London to Cape Town and Nairobi and on to Istanbul - 43 Weeks

 

The Ultimate Trans Africa Experience

An amazing chance for you to travel from London in Africa in 43 weeks, down the entire west coast then back up thru eastern Africa and into the Middle East, ending in Istanbul.

Where we go. The Trans Africa is the longest expedition we run. On this safari you will experience an unusual range of African culture, geography and climate. We cover 42,000 kilometers of the continent by road, starting in Europe to the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa. The trip then continues to Nairobi, Cairo and Istanbul.

43 Weeks = 30 Countries

Visiting: - Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DR Congo, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Jordan, Syria & Turkey

Total Tour Cost GBP 3,500

Local Payment GBP 2,150

INCLUDED: Transport from London to your destination. Entrance to Lake Nakuru National Park, & Etosha National Park. We fly you from London to Gibraltar to join the truck.

HIGHLIGHTS: Gibraltar, Riff Mountains, Sahara Desert, Niger River, West African Coast, the Sahel, River Nile, Mountain Gorillas, Mountains of Ethiopia, wonders of ancient Egypt.

EXTRAS: Visas from £550, personal Insurance, flights, restaurant meals, optional side trips, flights is case an unforeseen border closure or blocked route due to politics, in this case we will collect you at a chosen place to continue our trip.

Extended Itinerary & Pre-Departure

Counties Visited - 30

Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DR Congo, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Turkey.

What's it like?

As we will be camping and travelling for an extended period of time, you must be prepared for an adventurous challenge. It can be hot and dusty, and will sometimes be out of contact from the rest of the world. This means no telephones, shops or any other mod cons. We need you to participate and work with all members of the expedition. For the Trans we use sturdy purpose-built vehicles for these rugged off-road conditions.

Pre Departure Information

Included in the trip price & local payment

The tour cost and local payment includes transport in a fully equipped expedition vehicle, road taxes and tolls, services of the driver-leader, use of camping and cooking equipment, campsite fees, entrance to gameparks as specified, and three meals a day while on the truck. This means in places, where the vehicle will be parked up and every one is off doing things for days, although the kitchen will be available for you to cook with, food during this time will not come out of the Local Payment. Generally at lunchtimes we eat at small cafes or restaurants where you can try cheap and tasty local food. If no local food is available we eat on the truck.

Not included in the trip price and local payment

The price does not include flights or personal insurance; nor does it include visas, side trips, lunches and meals out. There are a number of optional side trips that you can choose from and pay for on the route.

Please be aware that once you are booked, your deposit and balance is non refundable. Insure yourself when you book for the full duration of the trip and your whole time away.

Local Payment

Payable in £ Pounds Sterling cash but you can pay in $US dollars or Euros cash at the current cross exchange rate on date of departure, check with the driver for the rate. Please pay this to the driver on departure. Travellers cheques, cards or other forms of payment are not accepted.

Passports and Visas

Visas are required for most countries visited on the first leg of the trip. That is from Morocco to Kenya and Tanzania. We obtain all these on route. For most nationalities the total visa cost will be approx. £500 If you don't have enough pages in your passport you will need to get another passport o the way which with new security regulations on the issue of new passports may be difficult. This coupled with the lack of western embassies in African countries means you really must leave with enough pages in your passport to do the trip. Passports and inoculation cards with any Israeli stamps must be replaced.

If you require a Spanish, that is a Shengan visa for Europe, you must get it before you fly to join the trip in Spain. If you do need this visa you cannot get this visa at the border but from the Spanish Consul where you normally live.

Visa and Passport for the Trans Africa

Your passport must be valid for at least 9 months with 25 clear pages.

Bring 30 passport size photos

For more up to date information: check the visas web sites on our "Links" page

Please note: Nationalities other than Australia, NZ, UK, Canada, EU, & USA please seek local consular advice for your visa requirements before setting off. As visa requirements are subject to constantly change it is advisable to check before travel. Visa costs change overnight so prices used are never completely correct.

 

1st leg London/Spain to Cape Town

Spain - Shengen Check if you need for entry Aust, NZ, Canada, & USA don't need one
Morocco -  most nationalities don't need one except SA requires beforehand
Mauritania - obtained on route US$30
Mali - obtained on route US$35
Burkina Faso - obtained on route US$15
Ghana - obtained on route US$25
Togo - obtained on route US$15 but USA $25
Benin - obtained on route US$20
Nigeria - obtained on route USA & UK US$130, Aust & NZ US$20
Cameroon - obtained on route US$135
Gabon - obtained on route US$55
Congo - obtained on route US$110
DR Congo - obtained on route US$85
Angola - obtained on route US$100
Namibia - Australia, NZ, UK, Canada, EU, & USA do not need one
South Africa - : Australia, NZ, UK, Canada, EU, & USA do not need one. South Africa requires that you have 2 free consecutive pages in your passport to enter, sometimes they also ask for proof of onward journey; that is your flight or tour ticket.

Total visas from              $645

Southern East and Africa : If your Travelling with us anywhere from Nairobi to Cape Town are have the following passport - Australia, NZ, UK, Canada, EU, & USA you can at the moment get all your visas on the border of each country we visit if they are needed.

