FAQs
Here are some of our most asked questions and their all important answers.
For anything not covered here please contact us
QUESTIONS ABOUT OVERLAND TOURS
QUESTIONS ABOUT OVERLAND TOURS
What are the lockers like on board?
They are spacious lockers. Everyone on the truck has their own individual locker. You can easily fit a 70 litre backpack along with some shopping!
The lockers are L - 830mm H - 360mm W - 580mm. Don't forget to bring your own personal lock for your locker.
Your lock should be a 20mm (in diameter) padlock - also known as a suitcase lock.
What is Overland Local Payment?
Local payment is a part of your tour cost. The basic local payment is a mandatory payment that is made to your tour leader at the pre departure meeting (usually takes place at 18:00 the day before your tour).
This basic local payment covers the food and camping and at least one game park fee. The flexible portion of the local payment is just that, it is flexible.
You can pay what you wish to do. If you want to do all of the listed activities, then you would pay the fully inclusive local payment. If you only want to do one or two things, you only pay for what you wish to do.
As it is flexible you may decide along the way. Please note that on very rare occasions your Local Payment may change due to increase in costs locally. Acacia or your travel agent will advise if this is the case.
Can I pay my overland local payment in a different currency or travellers cheques?
No. You can only pay your local payment in USD cash. You notes must be post-2001 clean and un-torn. You may pay your LP with $100 notes.
Can I pay my overland local payment in advance?
No. This is to be paid locally to your tour leader at the pre-departure meeting.
Can I fly in on the first day of the tour/fly out on the last day of the tour?
No. Typically your tour will depart at 08:00 (or earlier) on day 1. If you arrive later you will have to catch the group up at your own expense.
There is also an important pre-departure meeting the day prior to departure at 18:00 that you need to attend. We don't recommend flying out on the last day of the tour as (depending on where your tour ends) you will get in late afternoon/early evening and if there are any unforeseen delays along the way you may miss your flight.
Remember for international departures you must be at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. Acacia will not be held responsible you are booked to fly out on last day of the tour and miss your flight.
How is it best to bring my money?
Spending money should ideally be brought in USD currency, especially in East Africa. Your notes should be post-2001 clean and un-torn.
If you are not comfortable in carrying large amounts of cash you could bring USD travellers cheques in combination with cash, but do not completely rely on these as it is not always easy exchanging travellers cheques, especially in East Africa, and you will be charged commission.
There is a safe on the truck for you to store your cash/travellers cheques and you will not need to carry more than your daily spending on you.
If your tour remains only in southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland) you can choose to pay the local payment in US dollars or South African rand, unless otherwise specified.
Can I pay for optional activities with my credit card?
Yes. Some larger activities can be paid with on credit card. Your credit card should never be relied on as your only source of money but makes an ideal back-up.
Please note, you will be charged on average a 5% credit card surcharge throughout Africa. The most widely accepted credit cards are Visa and MasterCard.
Some cards available in the west (e.g. Cirrus and Maestro) are not accepted in parts of Africa.
What kind of things will I need to pay for on tour?
You will need extra spending money for personal items including snacks, alcoholic drinks or drinks away from the truck, any souvenirs, internet cafes, tips and items of a personal nature.
Also put aside some budget for any optional activities you may want to try along the way (ie. bungy jumping, horse riding etc.) The main optional activities on your tour are listed with their prices in the tour dossier, subject to change.
Do I need to get my visas in advance?
This is something that you will need to double check with the embassies in your own country. Currently (Oct 08) most nationalities can get Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and South African visas at the borders.
However, there are exceptions - for instance Swiss passport holders must get the Malawian visa in advance. Koreans need almost all visas in advance.
Visa requirements can change at any time, please ensure you double check requirements at least one month prior to your arrival in Africa.
I have dietary requirements. Can you cater for vegetarian, vegan and other special diets?
We can cater to all dietary needs. Please ensure that you advise Acacia prior to your departure of any dietary requirements you may have.
Does the tour include drinking water?
Yes, the truck does have drinking water on it. We have found that most passengers like to buy their own bottled water along the way though. We advise you buy a large bottle at the start and decant it into your own water bottle as you go.
Don't forget to recycle any bottles you buy along the way! Tea, coffee and cordial is included with your meals.
What type of shoes will I need & will trainers be good enough?
Most people bring a trainer or covered shoe as well as travel sandals or thongs/flip-flops/jandals. Trainers will definitely be good enough for any of the overland tours except if you are trekking gorillas, in which case you will need something with a sturdy sole and ankle support, such as a lightweight walking boot.
Forest paths en route to the gorillas can be uneven and steep and the final push may be through undergrowth and over mud and logs.
Do I need to (& can I) bring my own alcohol on board?
Yes. However, you cannot drink while on the moving truck. Once you are at your campsite you may drink there. Please note, most campsites do have their own bars and you are not permitted to bring your own drinks into the bar.
Are there mosquito nets in the tents or do I have to bring my own?
Yes there are mosquito nets built into the tents. You do not have to bring your own. However, if you wish to sleep outside under the stars, you will need to bring your own net.
