettable wildlife experience that is sure to enthrall almost any nature lover. The reserve is also home to large numbers of lion, flamingo, elephant and other species, plus a huge number of bird species.

East Africa Game Parks
Another great option for wildlife enthusiasts, an East Africa Game Parks tour offers a chance to enjoy some of Africa’s top game park destinations – from Kenya’s Masai Mara to Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Here you can see abundant game and bird life, and get a taste for the breathtaking beauty of East Africa. For the ultimate wildlife experience, this is Nairobi overland adventure at its best.

For all Kenya budget travel ideas and information contact OverlandingAfrica.com or post your comments below.

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Budget African Safaris – You Can Safari Africa on a Budget!

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

For many travellers the idea of a budget safari in Africa seems like a distant dream rather than an achievable reality, with many assuming that an Africa safari is purely for the lucky few who an afford this experience.

With a bit of insight into finding the best deals however, anyone can afford to enjoy a memorable Africa safari experience across Africa’s top safari destinations, from Botswana to Namibia, Kenya, South Africa and many other popular regions.

Some of the most common myths surrounding African budget safaris include these following misconceptions:

Only the rich can afford to enjoy safaris in Africa

One of the biggest myths about safaris in Africa is that only the rich can afford to try this experience.

While high-end luxury safaris abound, this is only one end of the travel spectrum however, and there are a myriad of safari options to suit all tastes and budgets. Travellers have the option to try overlanding tours, which offer a fun and highly affordable way to see Africa – travelling on an overland truck with like-minded travellers, setting up camp along the way at various game-rich destinations across Africa.

This type of budget safari in Africa is one of the most affordable ways to travel, and also ensures a memorable and exciting trip that gives you a chance to see all the beautiful sights of Africa’s top safari locations without breaking the bank. An Africa safari to suit your pocket!

Budget safaris are limiting and don’t offer as much as luxury safaris
Another common myth is that African budget safaris are limiting, without giving you as many options that a luxury safari may offer.

In reality, budget safaris give you every bit of flexibility as any other tour and Africa safari, especially ones that have been tailor-made to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck. Every top destination in Africa is on offer for budget safaris, from the highly sought-after waterways of the Okavango Delta in Botswana to the towering dunes of Namibia.

Using more simple accommodation and travelling in overland trucks, you will be able to save where it counts, without having to scrimp on the adventure itself.

The game viewing and other attractions on budget safaris are sub-standard
Yet another myth, the truth is that budget safaris offer excellent game viewing, activities and attractions. Often, you may have the chance to experience even more thrills, such as camping just outside a major game park, where you will be as close to the action as it gets – something that the luxury tours can’t always ensure on an Africa safari.

Budget safaris are difficult to find, especially in today’s touch economic climate

With the right travel specialist and a bit of know-how, just about anyone can find their ideal budget safari in Africa. A simple Google search for something such as ‘African budget safaris’ will bring up a range of sites providing safari specials – providing you with plenty of options to choose from.

Alternatively, speaking to an African safari specialist will also help you find the best deals to suit your budget.

Budget safaris are best suited to students or young travellers

Yet another common misconception, many believe that budget safaris and overlanding tours are geared towards students or the younger generation.

While it is true that many young people do enjoy overlanding and affordable safaris, many older travellers have also enjoyed the numerous benefits that African budget safaris provide, making it the perfect option for travellers of all ages.

For all budget African safari trips and information contact the team at OverlandingAfrica.com or post your comments below.

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5 Tips for Choosing a Discounted African Safari

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

For many travellers finding discounted African safari packages may well be the only way for them to experience the wonders of safari in Africa.

With the recession still fresh in many consumers’ minds, and constant price hikes, travel is sometimes classed as a ‘luxury’, and many simply do not feel able to afford a travel experience such as a safari – especially students, singles or other budget conscious travellers.

With a bit of know-how however, and a few good tips on how to find affordable safaris in Africa, anyone can experience the thrills, adventure and spectacular wildlife of a safari in some of Africa’s top regions.

