How to get around in Africa

Chartered Flights / Air Transfers

Due to great distances that often need to be covered, with road conditions not always beeing the best, it is common practise to use small airplanes as a mode of transport. There are 2 types available. Private charter where you have sole use of the aircraft, or a scheduled air transfer based on a "seat-in-plane" basis where you share the aircraft with other guests and thereby benefit from the lower cost. These type of flights are not to be confused with 'bush-pilots', as they are operated by large licensed charter companies, with high safty standards in place.

If you are going on safari and travel to multiple lodges, the tour operator or agent will recommend chartered flights as your transport between lodges. The lodge or camp where you are staying will be advised of your arrival time and a ranger will be at the local airstrip waiting to meet you.
 

Own Car or Rental Car

Driving with your own car through Africa is something special. Many people depart with their own car from a European destination and travel through many African countries. Most people make this an all Africa trip, right down to Cape Town and then either ship their car back home or drive a different route back. There are the common routes followed by such travelers and vehicles don't require to be 4x4. Other less common routes should be chosen very careful and may present physical as well as mental obstacles.
Travel on rural roads can be slow and difficult in the dry season and disrupted by floods in the rainy season. If you plan on traveling in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, avoid the rainy months of May through October above the equator and the rainy months of November through April below the equator. Some roads may be flooded or washed out during these months.
Travel by car outside large towns can be dangerous. Major roads are generally maintained but there are few divided highways in Africa. In addition, rural auto accidents are fairly common because of high speeds and poorly maintained vehicles. Stray animals (cows, goats, donkeys, horses, chicken, dogs, etc,) may also present major surprises on the road and therefore Night-driving should be avoided.
For South Africa and Namibia the picture looks much brighter with regards to traveling by car. A network of tarmac roads is found throughout these countries. Roads are well maintained and fenced out (no stray animals). Major highways are in place to cross metropolitan areas and connect to other towns.
In many African cities and at most international airports on the continent you will find Europcar. Rent a reliable car with all the back-up service. Yeah-yeah, you can maybe find cheaper, but have you got an idea what happens if 'cheaper' breaks down (in Africa)?

Taxi

In sub-Saharan Africa there are generally two types of taxis available: Private Taxi (in shape of an ordinary passenger car) and local mass transport taxi (in shape of a mini bus).
Private taxis can be very expensive, depending on mileage on time. However, they may come in handy when you want to take a short sightseeing tour, compared to renting a car. Additionally the taxi driver will probably be happy to explain a lot of features and sights in his hometown. Try to negotiate a fare before departure!
Mass-transport taxis are not recommended to tourist. They might be very cheap compared to any other ways of transport and the driver will be happy to give you a ride. However, it is the other passengers amongst which you will be squeezed that you have to beware off. The ride will be uncomfortable and generally traffic rules will not be obeyed. There will not be much room for luggage and sightseeing is out off the question.

Hitch-hiking

Many locals hitchhike in countries throughout Africa, often paying a small fee to the driver. It is best to check the political and social climate of each region before traveling.
In the whole of Africa it is possible to flag down cars and pay them a required fee and get a lift in return. That is just the way public transport works in this part of the world - he who has a means of transportation, that is a car or minibus, is automatically expected to give lifts to others and of course charge them a small amount of money for the favor. The idea of it has nothing to do with the Western idea of hitchhiking.

Overlander Safaris / Overland trucks

Many operators run tours in large trucks that are comfortable and equipped with facilities for around 8 to 28 people. They're generally run on a pretty tight schedule and cover a lot of distance, such as "Nairobi to Cape Town in six weeks. These tours are run throughout the whole continent but East and Southern Africa are the most popular destinations. Accommodation is mostly camping. There is plenty of time to do the adventure activities and see certain areas, which Africa are famous for. Victoria Falls, Swakopmund, Zanzibar, and Serengeti National Park are normally on the itinerary.
Travelers on these tours tend to be young at heart and thus adventurous. However, older folks are most welcome on such tours. These tours are not luxury trips and you will have to contribute by doing chores. On the other hand these tours are real value for your money, traveling through many countries in one go with a group of people you will grow close to, and guided by the operaters that have extensive knowledge in this field.
For a large selection of Overland-tours and Safaris, not only in Africa, but also to other continents, see what's on offer at GAP Adventures, the Great Adventure People.

A great selection of Overland-tours can be found in The Africa Guide. Dig around, you will find a tour you can't resist! Here you can also make direct contact with the tour-operator and ask for more info.

Tip: Offers for your overland tour or safari in most cases does not include flights. Check out our recommendations to the best international discounted flights … and when you are there, do compare these prices to other travelsites with the click of a button. Go-on safe some bucks! Don't forget the coupon code for your booking and safe even more! Get your coupon code here.