I'm a single passenger. Will I have to share a tent with someone?
Yes. You will share with another same sex single traveller.
Can I charge up my i-pod or digital camera on board the truck?
Yes. There is a multi plug outlet on the truck. The outlet is South African so ensure you have a suitable adapter.
You will be able to charge your batteries when the truck is motion and campsites usually have plugs that you can charge your batteries at as well.
Can I start my overland tour in Moshi or Arusha?
Our East Africa tours typically start and finish in Nairobi, Kampala or Dar es Salaam, however some exceptions that can be made for Arusha starts and finishes if linking with another tour.
Please contact Acacia and will we be able to help on an individual basis.
What is the average overland group size?
18 people, with high season (May - Oct) averaging higher numbers.
What is the average age of overland passengers?
Mid-late twenties
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Will there be hot showers or flush toilets at the campsites?
Yes, most Southern Africa countries have hot water and flush toilets. Some campsites in East Africa cannot always guarantee hot water and flushing toilets due to their location. Nearly all our campsites are designated with wash facilities.
The most basic we get is in the Okavango Delta where we bush camp on an island. There are just basic facilities here, but people often say this a highlight of their African experience!
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow or sleeping mat?
You need to bring your own sleeping bag - and a pillow if you want it. A foam sleeping mat is provided for you.
Should I arrange my post-tour accommodation in advance?
You can if you wish. We can organise city breaks & short stays in some of our finish points that can be booked with your tour for peace of mind on arrival.
Contact information for our start/finish points are also listed on your dossier for you. Alternatively, your tour leader can often assist with post-tour accommodation from the road.
Please note that accommodation is based on availability and we cannot guarantee in high season rooms will always be available.
Arrangements in Zanzibar are not included in my tour. Do I need to book accommodation before I arrive?
No, unless there is somewhere specific you'd like to stay while you are there. Your tour leader can book accommodation for you from the road. Please budget approximately USD$35/person per night for accommodation while on Zanzibar.
How can I get a discount on my overland tour?
You may be eligible for discounts of between 5 and 10% if you book with friends, book early, book another tour too or have travelled with us in the past. See our Specials page for more details and information on our latest offers.
Can I upgrade to a hostel along the route?
It is not guaranteed, but you may be able to upgrade to bandas or private rooms at some campsites. These are based on availability and can only be booked and paid for once you arrive at the campsite. We can not book any upgrades in advance.
Where can I store my valuables and personal money?
There is a safe on the truck which you can store important documents, such as passports, return flight tickets, and money.
Is there anywhere I can store extra luggage on the tour?
Your luggage must fit in your personal locker.
I'm over 55. Can I still go on an overland tour?
If you are over 55 you are still welcome on our trips. We just like to remind you that this is an active trip that may not suit everyone and the majority of our clients are younger. We take each case on an individual basis.
We will ask you to fill out a form to ensure you are aware of the type of travel overland tours are. After receiving for the form we can advise you. Typically there are no problems.
Will there be laundry facilities on tour?
Yes. Most campsites have laundry sinks so you can hand wash your clothes, or give in a bag of clothes to be washed for a small fee.
I've never been camping before and don't know how to put up a tent. Will there be someone to help me?
Yes. Your tour leader will give you a demonstration on how to set up and take down and pack away your tents on your first night of camping on tour. We use lightweight dome tents that are easy to put up and dismantle.
QUESTIONS ABOUT ALL OTHER TOURS
QUESTIONS ABOUT ALL OTHER TOURS
Do I need to get my visas in advance?
This is something that you will need to double check with the embassies in your own country. Currently (Oct 08) most nationalities can get most visas at the borders, yet there ARE exceptions, for instance Swiss passport holders must get the Malawian visa in advance. Koreans need almost all visas in advance.
Visa requirements can change at any time so you must double check requirements at least one month prior to your arrival in Africa.
Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag, pillow or sleeping mat?
On all camping tours a sleeping mat or mattress is provided for your comfort. Some people bring a thin self-inflating mattress for added comfort but this is at your own discretion.
Some camping tours require you to bring a sleeping bag/pillow. Check this in your tour dossier.
What is Local Payment?
Local Payment is paid by you to your guide on arrival on tour. It is usually collected on the first day or at the pre-departure meeting and should be paid in the currency specified in the tour literature.
It is a way of allowing your tour leader fund money, which will be used by them in the day-to-day running of the tour. It should be considered part of the cost of your tour and is not tips kitty money nor personal pocket money for the guide.
Can I pay my Local Payment in advance?
No. This is to be paid locally to your guide at the pre-departure meeting or start of the tour.
Can I pay my local payment in a different currency from the one specified or in travellers cheques?
No. You can only pay your local payment in the currency specified. If you have to pay in USD in East Africa please bring your money in clean and un-torn post-2001 notes. Old, dirty or torn notes are not accepted in banks in the region.
Are there ATM's in Africa?
Yes. You can find them in large cities. Please note, they are not always reliable and you will not always be able to draw cash from them!
Please also remember, when you draw cash from ATM's you will only be able to draw local currency for the country you are in. You will not be able to get USD from any ATM in Africa.