Try these tips to learn more about how you can make your African safari dream into a reality:
1.    Consider overland tours rather than luxury tours
Overland tours offer one of the most affordable safari options allowing you to save on expenses such as luxury lodges and added frills. Travelling by overlanding trucks, most overland experiences offer camping accommodation or very basic accommodation rather than high-end accommodation. With a range of tour duration options, from short trips to intensive Trans Africa tours that take you from Cape to Cairo, there is something to suit all tastes ensuring a highly memorable and affordable way to enjoy a safari in Africa.

2.    Don’t take chances with unknown tour operators
While it may be tempting to try a small, fly by night travel agency, this may end up costing you far more in the long run. Many unsuspecting travellers have been lured by the thought of a good deal only to find themselves stranded at the airport with no tickets, no money and no way of finding the agent that sold them a fake discounted African safari package. Only registered, licensed and reputable tour agencies should ever be consulted, and if you are unsure, rather listen to your instincts and try a good agency instead. Do your homework online, check testimonials and don’t ever part with your money until you are certain that they are not trying to scam you.

3.    Speak to a tour agency to learn about seasonal specials
Once you have found a registered and good tour agency, find out if they are running any seasonal specials. High season for overland tours can be more expensive; while low season may often have cheaper prices all round. Tour operators can advise you on the best options to suit your budget and can also recommend travel packages that may appeal to you, to help you find a tour that is good for the pocket as well as meeting your requirements.

4.    Choose your tour destination carefully
You may want to visit all of Africa’s top safari destinations, from South Africa to Namibia, Kenya, Botswana or Mozambique, however realistically speaking it makes more financial sense to choose one country for a shorter tour. Countries such as Botswana or Namibia offer a wide diversity of wildlife and birdlife, with different landscapes found across each region. You will be able to get all the benefits of a full safari, with the added advantage of a more affordable overland tour as you are staying within one area.

5.    Consider a short tour
You can save a huge deal by opting for a short tour of a week or 10 days rather than a full blown tour. This will allow you to enjoy game viewing, bird watching and many other activities, without forking out thousands for a long safari. This is one of the simplest ways to enjoy discounted African safaris.

For Africa Overland Trips and discounted African safari packages contact the team at OverlandingAfrica.com.

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Yellow Fever Vaccination and Certificate – Do I Need It In Africa?

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

yellow fever smlYellow Fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans via the bite of infected mosquitoes – much like malaria.

Unlike malaria, which is often talked and written about, a lot of travellers aren’t sure if they require a vaccination against Yellow Fever or what they need a certificate for. The last thing you want is to get halfway across Africa only to find that the next country on your trip won’t let you in – all because of a little piece of paper.

Yellow Fever Facts
- Although an effective vaccine has been available for 60 years, the number of people infected over the last two decades has increased and yellow fever is now a serious public health issue again.
- Thirty-three countries, with a combined population of 508 million, are at risk in Africa.
- Yellow Fever is a virus belonging to the ‘flavivirus group’ and humans and monkeys are the principal animals to be infected.
- The virus is carried by a biting mosquito which can also pass the virus via infected eggs to its offspring.
- Yellow fever is difficult to recognize, especially during the early stages however blood tests can detect yellow fever antibodies that are produced in response to the infection.
- There is no cure for yellow fever. Treatment is symptomatic, aimed at reducing the symptoms for the comfort of the patient.
- Vaccination is the single most important preventive measure against yellow fever. The vaccine is safe, affordable and highly effective, and provides effective immunity within one week for 95% of persons vaccinated. (Ref: World Health Organisation 2009)

Do I Need a Yellow Fever Vaccination and Certificate to travel in Africa?
Yes… depending on where you want to go.

If you are travelling to a Yellow Fever endemic area (see map) then it is strongly recommended that you are vaccinated against Yellow Fever.

If you are travelling from a Yellow Fever endemic area (anywhere in the world) then you WILL be required to produce your official, stamped vaccination certificate on arrival in many parts of Africa where Yellow Fever is not prevalent.

Check out the full Yellow Fever story at Overlanding Africa.com or post your comments below.


Additional information you may find useful:

Travel Documents for Africa

Latest Yellow Fever Vaccination Recommendations

Africa Budget Safaris – Essential Travel Checklist

You Ought To Know Before You Go!