EU Passports: As there are so many new countries coning into the EU there are some exceptions to the above, particularly for new members.

2nd leg Cape Town to Nairobi
South Africa - Australia, NZ, UK, Canada, EU, & USA do not need one. South Africa requires that you have 2 free consecutive pages in your passport to enter, sometimes they also ask for proof of onward journey; that is your flight or tour ticket.
Botswana - Australia, NZ, UK, Canada, EU, & USA do not need one
Zambia - obtained on route US$ $50
Malawi - Aust, NZ, UK, Canada, EU, & USA do not need one.
Tanzania - Aust., NZ, UK, Canada, EU, & USA buy on the border US$50 & $100 USA
Kenya - on route US$50
Uganda - on route US$50
Rwanda & D.R. Congo - on route US$60

Total visas from              $260

3rd leg Nairobi to Istanbul
Kenya - on arrival US$50
Ethiopia - obtained on route US$20
Sudan - obtained on route US$100 & USA $200 plus registration $40 & exit tax $20
Egypt - obtained on route US$15 to $60
Jordan - obtained on route US$15
Syria - obtained on route US$25
Turkey - obtained on route US$20

Total visas from              $340

Passport Photos

Bring 25 passport photos with you for getting visas on the way. If you run out of photos there are lots of photo shops on the way to get more done.

 

 

Insurance

You must be insured against personal accident, medical expenses and repatriation expenses. We only carry passengers on the understanding that, in most African countries through which we travel no passenger or vehicle liability is available whatsoever. You should take out insurance when you pay your deposit for the tour or for flights so that you are insured against cancellation (for medical reasons, for example Bring your policy with you. Be aware if you travel without insurance and you need to get home urgently due to ill health or family problems, you or those responsible for you could incur bills running into many thousands.

Inoculations & Malaria

Inoculations - You have to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever and will need an International Vaccination Certificate to prove this when we cross some borders. It is also advisable to be vaccinated against Typhoid; Rabies; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Tetanus; Polio and Meningitis.

If possible start your vaccinations two months, but as late as two weeks before departure. Your GP can also inoculate but may take a while to get to get the vaccine in. The following centres are amongst the many which can supply up-to-date medical advice and also administer vaccinations. Most of these centres need you to book in before you go In London we recommend:

Nomad Travellers Store and Medical Centre. They can be contacted on 0208 889 7014 and are across the road from Turnpike Lane tube. They give African Trails clients a 10% discount on jabs, medical kits and camping equipment.

British Airways Travel Clinic. 213 Piccadilly London, W1J 9HQ Tel: 0845 600 2236 Walk-in service opening hours: Monday to Friday 09.30 to 18.00 Saturday 10.00 to 17.00

Travel Clinic for Hospital of Tropical Diseases. Mortimer Market Centre, Capper St London WC1. Tel. 020 7388 9600.

In Scotland - Ailsa Travel Clinic. 42 Admiral St, Kinning Park, Glasgow, Tel 0141 429 0913.

Clinics and doctors don't give detailed advice over the phone. It is best to check opening hours and go and see them.

Malaria - The risk of contracting malaria in the areas we visit is high. You should be aware that malaria tablets offer only partial protection against malaria and that you should couple taking the tablets with mosquito bite avoidance. The malarial mosquitoes come out at night that is from the beginning of sunset onwards, so from this time you should cover up in long sleeves, jeans or track suit pants plus socks, as mosquitoes tend to bite around the feet and ankles. You must also use insect repellent containing Deet, bring some you will need it. The use of repellents and covering up can be as effective as the use of tablets, so by coupling both methods of protection together you should be malaria free. Whatever type of prophylactic you choose to use you should try a sample of it well before you go as adverse reactions can occur. This often happens with the Larium or Mephloquine type of drug. A can of fly spray is handy for clearing your tent of mosquitoes and bugs before you go to bed.

Medical Kits

We carry First Aid kits on board for emergency use only. However, the crew is not entitled to recommend or prescribe any medicine. We advise a health check with your GP and Dentist before you start your journey, and that you carry your own medical kit with you.

Video Cameras

In most campsites you can charge from the mains so bring a travel adaptor plug, as you'll come across virtually every type of socket ever invented plus a few others. Most countries run on 220/240 V current. You should also bring at least one spare battery with you, as you will not be able to purchase spares en-route.

Mobile Phones

Your own mobile phone will work abroad if you have roam facility enabled on a dual band phone. Coverage is generally good. Although convenient for outgoing calls at rates of around $2 per minute, incoming calls can cost up to $10 per minute to receive. In most campsites you can charge from the mains using a travel adaptor plug. You can charge off the truck if you have a 24 volt in-car charger though charging from the vehicle will reduce the life of your batteries.

 

Time Zones

Most countries are on the same time up to 3 hours ahead of GMT or UK time. East Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT.

Maps

We use and recommend the Michelin maps of Africa - west, central and south.

Language

Learning any basic French would be to your advantage as most West African countries are French speaking. The following languages tend to predominate in the following countries. There may be up to 200 other languages in common use on the way, but the following will get you by.