How is it best to bring my money?
The secret is to bring it in a number of different ways, but the majority of it in cash (preferably US dollars). Travellers cheques make a good safe money reserve but cannot always easily be cashed, especially in rual areas.
Credit and debit cards can be used in city banks/ATMs. Credit cards can be used to pay for larger optional activities but will incur up to a 5% charge for use. A money belt is advisable to keep documents and money safe.
Use safes in your hotels or camps wherever possible.
I have dietary requirements. Do Acacia tours cater for vegetarian, vegan and other special diets?
Providing we are told about your dietary requirements in advance, we can ensure your diet is catered for.
Can I drink the tap water on tour?
Most of Africa does not have safe tap drinking water, so we recommend you buy bottled water or help the environment by bringing tablets to sterilise water for drinking.
If you have the capacity to store water, it is far better to buy a big bottle of water and decant it into your own drinking bottle than buy lots of smaller plastic bottles that are difficult to dispose of responsibly in remote areas.
What type of shoes will I need & will trainers be good enough?
Trainers or a similar lace-up style shoe are fine, plus sports sandals or similar. If you are walking or trekking in hills or mountains we recommend you take a sturdy shoe or boot with good grip and ankle support.
Will there be hot showers or flush toilets at the campsites?
Yes, most Southern Africa countries have hot water and flush toilets. Some campsites in East Africa cannot always guarantee hot water and flushing toilets due to their location. Nearly all our campsites are designated with wash facilities.
The most basic things get is in the Okavango Delta where groups often bush camp on an island. There are just basic facilities here, but people often say this a highlight of their African experience!
What is a permanent tent?
Permanent tents are set up normally on a raised platform permanently and don't require you to put them up. They are normally large tents which you can stand in with camp beds in them.
Some come with small bathroom facilities at the rear and areas where you can take a 'bucket shower'
What is a dome tent?
A dome tent is a dome shaped tent with two or more poles that loop over the tent in a criss-cross fashion. They are much lighter than the old fashioned 'ridge tent' variety and easy to put up and dismantle.
I've never been camping before and don't know how to put up a tent. Will there be someone to help me?
Not all our trips require you to put up your tent - check your tour dossier. Your tour leader will give a demonstration on how to set up, take down and pack away your tent on your first night of camping on tour.
Generally dome tents are lightweight and easy to erect and dismantle.
What is the average age on tour?
While the overland average age is mid-late twenties and the Small Group Safaris a little older all our other tours vary. Read the age specifications for the tour you are taking. Some trips are open to children.
If a tour departs daily and can run with just two people you may find you and your companions/partner are the only people travelling on that day.
I'm a single passenger. Will I have to share a tent/room with someone on tour?
On most of our tours you will share a twin room or tent with another single passenger of the same sex. Some of our tours offer you a single supplement which will guarantee you a single room/tent.
Do I need to bring a mosquito net?
All Overland and Small Group Safari tents have inbuilt mozzie nets. On other tours check your tour dossier for information. Some local 1-2 star hotels don't have mosquito proof rooms and a net might be advisable if you are susceptible to bites.
Always pack a good mosquito spray with high DEET content and re-apply regularly at dusk and in the evenings.
Will there be laundry facilities on tour?
Yes. Most designated campsites have laundry sinks so you can hand wash your clothes, or give in a bag of clothes to be washed for a small fee. Most hotels have laundry services.
What is the weather like when I'm travelling?
Depends on where and when you are travelling! Please consult our weather chart.
What is the migration? When is it and where can I go to see it?
The migration is performed by approx 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras, typically in the dry season (June-October). These animals head north and spend roughly 3 - 3 1/2 months in the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya before crossing the Mara River back into the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
Here they head to the southern part of the park where they give birth between December and April. By June the southern grasses are dry and exhausted, forcing the search for food again and the grazers migrate back up to the Masai Mara to restart the cycle.
The timing and route of these wild animals is dependent on weather and food supplies but June to October is commonly considered the best time to try and catch site of the migration.
Do I need special clothes/equipment for Gorilla Trekking?
Yes. It is advisable to wear long, lightweight clothing and a sturdy shoe/boot with ankle support for gorilla trekking as terrain is uneven underfoot and you will be probably have to push through undergrowth at some stage.
Read more information about gorilla trekking.
Do I need special clothes equipment for Kilimanjaro or Mt Kenya Trekking?
Yes. You will need to pack especially for both treks with good worn-in walking boots, warm clothes for altitude, waterproofs and possibly walking poles if you need them.
It is very important you are prepared for your trek before you go. Read more information about trekking Mt Kilimanjaro.
I'm a single woman. Is it safe for me to travel on my own in Africa?
Simple answer is yes, it is safe to travel on your own. The fact that you are travelling with a group and a knowledgeable guide anyway, means that you won't be alone very often and your guide can give handy advice on how to stay safe in cities etc.
You will find Africans very friendly people who will often go out of their way to help a stranger. Whether you are man or woman, you should travel with the same common sense and take the same precautions that you would in any unfamiliar place