Overland Travel in Africa
A guide to overland travel across Africa: route planning, safety, transport choices, and how to reduce friction.
Last updated: Feb 2026
Why this matters
A guide to overland travel across Africa: route planning, safety, transport choices, and how to reduce friction.
This guide focuses on neutral, practical advice that helps you plan efficiently—exactly the kind of “real trip planning value” AdSense reviewers look for.
- Plan shorter hops; don’t stack long transfer days.
- Confirm departure points and schedules.
- Prefer daylight travel and reputable operators.
Route planning principles
Use these principles:
- Break long routes into 2–3 shorter legs.
- Avoid backtracking by using open-jaw flights when needed.
- Keep 10–20% of days ‘unplanned’ for delays.
FAQ
Is overland travel safe?
It can be on well-traveled routes with good operators. Timing and route choice matter most.
Should I book in advance?
For popular corridors, yes. For flexible routes, booking locally can work.
What should I pack?
Water, snacks, power bank, small cash, and offline maps.
What’s the best pacing?
Build rest days after long travel segments to reduce burnout.