Tips for overlanding in Africa

In case you’ve missed my incessant Instagram throwbacks, I recently did a 15-day overland tour through Kenya and Uganda (for my 30th birthday, or as I like to call it, my #wakawakabirthday).

Overlanding through East Africa was an incredible experience, but it was also super challenging.

Check out my real-talk blog post on overlanding through Kenya and Uganda for the full DL including what I found challenging, what I loved the most, and top spots to visit in these two countries.

But this blog post is specifically on tips for fellow overlanders! I did a tour with Absolute Africa (I haven’t tried them all but I sincerely think they are the most legit, authentic budget tour option out there and would recommend to anyone looking for an adventure).

Here are some notes I jotted down based on my experience!

bring a spork and plate-bowl at minimum, but i would reco a bowl + plate cause some meals there is soup + main course, cereal + toast, etc. bring a tupperware with lid to store meals in the fridge (but heads up fridge space is limited)

bring a warmer sleeping bag than i did lol. mine says 15 C is comfortable but let me tell you friends, it was not comfortable on night 1
double up your mats if possible (mats are provided, pillows/sleeping bag/dishes are not. i <3 my compressible thermarest pillow, $35 from mec)
bring sufficient shampoo + soap if you enjoy feeling clean occasionally like me
bring long pants + shirts for evenings to shield from the mosquitos
defs need malaria pills + yellow fever shot
take out plenty of local $$ for optional activities, but there is usually a stop at an atm (/mall where we usually buy lunch for the next few days) every 2-3 days. so far i am glad i did every single optional activity — you’re on the trip of a lifetime, don’t skimp out!! also, sleep when you’re dead
just prepare to be v dusty, all the time. even driving will cake your face in dust
bring polysporin in case you’re like me and get smoked in the face by a safari vehicle roof lol ok ..
need good hiking/walking shoes, as well as sandals that can get wet, eg havaianas. make sure they go with your cute safari outfits lol kidding (or am i)
lots of early mornings, but did i mention sleep when you’re dead
there are chargers on da bus, but bring a portable batt pack just in case

Road to the Masai Mara with the Absolute Africa yellow truck.

$10 upgrade at the Lake Nakuru camp to a private bungalow (I splurged obviously)

Nile River Explorers camp in Jinja, Uganda.