Medical Tourism India

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Africa Budget Tours – How to Choose an Affordable Overland Tour

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

Finding affordable overland tours may seem like a challenge in today’s overpriced world. With a bit of know-how anyone can find reasonably priced overland adventures that offer a thrilling African trip, at a fraction of the price that a full-blown safari would cost.

One of the things that so many travellers often don’t realise is that overlanding is one of the most affordable ways to experience an African travel holiday. These tours are designed to be cost-effective and accessible, making it possible for just about anyone to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip to some of Africa’s finest destinations. The secret is in knowing how to find these tours, and knowing which ones would be best to suit your budget and travel needs.

Africa Budget TripsTo help you find the best African budget tours, travel experts advise the following tips:
1.    Choose your destination
Before you do anything else you need to have a good idea of where you would like to go. Generally speaking, it is often cheaper to choose one destination or a few destinations that are situated near to one another rather than a massive tour from one side of the continent to the other.

For instance, you could choose an East Africa overland tour that includes Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique and Uganda, or a Southern Africa tour that focuses on Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. Each destination offers its own highlights and experiences with a host of attractions found within every single destination across Africa. So regardless of the destination you choose, you can be sure of a highly rewarding and memorable trip.

2.    Do your research carefully
Finding affordable overland tours is often as simple as a quick Google search. If you search for ‘affordable Namibia overland tours’ for example, this will bring up a wide range of results that meet these criteria, giving you plenty of tour options. You can then go through each result, finding the ones that best suit your requirements and budget.

Alternatively, you could visit a travel agency and enquire about overland adventures on offer within your budget and preferred destination. Make a list of all the tours that seem to have what you are looking for, and then choose the one that seems like the best fit. Pay attention to the listed ‘Included’ and ‘Optional’ Highlights as a trip that looks more expensive at face value may actually include more in the price than some cheaper looking ones.

3.    Choose the right travel season
‘Overlanding’ travel seasons work the opposite to many traditional ‘high seasons’ in Africa – a great advantage when it comes to your budget. Overland high season falls in the winter months, between May and August, and continues through mid season (spring and autumn months in the southern hemisphere, March to May and September to November).

Overland low season (December to February – summer in the southern hemisphere) is when most of local Africa has its summer holidays, and also when the most independent visitors from the northern hemisphere come to escape their cold winters for an African summer holiday. For those who are immune to the high temperatures you will find that although your trip price may not vary much, you will save money on any optional activities you choose to take part in.

African budget tours are therefore at their most affordable during the overland high and mid seasons, when there are fewer independent travellers flocking to one particular area. Don’t think that this means you will not be able to enjoy all the benefits of a safari in Africa however – even during winter Africa has a huge wealth of attractions and highlights. The weather is often much more tolerable than the scorching summer months, with plenty to see and do – ensuring memorable tours all year around at the best prices.

Once you have chosen the place and season you wish to travel, and you have found the perfect tour, you will be able to enjoy all the advantages of affordable overland tours that give you the best value for money – leaving you free to focus on your adventure.

For expert advice, trip information and general Africa facts contact the team at OverlandingAfrica.com!

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Africa Budget Travel for Seniors

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

If you think overlanding is all about trips for noisy backpackers aged 18 – 35 – you would be WRONG! Whether you are 6 or 60+, want to sleep in a tent or in a real bed, want to rough it or want somewhere to plug in your hair dryer – there is a trip out there to suit you.

Safaris4seniors.com offers unique Africa budget travel for senior folks who are young at heart.

Senior Travel Africa10 reasons why senior travel in Africa will suit you:

-  Explore the ‘real Africa’
-  Meet the friendly local tribes people
-  Smaller group sizes
-  Experience different cultures
-  Spot the wildest of wildlife
-  Admire the ever changing scenery
-  Slower paced tours
-  Shorter driving days
-  Choose your activities as you go
-  Be as active or as relaxed as you like

Senior Tours in Africa

You may not be as young as you used to be but this doesn’t mean that you can’t experience all the excitement and adventure that senior tours in Africa have to offer.

Safaris4seniors.com offer unique Africa safaris for senior travelers – perfect for those who still enjoy a jolt of adrenaline, a bit of adventure and some of the finer things in life!

Feel free to email any questions about senior tours in Africa and overland travel in Africa or share your comments below.

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The History of Surfers