1st leg London/Spain to Cape Town

Morocco & Mauritania - French & Arabic.

Mali & Burkina Faso - French.

Ghana - English.

Togo & Benin - French.

Nigeria - English.

Cameroon - English & French.

Gabon, Congo & DR Congo - French

Angola - Portuguese

Namibia & South Africa - English

 

2nd leg Cape town to Nairobi

Botswana, Zambia, Malawi - English

Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda - English &Swahili

 

3rd leg Nairobi to Istanbul

Kenya, - English & Swahili

Ethiopia - Ahmeric & English

Sudan, Egypt, Jordan, Syria - English & Arabic

Turkey - Turkish & English

Currency

It is easier to change money along the way if you have cash in US Dollars and Euros. But of course if you lose your cash you are lost. So the best bet is to carry a third each of: Sterling travellers cheques in small denominations; Euros cash or travellers cheques, we will be in Euros countries for around eight weeks so budget your Euros accordingly and US Dollars cash. From Cameroon onwards US Dollars give more spending power. Don't bring Scottish money! Bring your US$ cash in a mix of clean new notes. The smaller notes are handy for paying things such as bar bills whereas the bigger US$ ie 50 and 100 give you a better rate of exchange. Only bring dollars with the small head, 1996 onwards.

Security in General

There is a lockable safe bolted onto the floor of the truck for your money belts, however, the Company takes no responsibility for such or for any passengers' belongings. It is very important to remember that if a loss of a passport or travellers cheques occurs it is not always possible for the expedition to wait for those involved. Therefore, when you are looking after your valuables off the truck e.g. changing money in the bank, it is essential to wear a money belt that fits under your shirt. Do not wear a bum bag around your waist, or a money belt that hangs from your neck. In certain problem areas known to us a passenger roster will be drawn up to guard the vehicle during the day. We advise you not to take any items of value that are not essential for your journey, e.g. jewellery.

Spending Money

£200 a month is a good start. Of course this varies considerably from person to person depending on how much you drink, eat and how many souvenirs you buy. Do not rely on credit cards/switch type cards until you get to Southern and eastern Africa as money machines in the rest of Africa are almost non-existent.

Side trips/optional excursions - please see http://www.africantrails.co.uk/trip_trans-af/sidetrips.php?trip=trans-af

E-mail

Can be collected approx every week or two, from £1-£5 to connect.

Washing

Most of the time you can wash every day but in the desert we can go a week without seeing water. There aren't many campsites on route, so grab your towel and bar of soap when you see a river.

Flying Home

You should buy your fare home in from Africa. Do not buy your flight home before you leave on the trip as the route might change, the trip might be delayed or you might find you want to fly home from a different place than you intended.

Camping

Tents are provided and all have sewn in floors and mosquito netting. You will need to bring with you a sleeping bag, sleep sheet, foam roll mat or air bed and a mosquito net for those nights you sleep out under the stars.

Games

If you have a Frisbee, chess board, cards, backgammon, scrabble board, etc., that isn't too valuable, bring it along. It's also worthwhile bringing about ten books so that you can exchange books with everyone on the trip. Books are hard to find in some parts.

Discman & CD's

An amplifier is provided in the rear of the truck for you to plug your Discmans / I-Pods into. Although the amp is powered off the truck, your Discman isn't, so bring along extra batteries.

Photography

African authorities require that tourists do not take pictures of airports, railway stations or military installations. We are often in areas where locals are not used to being photographed and we ask you to show them every respect and courtesy. For SLR cameras we recommend a telephoto of 120mm (or similar) or an 80-200 zoom. High-speed film is usually necessary for photographing gorillas, or any game in early morning or late afternoon, particularly if using a long lens. It is best to purchase all film prior to arrival in Africa. Even when using a digital camera you will need loads of floppies and a good lens, these are great fun to e mail home photos while on the trip.

Suggested list of clothing and equipment

The less you take the less you have to pack, wash and lug home and you'll always pick up extras along the way. You'll be travelling in the heat, lazing on beaches and camping in the cool, so bring clothes for all climates, rough stuff is best.

 

Sleeping bag & sleeping mat

Medical kit - Bring your own simple kit

Re-hydration sachets available from any chemist

Insect repellent containing Deet e.g. Jungle Juice

Sun cream

Headache tablets

Plasters

Malaria tablets

Toiletries - You can buy most basic toiletries easily in Africa

Toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss

Soap in a container & razors

Towel & shampoo

Tampons/condoms; enough for the trip

Clothes

Socks

Shirts

Jeans/long trousers

Underwear

Sweatshirt/jumper

Shorts, T-shirts, swimsuit

Skirt

Sandals/flip flops/jandals/thongs

Walking shoes

Small day-pack or bag to carry your daily items

Hat and sunglasses

Camera (in a protective case), spare batteries and all the film you think necessary

Money belt or pouch to hold your passport

Vaccination book

Travellers cheques

Books, personal CD player and CD's

Torch & spare batteries

Water bottle at least 1.5 litres, any old water bottle is fine and these are available in most shops on the way

 

The easiest and best way to travel is as lightly as possible, taking just what is necessary. Most people make the mistake of bringing too much luggage.